First timers due in Octoberish

[Kittiwake]

Hi this thread is for any first timers or anyone really who wants to chat about their imminent arrival and general lack of idea of what to expect!

I realise that there is already an October thread but there seems to be quite a few people who have come a bit late to join in the discussion on there. Hope this doesn't offend anyone

Hi everyone,

I've been taking raspberry leaf tea for a few weeks now. I quite like the taste but I don't know if it really does anything. It's meant to make for an easier labour but I'll believe it when I see it!

What are you meant to do with Clary Sage oil? Do you rub it into your bump or put it in the bath?

I've been trying a few of the positions which are meant to be good for turning the baby but I don't feel like it's moved. Stefka, if you look on the spinning babies website there was a picture on there of a woman with a dip in her bump (because her baby was back to back). It looked very odd! I think you'd know about it if your bump looked like that!

Anyway, I'm once again shattered after DP decided to stay up all night doing homework and eventually came to bed at 6am! I kept on waking up wondering where he was and now I feel like a total wreck. Hopefully I'll do better tonight.

PS. did anyone watch Bringing up baby on C4 last night?

Morning everyone

I watched that programme missbumpy Claire Verity is unreal isn't she, I can't believe really that the people have volunteered their litlle babies to go through her treatment. I thought the mum of the twins looked like she was going to choke on her champagne when she went out for her meal, she looked like all she really wanted to do was to run home and give her little babies a cuddle!

So which method will you be following?!?!

Hi ladies!!

Hope that crawling around on all fours isn't getting you down too much!!

I've been following the contraversy on Bringing Up Baby online as I used to work in TV... Wish I could watch an episode as I would love to have an opinion.

I've been reading the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg. I worked with her about 5 years ago when she did a documentary for Discovery Health Channel (now Discovery Home & Health) - her advice seems sensible and allows you to have a life. I guess I'll see what I really think after LO arrives!!

Clary Sage oil - you can rub it in (buy a base oil or use grapeseed oil and add a few drops to about 10 or 5ml) or you can add a few drops to your bath. Some people add it to an oil burner but this will affect EVERYONE in the room - probably make them nod off!

Some people like to add the drops to milk first, others add the oil directly to the water, others still mix it with a base oil before adding it to the bath. This is a potent oil (my mum teaches aromatherapy) so use it sparingly and speak to a qualified aromatherapist if you want more specific advice.

I'm getting raspberry leaf tablets. No real reason as I drink herbal tea, but I tend to drink more water & cold drinks out here and don't know if I could drink lots of it without overheating.

LOL Kittiwake - Habitat is exactly the same out here only much more expensive. We always laugh when we go shopping because we always end up buying stuff from a shop we'd go to in the UK, guess we're more British than we like to admit!!

Hope everyone can sleep tonight - I had a awful night's sleep last night so feel exhausted today. I've not had a nap so hoping for a good sleep & long lie-in tomorrow!

Jo
x

Hi all,

I will look for that picture Miss B. Sorry you didn't get a good nights sleep - I hate it when my DH doesn't come to bed.

That programme is really interesting -where is the thread about it on this board? In pregnancy? I actually think I will be more towards the continuum concept with a bit of DR Spock thrown in. I would like to baby wear a lot but I can see that there will be times when that is just not practical. I can't believe people pay that Claire thousands of pounds to torture their babies.

I've had a crampy tummy again this morning. I wish labour would just start - I hate all the 'is this the day' wonderings! Although now that I need the baby to turn it is probably better I wait.

DH says guest is going on Monday - but I won't believe it until I see it.

ooh stefka that sounds hopeful about guest will keep my fingers crossed for you.

There are lots of threads in the telly addicts section about BupB.

Like you I like the idea of the sling but also in moderation. I have got one, a hug-a-bub it came with a DVD to try and learn how to put it on essentially it is just a huge piece of material. Have tried practicing with a teddy bear did seem quite comfy but imagine that putting a wiggly baby in it might be a bit trickier! the one on the programme looked good though.

JoJo we didn't set out to go to Habitat - realised that made us sound a bit mad- just happened to be in that shoppping centre and went oh there's a Habitat!! Hope you get a better nights sleep tonight.

i can't decide if I can be botehred to go to aqua-natal class tonight not sure I have the energy for all that jumping around. You a re so right Stefka it's not knowing that it so odd can't remember anything else feeling like this really. I don't feel like anything is going to happen imminently that's for sure but who knows!

I would like a hugabub but hell they are too expensive for us. Perhaps my mum will be able to make one though if it is just material. My aunt just bought me a coorie though - I got this one:

www.brightsparkslingsshop.co.uk/store/WsDefault.asp?One=8

I've been bidding on slings on ebay to try and save money, there's lots of them, I just haven't figured won one yet. I'm quite keen on a bit of baby-wearing and I thought Dr Sears' book was really good. Claire Verity school of parenting scares me.

I totally agree with you guys on the wondering when will baby arrive, every time I have a practice contraction, I think will this lead into real labour. I can't wait until I'm finally holding my baby in my arms.

Take care everyone and may we sleep well for once tonight.

God no I didn't buy the hugabub was lent to us can't believe how expensive they are as they are essentially just a really, really long piece of Jersey cotton I think you could definitely get your mum to make one must be somwhere on the internet. Your Coorie looks lovely though, I think that this sling thing might get a bit addictive

We got a Babybjorn on ebay for £12 took a few goes to get one but I think DH might use this whereas I can't see him using the hugabub.

Baby will probably hate slings now and wail everytime they see it !

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling virtuous because I dragged myself to pregnancy yoga this morning even though I was knackered after another terrible night's sleep. The yoga teacher doesn't think that my baby's back to back but she didn't have a feel or anything...she just reckoned she could tell from looking (her baby was back to back and she said she could see a dip in the bump). She showed me some more moves to try to shift it just in case.

Walked back from yoga and had some pains that really scared me. I don't know if maybe the baby's engaged even more or something. It wasn't a contraction-like pain, more crampy, achy, bearing down type pain. Ouch!

Claire Verity does seem scary doesn't she. I can't imagine paying someone £1000 per day to tell me what to do with my baby if she didn't even have kids herself! I wasn't planning to get any books but after speaking to a friend with a 3 month old baby yesterday and reading your post MrsJoJo, I think I might get the Baby Whisperer. I might have a look at Spock too as my friend was saying it's full of practical advice like how to recognise different rashes/colic etc.

I've got a hand-me-down baby carrier from Mothercare which seems ok but I wouldn't mind trying a sling. Are they really pricey then? I'd assumed they were cheap.

BTW, have you all got prams/travel systems yet and what have you got? I've got a hand-me-down (notice a theme here! everything's 2nd hand!) Mamas and Papas pram which is really pretty but it's quite clunky and old and I don't think I'd be able to get it on buses or unfold it on my own. I was thinking I might have to just buy a new one but I've got no idea where to begin...there are just so many different types out there.

Stefka, that's great news on the house guest!

MrsJoJo, I might get some clary sage oil tomorrow then and give it a go.

I'm off to try to have a nap

I had thought I'd go to aqua-natal etc when I finished work - ha ha ha!!!

But I did brave the Tube...for one stop...today for lunch with a friend which was nice. Haven't moved from the sofa since I got home mind you...!

Morning everyone, I thought I'd go to aquanatal yesterday but then my practice contractions started up again only to die down once it was too late to make it to the class so I went for a long walk in the park with a friend which was lovely. The autumn leaves are just gorgeous.

MissBumpy, like you almost everything I have for baby is second-hand (I love ebay) except I splashed out on the pram. I bought a bugaboo gecko because I needed something light to get on and off public transport (we don't have a car) and also something that could be used as a cot for the first six months as I didn't want to buy a cot as we have one waiting for us back in NZ. So I told DH it would be my birthday present as well when he balked at spending a bit over £400 on a pram. I also pointed out that they keep their value really well on ebay. That's great news that your baby might not be posterior after all or might have turned to a better position.

WMWG, good on you for braving the tube, we were in London a couple of weekends ago and I found it such a mission. All those steps and tunnels not to mention crowds of people...

Have a lovely day everyone, it's a miraculously sunny here in Manchester today.

Morning everyone,

Prams are so expensive aren't they? I'm wondering if we can make do with the clunky old hand-me-down pram until xmas and then see if one of our relatives will take pity on us and buy us a new pram for xmas.

The weather's beautiful here in London too. I'm glad it's a bit warmer than it was last week...I was really struggling to find warm clothes that would fit over the bump!

I'm wondering what to do with my day. This is the first day in ages when I haven't had anything planned at all. I might go to a book shop and buy some baby books (the baby whisperer maybe) and I should finally get my act together and do some cooking and freeze some food for when the baby comes.

Primi, sounds like you could pop soon what with all those practice contractions! I still haven't had any and I'm due in just over a week (!!!).

Hi all. I've just found this group and am a first timer due on 30th Sept., anticipating the joys of membrane sweeps and pessaries . Have never been so confused as when trying to choose a pram, I ended up going for a baby jogger on the advice of the shop as they seem really easy to fold up. Will need to wait and see how good it is though

Morning all

Having a lazy morning - leaving most of the freezer preparation to DH as he's quite keen on that!

I'm due a week tomorrow and have had no practise contractions yet...Braxton Hicks have moved up a gear recently though, having quite a few each day, but absolutely no pain (hurrah!). Wonder if that means I'm going to be late...? Do feel a bit sick today though .

No lunch out today - just afternoon tea...cake yummy!

Hi Ladies

Primi - if I were you I think I'd be trying whatever I could to get things started ASAP! I keep getting the odd twige but as I've still got a few weeks to go I don't expect any surprises (although at my Bumps & Babies coffee morning yesterday the general consensus was that I look ready to drop at any moment )

Stefka - I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your guest is gone by Monday!!

I've got a BabyBjorn carrier coming from the UK next week. My friend is currently on the plane to the uk and buying it for us as a wedding gift (we got married on 12th August ). I'm hoping LO likes it as my pushchair/pram system (Quinny Buzz - my parents bought it from Ebay ) is in the UK so I won't get it until we fly home for Christmas. I had to buy the maxi-cosi car seat here though as there's no way I'll leave the hospital without one and we'll need it for the taxi ride from Heathrow (can't really use them in Bangkok as we don't have a car and taxi's often don't have seat belts) - I plan to use the baby carrier when I have to go out as I tend to use public transport.

There's so much available for babies these days - to be honest I keep wondering if there's something I've forgotton but I'm sure I've got all the essentials, if I haven't I doubt LO will notice! I keep being reminded of what the Thai's buy and we really do go overboard. Most of what I've got is new because its really difficult to get 2nd hand here. I actually think 2nd hand is better than new because the stuff is only used for such a short time - call it environmentally friendly or recycled and suddenly you're trendy!!

Right, I'd better get off-line before my back starts hurting (I've had physio every day this week and its made such a difference!). I'll be back online on Monday - have a fab weekend everyone, I hope the Autumn sunshine continues for you all (I'm jealous, its disgustingly hot and muggy here - we've a few weeks before the cooler weather sets in).

Jo
x

Welcome krc! Wow you are going to go any day now aren't you! I hope that you are feeling well.

Miss Jo Jo - hope you have a good weekend. Glad your back is a bit better, back pain is just horrible to deal with.

Miss B - my NCT teacher said you can get pain from the baby's head bearing down on your cervix so maybe that was what you were feeling.

WMWG - lucky you with DH preparing the food for the freezer! I have had more BH too - hopefully that is a good sign.

Primi - more contractions - you poor thing! It must be really frustrating. I hope that things just get going for you soon!

I have hospital class now - I am hoping I can get the midwife to check my bump position.

krc 30th Sept
Pinkdelight 12th Oct
WMWG 13th Oct
Stefka 14th Oct
Miss Bumpy & Kittiwake 15th Oct
Mandler 18th Oct
Primigravida 20th Oct
Mrs JoJo 30th Oct

Hello!

Hope you don't mind my joining you - I did a few posts on the Sep thread AGES ago but kept vanishing for a few days and then just couldn't keep up! Off work now though so have a bit more time. In fact, have a lot more time as was due 29 Sep and no sign as yet, so can't really do an enormous amount else.

Haven't managed to get through entire thread but hope that you're all well - we're reasonably set, just waiting for the main character to turn up......although no sign of this as yet, haven't had any sort of contraction, not even any BHs at any stage.

Just hoping will be able to work out what to do once LO does finally put in an appearance!!

Welcome to the thread! It must be hard to go past your due date - I really hope that I don't do that. Apart from anything else my DH has time off then so it would be so perfect if the baby came a bit before hand.

Good news - I had my class today and asked the midwife about the baby's position. She looked at me and said that I didn't look back to back and had a feel and said she didn't think I was. So I really hope her second opinion is the right one!

LNI 29th Sept
krc 30th Sept
Pinkdelight 12th Oct
WMWG 13th Oct
Stefka 14th Oct
Miss Bumpy & Kittiwake 15th Oct
Mandler 18th Oct
Primigravida 20th Oct
Mrs JoJo 30th Oct

Hello to LackingNameInspiration and KRC You two must be feeling even more uncomfortable and impatient than I am!

MrsJoJo - Sounds like you've got nice prams sorted out. I'd like a Quinny. I'd be interested to know what the Thai ladies get for their babies.

Stefka - Did the midwife say any more about your baby's position? My back started to really hurt today which makes me think the midwife was right about my baby being back to back

I've finally got round to doing some cooking today so I'm feeling quite proud of myself. I did have a bit of a panic earlier though. I walked to a supermarket (about 30mins away) and got more really uncomfortable twinges, as well as the back ache, and also felt a bit like maybe my waters had broken!! I think I might have been imagining it but for a few minutes there I felt like I was going to go into labour in Sainsbury's!

Had yet another "discussion" with DP about him going out tonight. He just seems to be going out quite a lot. I know that by his usual standards he's hardly going out at all but I've been feeling really clingy and needy in the last few weeks and I feel a bit like he shouldn't be leaving me on my own when I could go into labour at any moment. That's not so unreasonable is it? Do your partners still go out or do they stay in and look after you?

Anyway, I made some chocolate brownies before so I might go and settle down in front of the telly with a brownie and a cup of raspberry leaf tea Hope you all have a good night.

Morning all.

Miss B - the midwife just said she didn't think I was back to back after all. When she said it was she said that she wasn't convinced that the baby was the right way round, yesterday she said actually she didn't think I was back to back. So both times it was not a definite. I am just holding on to the second option so that I don't stress too much.

I have had backache too but I don't think we should worry too much about that. Your bump will be pulling your posture out of line which can cause back ache. You know I don't think they can really tell all that much how the baby is lying!

Did your DP go out in the end? I totally know what you mean about not wanting him to be away. My DH stayed home last night and I was glad. We watched ugly betty and there was a character who had lost their partner and I bawled my eyes out! I felt really distressed at the thought. Definitely pregnancy hormones kicking in there.

There is a nearly new sale on today near me and I am not sure whether to go or not. You can get some good stuff but they can be pretty packed so I am not sure if it is the best place to be when you are 9 months pregnant.

Hope everyone slept well

Morning

I'm starting to wonder if anyone really can tell how the baby is lying too. Everyone who's felt my belly is a bit vague. I'm going to try not to worry.

DP did go out and promised to only be a couple of hours and to be back in time for Ugly Betty. Came back at 11.30 I was really upset and started to cry so we had a bit of a chat about it all. I think he's finally realised that he should be at home with me at this late stage rather than out with his mates (I think someone might have said something along those lines to him while he was out). It annoys me that it's taken him this long to work it out but I'll be pleased if it means he'll be in a bit more.

I've been feeling really weepy and emotional too. That's 2 days in a row that I've had a good cry. The joys of pregnancy!

Anyone got any nice plans for the day?

Morning everyone, hope everyone is keeping well.

Yesterday, I decided to try and bring things on by being super-active. Sure enough the contractions got good and strong (as did the vomiting and diarrhoea) and I thought that we were in business. The midwife came out (I'm hoping for a homebirth) when the contractions became really close and intense and she discovered that I wasn't dilated and that I actually have a nasty stomach bug at the moment which has been giving me vomiting and diarrhoea which in turn promote labour-like contractions. So, now I'm on bed-rest and am forbidden from rich foods (I ate a whole block of chocolate last night) as they want me to shake off this bug before I go into real labour. I wish that they'd figured out this was the problem last weekend but at last now I know what's wrong with me.

Miss Bumpy and Stefka, I've been weepy and emotional lately too.

MrsJoJo, I know what you mean about wondering whether you've got everything you need or not. I blame shops like Mothercare for that feeling as they sell so much stuff and have such a long list on their website about what you 'need'.

WMWG, how lovely of your DH to stock up the freezer, I wish we had one so I could do the same. Instead, I've been stocking up our cupboards and fridge to overflow levels.

Welcome LNI and KRC, my heart goes out to you two for going over your due dates. Hopefully you'll soon be cuddling your LO's.

Poor you primi! That sounds horrible! Make sure you take it really easy and keep your strength up. Hope your DH is looking after you.

Get well soon.

Yes, hope you feel better soon, primi - that's the last thing you want on top of everything else.

Hope everyone well today? I'm still awaiting but despite having a very active bump today, there's still no sign of an end in sight - I do keep telling 'it' that there's masses of room out here as it's clearly getting a bit cramped in there!

At least booked in for sweep on Monday - funnily enough when it was suggested 2 weeks ago I was rather anti it - but then wasn't due at that stage - can't wait now!!!

Thanks MissBumpy and LackingNicknameInspiration. I'm feeling a bit better today after taking co-codamol. DH was a sweetheart this morning bringing me roses and drinks but has now gone to the pub down the road to watch the rugby with his friends. Oh well, means that I get the laptop in bed all afternoon.

MissBumpy, I'm so glad you've sorted things out with your DP (other thread). Must be a load off your mind.

LackingNicknameInspiration - good luck with your sweep, I know what you mean about originally being anti and then changing your mind. I asked my midwife about the possibility of one when she came last night but they don't give you one until you're past your due date and they want me to shake off my bug before going into proper labour. My friend had one last week (she was ten days over) and it did the trick so hopefullu yours will too.