Due Jan 2008 - Jingle Belles and Boys are on their way

[susiemj]

Hello!

Wouldn't give up hope then suppose you will have to see what they say next week then but would be worth checking out homebirth site. Either way they can't make you go into hospital they would have to get the bag to you

My problem is I want to get a birth pool and if I leave it till the 38 week check up I won't get one (except for a stupid price) but if I get one and they won't let me have HB its a waste of money.

I just don't feel like I've got enough knowledge and strength to argue the fact that I want a HB "like it or lump it"

Can you afford a doula? Somebody to fight your corner for you, whether you end up at home or in hospital. Just a thought.

Yes I'm in hospital. Slowly going nuts. Starting to wish I'd start bleeding so I can have the baby and get out of here sooner!

When are you due FF? Can you ask for an induction?

Can't afford a doula - it was one of the first things I looked into once I got preg as I wanted someone who would stick up for me in hospital but way too expensive.

Luckystar I had a home birth with ds4 and there was no mention of a kit that had to be given to me before hand in fact my mw bought all the stuff about 1am when she first come to examine me. Definately no mention that they couldnt give me anything. Assuming by this they mean pain relief? I mean I was asking for G&A but by this time baby was crowning so there wasnt very much point but Im sure they would be able to give you pethadine. I know different rules for different parts of Engladn but this sounds obserd to me
The only things I was told to provide were:
Obviously lots of towels and some sort of waterproofing
A light source in case stitches needed doing. Extra heat source in case baby was cold.
A table for mw could put all her bits also somewhere to examine baby. I had a changing station which I wheeled into the front room and she did baby on there.
And ofcourse tea and biscuits and snacks

Poor you Fruitful
Lucky what a nightmare however it is your choice so i would go ahead with birth pool tbh you can always sell it. I would also inform midwife you are still pushing for a homebirth and that you would like them to deliver the bag. How far will you be next week at scan ?
I would also start a new thread with this on loads of experienced home birth mums and midwives on here!

I've got the new thread started!
Am 36 weeks today!! so at scan will be 36+6 and next MW will be 38! so I want them to say they are going to deliver the bag for my 38th week but they are saying that they'll "discuss the options" at 38 weeks and then arrange to have the bag sent (which will apparently take 2-3 days)

link us would be interested to see
As Gingeme saysd if you having it at home bag or no bag they will have to bring stuff with them!

Lucky I'm not due till 29th Jan! Having a cs on 20th Dec though.

Oh!! Sorry FF, Didn't realise you were so early. Poor you. I think i'd be going nuts by now having to be kept in hospital for this long!! - Your a trouper!!

Well Sod it!! I've bit the bullet and bought a birth pool!! It says we can get full refund if the pool is unopened and unused. So I've bought the pool and we're not going to open it till the 38 week checkup when they say "all ok" WHICH THEY WILL IF THEY KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR THEM.

What is the average weight? Are growth scans accurate or not?

Never had one but tbh i don't think you need to i was big with my first pg and was told he was going to be big he was 6 12 so don't have much faith in them tbh. Am that the midwife would say that would mean you can't have hb though! I get the feeling she was trying to talk you out of it because it's your first but did you see this good enough re4ason.
I would be strong with them and persistant that it is your decision and you would like a hb and if any problems arise you can transfer to hospital if needs be!

Hi guys....gosh, it's been busy in here today

Awen and Fruitful - lovely to see you both ...good to know you're still kicking around

Loving the xmas names, but brain has gone to mush so am unable to come up with anything remotely amusing (and am far too intimidated by the amusing-ness of Awen's name now as well!!! ) Will put my thinking cap on tomorrow in the office...

Lucky - sorry the MW wasn't as positive about the hb as you'd have liked, but if that's what you want, don't give up now! Especially since your hospital doesn't sound like a particularly user-friendly environment!

We've got the same monitor as Fruitful and am very at her description of the 2 way talk facility...it's soooooo true!!! As I said before, it was great for using when ds had his naps during the day even when he was in our room at night, right from the beginning. Although sometimes I could have done with not being able to hear the cries ....

DS was in with us for the first 4 weeks before DH booted him out (nursery is right next to our room, doors were both open) - and we all slept an awful lot better straight away. Before that he was in a crib right by my bed, which was fine for access but meant that the following would happen:

1. We'd all be asleep
2. DS would make a noise
3. I'd sit bolt upright in bed, heart pounding, adrenalin coursing
4. I would put night light on in order to check DS
5. Night light and disturbance would wake DS
6. DS and general kerfuffle would wake DH
7. It would take all of us 15 mins to go back to sleep
8. Repeat approx 1 hour later, all night long....

First night was difficult (for me, DS didn't seem to notice), but DH promised he could move back if I found it too much. Once I realised I could still hear his hiccups from the nursery I relaxed a bit. And he was only feeding about once a night by then anyway, so it wasn't as bad as I feared to get out of bed and go in. And I got back to sleep an awful lot faster afterwards....

This time I've told DH that the LO will be in with us for up to 6 weeks, as I'd prefer not to wake DS. Truth is, DS sleeps like a log, so probably it will be a 4/5 week jobby again...but all babies are different so I think we need to meet this one and play it by ear a bit

Very impressed at those who have lo's in for 6 months or more...I think I might be too selfish but I feel like I need my bedroom to be mine and DH's, IFYSWIM

Crikey, this was meant to be a quick 'hello', not another massive end-of-working-day witter....sorry all

Hope most of you are coping ok...I'm now in permanent 'grumble-mode' about my back pain, lack of sleep, hugely swollen fat-girl legs etc, but otherwise fine!

Hugs all round xxxx

evening all!

Lucky, sorry you had a rubbish appointment. Don't give up yet! Could you take somebody with you to your next appointment? Somebody who has had a home birth (or even just a second time mum) and will give you some back up would be great but anyone who will give some extra support if they try and talk you out of it would do! I think sometimes it's easy to be overwhelmed by midwives when its your first baby but ultimately it is YOUR baby and YOUR decision. I'm sure you will get the birth you want and will keep everything crossed for next appoinment!

Amani, I have been chucking stuff out today too. Bought 2 big boxes of wooden hangers and rehung all mine and DH's clothes up on them. Binned loads of stuff and chucked all the old hangers, wardrobe looks like something in a hotel now! Also sorted through all DD's toys and got a big bag for charity shop then cleared out laundry room. Nesting is weird isn't it?!

Naetha - had stretchmarks from bottom of tummy to just below belly button last time and my body has very kindly given me a new set from belly button level going down to meet the old set this time. just decided not to look anymore and pretend its not happening, working well as a strategy so far!

Awen, sorry to hear you're still getting the contractions without any sign of samuel! On the xmas presents for baby front i have told DH he has to go to mothercare as soon as the baby arrives and buy him a santa suit to wear on xmas day 9saw them in there last week and they are just sooo cute) Other than that I reckon a cuddle and a feed should do him!

Re the baby in room thing I think we must have the record for shortest time! DD was in with us for 2 nights and neither of us got any sleep so we came up with a new plan, I went to bed in DD's room at 9 or 10 after feeding her (had a double bed in her room) and she stayed downstairs with DH in moses basket. He fed her at about 12/1am (i mixed fed as have had breast reduction and couldn't solely breastfeed) then brought her up and popped moses basket into cot without waking me up. He then went to bed in our room. DD then woke at about 4am and I fed again then she slept til about 7 or 8. Meant I had one long stretch of sleep (6 or 7 hours) then another 2 hours or so after 4am feed. DH slept from about 1 til 8 or 9 so neither of us had much broken sleep and were never that tired. Did it for 3 months I think and will do the same this time although i will be in our room and DH in spare room as nursery too small for a bed for me too! Love sleeping in bed with DH but was so worth it not to be tired and 3 months is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Other things I know have been discussed but now can't remember who said them so in no particular order...

Monitors - we have an Angelcare but never used the sensor mat as made me a nervous wreck. the monitor was great though and will use again this time

What to wear in labour - wore a giant nightie last time and it was so unscathed by delivery that will wear same on this time. Was planning to wear hospital nightie til I realised it was one of the ones that is open at the back so your bum hangs out when you shuffle to the loo!

Had growth scan today (am 36+5 now) and fluid still high but not worryingly so. Babies estimated weight is now 7lb1oz which is normal range. Have consultant appoinment on Friday and am softening to idea of induction so might go for a sweep on Monday 17th Dec and if no joy with that go in for induction later that week. Would mean being out of hospital by Xmas so I can be with DD. Feel so sad at the thought of not being there on xmas morning with her and as EDD is 28th it's fairly likely I will be in hospital if don't agree to earlier induction.

Big wave to everybody else, hope your all well and currently lying on your left hand sides on the sofa or boucing on your birthing balls in front of telly to get those little heads in the right position! x

Hi girlies!
Still haven't come up with a good festive name, i'm in awe of how creative everyone is! I'll have to put my mind to it!
Just wanted to pop in and say hi, had a really busy day at dentists, hopital outpatients and finally midwife....! I'm shattered!! I'm fine, everything ok but baby is breech just now, (i'm 32 weeks) so hoping it'll do a wee somersault before next appointment in a fortnight. Anyone know any good ways of encouraging acrobatics? Don't fancy standing on my head!!!
Awen, Fruity, glad you're both ok, keep checking in to let us know how you are!
Lucky, sorry you didn't get quite the response you wanted, but congrats on buying the birth pool, you strike me as a pretty strong sounding lady, so i hope you get your way!!
Lol to Fluffy re description of baby in bedroom..... can SO remember that hourly wake up!!!! Dd lasted 6 weeks, then to her own room. I felt really guilty as had intended to do 6 months but had no sleep for those 6 weeks and was like a walking zombie! I remember saying to my GP at my 6 week post natal check that i had just put dd i her own room and felt like a bad mummy, she laughed like a drain and said her baby had lasted 4 nights in her room..... just shows you!!
Anyway, will need to go now and get some sleep, horrible day at work in prospect tomorrow, office move on Friday, finish a week tomorrow..... AAAARRGGGHHHH!!!! too much to do, too little time!! started christmas shopping today though, so feeling slightly smug for once! take care all, lolo xx

Susie - 36 days isnt long at all. I remember when we started this group it all seemed an age away, suddenly all very close now. Know what you mean about getting all teary/emotional/soppy

Lilyloo - I have no idea either.. ah well. The joys of pregnancy i guess.

Gingeme - you have a xsara too Think it will be fab for when we go on hols too. Ours is dark blue.

Had mothercare delivery tonight! Included moses bedding, humphreys change mat, towel and wash mitt etc. Soooo exciting . I am meant to wash all the bedding first?

Awen ours is red.
I would even just to soften it up a bit and give it a yummy smell
Do you have anything left from ds1 to give ds2 when he finaly arrives? I mean clothes and stuff or are you starting all from scratch?

Lucky, poor girl you have just too much negative stuff recently. Your midwife sounds like a classic, making it sound as if she wants to help but 'the system' is against it. Well, it is your choice and well done for getting a pool.

Fact: growth scans are unreliable, they can be 2lb out!
Fact: You can have gas and air at home
fact: You can have pethidine (or meptid, which they use here) at home if you get a prescription beforehand
fact: Big baby is not a home birth risk. Half of all shoulders getting stuck are small babies. The techniques to loosen stuck shoulders at home are the same as in hospital
fact: First labours are long, the more reason to be at home!!

AyreshireLolo, stay active, watch TV on all fours, sit on dining chair back to front, walk, clean kitchen floor (seems a fashion on this thread anyway). And don't panic, lo has at least 4 weeks left to turn and probably will.

Almost getting annoyed with my lo , he hurts me! When he goes to sleep he pulls himself into a ball with all limbs tucked in forming a rock hard lump at my front (his back is to my front - great position I know but...)making it impossible to sit. But I love him too much to be really cross . Can't wait to see him.

Oh madmouse my little monster does that too. Make my belly go realy rock hard all down the front and boy does it hurt!!

ooooh, I was wondering what on earth LO was doing to produce that rather uncomfortable effect. Couldn't work out where he was! You're right - cute, but ouch!

I'm having a surprisingly busy week and have (possibly foolishly) taken on a bunch more work before Christmas. Half of me is really pleased as it's an interesting project and will be good post-baby pocket money, half of me is thinking I'm an idiot and I need a good couple of weeks just lazing around home and relaxing before the birth. Would be much easier to know the right thing to do if I knew when to expect LO. At this stage I think I'm hoping he's a little late as I've kept January completely clear of work so the later he arrives the more resting time I get. Wonder if I'll feel the same way come January.

Our Christmas tree arrived last night (I got one delivered this year - more internet shopping!) It is perfect and I can't wait to decorate it - although won't get a chance until Friday evening I don't think. It is making the house smell all Christmassy and making me feel all happy I love Christmas trees - they're possibly my favourite thing about Christmas!

I have visions of LO trying to climb up/tear down the tree this time next year... eh, changes ahead!

Well, I'm off for meetings this morning and then a swim on the way home this afternoon, then some more work at home before heading off to NCT classes - I can't believe we've almost finished our NCT classes.... does that mean we're supposed to be prepared!

re: keeping babe in room. I'm hoping to keep LO in our room for at least six months, but have no idea if that's realistic, so will just play it by ear I guess.

Lucky - yay! re: birthpool. Stick to your guns re: homebirth if that's what you want. I know it's scary to contradict 'medical advice' but it seems that lots of people have to do so in order to get their home births, and they generally seem to think it's well worth the initial stress to get the birth they want. (Well, as far as the LO cooperates of course!)

Have a great day everyone

Morning all,

Lucky - hope you get the birth you want.

Lolo - wouldn't worry too much about baby being breech at this stage. MW told me it's a concern only at aroun 36 wks, as LO has less space to move around. Try doing what madmouse suggested, although i read an article in the TIMES newspaper a while back which said it's all a load of rubbish and if the baby wants to turn it will on it's own accord.

Getting a lot of pressure pains around the pelvic bone region and lots of 'goop' (sory if it is TMI! . Had a goo night sleep last night (7 hrs is a good night for me) but still woke up feeling tired and couldn't nod off again.

Ayrshirelolo - crawl around on hands & knees, clean your skirting boards or something. Or kneel forward, leaning onto your birthing ball with your belly hanging down, and rock. Give the baby plenty of room basically. Or kneel on the floor with your bum in the air and your head on your arms on the floor (uncomfortable but you can look sideways at the tv!).

I'm getting loads of BH now whenever I go for a walk - which of course really panics me in case it sets the placenta off. But they tell me if I sit still all day I'll get a thrombosis instead. Pg is the pits, really.

I have a new syndrome. GG. Gestational Grumpiness. Anyone care to join me?

Good morning ladies. I got roughly 7 hours last night too Amani but yes I still feel real tired today. The crappy weather doesnt help either
Dh making a start on the walls now. Filling the holes where we had shelves etc.
Got our first Christmas card through the post this morning from an old friend of mine who tells me she had a baby boy in August called Harry. Ah bless.
Not alot else happening realy. Baby doing lots of squirming about today giving me heartburn.
Right better get back to entertaining ds4 before he decides to 'help' Daddy with the Polyfilla
Have a good day ladies

lucky - your mw sounds realy unreasonable. What a queston to ask about coping with pain. You dont actually know how you will cope till you are there. Madchristmasmouses points are fab imo. Good for you in getting the birthing pool ordered. Makes sense.

Madmouse - your description of LO sounds sooo cute tho. Mine keeps getting hiccups. He has them for ages.

Gingeme - I agree, I want to get some nice fleecy blankets for it. Also looking forward to having the baby sunshades and toys etc cluttering it up. I kept most of ds1's baby clothes (actually kept clothes for most stages, still putting them to one side). Have only bought one new outfit and snowsuit. Cute cream snowsuit with teddy on and bear ears from asda using the £5 bounty voucher

toomanyshoes - lol at your stretchmark startegy. Hadnt thought of the bum thing with hosp nighties. Actually didnt think about it when in just wandered about flashing my bum

fluffymummy i recycled my xmas name from last year. lol at your description of baby in your room and use of the word kerfuffle. With ds1 he was in for so long as well as I only had a 1 bed house at the time. This time I am hoping to go for the long haul but am of the wait and see mind. When do you finish work?

Fruitful - sorry I hadnt realsied you were back in hospital, feel very at all my moaning. I understand what you mean about wanting to have the baby and just get home. I admire how well you have coped. I am a crap patient and after 1 night climbed the walls, stressed at consultant and demanded to go home . They do say nurses are the worst patients. Only 14 days to go though until your LO arrives. How exciting Can i join you with GG please.

Ayreshire - Well done for getting the shopping started I guess you will be doing lots of the procking on all fours, lying on left encouraging LO to go australian. Plenty of time tho.

Amani - ouch re pelvic pain, is the LO engaged now? I have had it for a few weeks. Was that a goo sleep or a good sleep . Re gloopy - do you mean just more discharge? If it is pink etc.. could be show.

Had some sleep last night. Yay Woke at 12.30am again with regular pains... seems to be his time of night. The regularity seems to have settled more so I reckon he is going to hang on for a bit longer... will see tho. I dont want to focus too much on when he will be arriving (hard not to tho) as otherwise will get too impatient.

gingemebells - poor you with heartburn. I have been licky in mostly avoiding it, esp now he has dropped. . lol at thought of ds4 using the polyfilla