Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Birth clubs

Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

Due August 2021 - The Final Countdown continues...

983 replies

Daffodil21 · 28/07/2021 09:41

Continuing the previous thread!

I'll let @PurplePansy05 post the updated list

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Thread gallery
18
lucyrp · 07/08/2021 18:54

@Aaaaa1519 I really don't want to share my birthday either so would prefer an early baby plz🤣😩

RandomCatGenerator · 07/08/2021 19:36

My doctor advised today that they would try to get the baby to latch on immediately, while I’m still on the c section table.

Has anyone had this experience? I just feel certain it won’t work?!

BertieBotts · 07/08/2021 19:45

We have two August birthdays in the family! One this week and one in 2 weeks ish. So a nice next week delivery would be great so it doesn't clash :o Although we may then end up with parties 3 weekends in a row! I would love that but it would exhaust DH!

I have sent DH in to do bedtime. I've been feeling a bit cross about it. It took me ages to get DS2 to a point where he was going to sleep without breastfeeding/would go to sleep with DH and I was so happy with that. Then we ended up in a bit of a pattern where he would play for ages and then either come for a cuddle and fall asleep or become too hyper to come and sit with me and DH would have to take over. So DH decided that this needed to change (fair, it's not really sustainable, he wasn't going to sleep until 9/9.30) except the way he decided that it needed to be was DS2 falling asleep on his own in his bed, which I thought was a massive change and way too much to expect especially when everything is going to be turned on its head in the next few days anyway!

So what was happening was DH would get DS calm and say goodnight and then I'd read some stories and leave him to play in his bed. But he'd end up shouting for me and I'd give him a cuddle and he would go to sleep. I was OK with this, as it was much quicker than the previous pattern. But DH was adamant that we needed to not be doing that, so he wouldn't do any kind of soothing to get DS to sleep if he went in. He would only go in and say goodnight and leave. End result, I was ending up finishing off every single bedtime again - we were right back to square one BEFORE I got him to stop BF to sleep.

Unfortunately I didn't really address this very nicely and so he went in, calmed him down a bit and has gone off to the bedroom "for a nap" but I think he's a bit annoyed. DS now asleep. Which is nice. But I think we need to communicate better about this. It's just been bugging me for a few nights but I haven't been able to work out how to bring it up.

sarah13xx · 07/08/2021 20:29

@RandomCatGenerator have you been doing colostrum harvesting? You could always do that instead and give it through a syringe straight away if they think baby is going to need it urgently. I was but I’ve given up due to lack of colostrum so far 🤦🏼‍♀️ Plan to try again on the morning and see if I get anywhere for even one syringe

RandomCatGenerator · 07/08/2021 21:00

[quote sarah13xx]@RandomCatGenerator have you been doing colostrum harvesting? You could always do that instead and give it through a syringe straight away if they think baby is going to need it urgently. I was but I’ve given up due to lack of colostrum so far 🤦🏼‍♀️ Plan to try again on the morning and see if I get anywhere for even one syringe[/quote]
Nooo. I have the syringes and everything but my fear of it sending me into labour has really put me off.

My hospital seems somewhat obsessed with breast feeding.

sarah13xx · 07/08/2021 21:12

@RandomCatGenerator terrified of the same thing 😂 I did it for two days, my heart was in my mouth waiting on contractions starting and I didn’t even fill past the lid of the bloody syringe never mind anywhere near 0.1ml so thought this is not worth the hassle! Is there a reason they’re saying this? It’s up to you whether you’re comfortable even having skin to skin while still in theatre. I think I’m just going to decide at the time but planning to take the syringes into hospital with me and hand express if I get more colostrum after he arrives. Going to bottle feed but give that too (if there is any)

HopefulB · 07/08/2021 21:22

@RandomCatGenerator, my MW/NCT/books have all said the 1st hour after birth is really important for skin to skin, helps bonding, babies temperature regulation & oxytocin release which will help you with third stage and milk coming in. I was told they would
Still aim for this in c section - and baby feeding/latching on is part of the parcel. The hospital I’m under have about an 85% success rate in supporting mums to breastfeed so could also be considered pro BF, although I consider that a bonus!

BertieBotts · 07/08/2021 22:03

You don't have to agree to anything you don't want to do. It's not essential to have the baby latch on immediately to have a successful breastfeeding experience.

However, if you want to, it can work and some studies show that if you do skin to skin and let the baby latch if they want to within the first hour of life it tends to increase the chances BF will be successful. It definitely can work like this. My first child didn't latch on during that hour. I sort of made a vague attempt to try but didn't really know what I was doing. I don't think I actually fed him for about 6 hours after he was born! We had that "golden hour" which he didn't BF during and then they wrapped him in clothes and a blanket to transfer us to the ward, he immediately fell asleep and so did I. I woke up 4 hours later in a total panic going help, wasn't I supposed to feed him?! But the midwives were really chilled about it and didn't think it was a problem. I also never used formula for him at all so it clearly didn't cause any problems.

With DS2 I had skin to skin for about twenty minutes, during which neither he or I made any attempt to latch and then they were concerned about his colour so they decided to check his oxygen again while he was on me and they weren't happy with it so they had to take him off to get some oxygen. Then when I heard he would be transferred, I asked if I could try to breastfeed before he went off in the ambulance and they said yes. So I sort of did what I vaguely remembered from DS1 and it worked, he did latch on and have a little bit of a feed. I think I was kind of hoping that would be enough to sustain him until I got over there but it took much longer for that to happen than I was expecting.

I have seen videos of newborns latching by themselves during the golden hour which is absolutely incredible to watch.

If you don't want skin to skin immediately after a section, just let them know.

If you do want skin to skin but feel alarmed at the prospect of anyone trying to "get" baby to latch (this would alarm me a bit actually!) then let them know you want skin to skin but no specific assistance with breastfeeding/latching at this time. Or just ask them to be hands off. They can support you verbally if it's something you'd like. I expect that it sounds more pressured than it really is though - probably just really badly worded! I think "We will try to get the baby to latch immediately" sounds quite alarming as though they will be all in there trying to make it happen ASAP which is neither breastfeeding nor baby friendly to be honest and would probably get in the way of you just looking at and meeting this tiny new person. So I expect that what they really mean is that you'll be offered skin to skin routinely, and in a position that allows the baby chance to latch if they want to (ie not with the baby's face right up to your face), which they may or may not. But either way - no harm in asking them to be hands off if you're concerned it might be a bit more "enthusiastic" than this.

Obsessed with BF can mean they have really good BF support or conversely it can mean that they are all talk and no trousers, which can be a really frustrating experience, but you won't know until you get there. Just don't be afraid to ask for support if you want/need it :)

biscuitcat · 07/08/2021 22:13

It turns out that my back ache from this morning could well be labour! Have been having uncomfortable but not quite painful contractions on and off for about 12 hours now, still only every 10 minutes or so, but hopefully promising. Midwife says to ignore for now, take paracetamol as needed and go to bed so I think it may still be a few days.

The timing isn't really very convenient actually! My sister is moving to Australia on Wednesday, and we're doing family things tomorrow and Tuesday evening which I now don't know whether I'll make, but there we are... baby being awkward before they're even born 😂 though I'd best not speak too soon, everything could still quiet down and stop I imagine?

Does anyone know, the feeling so far has been mostly in my back - does that suggest that baby is back to back? My period pains are usually in my back too, I don't know if that impacts it?

Ava50x · 07/08/2021 22:16

@Ready2020 @Magik01 @Mummywantsaweewee huge congratulations on all the new arrivals! Hope you're all doing well and enjoying newborn snuggles. I'm getting really jealous!

@PurplePansy05 wonderful news! Thrilled that you and Leo are home!

sarah13xx · 07/08/2021 22:28

@biscuitcat maybe baby is trying to come and meet your sister before she goes 😌

Aaaaa1519 · 07/08/2021 22:32

@biscuitcat with dd1 my pain was in the back initially coming in waves, after my waters broke I started getting stomach pains too.

Ava50x · 07/08/2021 22:32

@biscuitcat ooh, hope things start picking up soon! Try not to worry about back to back business, babies move a lot in labour. Good luck, hope your baby comes real quick!

@BertieBotts interesting about the bras, mine are in regular sizes, I took my normal size but its tiny... (Not L/XL but 36c, etc) but you say they always run tiny so will have to go back!

Aaaaa1519 · 07/08/2021 22:36

So I’ve somehow managed to crack my tooth eating ice cream and the pain is getting really bad. Anyone had any experience with the dentist at past 39 weeks. I can’t see them taking the risk but this is agony

PurplePansy05 · 07/08/2021 22:47

@biscuitcat Fingers crossed for you, lovely! Best of luck, rest up now and really don't worry about sticking to any plans! xx

Skin to skin is super important, BF, EBF or not. Totally agree with @HopefulB, please don't avoid this after the birth. Latching is different, I wouldn't want it forced upon me and I agree it might not succeed especially after the C-section when you're lying in an awkward position on an operating table and adrenaline rush and overall commotion is still high. But do get skin to skin, it's so beneficial for many reasons.

So we're home 😊🥰 DS is asleep. I had a lush dinner. Washed my hair! He's a very content little boy. My bleeding is subsiding and I was advised I can take off the dressing tomorrow which is great. We had lots of cuddles. DH is hands on and trying his best and our pets are very curious and caring so far, the dog won't leave Leo's crib side. I feel tired but overjoyed and in a newborn bliss. My breasts have doubled in size and weight so hoping my milk is coming on. Please wish me luck with BF tomorrow 😊🤞 Oh and we've had lots of lovely gifts and messages from friends, so so nice.

What a day. What a life ahead 💙 xx

sarah13xx · 08/08/2021 05:41

Still over 24 hours to go yet I’ve been up since 4, couldn’t get back to sleep. Eventually gave up at half 5 and got up for breakfast. My last morning without a baby and I’m not having a long lie 🤷🏼‍♀️

sarah13xx · 08/08/2021 06:43

People who have had their sections.. did you wear deodorant on the morning? Just saw online that you shouldn’t wear deodorant or any hair products. They had said about no creams etc anywhere near it but really no deodorant?! They didn’t mention it at my pre-op appointment

WinterBabyof89 · 08/08/2021 07:03

@biscuitcat hopefully it is the start of something! How you feeling?
My sister moved to NZ a few years back now.. a big move for your sister and family, and BFF with an imminent baby arrival too!

@sarah13xx I put some on as force of habit and I survived ☺️ So close now! Not surprised you can’t sleep.

Re: latching/skin to skin.. they put baby on me but no attempts to latch etc were encouraged until I was in recovery. A midwife assisted as the position is tricky lay down (when new to BF). She got some colostrum out to tempt baby and put her on for me.

WinterBabyof89 · 08/08/2021 07:09

@BertieBotts the bedtime routine issue sounds difficult to manage and sometimes emotions can get the better of us. I often find it frustrating that my OH doesn’t see things how I do I.e. the bedtime routine, or needs constantly reminding of processes.

I suppose that now it’s out in the open you’ll have the chance to speak about it with less emotion and agree on a plan for when this new baby arrives.

PurplePansy05 · 08/08/2021 07:27

@sarah13xx There was no mention of it at all at my pre op or in the leaflets re c-section. I wore my usual Sure roll on and spray deodorant after I showered first thing in the morning. I have avoided perfume since the morning of my section though because it's not great for skin to skin and cuddling newborns. xx

PurplePansy05 · 08/08/2021 07:36

Oh and those of you with C-sections later this month, I've learned now that I really shouldn't have bothered with shaving down there at all 🙈 You're not supposed to within 7 days before the surgery anyway, me being me I did it 8 days before thinking I wanted to feel fresh and tidy...well, bad idea! Ingrowing hair underneath and around the dressing is NOT fun! Just leave your vagina in peace would be my advice and shave later. I will be shaving gently later today, avoiding the scar obvs, cannot wait, but I shouldn't have bothered beforehand. Took my dressing off and the scar is barely visible! Long, but very thin and it's hidden underneath the chubby part of my tummy that has always been a little bit chubby even when I was slim, so I'm very happy 😊 xx

Daffodil21 · 08/08/2021 08:04

@PurplePansy05 lovely update 🥰

Another CS question (sorry!). How soon afterwards were you allowed to shower/wash hair?

@sarah13xx I am starting to freak the F out too!!!!!!

OP posts:
PurplePansy05 · 08/08/2021 08:33

@Daffodil21 The day after. I showered 1-2 times a day, but since I have long, thick hair I didn't bother with washing it in hospital, too much faff with drying later etc. I washed it the morning of the section and then again at home, just put it up as it's usually warm on the postnatal ward. xx

Daffodil21 · 08/08/2021 08:46

@PurplePansy05 perfect - thank you!

OP posts:
MrsB2019x · 08/08/2021 09:19

FINALLY got the call to go in! I am so stinkin excited 😁

Positive induction stories would be very welcome if any of you lovely ladies have one? 😘