Due November, this thread to be our last! (please?!!)

[Flossam]

Hi all I hope no-one minds but I thought I would start a new one... we are having broadband put in (DP has convinced me that I will be able to spend more time on the phone that way ) but still on dial up now so things were getting rather slow on the other thread!

Things OK here. Thought I would do another list to start off the thread in the right way.... looking towards the end!! I've decided that next tuesday would fit in really rather nicely with all my plans, just need baby to agree!! I'm going to try and not expect him to come before due date really, then I may be pleasantly surprised, and if not, I will be fully entitled to moan and whinge. My ankles really can't take much more. They are about the size of my upper calf and that isn't an exageration!

Just enjoyed my first cup of raspberry leaf tea... not all that bad, but then I have drunk all sorts of strange concoctions from places like neal's yard in my time! So now I've drunk that, labour should be iminent, right?!

Hopefully am going to get my hair done this week with the deposit money (if we get it!) from our old flat... I haven't had my haircut since May . Been trying to let it grow as much as possible, but its been a really slow process. Might have some highlights done too. I've figured I might as well have something about me looking nice, as I don't think anything else will post birth! I have stretchmarks now on my bum, hips, thighs, calves, and really badly on my boobs. Stomach thus far has escaped, but it's these last four weeks which I've heard can really do the damage. Oh well.

Anyway I'll stop my waffling and leave you all in peace! I don't think I've missed anyone on the list, but definately have a pregnancy brain... got stuck half way upside down off the sofa earlier looking for the used lid of my yoghurt pot. I eventually found it in the empty yoghurt pot besides me. Oh dear! Don't think it was a particularly pretty site for DP to be looking at!
webmum - 1 Nov
Nannyjo - 3 Nov
Riebee - 3 Nov
eidsvold - 5 Nov
Mum2Ela - 5 Nov
Arwenevenstar 6 Nov
vivie - 11 Nov ?
chicaguapa - 11 Nov
PandaBear - 12 Nov
twinkie - 14 Nov
Discomonkfish - 16th Nov
Piper - 17 Nov
collision - 23 Nov
Flossam - 23 Nov
Bronze - 25 Nov
Bunny2 - 25 Nov
Gingernut 26 Nov
squigglesmum - 27 Nov
potpourri - 29 Nov

Oooooh goody, I'd like him to come early so I won't pack it. Actually I think I've got most of the major things sorted and I have thrown these into a bag so I'm not totally disorganised. And I've been to Boots today and booked my TENS machine (didn't want to do this till after the scan as it seemed pointless if I was going to end up with an elective c/s).

M2E, glad to hear your brother is doing well. My FIL is doing similarly well, nearly off the steroids now (having reduced the dose gradually over the weeks).

Re dh's having time off after the birth, we are considering whether dh could work several short weeks instead of having 2 whole weeks off - this would mean I could get used to being at home with 2 gradually IYSWIM. ds goes to nursery 2 days a week anyway so thought dh could work those 2 days and maybe 1 other, so would only take 2 days off per week. Not sure whether this will fit in with his work though.

Ooooooh.....it is exciting on here! Am waiting for someone to post - 'Am in labour NOW and will post when I can!'

Have decided that I do NOT have thrush. Have never had it before but if I am right then I would have a discharge and be itchy which I am not. Therefore I refuse to waste 25 euros (£17) on medication for something that I dont have. The evil dr said the same thing to a friend who lives down the road and she didnt think she had it either which is strange. Will try and get some live yoghurt on Monday and if I havent got it then I will eat it with honey!!!!

Am weepy for no reason apart from the fact that I can hardly move and am a bit grumpy with ds and DH which I am trying so hard not to be. Everything is such hard work and this baby is so active. Bag is in the car and we are ready to go!

I'm still here!! just checking in!

I am in real pain at the moment though, I can hardly walk or roll over in bed so I really hope this baby comes soon or I might just walk in my gynaes office on Monday and demand induction!!!

Those of you with one about to have two, you WILL cope, it does seem daunting, but it is amazing how you find more energy than you had first time, I think because you are more prepared to be knackered you actually find you are not anywhere near as tired.

With #1 I used to feel drunk sometimes I was that tired, I never felt like that with #2, I think because I was used to having less sleep and occasionally being woken during the nights anyway. Also #2 never woke #1, which was my other big fear. And I think if they do, they will soon get used to it as long as you just carry on as normal and put them back to bed like you would if they had woken up themselves.

The hardest thing I felt was just time management, you know, breastfeeding and suddenly #1 decided he wanted to wee......NOW!!!! and if you didn't respond you had wet carpets. I ended up giving up on the potty training until the baby had been here for around 3 - 4 months and we were in more of a routine. But you all will manage. So what if they watch a little extra CBeebies for a while.

My biggest fear was whether or not I could love #2 as much,.....but I do, this time I am worried that as #3 is a girl will I love her more or less or treat her differently.......I doubt it, but then the hormones tell me otherwise!!!!!

Here is some recommended reading to pass the boredom and hopefully reassure you:
The Fat Ladies Club (the sequal, I think it is called the first 5 years) brilliant, will have you laughing so much you'll think you're in labour or it might bring it on!!

Two shoes, three socks and a hairbrush (I think this is the title) is supposed to be a really good book to help with 2 children. I haven't actually read this one cos I forgot about it

They aren't manuals, just lighthearted reads to make you realise you're normal and everyone feels the same.

God, I sound like a teacher!!! Sorry, just trying to reassure you all.

Hope I don't post again, but probably will!
Take care

still here too - although hard to move - baby is right down in my pelvis and it hurts like hell.. can hardly move in the morning - shuffle around like an invalid... dh and I go out and he walks ahead and then ahs to wait for me to catch up as I am sooo slow - HOWEVER did see someone today who was walking slower than me - a very old infirmed man... did make me feel a little better.

Lots of crampy period like pain - but nothing else.....been a bit cooler here - makes it easier.

might know more on Tues when I see the consultant - if I make it that far - have decided to go to the pampering morning - really looking forward to that ... my luck - go into labour and have to miss it

hello all, just checking I'm still allowed on the Nov thread,as I officially have a October baby!! My lovely little boy Ethan Max was born on Thurs at 7pm, 9lbs 9ozs!! so much for me being told he won't be a whopper.

Anyway gory details...

I started having contractions at 7am Thursday morning about 10 mins apart, these went on for 1 1/2hrs but I didn't say anything as I have had that many pains that I wasn't sure if it was the real thing. I rang the midwife and they said to wait until they were coming more often, I rang back 1/2 hour later as they were 3-4mins apart and they said to come on in.
We got to hospital 15mins later and they decided to monitor me for 1/2hr without an examination as the contractions were only 20 seconds long and they need to be 30+ seconds. after 1/2hour the contractions had gone back to 8mins apart so they sent us for a walk around.This got them up to 2-3mins but as soon as we walked back through the door they seemed to stop...I was not a happy lady.
Midwife then gave me an exmination and announced that I wasn't dilating at all, gave me a sweep and sent me home. We went back to the hospital at 3pm and with the contractions every 3-4mins. After leaving me pacing the room for a couple of hours they examined me again and discovered I was 5cm dilated and suggested I get into the pool. The pool was great and I can really recommend it, seems to help down below in terms of damage limitaion!! Anyway it was pretty damn painful to say the least and I was so high as a kite on gas & air that I sent most of the 2hours with my eyes shut. As soon as my waters popped in the water I was ready to push and after 8 mins Ethan swam to the surface dead on 7pm.My DH said it was amazing to see him come out in the water and be perfectly at home.
We came home last night and I feel wonderful, I avoided any tears or stitches by actually listening to the midwife about panting this time!
and I can honestly say I can hardly tell I've had him in terms of pain in the old bits....I have even packed my preparation H away
Well I better go, feeding time!
I hope every thing is well with everyone and it won't be too long before there is news from someone else.

Wow Riebee! Congratulations what a wonderful surprise. And the birth itsefl sounds incredible, well done to you and Ethan! I am so glad to see you have started the ball rolling - now if they can all come a week early that'll be great!

Arwen, thanks for the reassurance - might try and get the Fat LAdies book, I could do with a laugh.

Well, come on, who's next????

Congratulations Riebee! Great to hear we're on the move on this thread at last. The water birth sounds amazing.

Thanks for the reassurance and advice arwen.

Collision, it doesn't sound like thrush to me either. You can have thrush without discharge but I don't think you can have it without the itch!

congratulations riebee.....

fat ladies book is brilliant - have not read the sequel though ?

Riebee - many congratulations!!!!!!! Am in tears - soooo excited for you! Can't wait for it to be my turn now. Why don't you srat the 'babies born Nov 04' thread? (I know, you were nearly Nov, but you are in our gang!!

Well, was up all night with very mild contractions. With DD I didn't have any mild ones, or if I did I missed them as at first exam was 7cm and fully dilated 20 mins later, so last night was an eye opener!! Not overly uncomfortable, manageable, but not nice. Lots of pain in my back too so am wondering if the little monkey has moved again and is posterior. Anyway, the contractions had stopped by this morning () so no more to report atm.

arwenevenstar - thanks for putting my mind at rest. It really does help when I hear that, of course, I will cope - I have to!!

Hi all

Waiting for news of someone joining me, it cant be long now!
Hope you are all well

Forgot to say that anyone taking raspberry leaf, I think it really helped with the bleeding afterward. I didn't take it with my other two and the bleeding was much heavier and went on for ages. I took the 640mg tablets this time and the bleeding is much lighter in fact after only 4 days theres not much at all and Im sorry to be gross but theres not any horrible clots either.

looking forward to hearing some new

CONGRATULATIONS RIEBEE!!
It sounds like you had a lovely expereience, I'm almost in tears...
Lots of love to you all!!!

just a quick note to say I'm still here and waiting, that's for second babies being early....I think she must be as stubborn as dd1 and will be late just to prove her point!!!!

Anyway m/w been here this am, apparently she's 2/5 so things are improving. Tomorrow will be the messiest day in the loft conversion saga, so it looks like I won't be at home to enjoy it!!

Vivie I am also worrying about the postnatal period, especially since I was quite depressed for weeks with dd1. I've got my mum here at the moment to help out, but I want to spend a couple of weeks with my family alone as soon as I think I can manage and I will take her off duty, as last time I found whatr I really missed most was having dh around to look after me, even my own mum could not do that in the way I needed IYKWIM.

Anyway, hopefully breastfeeding will be easier this time round, so I won't be so knackered and in pain as with dd1

I saw my mw today - baby is back to back so I have to spend some time on my hands and knees - ds very predictable response was "while you're down there love ...". The way I feel right now, I'd bite it off!

Congrats Riebee!! Lovely names! Ds is Max.

Well, ladies, I must have missed it but NannyJo has had her baby too! She is on the BF thread asking about formula!!! It sure is hotting up here. I must ask her what happened and what she had so will update later.

I briefly visited this link a while ago. I was due on the 3rd Nov, however I had my baby early due to complications (cholastasis) Aidan was born on October 3rd weighing 5lb11. He is well and luckily needed no special care. After 4 days of being induced (he did not want to come), labour was ok, 8 hours wasn't bad for a first child. THANK GOD FOR EPIDURALS!!!! I take my hat off to anyone who goes through labour on just gas and air. Good luck to you all still due. I would do it again so it can't be too bad.

wonderful news from nannyjo and riebee! I'm so pleased and happy that the first 2 of our babes have arrived safely. The water birth sounds amazing riebee!

Thanks for your words of reassurance arwen. It does help to hear that you do cope, whatever you think right now!

Congratulations Riebee....

Many congrats Nannyjo!!

My waters have broken girlies!! Bout an hour ago, so we are leisurely getting ready to go to the hospital, drop DD off at my mums on the way and I may have a walk on her treadmill whilst there to see if I can get things going!

Wish me luck . . . . !!

Oh Good Luck M2E! ! !
How exciting is this??? I'd forgotten how exciting this bit got on the July thread!

hope all goes well m2e.... so jealous

saw the consultant today - baby 4/5 engaged... have to go back next week if nothing happens and they will decide whether it is appropriate to rupture my membranes or just go for a caesar!!!

on the plus side - pampering morning was brilliant - neck, head, hand and foot massage as well as a facial... bliss!!

Congratulations NannyJo and Reibee! How exciting! Mum2Ela, good luck, you sound so excited! I think I'd be absolutely sh*tting myself, but you've done it all before, so if you still feel like that then thats reassuring! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Bit confused about this whole show type thingy, the midwife yesterday said it basically usually looked like a load of snot (yum) that may or may not be streaked with blood. Well I had a load of snot come out some time last week, no blood or anything. Then when I got home last night I had another load of snot(!) and some orangey staining (tiny amount) on my knickers. So have I had a show or am I just having more discharge than normal? So confusing. Feel the need to have my bowels open anywhere from 3-5 times a day, certain parts of me are now feeling very sore down there! And still getting periody type cramps. And have started throwing tantrums to do a two year old proud, so figuring hormones are doing something a little odd.

Still got 3 weeks till due date though, but I think we are all the same in that we will cling on to any sign... The end is in sight.... The end is in sight... Can't help feeling a bit sorry for myself that in these last weeks I can't seem to get a decent lie in. Building new houses across the way, and they are out with their pneumatic drills at 8am sharp every morning bar Sunday... I guess if I were that hormonal I'd be out their in my nightie tearing their tools away from them!! Good luck everyone! Hope to see some more M2E type posts from some more of you very soon!

how exciting m2e!! Best of luck!

I thought it was IT last night, had quite a few painful contractions in the middle of the night, but then dd climbed into our bed, and they stopped ...

Still not feeling 100% today, but not getting any real 'contractions'....I so want this baby to come out now....but must admit I a had a moment of panic last night when I thought it was labour, this time I know what's coming!!!

girls - Think I'm gonna have to join you lot on the November thread. Was on the Oct but everyone has had their babes and one is missing in action. Now 6days overdue, induction date is the 10th.

Massive CONGRATULATIONS to NannyJo and Riebee and good luck M2E.
I am STILL here, but am looking at induction next week if nothing has moved, just because as we are abroad and my dad is here next week it'll be really useful to have an extra pair of hands. Normally wouldn't contemplate it.

I have never had a show, don't know what they are like, maybe I missed them in the past, but my waters just go and then that's it....off we go.

God I hope I'm next!!

See you all later

Congratualtions NannyJo! . Glad it went well despite the OC.

How exciting M2E, fingers crossed for you - I expect you are already at the hospital so I shall be eagerly awaiting your next post with your new baby. Hugs to you.

Hi beckswith3, it's good to have you on our thread - I hope I dont end up joining the December one! You stilll have ages before induction, I am sure something will happen in the meantime.

My daughter is here at last!
Little Jasmine came into the world on Saturday 30th October at 1pm weighing a very healthy 8lb 30z.
I had been up & down Friday night with terrible indigestion & upset tummy.Then at 6am i began with mild stomach cramps. I started timing them out of interest & straight away they were 5 mins apart!! At 11am i was 8 cm dilated, at 12pm the waters finally broke & an hour later, she finally popped out!
She's absolutely gorgeous, cant take my eyes off her!

Good luck to all you ladies still waiting. My thoughts are with you!