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 💛

@lucyrp

Are you sure? I looked at getting these and on every baby sleep safe website I looked at it said to avoid?

@LyraShaeLilly I mean its complete personal choice and i remember being attacked for it on a Facebook page for using one 6 years ago🤷🏼‍♀️ the bumper bars are supposed to be better as they have gaps between each one for better airflow which seems to be the main reason they suggest not using them and they also say to double check the ties on them all the time which is common sense surely. Mesh bumpers are also fine. Whenever you research sids and bumper bars you'll bring up a load of stories but also if you search grapes and child deaths you'll get the same but they don't tell you not to feed children grapes ...

Sorry not sids and bumper bars, sids and original bumpers

I'm also unsure if il keep the bumper bars on when the baby is sleeping in there just wanted something nice to decorate the nursery a touch more as were not actually painting or doing anything cosmetic as such ☺️ but like I say I did use a bumper with DS in his crib and his cot

I agree they do look very nice, there are some lovely ones in Dunelm with matching sheets and bedding.

Don't think they are for me though - I am a worrier and an over thinker!!

These are the type I have, not in that pattern though

For the last hour or so I've been having pain in my lower abdomen, like right at the bottom. Does anyone know if this is normal? Is it likely to just be stretching?

@Daffodil21 Yep I’ve been getting that on and off for the past few days, I’m assuming it’s stretching!

Thanks @MrsB2019x that makes me feel much better! Is it quite an intense pain, especially when you move?

Seems to have settled down a bit now so I think it is just stretching!

Is anyone planning to just use a standard bacpack with compartments instead of a dedicated baby changing bag?

I've been thinking about using one I already have, it's just a simple black backpack with compartments, and storing it in the pram basket. Good/bad idea?

I bought a small organiser bag for £13 to go over the pram handlebar and also a travel changing mat off Amazon. In my head this will be enough with a bacpack.

I don't like any of the dedicated changing bags/backpacks tbh and find them really overpriced and so I'm hoping there's no need to buy one! xx

@PurplePansy05 I only used a specific baby changing bag for a minimal amount of time before I found it was too small and just used a large handbag that had a shoulder strap instead as I could fit more of what I needed in there and it worked just as well if not better. Although this time I'm looking at purchasing a specific back pack changing bag x

@Lucyrp So did you use to walk around with a shoulder strap bag and push your son in a buggy or did it live in the buggy basket?

I'm trying to understand what the best option is, a bag/bagpack carried by mum, one hanging on a handlebar or anything with compartments in the basket. Especially that I have a small organiser bag already to go over the handlebar and I'll be keeping things like drinks, keys, phone, card etc. in there. A bigger bag would just be for nappies, spare outfit etc. xx

@PurplePansy05 I've bought a specific changing bag but it took such a long time to find one I liked, as I was looking for one I would use generally too. In the end I went for the Gigil Luxe (in navy). Expensive, but I like it a lot and would use it as a normal bag too. It can be used as a backpack or hanging off the buggy so hopefully nice and versatile too 😊

Has anyone started to moisturise to prevent stretch marks? My skin on my belly looks pretty good but I've always had a flabby belly so I'm guessing all that extra skin will help prevent stretch marks.

Or I'm just being nieve. Over the next 3 months I'll obviously get much bigger (can't see how I can get any bigger already!) so maybe it's best to start now?

@Ready2020 I’ve been using a weleda oil since about 14 weeks though there has been nights I’ve forgotten. Not sure if it’ll work or not so fully prepared for stretch marks.

I’ve finally booked an appointment at an independent shop to view prams / car seats we’ve shortlisted a list of 5 to focus on but open to others whilst we’re there.

Has anybody submitted / told work when they would like to finish up for mat leave? I need to approach it today ideally as I’ve got 4 weeks + of holidays to use beforehand but not sure if they would accept it as a block beforehand but I don’t fancy shorter weeks as I’ll just end up working longer days to make up for the days I’m not in!

We've talked about some moisturusers earlier, I'm sure, but can't remember what was recommended. I use Palmers anti stretch lotion which is lovely, and after that their bump butter. It's not only about the stretch marks, but also about retaining skin elasticity afterwards and regular moisturusing generally helps with this.

Sometimes I use Burts Bees Mama Bee cream instead which also feels nice.

I get DH to rub it in so he can feel the bump and I just shut my eyes and relax. 😊 xx

@Fran919

I just applied for my mat leave officially today, They let me take 4 weeks A/L before in one block.

They were a bit funny with the block of 4 weeks but once I explained that surely they would rather mr on on A/L than WFH it made sense. However if they don't allow to take that much in one block I don't think legally they are allowed to stop you taking leave you are entitled to.

I bought a pram bundle that comes with a changing bag, not sure how good it will be but contains a travel changing mat and matches the pram!!

Never used a "proper" changing bag here. The main reason to get one seems to be if you want one to match your pram or for the insulated bottle compartment, but you can get an insulated bottle sleeve if you need to be taking bottles of milk out and about. Some of them also come with a matching portable changing mat which I ended up with two of, but TBH never actually used outside of the house! I could always find a changing room when I needed one and I am not squeamish about putting the baby down on a communal mat - maybe if you are a portable mat is useful.

I finished my second blog post! Despite cutting it down it is still very wall-of-text like. I will probably try and sort out the formatting and maybe add some pictures or something to break it up later on. For now I am just aiming to get the text out on at least 5 posts.

This one compares different options from newborn so infant carrier vs fixed seat etc. But doesn't go into loads of detail about specific seats.

carseatexplained.blogspot.com/2021/04/options-for-newborn-car-seats.html

Also my Next order arrived :o Baby haul!

Hi all! Can’t believe another weekend is over! How’s everyone doing?

I saw a comment about the babymoov- I have no experience of them but it looks like something I would like to sleep on 😂 I like the idea of these things tbh but then I over think a lot so reading any negative press would put me off! Bit awkward when it’s been bought for you though.

@Whatshouldbemyusername congratulations!!! Sounds perfect 👰‍♀️ 🤵‍♂️ 💒

@Ready2020 I’ve been moisturising since 12 weeks, I use mama mio tummy butter but also just my usual soap and glory body lotion as well. I’ve also got their boob tube.

@Fran919 I’ll b doing mat leave stuff next week as I hopefully get my matb form this week. Very ready to stop working now if I’m honest, waking up is such a struggle because sleep is not something that comes easily anymore.

Ohh so people are buying stuff, how exciting. I’m still putting it off for now but really we should get into gear... for baby bags- my friend just used a backpack, didnt even have a divider etc in it. I’ve been looking for a nice bag that I could use but haven’t found one, I looked at some “‘nice” brands and their baby stuff looks so basic (i also discovered dior do a £3.5k pram!) - I’ve looked at Tiba and Marl and they seem unnecessarily pricey. Bags are my weakness though so I already have a few totes that I can use with an organiser with so I can get money’s worth out of them!

Thanks for the link Bertie, such cute little clothes!!!!!

Anyone have any recommendations for heartburn. Really struggling with this lately, anyone used any medicine that has worked, are the chewable tabs or the liquid nicer?

Gaviscon, I drink it straight these days, doesn’t taste great though! Gaviscon gives me instant relief but I have to take it quite often

I tend to get acid reflux more than heart burn and take rennes a lot.

@HopefulB @PurplePansy05 @Inmypjsagain thank you ladies!!

I am with those of you who get acidity. I've been having my meals atleast 3 hours before bed and some days it helps. Some days not so much! I do hear gaviscon helps but haven't had any myself.

Rennies are fine for minor indigestion I find and love the orange flavour ones for dessert.
Gaviscon tablets were vile, I hated the feeling of having to dissolve them on my tongue.
Gaviscon liquid does the job well, I had a lot of reflux in my last pregnancy and this really helped. I don't like the original aniseed flavour so get the mint which is more palatable for me.x