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 💛

@biscuitcat I thought they were standard rates?!! How many hours is your course? Ours is 15 I think

@Inmypjsagain I tried the next door app but I've since had an email saying we need there to be 10 people in the next x number of days to launch it for our little town. I think there 6 of us altogether but I don't know another 4 to boost the numbers 😂

@Daffodil21 oh wow, you need to get out canvassing for membership! Maybe more luck with peanut?

I’m just thinking nct is an expensive way to try and make friends... maybe I should have just tried peanut!

@Inmypjsagain I've tried peanut too 😂 there's a couple of others on there. I've spoken to two, one seems nice and the other wasn't particularly chatty

@Inmypjsagain I did a baby first aid course through nhs the same group of ladies I went to antenatal courses with ☺️

@Inmypjsagain also 15, plus a 2 hour reunion in October. It definitely is pricey! I've heard mixed things about peanut (though haven't tried it myself), and I think having the classes in person (hopefully...) will be lovely for DH too

@Daffodil21 well I hope you have some luck with it, maybe the other will get chattier as due date approaches?

@lucyrp oh, nhs do them? I’ll ask my midwife about them. I understand paying for these courses because obviously someone skilled is teaching us stuff, but when I think about what you can buy instead for the same price. I think I’m just in shock about how pricey baby stuff can be (even second hand sometimes!)

@biscuitcat yeah you make a point about it being good for partners. I think I’ll give peanut a go but not until June time, I am dubious but worth a try! Shame we don’t all live close together- this thread would be a great group!

@Inmypjsagain I did mine as a baby group when DS was a few months old! It was really good actually. Same with baby massage! Did a few of those too. I know it's mad isn't it !

We are outside of London and paid £250 for me and DH for 15 hours over 3 days they are Saturdays so DH can come too. We could pay in 4 instalments which is good.

I though it was quite reasonable tbh. And they are in person whereas the NHs ones are online!

Our NCT was £205 for 15 hours in Cardiff xx

Yes I just checked ours was 4 instalments of 51.25 which is total £205

Also re baby First Aid, I am a FA and did my course with St John's Ambulance years ago. However, it is easy to forget what to do, I actually can't remember the exact details now when it comes to babies so if anyone knows of an online refresher I'd be grateful!

In the meantime, I find this website helpful:
www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children##

And money wise, I think baby stuff is ridiculously overpriced and anything "baby" automatically costs double. The same things happens with weddings, but baby stuff is even worse, I think. I don't even want to look at my credit card statement right now, but like I said the only consolation is the fact I will likely spend far less on DC2 and then sell most of this stuff, so at least there will be some money coming back in.

I managed to buy an ex-display rocker from Mamas & Papas half price and I'm off to collect an Ergobaby sling for £15 bought via Fb Marketplace.

Even with some savings, it's bloody bonkers though, and I really could have gone for more expensive items but tried to stay reasonable! xx

Got home from work and showered to realise I have nothing clean from my maternity wardrobe to wear... shopping online it is !

I can't remember what the one I did cost but we were on a low income and couldn't afford the full cost and we were able to pay what we could afford instead.

Some baby stuff is overpriced and has a premium slapped on it because new parents are seen as cash cows, for sure. But I think if you compare the NCT to say an evening course to learn IT skills or painting or something it's not that bad value really.

@PurplePansy05 that's a bargain for the ergo - good find! I've gone for a cheaper one off Amazon, I think it was £30/35. Hope I don't regret it!!

Interesting there’s a £115 difference but I guess it’s wages and venue hire or something that makes a difference.

I’m just sure a snuzpod doesn’t need to be £200! But £15 ergobaby sling is amazing!!!! I’m going to have to get facebook for the baby stuff aren’t I?

Thanks for the first aid link, I imagine in a panic I’d forget what to do but it’s just a comfort knowing I’d been on a course.

Anyone else feel ready to go to bed? Am
Tempted to go now...

My wee one has been very active today. I would like her to go to sleep!

I've not had great news today. My sister was diagnosed with stomach cancer last week and had a scan with results today. They say it's the worst type of cancer you can get. She's to get surgery next week to see how extensive it is. If it's a lump that's only connected to the wall of the stomach then that's fine, it can be removed. But if it's the kind that is flat and is spread about the stomach wall then there's nothing they can do. I feel for her so much. Our dad died of bowel cancer 10 years ago.

@Inmypjsagain I'm planning to keep this first aid tab open and maybe also create a playlist on YT or something with baby first aid videos, just in case. You never know when it may come useful (hopefully never!).

DH and I just had a lot of fun trying out the sling, it's so long 🤣 But very comfy and a lovely material. We also bought the Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier for going out, so we're sorted with this now. I just wanted something lighter and cheaper for around the house so a second hand Ergobaby sling is perfect. Definitely look things up on Fb Marketplace, everything I bought there honestly looks like new.

@Daffodil21 I know, I'm chuffed to bits with this find, it's even in the colour I wanted 😊

@BertieBotts I totally agree re antenatal course prices, I think that's worth its weight in gold as an FTM and especially in the pandemic. I meant it in the context of baby stuff like your carriers, bouncers, prams, car seats etc. Even little things like muslin cloths, nursing bras etc. just cost too much! Obviously I understand that you get a lot of use out of them, a lot of time is spent on design, development, safety testing etc. But you use these things for a relatively short period of time and you're hit with a hefty bill to pay at a time you really ideally would save up for maternity leave and childcare and/or treat yourself. Maybe it shocks me more because in the last 13 months we barely spent money, as in no holidays, no big purchases apart from the house and renovation, but we've planned for that. And suddenly you enter the world of £120 backpacks that aren't even that nice but of course "they're for the baby" I don't mind spending that and more on a Ralph Lauren handbag, and admittedly I have done that. But these items really aren't worth it most of the time. Manufacturers and retailers charge premium because they know parents need a lot of stuff to make their lives easier, or so we think at least as FTMs, and inevitably we're probably making some more or less expensive mistakes 🤦🏼‍♀️😉

So what prams and car seats is everyone going for, if you're buying them now? I'm curious what choices you've made? xx

I'm so sorry @Ready2020, just seen your post. That's awful news. How is your sister feeling, have you spoken to her? That's so hard. 💐 Cancer is a bitch, I so wish people didn't have to suffer. xx

@Ready2020 that's terrible, I'm so sorry to hear your family is dealing with that. It must be extra hard when it is hard to get together at the moment. Fingers crossed it's the operable kind!

She's feeling physically fine really. She can only eat small meals though which is a worry as it could mean the cancer is taking up too much room. It's all about waiting now. She's only 40. We're going to see her next week after the surgery when we should know more.

For baby first aid, there is a good app called Baby Check by Lullaby Trust, which you can put in any signs if your baby is ill and it tells you whether you can treat at home or if any of them are concerning enough to call a doctor, very useful! It even saves all of your past searches so you can see if something is a repeated concern.

I would imagine an actual first aid course would be better in person as you're probably more likely to retain a muscle memory in an emergency situation rather than having seen a demo on video? Not sure. But I think I'd probably watch some videos rather than pay for a first aid course at the moment.

Totally agree about baby items Pansy.

We will be reusing our Mutsy Evo and Cybex Aton 5.

@Ready2020 oh goodness I’m so sorry to read this. I will really keep everything crossed it’s operable and can be removed ASAP. xx

Oh @Ready2020 I'm so sorry to hear that, that's horrible news. Sending good thoughts towards your sister, you and your family ❤️ take care of yourself and time to be sad if you need to xxx