Due July 08 - Food, food and more food!

[sweetkitty]

Here we go ladies shiny new thread, may it grow like our bellies

1 -26JUN TJUICE (FIRST BABY)
2 -01JUL LIBRALADY (DS 3.8) POOLE
3 -01JUL MISSCHIKA (FIRST BABY)CAMBERWELL
4 -02JUL BABY3 (DD8 DS5.5)
5 -02JUL UNFITMUMMY (DD 2.7)
6 -02JUL BEEP BEEP (DD 1.1)
7 -03JUL ISAIDNO (2DS 4 & 2) Redditch, Worcs
8 -03JUL MRSCLAIRET (FIRST BABY)
9 -05JUL MRSMADMAND (DD 1.3)
10 -05JUL PONTO (2DD 4.6 & 2)
11 -06JUL PENGUINMUM (DD 2.7)
12 -06JUL NANNYJO (3rd baby)
13 -07JUL CHOCCIE (FIRST BABY)
14 -07JUL HATRICK (3DD 4, 2.8 and 15 months)
15 -07JUL MINKUS (DS 3) Ross-on-Wye
16 -07JUL CHOCOLATEDAYS (FIRST BABY)
17 -07JUL CARRIEHD9 (FIRST BABY) Kirklees
18 -08JUL PAULAPLUMPBOTTOM (DD 4)
19 -08JUl JOCESAR (1st baby)
20 -09JUL THE PUDDINGCHEF (DS 1.6)
21 -10JUL MINNIE1 (2DD 1.10 & 11MTHS)
22 -10JUL SWEETKITTY (2DDs 3.6 & 2) NR GLASGOW
23 -12JUL MCCHESERS (FIRST BABY)
24 -12JUL PIGLEYCHEZ(FIRST BABY)WEST SUSSEX
25 -13JUL MUMMYWANNABE (FIRST BABY)
26 -13JUL PEGGYP (DD 9MTHS)
27 -13JUL EEC (DS 11 DD 9)
28 -13JUL HPG (FIRST BABY)
29 -13JUL PURPLEJENNYROSE (DD21MTHS)
30 -14JUL GILLYTHEKID (1st baby)
31 -15JUL JODIE (DS 16MTHS) LICHFIELD
32 -15JUL BORGLADY (FIRST BABY)
33 -16JUL POLEDRA (2DD 4&2)
34 -16JUL UMLELLALA (2nd baby)
35 -17JUL SANDCASTLES (DD 4)
36 -17JUL PTIYPASI (DD 11MTHS)
37 -17JUL DISNEYSTAR (7th BABY)
38 -18JUL MYLITTLEELOISE (DC ?)
39 -18JUL LOVELYLOU (DD 2.8)
40 -18JUL SCOTTISHSUSAN (DS 15, DS13, DS 10,DD 5, DS 2)
41 -18 JUL SHORTSHAFE (DD 15MTHS)
42 -20 JUL RUMPEL (DD 15 months)
43 -21 JUL FROGMARSH (FIRST BABY)
44 -21JUL MIN912 (DS 1)
45 -21JUL MrsHOP (1st baby)
46 -22JUL CASS66 (DD 5 & 3)
47 -24JUL TWINKLE (DS 8& 2 DD 6) TWINS
48 -24JUL SHROOMS (DS8 DD 6)
49 -25JUL FEB (DS 10 MTHS)
50 -26JUL WALKINGTIMEBOMB (DS 10 MTHS)
51 -26JUL MISSMCGOO (DS5 DD2)
52 -27JUL DIVVY (DD 18, 15, 13, 8MTHS)
53 -28JUL LIKERABBITSBX (2nd baby)
54 -31JUL BREIZETTE (DD 10MTHS)
55 -31JUL LAZYHIPPO (FIRST BABY)ABERD'NSHIRE
56 -TBC JOOS (FIRST BABY)
57 -TBC BEALCAIN (DS1 2.2 DS2 10MTHS)

yes minkus i do that with the pasta sauce

i always use those always nighttime

although normally on a 6 hr discharge i HAD to saty the night last time and haemorraged all over the bed - the nurse gave me an 'always' i was impressed

do i sound odd?

i am barely showing and 22 weeks tomorrow
think i will get the maternity wardrobe out soon as just cant stand the digging in belt muc longer and need some symapthy!

i am gaining weight though!

i am normally a 10/12 and get this - yesterday dp lovingly referred to my legs as ..................

trunks

VALUABLE INFORMATION

1. It is quite common for baby girls to have a mini-period a few days after they are born. shock It is a withdrawal bleed from the exposure to all the hormones in the womb.

(My friend told me this when she had a DD, otherwise I would have been frantic when it happened to my DD) RUMPEL

1. When your milk comes in (about 3 days after birth) they will be enormous, hot and rock hard. This extreme discomfort coincides with a happy hormone drop so don't be surprised if you spend the day sobbing. You'll feel better soon! ISAIDNO

1. Do not buy disposable paper knickers and maternity sanitary pads for after the birth, they are really uncomfortable. Instead buy some really cheap supermarket pants and Always nighttime pads. You can then throw away the cheap pants. sweetkitty

4 There are very few musts in either pregnancy or child rearing. Treat all childcare and pregnancy advice like a pick and mix counter take what works for you and ignore what does not. KAZ

1. The Lochia starts immediately after birth for which you require some form of sanitary pads. You may continue to experience pains similar to period pains for a couple of days after and possible pass a largish clot. This happened to me (the size of a small side plate) and I panicked thinking it was an undeveloped twin. After speaking to my midwife this is quite common (she'd had one the size of a dinner plate - I don't mean to alarm anyone!) but I had absolutely no idea what was happening and felt extremely scared until I'd received clarification. Best to save the evidence and show to MW or HV. Libraladyxx

1. Try and stay in hospital as long as possible, esp. until Milk comes in and your Baby blues start! As once you get home, thats it!!!! Also, try and see as many visitors in the hospital as possible, so you don't have to entertain them yourself at home! Jodie x

1. Do not wear expensive new nightwear or slippers when you are in hospital. The first time you stand up after giving birth, you will 'flood' a bit as the lochia will have pooled while you are lying down. And don't be embarrassed about it - the mws aren't! Poledra

8 Leading on form the last one you often can often flood when breastfeeding/expressing the number of poor Mums in tears I have had to borrow pads for from the wards white trousers are often not a good fashion look when you do

1. Really no point worrying in advance about embarrassing indignities during labour - you honestly will not notice or care what you do or how you behave when the day comes. Also, wear something during labour that you are happy to throw away. You may not feel like wearing it afterwards, even when it's washed.

10. If you get the chance before the baby is born (and your nesting takes full hold) cook loads of beef or quorn mince/onions/tomatoes and freeze it in take away tubs. When your new arrival appears all you've dp has got to do is boil some rice or pasta, defrost mixture and add mixed herbs or chilli beans for a really quick and relatively nutritious meal. You honestly will not want to cook.- Minkus

11. Buy Toni and Guy's dry shampoo from Boots or Batiste's version (much cheaper but not quite as good) from Superdrug. On those days post birth when your hair really needs washing but you are exhausted, and you need to leave the house but are worried that folks will think you've lost it because of the oil slick in your hair- these products are amazing and will make your hair totally presentable.- Minkus

12. I really think you can't cuddle them too much. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to pick your baby up all the time if thats what makes you both happy.- Minkus

13. If you have stithes down below or are even just feeling a bit bruised, get some super strength Arnica, also for at least a fortnight after giving birth have a bath every day with lavender oil in it. It's great for healing and preventing infection plus the lavender is really soothing. It's important to get even half an hour me time (especially if you have other DC). SWEETKITTY

Hello hello, apologies for prolonged absence, nothing of interest to report, which is kind of why I haven't been my usual over-long posting self! DH has been on another week-long training course (the last one, phew, and he passed, yey!) which left me an empty mummy shell for the week... (that and an unhealthy addiction to 'Scrabulous' on facebook)... just didn't feel like I had anything remotely interesting to say, so I didn't!

Re leaking, nothing yet this time but last time I leaked at 20 weeks. Scared the hell out of me as my pregnancy book only mentioned it as likely to happen in the last few weeks so I thought it meant I was going to mc! I think tho if it does happen it's a healthy sign in terms of your ability to bf (but the reverse isn't true, ie if it doesn't happen it doesn't mean you can't bf. apologies for ridiculous amount of negatives in that sentence)

Our 20-week scan is next friday, at last! for some reason I am convinced they won't be able to tell what it is.. my gut feeling is that it's a girl, just because it all feels a little bit different to last time. So doubtless it's a boy!! Which is fine!

Talking of, DS is almost walking (at a mere 16mths) - loves walking holding hands and in the last few days he keeps standing up unaided, a first. About time, he is definitely getting harder to pick up.

Otherwise... am considering a doula this time round as I found the whole experience last time a bit brutal and I think someone who could combine knowledge and calmness and being on 'our side' would be a big help.

There you go, three weeks of posts in one go!

VALUABLE INFORMATION

1. It is quite common for baby girls to have a mini-period a few days after they are born. shock It is a withdrawal bleed from the exposure to all the hormones in the womb.

(My friend told me this when she had a DD, otherwise I would have been frantic when it happened to my DD) RUMPEL

1. When your milk comes in (about 3 days after birth) they will be enormous, hot and rock hard. This extreme discomfort coincides with a happy hormone drop so don't be surprised if you spend the day sobbing. You'll feel better soon! ISAIDNO

1. Do not buy disposable paper knickers and maternity sanitary pads for after the birth, they are really uncomfortable. Instead buy some really cheap supermarket pants and Always nighttime pads. You can then throw away the cheap pants. sweetkitty

4 There are very few musts in either pregnancy or child rearing. Treat all childcare and pregnancy advice like a pick and mix counter take what works for you and ignore what does not. KAZ

1. The Lochia starts immediately after birth for which you require some form of sanitary pads. You may continue to experience pains similar to period pains for a couple of days after and possible pass a largish clot. This happened to me (the size of a small side plate) and I panicked thinking it was an undeveloped twin. After speaking to my midwife this is quite common (she'd had one the size of a dinner plate - I don't mean to alarm anyone!) but I had absolutely no idea what was happening and felt extremely scared until I'd received clarification. Best to save the evidence and show to MW or HV. Libraladyxx

1. Try and stay in hospital as long as possible, esp. until Milk comes in and your Baby blues start! As once you get home, thats it!!!! Also, try and see as many visitors in the hospital as possible, so you don't have to entertain them yourself at home! Jodie x

1. Do not wear expensive new nightwear or slippers when you are in hospital. The first time you stand up after giving birth, you will 'flood' a bit as the lochia will have pooled while you are lying down. And don't be embarrassed about it - the mws aren't! Poledra

8 Leading on form the last one you often can often flood when breastfeeding/expressing the number of poor Mums in tears I have had to borrow pads for from the wards white trousers are often not a good fashion look when you do

1. Really no point worrying in advance about embarrassing indignities during labour - you honestly will not notice or care what you do or how you behave when the day comes. Also, wear something during labour that you are happy to throw away. You may not feel like wearing it afterwards, even when it's washed.

10. If you get the chance before the baby is born (and your nesting takes full hold) cook loads of beef or quorn mince/onions/tomatoes and freeze it in take away tubs. When your new arrival appears all you've dp has got to do is boil some rice or pasta, defrost mixture and add mixed herbs or chilli beans for a really quick and relatively nutritious meal. You honestly will not want to cook.- Minkus

11. Buy Toni and Guy's dry shampoo from Boots or Batiste's version (much cheaper but not quite as good) from Superdrug. On those days post birth when your hair really needs washing but you are exhausted, and you need to leave the house but are worried that folks will think you've lost it because of the oil slick in your hair- these products are amazing and will make your hair totally presentable.- Minkus

12. I really think you can't cuddle them too much. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to pick your baby up all the time if thats what makes you both happy.- Minkus

13. If you have stithes down below or are even just feeling a bit bruised, get some super strength Arnica, also for at least a fortnight after giving birth have a bath every day with lavender oil in it. It's great for healing and preventing infection plus the lavender is really soothing. It's important to get even half an hour me time (especially if you have other DC). SWEETKITTY

14. Be prepared to spend the first few weeks sitting feeding your baby a lot (if BFing), have phone, drink, snacks to hand. I am also planning on renting some good films and DVD box sets for cluster feeding in the evenings. (I have lovely memories of feeding DD2 in bed with a good movie on). sweetkitty

VALUABLE INFORMATION

1. It is quite common for baby girls to have a mini-period a few days after they are born. shock It is a withdrawal bleed from the exposure to all the hormones in the womb.

(My friend told me this when she had a DD, otherwise I would have been frantic when it happened to my DD) RUMPEL

1. When your milk comes in (about 3 days after birth) they will be enormous, hot and rock hard. This extreme discomfort coincides with a happy hormone drop so don't be surprised if you spend the day sobbing. You'll feel better soon! ISAIDNO

1. Do not buy disposable paper knickers and maternity sanitary pads for after the birth, they are really uncomfortable. Instead buy some really cheap supermarket pants and Always nighttime pads. You can then throw away the cheap pants. sweetkitty

4 There are very few musts in either pregnancy or child rearing. Treat all childcare and pregnancy advice like a pick and mix counter take what works for you and ignore what does not. KAZ

1. The Lochia starts immediately after birth for which you require some form of sanitary pads. You may continue to experience pains similar to period pains for a couple of days after and possible pass a largish clot. This happened to me (the size of a small side plate) and I panicked thinking it was an undeveloped twin. After speaking to my midwife this is quite common (she'd had one the size of a dinner plate - I don't mean to alarm anyone!) but I had absolutely no idea what was happening and felt extremely scared until I'd received clarification. Best to save the evidence and show to MW or HV. Libraladyxx

1. Try and stay in hospital as long as possible, esp. until Milk comes in and your Baby blues start! As once you get home, thats it!!!! Also, try and see as many visitors in the hospital as possible, so you don't have to entertain them yourself at home! Jodie x

1. Do not wear expensive new nightwear or slippers when you are in hospital. The first time you stand up after giving birth, you will 'flood' a bit as the lochia will have pooled while you are lying down. And don't be embarrassed about it - the mws aren't! Poledra

8 Leading on form the last one you often can often flood when breastfeeding/expressing the number of poor Mums in tears I have had to borrow pads for from the wards white trousers are often not a good fashion look when you do

1. Really no point worrying in advance about embarrassing indignities during labour - you honestly will not notice or care what you do or how you behave when the day comes. Also, wear something during labour that you are happy to throw away. You may not feel like wearing it afterwards, even when it's washed.

10. If you get the chance before the baby is born (and your nesting takes full hold) cook loads of beef or quorn mince/onions/tomatoes and freeze it in take away tubs. When your new arrival appears all you've dp has got to do is boil some rice or pasta, defrost mixture and add mixed herbs or chilli beans for a really quick and relatively nutritious meal. You honestly will not want to cook.- Minkus

11. Buy Toni and Guy's dry shampoo from Boots or Batiste's version (much cheaper but not quite as good) from Superdrug. On those days post birth when your hair really needs washing but you are exhausted, and you need to leave the house but are worried that folks will think you've lost it because of the oil slick in your hair- these products are amazing and will make your hair totally presentable.- Minkus

12. I really think you can't cuddle them too much. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to pick your baby up all the time if thats what makes you both happy.- Minkus

13. If you have stithes down below or are even just feeling a bit bruised, get some super strength Arnica, also for at least a fortnight after giving birth have a bath every day with lavender oil in it. It's great for healing and preventing infection plus the lavender is really soothing. It's important to get even half an hour me time (especially if you have other DC). SWEETKITTY

14. Be prepared to spend the first few weeks sitting feeding your baby a lot (if BFing), have phone, drink, snacks to hand. I am also planning on renting some good films and DVD box sets for cluster feeding in the evenings. (I have lovely memories of feeding DD2 in bed with a good movie on). sweetkitty

15. Don't get worried if your baby doesn't poo every day, or even every other day, just be warned of the smelly explosion when it does happen. JODIE x

16. On the subject of poo (mm lovely) the first few poo's are akin to tar (very, very thick and sticky!), so try putting vasaline on babies bottom at each nappy change to make it easier to scrape off! JODIE x

Evening all, mothers day was OK for me, except I'm without DH as he's skiing, but at least I'm with my mum and DS is with me! I got a lovely card saying I'm the best mummy in the world, and another to say I was the best wife in the world! ahhhh DH is also paying for my first session of reflexology when I get home, I'm hoping it helps with back pain and indigestion....

I'm really suffering with stitch at the moment, does anyone else get this. I usually walk alot, but now I can't get that far with out having to stop in pain.

I LOVE Dancing on Ice, glad Greg's gone, and Chris Fountain is my fave, he is strangely sexy, or maybe it's my hormones!!!!!

Anyway off to bed now, am knackered DS being extra playful today and had to keep him occupied as he doesn't have many toys here! night night...

VALUABLE INFORMATION

1. It is quite common for baby girls to have a mini-period a few days after they are born. shock It is a withdrawal bleed from the exposure to all the hormones in the womb.

(My friend told me this when she had a DD, otherwise I would have been frantic when it happened to my DD) RUMPEL

1. When your milk comes in (about 3 days after birth) they will be enormous, hot and rock hard. This extreme discomfort coincides with a happy hormone drop so don't be surprised if you spend the day sobbing. You'll feel better soon! ISAIDNO

1. Do not buy disposable paper knickers and maternity sanitary pads for after the birth, they are really uncomfortable. Instead buy some really cheap supermarket pants and Always nighttime pads. You can then throw away the cheap pants. sweetkitty

4 There are very few musts in either pregnancy or child rearing. Treat all childcare and pregnancy advice like a pick and mix counter take what works for you and ignore what does not. KAZ

1. The Lochia starts immediately after birth for which you require some form of sanitary pads. You may continue to experience pains similar to period pains for a couple of days after and possible pass a largish clot. This happened to me (the size of a small side plate) and I panicked thinking it was an undeveloped twin. After speaking to my midwife this is quite common (she'd had one the size of a dinner plate - I don't mean to alarm anyone!) but I had absolutely no idea what was happening and felt extremely scared until I'd received clarification. Best to save the evidence and show to MW or HV. Libraladyxx

1. Try and stay in hospital as long as possible, esp. until Milk comes in and your Baby blues start! As once you get home, thats it!!!! Also, try and see as many visitors in the hospital as possible, so you don't have to entertain them yourself at home! Jodie x

1. Do not wear expensive new nightwear or slippers when you are in hospital. The first time you stand up after giving birth, you will 'flood' a bit as the lochia will have pooled while you are lying down. And don't be embarrassed about it - the mws aren't! Poledra

8 Leading on form the last one you often can often flood when breastfeeding/expressing the number of poor Mums in tears I have had to borrow pads for from the wards white trousers are often not a good fashion look when you do

1. Really no point worrying in advance about embarrassing indignities during labour - you honestly will not notice or care what you do or how you behave when the day comes. Also, wear something during labour that you are happy to throw away. You may not feel like wearing it afterwards, even when it's washed.

10. If you get the chance before the baby is born (and your nesting takes full hold) cook loads of beef or quorn mince/onions/tomatoes and freeze it in take away tubs. When your new arrival appears all you've dp has got to do is boil some rice or pasta, defrost mixture and add mixed herbs or chilli beans for a really quick and relatively nutritious meal. You honestly will not want to cook.- Minkus

11. Buy Toni and Guy's dry shampoo from Boots or Batiste's version (much cheaper but not quite as good) from Superdrug. On those days post birth when your hair really needs washing but you are exhausted, and you need to leave the house but are worried that folks will think you've lost it because of the oil slick in your hair- these products are amazing and will make your hair totally presentable.- Minkus

12. I really think you can't cuddle them too much. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to pick your baby up all the time if thats what makes you both happy.- Minkus

13. If you have stithes down below or are even just feeling a bit bruised, get some super strength Arnica, also for at least a fortnight after giving birth have a bath every day with lavender oil in it. It's great for healing and preventing infection plus the lavender is really soothing. It's important to get even half an hour me time (especially if you have other DC). SWEETKITTY

14. Be prepared to spend the first few weeks sitting feeding your baby a lot (if BFing), have phone, drink, snacks to hand. I am also planning on renting some good films and DVD box sets for cluster feeding in the evenings. (I have lovely memories of feeding DD2 in bed with a good movie on). sweetkitty

15. Don't get worried if your baby doesn't poo every day, or even every other day, just be warned of the smelly explosion when it does happen. JODIE x

16. On the subject of poo (mm lovely) the first few poo's are akin to tar (very, very thick and sticky!), so try putting vasaline on babies bottom at each nappy change to make it easier to scrape off! JODIE x

17. If you don't manage breastfeeding or go onto bottles later on, make sure you invest in an avent milk holder. Fill your bottles with water as normal and take out and place the measured amount of milk in as and when required. Saves worrying about milk 'going off' when out for a day (especially in the hot weather). Water alone in a bottle won't go off. I found this was the best thing I bought. Libralady.

Jodie -I'm also suffering from stitch at even the shortest walk. It's really annoying as the energy is OK at the moment but I still can't go far!

Anybody use those special feeding cushions? Am tempted, but are they useful? Also I have been given a hand me down baby bjorn carrier. will this be OK from birth? Have heard newborns can be too small? planning to use a sling a lot.

I have been getting a stitch alot too. Luckily I only have to walk as fast as a 3 year old!

Feeding cushions are great. They can be really expensive but I got mine from Argos. They do a v shaped cushion (not specifically for feeding) for about £6.99. It is also comfy in bed, lounging on sofa etc and can be used to help prop baby up as he gets a bit older.

We had a baby bjorn. It can be used from birth, but is better from 3 / 4 weeks when the neck is a bit stronger.

Morning all

Min912 glad all is well, well done to your ds for being on the move!

Re: feeding pillows, I lurve my mine- its the argos cheapy one and is unbelievably comfy. Brings the baby up to just the right level for feeding and I was gutted when ds went into his own room and I really couldn't justify sleeping with it any more . I am using mine at the moment as a prop in bed as sleeping nearly upright helps prevent me puking in the night and it's like being given a great big cuddle.

DH has a day off work today so we are hoping to get lots of household jobs done- eg ds's outgrown clothes/toys up into loft (and new baby stuff down ) although I'm not sure dh knows of these plans!

Have a good day all
x

Morning all we have snow DDs are delighted!

Aslo agree re: feeding pillows I got mine years agao from jojomamanbebe (PFB again) it's great have used it for everything as well, am now using it to watch telly in bed or knit.

DD1 was telling everyone at nursery this morning about her baby sister in Mummy's tummy

Morning all

Got today off as worked last Thursday so due the day! However, going to CLEAN! DH was in charge over the weekend while I was away and although he did his best I'm afraid it's a bit of a disaster zone! The house looked tidy but I soon discovered things put away in inappropraite placed and shoved out of sight merely for effect
I am putting off starting because like some of you I get this terrible stitch when doing the smallest thing even though I have loads of energy - very frustrating!!

Morning all, hope you had a lovely weekend. The valuable information list is awesome, thanks - if not a little scary

Anyway... this weekend we got our cot-bed and furniture, yay!!!!

Here

Very exciting

Have a good day all...

Morning all! Sorry, I haven't posted for ages but have been reading the valuable information posts and they're brilliant! Thanks to all for your advice.

Minipink scottish - belated congrats to your son for his swimming success. Very impressive and you're right to be very proud.

I have my anomoly scan on Thursday and am inevitably a bit nervous but equally excited as well. Pregnancy hormone dreams are still getting in the way of sleep. Had lots of jokes about how it's good practice for when the baby's born. I say - sod that, I'll get used to it when the time comes!

Morning!

It's been a while since I last posted and there's so much to catch up on!!! Have had a couple of days off work and it has been such a drag to get myself motivated today .

Minipink - Your DS sounds like a star, it's no wonder you are such a proud mum.

The valuable information list is fab for a first-timer like myself. Although I have to say that I have been avoiding thinking about any of the indignities that us mums-to-be must go through!

niknak - lovely furniture - very swish!

(isaidno thinks about the dusty old cot in her loft...)

SK thinks back to her lovely nursery furniture cot bed now broken (although mended) and furniture scrapped and drawn on oh well thats toddlers. In some ways I am happy that I do not need to redecorate the little bedroom, it's all coordinating lilac and pink Eeyore and it does look lovely. Before baby moves in am planning on making a big deal and redecorating the DDs room which they will be sharing will move DD2 in about a month before DD3 has her room as don't want her to feel pushed out. Still it's a while away yet baby will be in with us for a year.

MissChika - don't be scared yes childbirth isn't that nice (not the best way I can think of to spend the day) but if were that bad we wouldn't all be back for more and in some cases some of us are on number 6

legsy - hello and good to see you

minipinkscottish - forgot to say well done to your DS

Off out to build a snowman before the snow disappears.

SK - thanks for the reassurance. I keep telling myself that it can't be that bad if women are willing to go through it more than once! I'll bear in mind that you're on number 6 whenever I get the heebiejeebies about it!

oooh very nice niknak! I got your email last night - realised that I hadn't checked my home emails for ages so I am sorry about that!! pregnancy brain kicks in once more...

I find I am not scared at all about the actual birth, but more about the complete headf**ck (excuse my language) when I get home!! But I guess that is when the maternal instinct will kick in?!

Also mum & mum in law will both be on summer holidays (teachers) so I am hoping to get some support from them! But again, I keep telling myself that everyone else copes so I will be able to....

misschika - NO I'm only on number 3 not 6 lol. The actual birth is only one day you will get through it and afterwards you will have the most amazing thing ever. I'm sure every mum-to-be has thought OMG how am I going to cope? But you will just fine. I'm not looking forward to the actual birth bit but know it will be over soon then I will have a new little person and I'm so excited about meeting her. It's the best thing in the world nothing comes close, even better than everyone tells you. You'll be great.

Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been a while...have been enjoying reading the valuable information. Like MissChika, it's all super valuable but equally as scary for us first time mums! I too have been putting off thinking about it too much but as you all have said, if it really was that bad then why would you go through it again! It's great to hear everyones news about the scans and what sex they're having. My scan is on Friday so I'll update you then.

On a slightly different note, I went to the Baby Show at Excel on Friday and was totally overwhelmed by all the products, gimmicks, gadgets, 'essentials' and so on! So...I thought I would pull together a small list of the items that seem essential but could potentially be a waste of time/money. Being a first-timer it is tempting to buy everything! So here goes (please let me know your opinions and any brands that you can recommend):

1. Travel System vs buying seperate Pushchair/pram/car seat?
2. Moses Basket vs cot vs cot bed?
3. Electric breast pump vs manual?
4. Reusable vs disposable nappies?
5. Gina Ford vs the Baby Whisperer?
6. Second hand or new?

There's a million more things I can add but these are the ones that are stumping me most today !!!

hehehe! Sorry Sweetkitty, got you confused with one of the other lovely ladies on our thread!!!

I have to say that I am very excited about meeting my DS/DD - having spent the weekend with my sister and her little boy (16months old) I am totally in love with babies!! Which is a bloody good thing as I'm having one!!

hi everyone
thanks for the insider tips - pretty damn grody! the birth thing does sound pretty "earthy" but i just can't wait to meet little Summer-Eloise-Tallulah-whatever her name turns out to be . . .
on a funny note, we have a weekly massage at my job and the therapist was convinced that i am going to have a good birth because of the way i was able to "breathe" while she worked out the knots in my shoulders! haha! like that is any indication of how birth will go down. . . (i am secretely taking solace in it anyway)

i had a dr's week 24 check-up today. was all good but feel a bit sad because i didn't realise until later that she wrote on my old pregnancy journal (these forms you have to take for each checkup, scan or midwife appt). so is on the pregnancy i mc-ed last summer. and i saw from the date that I was due this month

Afternoon everyone,

Knackered now after finishing work- Think the busy weekend has begun to catch up with me.

The tips list is growing daily now which is fab.. Grea tips.
Ive been doing plenty of reading so aware of the "nice" bits of childbirth but still not looking forward to it!

EEC- I too have been looking at the cushions and going by others opinions/thoughts i think that will be on my shopping list soon.

Hormones caught up with me at the weekend and had a little wobble.. Think i just got abit overwhelmed by though actually have a real life baby!! Will i be a good mummy? How will i cope?
Dreading the labour etc etc.

Thoughts are still there in the back of my mind but after sorting through all my baby clothes and setting/playing with the new monitor i feel much happier.