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)

hey tafftaff

i'm a first-timer too (did you see that there is a first timer thread here

but anyway, my $0.02

• i think travel system for me 'cos i live in an apartment without attic or basement storage. and buying one thing makes more sense to me than buying different things. having said that - everyone in copenhagen seems to have massive prams to start with, then move on to smaller things. i think its all the bloody cobbled streets here and the cold - babies need the better suspension and padding. anyway, i am planning on the mama and papas pliko pramette (don't need a car-seat after getting back from the hospital and i will rent one of those from a reputable place)

• i just got a cotbed from stokke (the wooden oval ones) as nearly everyone i know says that moses baskets just don't last for long to make them worth the investment. but if you have the money and space, they do look cute. again, here they use the "baby-lift" which is the cot bit from the pram system for the first few months.

• i heard that electric pumps were just sooo much better than manual but then last weekend, my friend told me that its all about technique. she loves her manual system once she got the hang of it . . .

• i am an environmental scientist in background and yet, i plan to use disposables . . .i know, its hypocritical but again, in danish apartments building, the shared laundry room is in the basement and you have to book it and then go up and down like a yo-yo checking your laundry and drying it etc. if i had a washer and dryer in my pad though - i would be more tempted by reusuables.

• i am reading gina ford and will read the baby whisperer afterwards. then i will just try and wing it, while crapping myself like everyone else.

• i have no probs with second hand on some things (the cot bed is, but the mattress is new). i just got a star-lite swing on ebay that had been hardly used. i plan to get a second-hand playpen but probably a new 'voksi-posen' (kind of scandinavian sleeping bag for kids - for the pram to protect against the cold weather). i have even bought a few second-hand clothes (sometimes they seem ridiculously 'new', especially those first few months old clothes. but then, i have only bought new bodysuits and vests.

there are so many decisions to be made - its crazy isn't it? and you have to admit, that "project baby" is pretty-much masterminded by us and not partners, right? i mean, my dp cares about the pram and that kind of thing but hasn't done any research on mattresses, breast pumps, monitors etc etc.

Cheers TJuice!

You've made me far more at ease! Sounds like you've got further complications to contend with with the apartment, booking a laundry slot and the cobbled streets!

In terms of professions...I am an analyst so if I get given too much information then I am likely to overanalyse to satisfy my info-lust with a potential for my brain to explode!

I took a look at the Stokke cot at the Baby Show and was totally impressed. Is yours the one that converts from a small cot to cot bed to sofa to anything else that can be made out of some wood and a mattress? If so, I am tempted but the price was a little off-putting!

hello all - i will offer some advice on products

*moses basket personally i would not bother
*second hand or new - had all second hand for first few and it was fine but must admit to indulging MYSELf with last couple ...( and it is MYSELF - baby does not care whose bed it sleeps in)

• travel system - i have never had one but do have bugaboo and lOVED the full carrycot bit - made life so easy Plus when a few weeks old ds had to have a night in hospital and the carrycot was home from home

• disposables/re- usable - not one to comment as always used disposable but do suffer guilt . Some friends use moltex which are a good halfway house

• breast pump - i am queen of the breast pump. i do not recommend hand electric ones - they pinch IMO but the manual ones are good if a bit tiresome to use. i pump A LOT like a couple of times a day for months and so hired this for my last three and will do again
  it is sooo pain and stress free and you end up with a freezer full of gold top which is liberating

• i always buy cotbed but never convert it to a bed. i think they are nice and big and my children are tall. i also keep them in cots late - as i see no need to do otherwise

hth i do love all the paraphenalia (sp) associated with babies!

hi all. was talking to a friend today who is also preg, and realised I hadn't thought about all the baby things we need. admittedly, we have most of them, will need a new mattress for the cot, and prob need some new nappies (fan of reusables, although I used a nappy laundering service last 2 times, but aim to wash them myself this time (have a tumble drier now!!)).

glad Greg was out, will admit to you lot to having a slight crush on Gareth(!), even though I'm prob old enough to be his mum!

we used a moses basket, then a cot, then a toddler sized bed. buy the cheapest moses basket, I found it useful for the first few months, esp as I put it up downstairs for naps and when I had to put the baby down to do other things. a baby gym is also useful once they are a few months old.

was given a wilkinet sling and loved it, comfy, washed well and could use it from very little. but always had small babies.

damn, have missed the archers. never mind!

Hi All,

SWEETKITTY - another girl On a positive note - women are generally (I emphasise generally) more considerate than men, so when you are old and annoying at least your DD's will keep in touch and look after you .

MINIPINK - well done your son! You must be preening.

RE LABOUR - it is amazing how time is irrelevant when you are in labour - it just seems to morph. You kinda go off into a different zone (maybe that was the drugs I had ).

TJUICE - ha ha ha indeed. I have an excellent breathing technique, did visualisations, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy oils in labour, homeopathic birthing kit
the lot.My midwife said I would 'be fine'. Not so - baby was back to back - bring in the drugs!!I had the longest labour out of all my ante-natal class. But the end result is worth it and I still feel that no matter how bad labour is (and for loads of women it is great, empowering even)at least I won't be pregnant anymore .

Re Products:

Moses basket was fab for first 4 months (DD is very tall) - fitted nicely beside my bed for breastfeeding. Have cotbed but bought junior bed for DD as need cot for newbie.

NAppies - resuseables I find are much kinder to babies bum (less nappy rash) but need changed more frequently. Easy to wash and dry quickly (especially in summer) depending opn what kind you get. I found Moltex (enviro friendly disposables rubbish - they leaked like mad, nature babies are much better - Boots sell them) Disposables are best for nightime though.

Breast pump - had avent manual - okay but quite futtery and sore with repetitive movement, bought an electric but didn't use it much as it was rubbish (just the kind I bought though). Am going to see how it goes with newbie as I had to bf and ff DD (flat nipples = very difficult to bf).

SECOND HAND vs NEW - I bought tonnes of stuff of ebay second hand - monitor (hardly used it) moses basket/baby bath/stand. Baby Bjorn carrier (hardly used - didn't like it), breast pump, nappies ( only bought new though), clothes,sterlizer baby bouncer - am going to either buy new 1 for newbie or borrow Brother's one - all singing all dancing one). I think as long as you can wash the stuff then it is better for your pocket and the environment. I saved a fortune buying second hand stuff.

Had scan this morning - all is well. Very detailed scan. I didn't see a willy even though she showed me the umbilicol cord and had lots of close ups of organs, torso etc so am thinking maybe now we are having another pinky? Although my gut instinct is boy - need to wait and see.

Went to look at prams yesterday and am very confused so started thread asking for advice.
Tandem or side by side?

RE lochia - I never had that last time as had placenta removed in theatre and hardly bled at all so am about this time. My midwife said the gel in normal sanitary towels could lead to infection - hence use maternity ones. TBH they always make me a bit itchy I was thinkig of getting the natural cotton ones this time.

I second the pants thing - I bought cheap black knicks.

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.

18. You?ll be AMAZED at how swollen your undercarriage is ? no-one tells you that. I thought it was my stitches but it was my bits It is okay though, sounds worse than it is.

19. Make sure you take loads of fruit (maybe even lactulose into hospital with you in case you are in for a few days and have drugs in labour). My DH went home with mine and the hospital had NO fruit/veg/salad and served up horrid salty food. Ended up with horrific constipation and had to get the Dr out a few days after birth

Cor you lot have been busy today think I am too tired to read al that hope everyone is well. Think Bump and I will go to bed.

Gosh can't keep up with this thread! Will try and think of something to add to valuable info...
Rumpel - I had the 'outside of time' experience in drug-free labour - I think it's what happens when you go into your 'primitive childbirth zone' place or whatever they call it at NCT class!! The place where you make hippo noises lots and find out afterwards that you took all your clothes off in the middle of the corridor and pooed in the birthing pool..
Re products:
I found AVent manual breast pump great, and used it sitting in the bath which helped.
I like Baby Whisperer - use it/any other books as 'problem solving' though - take what bits work for you and find your own best way forward.
Yes, get a V-pillow for breastfeeding - or even if not BF, loads of other uses - I used mine for every feed early on, to get tiny little DD next to a boob without developing arm ache during 45 min feeds!
Why didn't I think of watching films during evening cluster feeds???Why did I just sit there getting bored and stressed??? Doh!

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.

18. You?ll be AMAZED at how swollen your undercarriage is ? no-one tells you that. I thought it was my stitches but it was my bits It is okay though, sounds worse than it is.

19. Make sure you take loads of fruit (maybe even lactulose into hospital with you in case you are in for a few days and have drugs in labour). My DH went home with mine and the hospital had NO fruit/veg/salad and served up horrid salty food. Ended up with horrific constipation and had to get the Dr out a few days after birth

20. Following on from last point - fruit somoothies seemed to work well for me in first couple of days - you really want the first post-birth poo to be as easy as possible!!

21. Dare I say it...breastfeeding might well hurt to start with but this won't last forever and it is so worth it!

22. OK another one with TMI - especially if you push for a while, you may well have bad piles - do ask the midwives for treatment, not worth being embarressed! Also second lavender in bath - pref with epsom salts - brill for healing bits and bottom!

Sorry about all the poo-related posts...

Defintely go for the V-pillow! I love mine for bf and cuddling. DH also used it for cuddling LOs as he felt it kept them safe snuggled next to him and left him free hands to drink beer with/change the telly channel/surf the net! And, if the baby fell asleep bfing, we have got really good at sliding pillow with baby off my lap and onto his without waking the LO (as you could guarantee I would be dying for a wee - you'll see we are of the 'cuddle them as much as y0ou want even when they are sleeping' school of thought).
Lots of my stuff was second-hand from friends and sisters. Re the baby monitor - I know a lot of people think they are a waste of time, but look at your house carefully before making a decision. The lay-out of my house is such that mine is invaluable, and I still use for my dds now. It is very difficult to hear anyone upstairs when I'm in my kitchen.
Moses basket - I just used the carry-cot bit off my pram for the first few months, lined with a lambskin. Both dds slept like angels in it - except when they were sleeping in our bed/on our laps of course.
Last thing (I promise!) - read all the books you want to or have time to. I promise you will end up picking and choosing what is best for you and your baby from each of them, and developing your own system for you and your family.
Right, will shut up now!

Hi all, can't sleep at the min - am having scary pregnancy hormone induced dreams that keep waking me. Last night I dreamt I was walking along a cliff with dd when she let go of my hand and ran off the edge I woke up sat upright in bed with my arms outstretched and heart beating a million times a minute! Very scary and am tired and stroppy through lack of sleep!

Scan in the morning so will hopefully know what we're getting this time - unless this one is as uncooperative as dd was and won't 'get it out' for us!!

I used one of the cheap argos v pillows and fell in love with it. I took it into hospital and even took it into theatre for my section! The anaesthetist commented how comfy I looked!

The 'tips' list is great - I second the black PJ's, avent milk powder holder and big cheap knickers not disposable ones! Will try to think of something useful to add.

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.

18. You?ll be AMAZED at how swollen your undercarriage is ? no-one tells you that. I thought it was my stitches but it was my bits It is okay though, sounds worse than it is.

19. Make sure you take loads of fruit (maybe even lactulose into hospital with you in case you are in for a few days and have drugs in labour). My DH went home with mine and the hospital had NO fruit/veg/salad and served up horrid salty food. Ended up with horrific constipation and had to get the Dr out a few days after birth

20. Following on from last point - fruit somoothies seemed to work well for me in first couple of days - you really want the first post-birth poo to be as easy as possible!!

21. Dare I say it...breastfeeding might well hurt to start with but this won't last forever and it is so worth it!

22. OK another one with TMI - especially if you push for a while, you may well have bad piles - do ask the midwives for treatment, not worth being embarressed! Also second lavender in bath - pref with epsom salts - brill for healing bits and bottom!

23. I carried a spare top with me for first few weeks as boobs would leak hugely at the most unexpected moments - particularly in Tesco for some reason... SHORTSHAFE

24. Hormones do strange things to you - dd was born in October and I found my internal thermostat was haywire - i perspired massively all of the time - to the point that my hair was wet (yuck yuck yuck) until she was about 2 weeks old. SHORTSHAFE

25. Babies can fire poo explosive distances - IME around 4ft! be prepared and buy carpet shampoo/carpet stain remover before the birth! SHORTSHAFE

have just realised my tips have a distinctly 'bodily fluid' theme. Sorry!

Am off to try to sleep, sweet dreams all xx

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.

18. You?ll be AMAZED at how swollen your undercarriage is ? no-one tells you that. I thought it was my stitches but it was my bits It is okay though, sounds worse than it is.

19. Make sure you take loads of fruit (maybe even lactulose into hospital with you in case you are in for a few days and have drugs in labour). My DH went home with mine and the hospital had NO fruit/veg/salad and served up horrid salty food. Ended up with horrific constipation and had to get the Dr out a few days after birth

20. Following on from last point - fruit somoothies seemed to work well for me in first couple of days - you really want the first post-birth poo to be as easy as possible!!

21. Dare I say it...breastfeeding might well hurt to start with but this won't last forever and it is so worth it!

22. OK another one with TMI - especially if you push for a while, you may well have bad piles - do ask the midwives for treatment, not worth being embarressed! Also second lavender in bath - pref with epsom salts - brill for healing bits and bottom!

23. I carried a spare top with me for first few weeks as boobs would leak hugely at the most unexpected moments - particularly in Tesco for some reason... SHORTSHAFE

24. Hormones do strange things to you - dd was born in October and I found my internal thermostat was haywire - i perspired massively all of the time - to the point that my hair was wet (yuck yuck yuck) until she was about 2 weeks old. SHORTSHAFE

25. Babies can fire poo explosive distances - IME around 4ft! be prepared and buy carpet shampoo/carpet stain remover before the birth! SHORTSHAFE

26. Sometimes it is painful to pee after delivery jug of warm water containing few drops of lavender oil poured over your bits while trying to pee can help. If it does not it sounds disgusting but pee in the bath. KAZ

I had a really interesting evening last night. I went to a local home birth group meeting. It was fab, hearing everyone else's birth stories and reminiscing a bit.

I met a woman there (she was obv a bit new age hippy type!) who had had a lotus birth. This is when you do not cut the cord - you keep the baby and placenta attached until it falls off. She brought some fab birth photos with her, including one of the placenta draining in a colander while she bf her nb baby! It was fascinating. I'd never heard of a lotus birth before.

The whole meeting got me really excited about having my next birth but I keep feeling very negative about the placenta praevia and hav e a nasty feeling it won't move and I'll have to have a c section instead

Oh no - Nausea back at 21+ weeks, having been gloriously absent for 3 weeks! Is this normal, or might I have a bug? (didn't sleep last night so this might have something to do with it?)

Lotus birth! sounds very messy and complicated. How long does it take to drop off naturally? Do you wheel it around with you in the pram?! Fascinating stuff!

Morning ladies

Here's my thinking (but of course everyones circumstances are different and what might work for you does not work for anyone else)

• travel systems - I bought one for DD1 and used it for 6 weeks, I was in London at the time and getting on and off buses was a nightmare. I then bought a Maclaren with lovely lambskin and it was great (still using it) used car seat for 2 babies though. Prams are very personal look at your circumstances and what you need it for. If you do a lot of walking a bigger pram might be better, if your like me and it's mostly short trips in and out a car a lightweight buggy might be better. Personally I think theres not one pram does from birth to 3 and think you need 2!

• moses basket - I will be using one for downstairs but only for about 3 months, if I were having a first baby don't think I would bother it's only because I have it anyway

• breastpump - I have a Medula electric pump found it great was about £40 from Boots but again it's going to be on it's 3rd use. Will buy new bottles etc for EBM. Also bought a steriliser and bottle warmer (!) never used after about 4 weeks with DD1.

• second hand - I have to admit I got everything new for DD1, think I went a bit mad, now I'm on number 3 I have calmed down a bit and know exactly what I will use.

• nappies - I have used both, when DD1 was about 8 months old I switched to reusables but circumstances changed and I was majorly stressed and washing nappies was just one more thing to do, she was also a v heavy wetter and was soaking them as well. I'm afraid to say I changed back to dosposables and sold my nappy collection which I have totally regretted. This time I'm afraid it will be disposables. I will have enough washing to deal with, with 3 nevermind nappies and I think DP would kill me if I spent the money on reusables again but it's a regrettable decision IYSWIM.

• baby monitor - never used one but again depends on your hosue lay out.

• baby swing - I bought one for DD2 and it was great again only used for 6 months but was invaluable when I needed to put her down for a little bit, she loved the soothing motion. Would look for second hand if you want one as they are only used for 6 months so shouldn't be too grubby.

• travel cot - this is for second time Mums, last time I found putting a baby gym in a travel cot great as DC1 can't get at DC2 if you need to do something. Also good as you can't lie DC2 on the floor if DC1 is scooting about with prams or trikes!

Right must dash shortshafe just saw you have your scan today best of luck, anyone else this week I'm sure theres quite a few, how exciting!

EEC my morning (afternoon and evening) sickness comes back if I do not eat regually enough and my blood sugar drops, it also happens when I am over tired I suspect for the same reason

EEC - the woman said the cord and placenta fell off after 2 days. Apparently the sooner after birth it is cut, the longer it takes to fall off. She said her baby was quite distressed when it was gone. She had made a little bag to wrap it in, in case it was there a while! But she said it did not smell or anything. After draining it, they rinsed it under the tap, then salted it to dry it out and added some lavender oil.

I think I shall have the cord cut though!

isaidno dear god I just feel sick now

Morning all! Thanks again for all the tips. I'm not sure there is such a thing as TMI when it comes to labour and birth - I'd far rather know what I'm in for!

I'm a first-timer so don't have the benefit of experience but I think we're resigned to buying both a travel system (to have the flexibility of a carry cot plus something that's a bit sturdier to use on walks in parks and off-road) and a lightweight pushchair for hopping on and off buses or trips to the shops.

Haven't even thought about the breast pump thing so will start taking note of all your recommendations!

My husband had some sad news about a colleague yesterday - wife was due to give birth this week but the baby died. All very sobering. Plus one of our cats has gone missing, so the legsy household is all a bit sombre this morning

Sorry Kaz!

My 2 cents...

*travel systems - I bought one for DS1. Alda ton with a 9 mth old baby in it. I used the car seat part alot, but not on top of the pushchair. I ended up buting a cheap foldy stroller. For DS2 I got a more traditional pram (from ebay) with a toddler seat on top for DS1. I love that pram and will use it for this baby. I have also bought a petite star zia for out and about with the car. I will still use the car seat from the travel system for this baby but I'm going to get rid of the pushchair part.

*moses basket - if you can beg, borrow, or buy secondhand they are useful. I use mine as a bed downstairs. I have a crib upstairs. (DH's crib - 35 years old)

*pump - had a manual Avent one. Never been much good at pumping. Always feel like I'm doing the job twice so never bothered with DS2.

*2nd hand - whenver possible!! Although I do like to have a few new things!

*nappies - I used disposables mostly, but this time I am going full on washable! I have bought some new, some secondhand, and got some off freecycle. It seems a bit financial outlay to start, but disposable nappies cost around £8 to £10 a week!!! If you go for disposable don't be sucked in by the pampers / huggies ads - Tesco are just as good but cheaper.

*monitor, just got a basic one which I will use for the first year or so.

*swing - never had one due to expense / space.

*travel cot - got a 2nd hand one, but it has had minimal use. It is useful as a play pen, but my DC were never very happy playing in it for long.

Anyway, must go, flylady beckons

oops - that first bit should say weighed a ton with a 9 mth old in it!

I have scared everyone away with thoughts of placentas...