September 2020 4

[ChipsAreLife]

New thread...

@Roxy8203 @Laura1348 @WillowT @Bubble29 I've been reading The Positive Birth Book which seems very pro natural / water birth (despite saying every option is okay!). I've just seen a comment saying if baby is back to back they would have an epidural so I really do think it decides on the day doesn't it? The birthing centre is the floor below the labour ward so I think if it is unbearable early on you can request to be moved to the labour ward. Feels a bit like chickening out though doesn't it. Even though I know it's not. Just feels like once you've committed to something you have to stick to it. Need to get over that thought I think and quickly.

Baby has been growing "small" here according to the Nicolaides graph so having to go for regular scans with fetal medicine. Makes me nervous every time but she's growing (13th centile now) and we have a fridge full of pictures now! Maybe a small baby will also impact on how much pain relief is needed!

@Laura1348 I'm doing the digital course with positive birth company and it's been brilliant. Had a bit of a horrendous birth last time so want to feel more in control this time!

@NMarks88 yeah it is very pro water/natural birth. I guess because they teach that the body is more than capable to do this without so much intervention and the water is a natural pain relief by supporting the body etc. I'm hoping not to have an epidural as I've had spinal surgery and a suspected slipped disc so really don't want to mess with my back anymore. I have a consultant appointment to discuss this but if I can avoid it I will. Also I don't want to be in hospital any longer than needed, if I was braver I'd have a home birth but this is my first so doesn't feel like the best option for me

Yes it is focused on natural births etc however I had an emergency c section last time and can see so many different ways it would have helped me, so I think whatever sort of birth you end up having it's just about empowering you to make informed decisions and feel positive about them.

Welcome to the new joiners! 😊 I've also been doing the positive birth company online pack. And the Facebook group that you get as part of it has all kind of different birth stories and I'm finding those so useful to read about all the things that might happen. I think a big thing I've taken from that is even with a plan it can all go to pot on the day but you just need to make informed choices based on what's happening. I'm hoping for a midwife centre that's attached to the hospital.

Had my 25 week appointment today got to record the heartbeat which was lovely! She said at my 28 week I'll have bloods but didn't mention anything about a glucose test!

Also for antenatal my trust (Derby) has a section on the healthzone uk app and they've uploaded some antenatal videos and you get newa alerts from the maternity units. There are different trusts on there so it's worth looking to see if yours has a section

@Lazydaisydaydream this sounds good- I'm
So scared of it not going welll😬 do they include husbands?

@NMarks88 I may get this book In line with the course that @Lazydaisydaydream @mentioned- a two pronged attack!

@Chanel05 a friend of mine did something like that through an app. Can I ask what is NCT? Sorry 🙈

Sorry last message sent before I could
Mention that @Bubble29 advised the same
Positive book.

Also... has anyone else 28wks + been advised to shield?
I took up the adviser 12 weeks and by the end of that I was 28wk and now told to still stay in. I'm going mad!

Thanks for all the advice and making me feel so welcome.

@NMarks88 we were under the fetal meds team. While scary it was reassuring that we got to see the twins on a regular bases and each appointment was so detailed. 💓

I agree with what ever said about the positive birth book/course. As a FTM I didn't have a clue, I still don't, but I definitely feel more informed about my options now.

I've also started to nest- currently have 3 bags by the door for the tip and charity shop 😂

@moosewl I only had blood answer done at my 28 week. I think they only do glucose if they think there could be a problem and not as a routine test.

@Laura1348 I've not been told to shield. I believe pregnant women a still in the vulnerable category but only advised to shield if they have an underlying health issue. We just have to avoid people as much as possible and socially distance. You can go out and even to the shop if needed

Loving the bump pics! You all looks beautiful. I'll take one later just stuck under my three year old and enjoying the cuddle!

@NMarks88 welcome!! All I would say is just don't put pressure on yourself when it comes to the birth. We can plan and prepare of course but sometimes things are out of out control and the most important outcome is healthy mum and baby. My sister put huge pressure to have a natural birth and breastfeed. Neither worked out and it upset her for years.

@Bubble29 sounds like you're being well looked after! Hope you're not feeling too tired.

I did hypnobirthing first time round but sadly things went quite wrong in my labour, but the techniques I learned were amazing, helped me keep calm and found the breathing especially helpful in my recovery.

@Roxy8203 The pool is amazing! I know it's not for everyone but it really helped me relax and takes the weight off you. I was very lucky I was the only one in labour (Boxing Day) so it was available. Think sometimes you don't get them if they're busy which is a huge shame.

Out trust has a Facebook page it's called Oxfordshire maternity voices partnership has a YouTube with tours of the hospital and helpful videos. I think other areas are doing them too so worth a look or ask the midwife.

Also on changing bags. I've got a storksak bag one which is lovely but I've also got a tiba and marl backpack and I love it!! Very handy when out and about to keep hands free... for essential coffee and cake consumption

I had my 28 week app weds was all good. Popped to M&S after to try get some neutral sleepsuits with no joy!! Big shops were every quiet and I felt really safe.

@Sara7455 how are you? How's Wren? X

@ChipsAreLife I mentioned to my midwife wanting the birth centre so I could have water birth, she said it's also available on the ward which I didn't realise. Good to know tho so all is not lost if the birth centre isn't an option for some reason

@Roxy8203 thanks. I've been advised by doc and midwife to shield. Just wondered if it was a universal thing?! Probs because of all my complications.
Desperate to go get a costa!!

@laura1348 I asked my midwife this morning what she advised for after 28 weeks and she said the advise is basically shielding (which I don't think is even true unless you have other conditions) but if it was her she'd be happy to see people outside as long as distancing was followed. which wasn't that useful to be honest!

Here's my bump!! I'm 28 + 3

@Laura1348 so NCT is an antenatal course to help you prepare with birth and things like the early days, nappy changing and breastfeeding (if that's what you're going for). I think it also has quite a purpose to connect people in your local area to build a kind of support network of friends. I'm a first time mum and my friends all have children who are school age, mid primary to university age and DH's friends are not yet at the baby stage so we felt it would be good to have parent friends too. It's going to be on Zoom unfortunately, but hopefully it will still be good.

If you Google NCT then you can see if there are courses in your local area.

Ah that's good @Roxy8203! Sounds like you've got some options.

We don't need to shield just take extra care. If you look here it's all the latest guidance

www.rcog.org.uk

@Chanel05 thanks - I will look into that now. Like you many of my friends have older kids so would be nice to connect with people is my situation.
@MooseWL thanks- that's interesting. As much as I am hating being Inside, I think I'll stick to the shielding advice... there must have been a reason, I suppose!

Loving the bump pics!! We are all different!!
Welcome to all the new ones 💜

If anyone is looking for snuz pod 3, I just ordered mine from natural baby shower with £20 off and got free snuz cloud. Had ordered from baby planet but cancelled it as couldn't get through to their phone or email and I tried a lot!! I recommend not buying with them, they are useless.

I’m doing an nct refresher course (essentially just a way to meet other mums in the same boat as you in your area).
I don’t think the advice is as far as shielding after 28 weeks, just to take social distancing properly seriously.

@Bubble29 you're definitely right. My next door neighbour planned for a water birth in the birthing centre but ended up being induced and having a 3 day labour ending in a c section. She said if the labour is progressing quickly maybe stick out the water birth but if it's taking ages ask for the epidural. I think that's my plan sorted.
Nesting! I've been out shopping recently and bought so much stuff. Had the nursery decorated and now just need to order the cot and dresser. I need to be physically banned from Jojo maman now it's not even funny!

Here's my bump.... 29+2 (I think!)

Ahh, how do I have my post removed? It has personal info on it!

@Chanel05 if your on the app you can slide the message to the side and report it then ask for it to be removed.

thanks! Try again!

Me at 27+4 last Saturday.