Due July 08- The "Oh my goodness we're really actually properly pregnant" thread

[Minkus]

Thread title reflects the fact that every day that passes it dawns on me a bit more

Gilly, I didn't pack mine until about 37 weeks, and that was because I was rushed in for suspected pre eclampsia (luckily didn't come to anything) But better to be ready sooner rather than later! I think I'm going to do mine in the next couple of weeks (saying that it will be 37 weeks again!)

Oh yes and don't forget your Green Notes like one of my friends and her DH had to leave her in the hospital to rush home to get them! (luckily not too far away!)

Is anyone else thinking it's a bit scary that we are starting to think about Hospital bags????

YES!!! I hate hospitals, quite like bags though.

Hi SK not really looked into the whole water birth thing as we live on the first floor and might end up falling through to our, albeit friendly, neighbours. Just sticking to the hypnobirthing on dry land. Hoping for fast but not too furious!! Thanks for the homebirth list, what in the world is a pampers bed mat?

Pampers bed mats are in packs of 7 next to the nappies. They are for children who are toilet training at night you pop them under the sheet in case of accidents.

In the latter stages of labour the MWs put an incontinence pad (inco pad) underneath you to catch any fluids.

Also good to lie on one for the first few hours after you give birth as sometimes (sorry this is TMI) you can have a gush and the sanitary towel can hold it all IYSWIM, saves changing sheets.

I meant the sanitary towels can't hold it all.

I'm having a home birth too, but you still need the bags packed just in case. Also it means everything is on hand if you do successfully give birth at home.

Last time I got an old duvet and gaffer taped a pound shop shower curtain to the back. I spread this on the bed to catch spillage and just chucked it away after.

I kinda wish I could have a home birth, but I don't really have the room and DH (Mr. Clean Freak) would panic about the Midwives seeing the 'state' of our house and I quite fancy the idea of 'being looked after' I know I'm one of the lucky ones, but our local Hospital is a Midwife lead unit and is a 'Home from Home' and it's stunning! Even if the worse comes to the worse and I have to go to the Hospital then even that ones not too bad either!

Thanks for your info! Poledra, any way you could find out how long your sister used the suppositories, think I only have to do 1 in the morn and 1 at night but came in a pack of 12, told you I was confused! Thanks Libra1975, will do that, and Kaz 1967, good info on website you found. Think I'll do it tomorrow then, seriously thinking of going home to UK, good care here but getting down about language barrier especially since the big day is nearing!!
Great advice on the hospital bag!

Just thought I'd add my twopenceworth

For you

2 or 3 nighties or PJs
Sanitary pads (heavy duty about 2 packs)
Knickers (disposable, old or tesco value!)
Toileties - shampoo, soap, etc
Hairbrush
breast pads
Lasinoh cream (start slapping it on as soon as you are feeding to prevent sore nips)
Pampers bed mats (good for underneath you just after the birth saves you having to ask the MWs to change the sheets)
Disposable wipes for cleaning the toilet
money for phone etc.
Clothes to go home in (comfy, stretchy ones - do not pack your size 8 skinny jeans unless you are Posh Spice)

For baby

nappies, nappy sacks
cotton wool or wipes (cotton wool is useless at getting meconium off)
hat (even in July)
pair of scratch mitts
vests and babygros (number depending on how long you plan to stay - I would say at least 3 of each)
cute outfit to go home in

Birthing bag

TENS Machine - unless you are already wearing it.
Birthing Ball - great for getting those contractions going again incase they ease off once you get to the hospital.
Old nightie / t shirt to give birth in
Pair of socks - believe it or not your feet can get really cold!
Disposable / old / cheap knickers and a couple of sanitary pads for afterwards
1 x nappy, vest and babygro
Camera!
Some CDs so you can have whatever music you like playing in the background to help you relax.
A couple of flannels for DH to 'mop your brow' (makes him feel useful!)
2 towels (red or navy)
Some snacks to keep your energy up. I've been told those Lucozade glucose tablets are good.
Straws - rather than trying to sip from a cup and spilling water, much easier to sip through a straw whilst DH holds the cup.
List of people DH needs to phone to announce the news

I'm sure I'll think of something else after I've posted this.

Hi All,

Welcome Trespass.

I bought a nice Chinese satin bag off of ebay - it is just a giant shoulder bag but came with a teeny changing mat (never used as I use one I got as a freebie). I'm not really into 'Mummy' bags. I am going to treat myself to a nice bright pink one from Nomads this time around.

I didn't have much bleeding last time so I am a bit about this time. I hate the smell of blood and you always smell a bit funny downstairs for a while after birth anyway (I have a very strong sense of smell - I can smell when people have the cold, are on their period etc) I would love a homebirth too but far too scared after last time - I want that epidural at the ready just in case!

POLEDRA - I was wondering how you were what with your anti-es and all.

MONKEY - how are you and LAZYHIPPO?

DISNEY - I think you should go see your GP and discuss the possibility of depression with them. The thing about depression is you don't think you're suffering from it but you 'just don't feel right or yourself'. It takes someone else to see it for you IYSWIM. I was really shocked and burst into tears when my GP said I had depression - didn't think I had at all. But remember it is just a malfunction in brain chemistry and nothing to be ashamed about. I don't believe in suffering if you don't need to and that's what medication is for - to help us through. Please go see them.xxxx

I had a cranio-sacral treatment today and my neck is so stiff now. Loads of tension in there. I am really bloody struggling with this last essay as my head feels full of cotton wool and I am feeling under pressure now as it is due in on Tuesday. I think I will be about 4lbs lighter once it is done. I am really piling on thw weight now and need to get a grip as I don't want to put too much on - too hard to lose the other side.

SWEEETKITTY - it will be a pelvic floor exercisor you will be getting as a birth pressie Think about trampolining with the DDs in the future

Have added to list:

For you

2 or 3 nighties or PJs
Nursing bras
Sanitary pads (heavy duty about 2 packs)
Knickers (disposable, old or tesco value!)
Toileties - shampoo, soap, etc
Hairbrush
breast pads
Lanisoh cream (start slapping it on as soon as you are feeding to prevent sore nips)
Pampers bed mats (good for underneath you just after the birth saves you having to ask the MWs to change the sheets)
Disposable wipes for cleaning the toilet
money for phone etc.
Clothes to go home in (comfy, stretchy ones - do not pack your size 8 skinny jeans unless you are Posh Spice)
Flip flops for shower/walking in hospital
Fruit/Food in general ? hospital food is minging!
Lactulose - for relieving constipation if you are in for a while.

For baby

nappies, nappy sacks
cotton wool or wipes (cotton wool is useless at getting meconium off)
hat (even in July)
pair of scratch mitts
vests and babygros (number depending on how long you plan to stay - I would say at least 3 of each)
cute outfit to go home in
milk and bottles if you are not bf

Birthing bag

Old nightie / t shirt to give birth in
Disposable / old / cheap knickers and a couple of sanitary pads for afterwards
1 x nappy, vest and babygro
Camera!
A couple of flannels for DH to 'mop your brow' (makes him feel useful!)
2 towels (red or navy)
Mouthwash ? mouth gets dry and tastes horrid if you puke (which is common)
Some snacks to keep your energy up. I've been told those Lucozade glucose tablets are good.
Lots to drink and straws (in case you are lying flat and aren?t able to lift up to drink)
List of people DH needs to phone to announce the news

TJUICE - your outfit sounds fabby - we must see pics of the big day!
I get a runny tum a lot when pg - hormones mostly. Never get constipated - although I am prone to runny tum anyway. If you get a runny tum when due your period usually then it is probably hormone related so nowt to worry about.

LO is booting me like mad these days. BH happening a lot too.

Must go Dh is waiting for me to watch masterchef with him - our quality time together

Told you I'd think of something else

For you

2 or 3 nighties or PJs
Sanitary pads (heavy duty about 2 packs)
Knickers (disposable, old or tesco value!)
Toileties - shampoo, soap, etc
Hairbrush
breast pads
Lasinoh cream (start slapping it on as soon as you are feeding to prevent sore nips)
Pampers bed mats (good for underneath you just after the birth saves you having to ask the MWs to change the sheets)
Disposable wipes for cleaning the toilet
money for phone etc.
Clothes to go home in (comfy, stretchy ones - do not pack your size 8 skinny jeans unless you are Posh Spice)

For baby

nappies, nappy sacks
cotton wool or wipes (cotton wool is useless at getting meconium off)
hat (even in July)
pair of scratch mitts
vests and babygros (number depending on how long you plan to stay - I would say at least 3 of each)
cute outfit to go home in

Birthing bag

TENS Machine - unless you are already wearing it.
Birthing Ball - great for getting those contractions going again incase they ease off once you get to the hospital.
Old nightie / t shirt to give birth in
Pair of socks - believe it or not your feet can get really cold!
Disposable / old / cheap knickers and a couple of sanitary pads for afterwards
1 x nappy, vest and babygro & vaseline - smear it over baby's bottom before putting first nappy on. Makes the meconium very easy to get off without making baby sore.
Camera!
Some CDs so you can have whatever music you like playing in the background to help you relax.
A couple of flannels for DH to 'mop your brow' (makes him feel useful!)
2 towels (red or navy)
Some snacks to keep your energy up. I've been told those Lucozade glucose tablets are good.
Straws - rather than trying to sip from a cup and spilling water, much easier to sip through a straw whilst DH holds the cup.
List of people DH needs to phone to announce the news

Hello All and hope tonight finds you all well and feeling spring like!

disney - so glad you sound a wee bit brighter. Life is never as we planned it .hope tomorrow brings some clarity and thinking of you a lot

libra re mobile epidural - my epidural did not numb my legs and i did not have a catheter so after the birth i walked to loo etc they did not term it a mobile epidural although i think it was fentanyl (sp) will check with dp. I do feel having experienced that birth experience i would not want to go back to natural

this time i am asking for elective induction do not know if there is such a thing but we have various reasons all a bit iffy but amount to a fairly strong argument .. i will try anyway

re pampers care mats --v good idea Sweetkitty .my friend works in a hospital and gets me the incontinence pad things (much the same) which i sit on in bed for a couple of days and i am sure an old towel would do as well.

i always pack too much in hosp bag but then i usually leave within 6 hours..just remember toothbrush moisturiser etc

i am coveting this bag but unsure how much use it would get after the event

re change bag i would buy a really funky tote and fill with separately bought wipes box etc. change bags can look a bit mumsy and you can start to resent it after the initial flush of motherhood has worn off and you want to feel human again! A bag you love in itself will keep its appeal far longer (call me superficial )

lol at TJ and LIBRA my dp is a surgeon of sorts and darned annoying when i ask him illness or pg related things - he says 'i dont know' i feel like saying 'well you should'

toddler been at nursery today and dp did not work this afternoon - unheard of bliss!! we are giving our top floor bathroom a cheap and cheerful facelift so he made a new panel for the bath - what joy!!

I am into some SERIOUS nesting!

phew what an epic

I think I'm lucky as when I saw the anaethsetist (sp?) the other day due to my previous spinal surgery, he will only allow me to have a mobile epidural should I require an epidural at all (didn;t get one last time as DS came too quickly). He doesn't want me fixed to a bed with my previous history. I can't leave the room though, but at least I can get off the bed and wander around the room.

I'm starting to get scared with all this labour talk...

Hi all, Hope your all well.

Changing bag- Think ill go with the one that came with the pram at first but i get bored with bags very quickly so will probably change to something else soon enough.

Hospital bag-Ive seen a nice weekend bag that ive hinted to DH would make a "Lovely hospital bag!"
Ive been slowly collecting lists from websites and taking advice from friends as to what to pack. Think they pretty much say the same things but ive added a few that werent on there. Experienced mummys, shout and tell me if they really arent needed... I have no idea!

For you

2 or 3 nighties or PJs
Sanitary pads (heavy duty about 2 packs)
Knickers (disposable, old or tesco value!)
Toileties - shampoo, soap, etc
Hairbrush
breast pads
Lasinoh cream (start slapping it on as soon as you are feeding to prevent sore nips)
Pampers bed mats (good for underneath you just after the birth saves you having to ask the MWs to change the sheets)
Disposable wipes for cleaning the toilet
money for phone etc.
Clothes to go home in (comfy, stretchy ones - do not pack your size 8 skinny jeans unless you are Posh Spice)
Make-up to perk yourself up for visitors

For baby

nappies, nappy sacks
cotton wool or wipes (cotton wool is useless at getting meconium off)
hat (even in July)
pair of scratch mitts
vests and babygros (number depending on how long you plan to stay - I would say at least 3 of each)
cute outfit to go home in
Muslins

Birthing bag

TENS Machine - unless you are already wearing it.
Birthing Ball - great for getting those contractions going again incase they ease off once you get to the hospital.
Old nightie / t shirt to give birth in
Pair of socks - believe it or not your feet can get really cold!
Disposable / old / cheap knickers and a couple of sanitary pads for afterwards
1 x nappy, vest and babygro & vaseline - smear it over baby's bottom before putting first nappy on. Makes the meconium very easy to get off without making baby sore.
Camera!
Some CDs so you can have whatever music you like playing in the background to help you relax.
A couple of flannels for DH to 'mop your brow' (makes him feel useful!)
2 towels (red or navy)
Some snacks to keep your energy up. I've been told those Lucozade glucose tablets are good.
Straws - rather than trying to sip from a cup and spilling water, much easier to sip through a straw whilst DH holds the cup.
List of people DH needs to phone to announce the news phonenumbers Maternity notes and birthplan Socks- feet get cold during labour

Just thinking we are going to need Suitcases at this rate, not bags!

I agree EEC. Its suddenly feeling abit too real!!! [Shock]

Just thinking we are going to need Suitcases at this rate, not bags!

I agree EEC. Its suddenly feeling abit too real!!! [Shock]

ooppps
Sorry for that twice.

The computer just had a funny five minutes on me!

That's the trouble pigley - you can keep packing and packing.
Remember you hopefully won't be in hospital very long, and if you are your DH can bring in stuff you forget.

Hello everyone

Not been around for what feels like ages when I see how much ground you've covered! We blimmin well talk lots on this thread

So can't remember everything of what I've just read, but:

EEC I can feel your pain on the house renovations front- when I was heavily preggers with ds we had no bathroom to speak of, although it was working (but def not finished) by the time he arrived. The kitchen was knocked about and stripped back to bare brick, the only functioning things in it were the sink and original 1950's cooker- and I had to sterilise my breastpump in the hallway as the dishwasher and washing machine were parked there, unusable, with the microwave (and therefore steriliser) plugged in on top! All I can say is that you go ahead and take it easy- it might be a bit more inconvenient to cope with when there is a newborn around but not that much and certainly not make yourself ill over now. You must put yourself first xx

Welcome back Kaz we missed you!

And hello to peanut and trespass

TJUICE WOW YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED!!! You kept that one quiet lady Big congratulations, your outfit sounds beautiful. Do we get a virtual invite, can we ooh and aah over the photos at least?

Sorry for all you folks feeling a bit blue, I've been a bit hormonal and low the last week or so too and not really feeling myself.

Re: pregnancy stuff, def getting more discharge as well. Braxton Hicks every day also! They feel really funny, never had them with ds. I've got less room in my stomach for food cos bambino is starting to squish it and so it's back to small meals for me. Sleeping is hard too, bananas aren't helping to prevent the cramp in my legs and I'm waking up 4 or 5 times a night with my right leg twisted into odd positions! Plus I am getting such a dry mouth so waking for sips of water throughout the night too. As well as being woken by ds aaaaargh! Do I sound like a moaning old whingebag?

ABout changing bags, I had the huggies one too but on day-to-day just had a normal big handbag (mine are always huge anyway cos I cart so much shite around with me). Although in the first few weeks think I had a school style drawstring dap bag too for changes of baby clothes as used to get through these at a rate of knots.

Only addition to the hospital bag wold be a notebook and pen- kept a feeding "diary" with ds to record when he fed, how long for, which breast etc as wanted to keep track of how bf was going. Didn't take a notebook in hospital so wrote it all down on the back of an envelope! (Now in his memories box along with the ankle & wrist tags, first lock of hair etc). Labour bag at the mo consist of huuuuuge pants, breast pads and a wipe clean toiletry bag so think I need to get cracking.

Phew I'm exhausted now from typing such a long message!

Hi Rumpel, I'm off tomorrow for another doppler scan to check the baby's blood flow, so I'll know more after that. Baba's still moving a lot, which is always a comfort. Thnx for asking

Trespass, my sister was on various different meds as she was in 'proper' premature labour, so she can't remember how long the salbutamol went on for. It was a fair amount of time ago - her dd is 9 now! So, sorry I can't bew more helpful.

Feeling grotty, as fell asleep on dd1's bed with her tonight, and have the cotton-wool feeling now.

WOW Tjuice! I just realised your upcoming wedding!!
How exciting! Whens the big day??

We have our first wedding anniversary comming up in June and cant believe how quickly thats come around.

Hello all.

Eeek at hospital bags!!

DCs came home from after-school club with a note saying the staff think they have slapped cheek disease. Apparently the risks are in the first 20 weeks of pregancy- so hopefully all will be well. The children are both fine other than the rash. Will now spend the next few days looking in the mirror to see if I look pinker than normal!

Brown owl- Im a deputy at a day nursery and a couple of weeks ago we had a case of slapped cheek disease. I rang the midwife and she said as i was so far over 20 weeks (26.4 then) that it was fine but to just keep an eye out for any symptoms and call her if i did get any.