Aug 2021 - half way there!

[HopefulB]

@wimbler - EDD 29 July, surprise 💛
@Champson - EDD 22 August (but really June/July), TBC 💖💖💖
@coffeeandrainbows1- EDD 4 August (but most likely July), Boy 💙
@Jessicapebbles - EDD 5 August (but having C-section at 39 weeks, so really July), Girl 💖
@Smurf123 - EDD 5 August (but likely to be July) 💛
@WhatEvenIsSleep - EDD 2 August, Boy 💙
@Smushty14 - EDD 6 August, TBC 💛
@Rattyclife - EDD 6 August, TBC 💛
@Dia12 - EDD 8 August, Girl 💖
@Biscuitcat - EDD 10 August, surprise 💛
@ElonaWise - EDD 11 August, TBC 💛
@Runnergirl123 - EDD 11 August, TBC 💛
@PurplePansy05 - EDD 12 August, Boy 💙
@Srtdr - EDD 12 August, surprise 💛
@Daffodil21 - EDD 12 August, Boy 💙
@Inmypjsagain - EDD ???, Boy 💙
@BananaHammock23 - EDD 13 August, surprise 💛
@MrsB2019x - EDD 13 August, Girl 💖
@Magik01 - EDD 13 August, Boy 💙
@Carefree1 - EDD 15 August, Girl 💖
@DressyGerbera - EDD 15 August, surprise 💛
@lucyrp - EDD 16 August, undecided 💛
@BertieBotts - EDD 16 August, want to know! 💛
@WolfMother326 - EDD 17 August, surprise 💛
@Caz1226 - EDD 17 August, Boy 💙
@Lille4 - EDD 17 August, TBC 💛
@Redskinsucks - EDD 17 August, TBC 💛
@RockyRockyRoad - EDD 18 August, can't wait to find out 💛
@Smallbean27 - EDD 19 August, surprise 💛
@WatermelonKisses - EDD 20 August, surprise 💛
@Alittlexmasmagic - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛
@Millymay13 - EDD 22 August, TBC 💛
@Whatshouldbemyusername - EDD 22 August, surprise 💛
@LottSE20 - EDD 22 August, TBC 💛
@Notinthestarsigns - EDD 23 August, TBC 💛
@LaceyMermaid - EDD 24 August, TBC 💛
@Fran919 - EDD 25 August, surprise 💛
@northernsquirrel - EDD 26 August, surprise 💛
@LyraShaeLilly - EDD 27 August, can't wait to find out 💛
@ame88 - EDD 28 August, TBC 💛
@diamante11 - EDD 29 August, Girl 💖
@HopefulB - EDD 29 August, TBC 💛
@CountryGirl84 - EDD 29 August, TBC 💛

@Daffodil21 not at all you gave me the idea to go to my GP and as a result I feel much better about my work situation! Sounds like your boss has quickly realised he’s done wrong by you

@HopefulB thank you I know I shouldn’t feel guilty but I always feel bad for my class who will inevitably end up with supply teachers so not ideal. But clearly of the GP has signed me off I shouldn’t be there so I need to focus on that.

It's been really useful following the discussion @Daffodil21 - there is a wealth of knowledge amongst the women here and it's invaluable.

I managed to book an info appointment with John Lewis but it isn't until the end of May!!!!! I'm hoping that not too late.
I've finally started to feel movement and it feels so strange. No pattern as yet - I've read that you don't start counting until 26/28 weeks. Getting a little impatient again now and keen to know how things are getting on in there. Growth scans will be the next thing to worry about.

How's everyone else getting on?

Ladies, The Guardian has just reported JCVI changed their guidance for covid vaccination for pregnant women confirming that we should all be offered Pfizer/Moderna vaccines together with our usual age groups since their safety has now been confirmed amongst a group of 90,000 pregnant women in the US (no safety concerns). AstraZeneca as we know may be linked to blood clots, and therefore as a precaution it is not to be offered in pregnancy according to JCVI (although of course I know IRL some of us already had it with no issues). I am trying to link it up but it won't let me. I am very seriously thinking about getting vaccinated now, they seem to be moving fast in my area. xx

www.gov.uk/government/news/jcvi-issues-new-advice-on-covid-19-vaccination-for-pregnant-women

Official guidance xx

Thank you @Daffodil21, @PurplePansy05 @HopefulB and @magik01! I spoke to HR and the reason why
I haven’t had an assessment is because head office is based out of London and the HR team don’t want to travel to London because of the pandemic. They said depending how it goes I will have a maternity assessment when we are asked to return to offices and then one after 28 weeks. She said the guidance for over 28 weeks, unless you’re high risk (which I’m not) is to social distance/keep in line with current covid guidelines. After 21st June there are no covid guidelines so it will be a normal assessment. She also told me I must have expected working in the office in a pandemic whilst pregnant considering I chose to get pregnant in the pandemic. Anyway I did not have the mental strength to deal with this conversation today, so I said thanks for letting me know your position, I’ll email you about it. I’ll put it in writing and see how it progresses. Honestly I’ve been so weepy since yesterday evening for no apparent reason other than hormones that this just finished me off. Ordering a Deliveroo tonight and am gonna veg out with some trash tv. Thanks all your input, very much appreciated 😘

@daffodil21 he sounds like a twerp and I’m sorry you’re going through this. If garden leave is contractually okay then honesty id jump at that. He’s clearly worried now he’s had legal advice and so he should! He shouldn’t have put you in that position to begin with!

Also that thread was great! Definitely cheered me up!

And I saw the Pfizer business on bbc news, I will definitely get the vaccine if I’m offered but imagine I’m a while away still!

@Dia12 the movement is odd isn’t it?! I’ve noticed more movement when I’m hungry or have just eaten... I do wonder if that means he likes the food or not?!

Boy am I glad it’s Friday! I’d love a glass of something fizzy, fake Prosecco isn’t the same! Xx

@Daffodil21sounds like I may have misunderstood the term, if gardening leave does not equate to suspension on full pay until maternity leave, and return to your role after leave, then as others have said I feel you have a case. So sorry you’re going through this additional stress - who’d have thought employers could be so backwards in 2021?!

@Inmypjsagain, I’m sorry but it really made me laugh that the HR team won’t come to the office due to current risks, but they’re expecting you to return - talk about a double standard! As for: She also told me I must have expected working in the office in a pandemic whilst pregnant considering I chose to get pregnant in the pandemic - this is utter drivel! No one can predict how the pandemic is going to pan out, it is an employers responsibility to make the workplace safe, and absolutely none of her business your reasons for starting/growing your family at any time! I’d have been far to angry to respond today if it was me.

Those considering the vaccine, make sure you’re happy with what ‘no safety concerns’ means - it’s still early days, I’m not aware that anyone who has had the vaccine has completed a pregnancy to understand any outcome on baby. So it means at current point in follow up they have not identified any problems. Whilst this is really good news and will reassure those who have other health conditions and have had the vaccine, and tip the balance of risk for others, we’re each different so please make up your own mind

I second hopefulB's sentiments at how ridiculous your HR person's comments. Completely inappropriate to comment on your choice of getting pregnant, I'm not surprised this conversation made you weepy. I'll never understand why there is such a lack of humanity in HR/higher management, they seem so content in dicking others over.
Hope you enjoy your deliveroo and get some time out 💐

Re: vaccine, I'm pleased to hear that it's considered safe for use in pregnancy, although I got the impression from the guardian article that it's still based on age and clinical risk. I actually fall under the high risk group but am conflicted about taking it as I don't feel confident as the long term effects have not been observed. I suppose not working helps keep me in a very limited bubble.

@Inmypjsagain that does take the biscuit a bit doesn't it! Happy for you to go in but not in to go in themselves. Also ridiculous that they've practically said it's your fault for getting pregnant - bet they wouldn't confirm that in writing!!

@PurplePansy05 fabulous news about the vaccine! I had the AstraZeneca one whilst pregnant and (only just) under 30 before the new guidance was out and luckily all has been fine for me so far.

Hope everyone has had a lovely week 😊 we went to the pub for dinner tonight and it was completely heavenly, such a lovely joyful atmosphere - plus no cooking or washing up!

@Ive been thinking about that comment a lot from your HR, it's just so unreasonable as everyone deserves to be kept safe, regardless of pregnancy being a choice or not.

Also this pandemic has been going on for over a year, do they really expect all women who are going through IVF or are a bit older to postpone, it's just such an unfair comment as there is soooo much more the "deciding to get pregnant"

Also their double standards are ridiculous?

I still feel conflicted about the vaccine, I would like to read the raw data and paper myself to make up my own mind?

Thanks everyone. The legal company didn't call yesterday so it'll have to wait until Monday. I'm pretty sure taking gardening leave doesn't affect SMP so I think I'll take that. I'm not sure I can be bothered with any further battles which may not achieve anything anyway. I just want to start enjoying this pregnancy and keep everything and stress-free as possible!

@Inmypjsagain I cannot believe they said that to you!! I know people often think it, but someone in HR actually saying that is disgusting! They don't know your life. We started TTC way before the pandemic, and briefly considered pausing for about 2 seconds, no way were we putting it off! It's also a joint decision between you and your DP. Not just a 'silly' (obv I do not think this it's silly) decision made by a woman, which I feel like these comments imply. I definitely don't think anyone would ever say this or think it to a man who's wife is pregnant!

@HopefulB @Dia12 @biscuitcat @Daffodil21 I know- the comments were ridiculous and that’s why I just couldn’t be bothered to deal with it! I was reticent to answer when I saw her call because you know things get said over the phone that they’d never dare put in email. She’s been known to make comments before so... ugh, will not think about it as it will stress me out. And yeah the judgement to get pregnant at this point in time is pretty annoying. Tbh I’d prepared myself for restrictions and lockdowns, I didn’t think we’d have no covid restrictions by our due dates!

@daffodil- get where you’re coming from with the stress avoidance. See what your legal call says though, if you can get a settlement a bit of extra cash is always nice pre baby 😊

@biscuitcat oooh a meal out! How lovely! Forgotten what that’s like 😬

@BertieBotts how are you doing? Hope you and DC2 okay xx

It’s an absolutely glorious day here in London- hope you all have a lovely Saturday ♥️

The way things are going with our lack of border control I’m afraid to say it but I suspect we could be back under restrictions before they lift in June! I really hope not as the hospital have just announced partners allowed at all maternity appointments from Monday and better visiting options.

Beautiful weather here too! I’ve been able to put a maxi dress on which of flattering bump nicely

Also confirmed our kitchen & bathroom fitting (sigh of relief). Minor hiccup with range cooker as there is a massive lead time, so we either there pick something else or they’ll leave us with a temporary solution using our existing equipment and come back to fit the range when I am ready (I suggest mid Sept may not be ideal!!)

Yes we are good thank you :) Just didn't feel I had anything to add over the last few days! I didn't end up phoning my doctor because the red cheek went away after half an hour so I decided it probably was teething after all.

In fact with his blocked nose DS2 is struggling to latch and with me struggling with nursing aversion, he has actually managed to fall asleep just in my arms the last couple of nights, without breastfeeding which is AMAZING!! I don't particularly mind if he weans or not, but I was feeling a bit trapped/anxious about being "stuck" not able to get him to sleep any other way. I don't know if it will continue once he can breathe again but at least I know he can do it now...

Oh and we went for a walk today and he did a tumble head over heels and got a lovely egg/graze on his forehead :(

Hi everyone
Just wondering about people’s opinions
My mother in law has bought me a babymoov cosydream without discussing with me or my partner and I researched them and I really am unsure as to whether I want to use it
I understand previous bad press about them but also there are some good reviews
Has anyone used one or planning to use one?
Thank you. Xx

Currently watching YouTube videos on newborn essentials - how our Saturday nights have changed 😂

Like some of you ladies I’m also torn with the vaccine news. It’s great to hear that it’s been dubbed safe for pregnant ladies, but without any evidence that that’s also the same for the newborn babies I’m not sure if I want to take the risk? Is that silly?

I mean by the time I get offered it anyway I will probably only have two months left of pregnancy, which I may as well just wait it out. I’ve got absolutely no problem with me getting the jab, but not sure how I feel getting it while pregnant.

@Daffodil21 I also don’t think gardening leave will affect your maternity pay, and if it means no/less stress and the same pay, it’s a win win. You’ll also build up your holidays (assuming your not self employed) while your on maternity! ☺️

@BertieBotts my DS was in the wars yesterday as well, fell face first onto our kitchen tiles, and then when getting into bed smacked his forehead on the bed frame. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I was thinking of getting the cosy dream - didn't realise there were some safety concerns about it, I haven't researched it properly.

We went along to John Lewis today just for a browse in nursery section and a really helpful sales assistant gave us a demo on the Maxi Cosy Pebble 360 and Pearl 360. I really liked it...just need to decide if we want the smaller one to carry baby into house or the larger one which stays in the car.

We also had a quick look at prams and realised the baby zen yo-yo pram may be very compact but it's too light weight/ flimsy for my liking. I did very much like the iCandy Peach travel system - so easy to fold, could do so easily with one hand!
It was so overwhelming, as everything pretty much looked the same but so much easier than browsing online. Absolutely pooped from my house exciting day out!!!

Have you seen any useful videos @Daffodil21? Im so impatient, I lose interest when they talk endlessly and don't get to the useful bits!!!

@Daffodil21 Just to say, if you go on garden leave before maternity that means you won't be in the workplace during your notice period, that's all. It also means once your notice period is over you will not be accruing holidats whilst on maternity as you will no longer be employed.

@Dia12 JL assistant told us honestly that they are getting a lot of returns of iCandy prams. Also look at Trustpilot, pretty shocking. I had the Orange shortlisted originally, then considered Lime, but I'm definitely not buying a flimsy PITA after what I've read and discussed - just a word of caution. She told me very clearly that they're selling an equal number of iCandys and Uppababys and only iCandys are ever returned. That was all I needed to know tbh. xx

@Dia12 I will be getting either an icandy peach second hand or an egg. The old Icandy are really nice but don't particularly like the look of the new ones. The older ones seem more compact which is what I want from a pram go behind with x

Ah I thought I had it all sorted there for a minute! I should have known it was all easy 🤣
Thank you for the heads up @PurplePansy05 - id much rather take heed and have another look. We were planning on going to an independent baby store next weekend so will take a look there too.
God, it's a minefield!!!

A friend has kindly offered her egg to me, so failing all, I could just go with that option.
Have you tried these in person @lucyrp?
I'm a FTM so absolutely clueless...this is a steep learning curve.

@Dia12 I haven't personally but have friends who've had both and loved them. They're both similar in terms of the shape and how small they collapse. Also the look is pretty much the same. I'm going to mamas and papas tomorrow so going to have a look at some there but they will obviously be the newer models as opposed to older ones