Feb Babies - Come on Down!

[tyaca]

'ere we go, guys!

Blanket sounds gorgeous! Am off to hosp now - with a list of questions and a positive attitude!

Congratulations Saskia, Lucy and Morningglory!!!

Good luck at QC Omy. I found the long waits a real PITA too and this carried on up to and including being discharged (it took ALL DAY) and in the end I had to hassle the staff. Turned out all my drugs were waiting in a bag but no-one thought to actually hand them to me so I could go home... in the meantime I could hear them saying that they didn't have enough beds!! That said, I thought the care I got there was v good, but the waiting times did get me down.

Hope Ruva is ok - has anyone heard from her?

Egg - I really feel for you with ds1 - how is he today? It's hard enough with one, but it sounds like you did exactly the right thing. I will be coming to you for advice when the novelty wears off for ds1 in a few weeks!!

Ds1 has noted that I am wearing nappies (sanitary towels) and tea bags (breast pads).

Lol beansprout - nappies & teabags! Aren't kids just priceless?

Huge congratulations to all those who have popped since I last posted - Saskia, morningglory, Lucy (and what a lovely positive bunch of stories ). Well done all of you!

Egg- you really are performing miracles just making it through each day. I don't suppose that it will have been the last time that DS tries to seek attention by aiming his frustrations at the babies. It sounds as though you dealt with it really well. Is DH supportive (wthout being able to be there)? I can't remember if your doula is still visiting at the moment or not?

PK - you have the patience of a saint! I'm really glad you told DP the full story about MIL's crazy behaviour. It would be awful to let her come between you. Blanket thingy sounds woderful. I had every intention of making a lightweight, baby-friendly quilt for DS, using thin fleece backing and coloured cotton squares on the topside, but never managed it . Haven't even had time to think about anything so creative this time round.

omy - eagerly awaiting the oucome of your survey!

Well I am loving living in a workman-free zone (still thinking of you princess - btw can't you wash the moses basket covers in a washing machine? A good hoover should be fine for the basket itself). DH is FAR more relaxed than he's been in months, and we finally feel ready for this baby to arrive.

ROFL with the tea bags and nappies story beansprout!

Egg - I really wish I could be useful holding a baby (or 2) for you to give you a break and time to lavish on DS1. I don't know how you cope! I am just a waste of space at the moment waiting for something that now seems like it will not happen naturally.

I just got back from very upsetting appt at QC - not due to mean MW at all but due to doctor telling me I should be INDUCED asap for the health of the baby!!!! Was a bit of a shock really as I have has 2 natural deliveries and was blithely expecting to do it again. Turns out that being the ripe old age of 40 and having 10 years since the last delivery is all against me.

Doctor reckons that 25% of babies that go over 40 weeks inhale or swallow meconium - ugh! and 5% have problems resulting from that. Also placenta stops nourishing and oxygenating baby so well after 40 weeks. i have heard induction pressure stories before but I never thought it would happen to me! I now wish I had jumped up and down on sunday night instead of going to bed when I had period pain type contractions for about 3 hours. Maybe my old body hasn't got enough of the hormones to start labour off .

Funny story is that when I told DH he was going to have to have sex with me (as it is supposed to help start labour) he blushed!!! Apparently he doesn't find preggie women at all attractive (don't blame him!) - poor thing is really going to have a hard (?) time with this!!! I said it is a small price to pay to avoid all the horrid intervention I might have to undergo - (including a 25% chance of cesarian due to failed induction) - he still blushed!!!

So please send hormones and birth vibes - I have to get this baby out before Tuesday 8am!!!

omy and PK: with first pregnancy, I took up needlepoint during pregnancy. Never got to finish it, and developed large callouses om mr right thumb and index finger!

omy: I sympathize with you about QCH. I never had a wait less than an hour and a half for each appointment. I found care (or lack of!) appalling. I think they mean well, just are soooo overstreatched. Once by birth got rolling, the care was great. The postnatal care was also not bad, which I was surprised by.

Alexander is really worrying me. He is so tiny, and yet he slept from midnight until 6am today (and I woke him up at 6!). I would have woken him at 2-3am, but I was too tired and didn't set my alarm. He has yet to cry for a feed...or maybe I'm just paranoid and feed him before he gets the signal to be hungry. I'm going to wait for the visit from the HV and see what she says (not that I really think highly of most HV knowledge!).

For those who have a bit to go, my sympathies...time will pass, and try and just stock up on rest.

Egg: sorry to hear about the jealousy thing between DS1 and DS2. I'm really on the lookout for this between my DSs. I'm trying not to disturb DS1's schedule, but it really can't be helped. Maybe make him a part of DS2s life (giving him some responsibility, so he feels he is actually a part of DS2's life, instead of DS2 just getting in the way of being with you?). I'm going to try to go that route, and see what happens.

Morninglory - try not to worry about little Alexander (Impossible I know!) My first baby never cried - maybe it was because I stuck a boob in her mouth every time she woke up!

BTW doctor said head in 2/5ths engaged and cervix is 5 out of 10 ready - but sweep was not possible due to cervix being closed and pointing backwards! (at least he did try! - more than by DH is willing to do!!!!)

Afternoon ladies,
My mommy has just gone. She's spent all mornig sewiing buttons on the cool things she's knitted for the baby. Lots of vivid colours, now there's a woman who knows what I like!
I love my mom!

Bean - nappies and tea bags... brilliant!

omy - they don't like to break things to you gently do they! You could always try the castor oil route. You're guarenteed to get the runs but apparently that's usually over and done with before the labour starts!

morning - I have permanent callouses on my right thumb and index finger, I'm an embroidress! If anyone here would know if you should be worried about Alexander it would be the fountain of knowledge that is Slacker

Hey all-

Hope everyone is ok-

My cold is easing off slightly, but cough has started and DS has been coughing and sneezing since he went to bed last night!!!- must go out to get MEDISED!!!lol

Omy- i have had to see consultant today also as i am now 40+3- it was traumatic!!!! Glad its not just my docs who are PITA's

Thankfully DH had time off to come with me- We had appt at 9-20- got called in just before 10- consultant- is a retired locum and a compete DICK!!! really do not like him each time i have seen him he has been rude, pushy and obnoxoius!!!

Any way My bp was 120/90 which is normal for me (at booking it was 120/80)it has been higher- no other problems at all so no great concern- anywway he wrote in big letters in my notes- BP high-

Asked me to get on bed, placed one hand on tummy and told me my baby is breech- (WTF 2 days ago it wasn't) demanded i have a scan to confirm but there is no need as he knows!!!

DH is oblivious to the concern-

Off he went to arrange a scanner- when he got back i was understandably upset as i have wanted a home birth from day 1 and although i have been persuaded to have hospital birth as i cannot be arsed to fight and argue an more!!!i really felt like this was just something else to prevent the birth i want!! had to explain prob to DH who just looked balnk and said surely you would have felt her sumersault!!!

Consultant told me to stop being silly and that crying about it would not change anything- they will have me in and zipped open at the first oportunity-its best for the baby!!!! (those were his exact words)

DH told him he was not to raise his voice to me- its no surprize i am upset- this was the last thing we wanted to hear!!!!

Off we go to scan- Baby is head down and engaged- Phew what a relief- We go back in to see consultant to finish my appt- where he informed me i am to be there tomorrow am to be induced as my BP is high- I asked why it was necesarry and he said my baby is at risk and needs to be born asap- i told him not happy about it as i would rather wait and see what happens for at least another week my BP is not high i have no other sysptoms of pre- eclampsia -or any other conditions he told me i have no choice- was sat filling out inpatient blood forms- The MW who was present questioned him and he replyed- i am the doc!!! Told me to go have blood tests and will see me tomorrow.

Anyway she asked us to wait whist she arranged a few things- a few mins later she called us into a room- and asked if we are happy with the outcome of todays appt- i just burst into tears, she informed me she did not agree with DR pushing for induction- its my choice- she feels he was being a bully and i am to decide what happens- re being induced, medically there is no reason for it as yet, baby is happy, i am well, so it was up to me-my bp is not high its average!

Told her we wanted to wait and see what happens for another week-which she totally agreed with.

She went off to speak to head consultant, and came back with her apologies at how we were treated, and agreed with the MW that induction tomo was not necesarry, unless blood test show otherwise which i most unlikely!

CMW will come to house in 5 days to do sweep, the again 2 days later then we will discuss induction if necesarry- She seems confident that i will labour naturally as all was spontaneous last time!!!!

OMG- what a morning- All the time we were there DS was an angel- asked why mummy was sad, but other than that was unaware of the situation!!!

i cannot believe this tosser wanted to intervene at 3 days over EDD without me even agreeing- or being happy about it- i know its my decision but he made us feel like we had no coice about any of it!!!

i am sorry for the long post but wanted to keep you all in the picture, and make you aware that some docs will force an issue unneccesarily!! I think had the mw not discussed it the DH and i would have gone in tomorrow without even thinking about it!!!!

You lot must think all i do is moan- honest i dont!!!!!

Sorry
xxxxx

AHHHH ok I know, today is only JUST my due date but I'm tired of waiting! I've got my midwife appointment tomorrow and am wondering if she'll book me in to see a doctor if I go over or what. DH is desperate for me to start having contractions. I feel sick, weepy (very) and have the killer headache from hell. I just want this all to be over, and probably like the rest of you can't wait!

OMG- i f any of you got bored reading my huge post- am soooooo sorry!!!!!!!

PK- glad your mum knows what you like- !!!!

Well ladies- have just had a tablespoon of castor oil in some orange juice- this baby will be born without drs interfereing if its the last thing i do!!!!!

Sorry if this has offended anyone i know some people do not agree with castor oil- but i am sat here sobbing at my own damn post!!!

Aw Sarah, what a horrible experience! My doc sucks too but nothing like that . I don't know how you and DH stayed so calm. Sending good vibes to you and baby!

cross posts with you again Sarah! Not sure what would be wrong with castor oil, but if it makes you feel better, take it.

thanks sherida!!!!!

thaks for taking the time to read my mamout post also!!!!!!

DH stayed calm- i was just crying- i could feel all the women in waiting room staring at me!!!! who knows what they must have been thinking

YW ;) I actually feel a bit guilty whinging about wanting to have baby NOW when I'm only due today, and fully aware that only 5% are born on the due date, when you're having such a tough time. I will stop whining now and go and have some chocolate. Let me know if the castor oil works...

OMG Sarahmikeandharry!!! What a horrible experience. Thank god there was a midwife there who had some sense. Good for you for standing up for yourselves.

I have calmed down since my appt and decided they can go stuff their induction. I will ring them on monday if no action by then to delay it. I reckon they have got my due date wrong anyway as I have long cycles and there is no way I ovulated immediately after stopping my period. What psses me off is that it all makes you question your own body and your intuition about how well you and the baby are. When this is the time you MOST need to listen to yourself and trust in your body.

Keep strong! You too Sherida (yum chocolate......)

oh Sherida, please dont feel guilty!!! i ahve been moaning since 37 weeks (as this was when DS arrived- unaided- totally spontaneous) So feel free top be fed up, and eat plenty of chocolate!!!

Good for you Omy- you know your body better than any doctor, so i think probaby best to wait it out like i want to do- although its hard work and very wearing now !!! still it wonjt be too much longer now !!!!!

i have also calmed down alot, at least stopped crying!!lol

Have just blitzed the kitchen and it looks fab!!!!!and smells of bleach!!! i feel better for burning of my anger too!!!!

awww sarah, dont apologise for ranting. if you cant rant here, where can you let off steam. the doc's behaviour was awful - i would stilll be in floods myself. it made me smile that he said not to bother with scan re the breach - hehehe! i guess the only good thing re situation is that at least the midwife and head consultnat seem to have the heads screwed on, the doc you saw clearly has a bit of a rep and his bahviour and comments like "unzipping" will not go unnoticed. xc

I'm gonna ask a stupid question - obviously it's best for baby to be born when it's ready, but what about an induction is so bad? I've had a quick look at what it is but it seems ok to me? But then, this is my first baby and I know nothing!

Sidenote - thank you for your blessing to eat chocolate...mmmm mars bars! Although thinking of getting some aero thanks to the lovely bloke on tele that advertises it.

Sarah - What a mahoosive penis that man is! He obviously hails from the days when people, Midwives and patients alike, feared the consultants and bowed down to all that they said. From the mouth of the head of midwifrey at my hospital
"It is YOUR Body. It is YOUR Baby. It will be YOUR birth. YOU are the ONLY one who can say what happens to you with regards to YOUR pregnancy and YOUR birthing experience. The midwives and consultants can ONLY advise you of what they think is best. YOU have ultimate control"
Stay strong lass. I hope the castor oil works for you. Give it 2 hours and if you don't have the runs by then have another dose. (Castor oil puts you into labour by giving you the runs so it's something you have to endure unfortunately!) Make sure you drink plenty of clear fluids so you don't get dehydrated.
Wishing you lots of luck and sending the strongest labouring vibes I can muster.

Sherida - I've still got 2 days til D-day and I must admit I'm weepy as hell. Damn those hormones!

morningglory just want to say my two slept a LOT the first few nights (unlike DS1) and as with you I was so tired I wasn't about to set an alarm to wake them. They are making up for it now though although both managed 5hr plus stretches last night .

Not read everything else and DS2 crying for food so back later >

Thanks everyone!!!

PK- you are so bloody right- bllx to the docs- i am in control!!!lol

Thanks for the advise re castor oil- didn';t really know how nuch to take- i have researched it on the net and it is much as you say!!!

Sherida-

Not stupid question at all- everyone i know who has been induced has a horror story- you stand more chance of medical intervention- eg- forcepts, ventouse, C-section, and also if bosy is not ready then it stands a good chance inmduction wont work anyway.

i understand that each woman is different and each induction is different, some women have alweays been induced as their bodies don't go into natural labour but as i did last time i really would rather not be induced.

My reasons for not being induced are-

1. i wanted a home birth as my first labour was fantastic so being induced would mean no HB- however due to bp this has been rearranged to a hospital birth- (with as quick an exit as possible)

2. i understand it that if a woman is induced, then she and baby are constantly monitored and i dont like the idea of being confined to a bed in a small room- would rather have active labour

3)dont like the idea of having to be in the hospital any longer than necessary- i want to stay at home till i have to go in to deliver- i really dont like the hospital can you tell

those are my main reasons but i am sure other people may have some different ones,

Hi sherida - I have heard some good induction stories so it is fine for some but the reason I want to avoid it is this...
If you have an induction you have to be in the normal ward rather than the natural birth centre. You are strapped to monitors and drips and on a bed rather than walking/leaning as I like to do in labour. 25% of inductions fail which means they then HAVE to do a cesar - sometimes the induction process puts the baby into distress so they have to do an emergency cesar. The main thing for me is that you are no longer in control of your own labour - the doctors are.

PK I love what your head midwife said I will keep it as my mantra!