Due May 2008 - the floodgates have opened!!!

[thefortbuilder]

Pleased to be able to start the new thread with our birth announcement!

Samuel arrived at 1923 on thursday 20th March, weighing in at 4lb 10oz! After a fraught day of trying to find a hospital with a NNU with a cot (our hospital NNU was closed just as we were about to go to theatre), we finally ended up at Epsom General!

Sam is still in NNU but should be coming off his last little bit of oxygen this evening, is off CPAP, and having a go at bf'ing whenever he can (he's being fed by a tube).

I'm home and feeling a whole lot better than I did last time around, although very sore - TAKE THE PAINKILLERS THEY OFFER!!!!!

Jacob not sure about the new arrival although is smitten with his new scooter

will catch up with posts later but thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and good wishes over the last few days

xxx

Hi everyone!

Best wishes to JBR! So much for us being the May thread with all these early ones!

My birthing ball arrived from Ebay today and I've had fun bouncing around and trying to wrestle it off ds and dd - I guess it does look like a lot of fun, but it's mine all mine for now!

My ds was 8lbs8oz at 38 weeks, but dd was 8lbs 7oz at 40+4, so I don't really have anything to go on in terms of guessing the size. My bump is big but neat this time round - maybe it's a nice slippery 7 lb-er who'll just fly out

I'm 38 weeks on Thursday so I'm going to start with the clary sage perineal gel from then.

Although we're in the middle of decorating the lounge atm, if baby turns up any time so there's no carpet/curtains etc and only half decorated walls. It's not doing my nesting instinct any good!

Mitchell hope you're able to take it easy - doesn't sound like much fun at all

Quick question:

do you think I should phone the physio dept at the hospital to see if I can make a case for not having constant foetal monitoring on the bed becuase of my SPD? I just have a feeling that if I'm strapped to the bed for the duration of labour, like I was with dd, that all I'll manage to do it put baby into distress and damage my pelvis big time. Everyone knows you're meant to stay upright and mobile to prevent interventions and I just feel like I'm asking for trouble by being forced to be on my back and motionless for hours at a time - like I'm signing up for another section before I even labour. there must be a way out of this - surely???

mitchell81 Yes I have a physio type job (LOL!) so will try and help as best I can, obviously VERY difficult without more info and actually being able to see you, but if you did it lifting, chances are it's a muscular strain, which is VERY painful for a few days but should settle with rest. At the moment your joints are much more vulnerable too cos your hormones make ligaments more lax, so joints are more easily injured, but also, normally when we lift something (anything) we sub-consciously use our abdominal muscles to stabilise our spine before we lift, to protect our spine from injury. At the moment your abs will not really be able to work as they are so stretched over your bump, so in effect, you aren't able to stabilise, so you probably then overworked your back muscles to try and stabilise, and have strained them. Does that make sense? The best thing to do is rest as much as you can in a comfy position, try lying on your side with a pillow between your legs. Maybe try some heat on where your back aches (i.e. warm (not hot) hot water bottle), or see if your DH can massage where it feels sore. If it's muscualr, the muscle will feel very tight and painful, but the massage will help (although probably won't feel like it at the time!). You can take Paracetamol when you are pg, so if you are happy to take that then that may help take the edge off it. I hope this helps, fingers crossed it should settle quite soon (2-3 days) if you take it easy.

sweetbean Yes, I have a very strong feeling that my baby will be early too. DD was one week early, and cos MW told me on Sunday that baby's head v.v. low in my pelvis, I'm even more convinced now. We shall see. I have hair colour & cut appt 10 days before due date, but he/she can arrive anytime after that .

wolverina So glad your sis has given up smoking. Good for her.
My Aunty & family lived in Singapore for years in the 80's when we were kids, I was always looking forward to visiting when I was old enough to go on my own, then they moved back to the UK .

JBR GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted!!

mumofk Never underestimate how exhausting a trip to the supermarket can be when you are heavily pregnant! I avoid it if I can, and DH goes. I certainly wouldn't tackle a big shop on my own so you did well, I'm not suprised you were so knackered!

If it's any consolation to all you who are feeling completely pooped, I felt like it a couple of weeks ago (you may remember me moaning at the time!!). Nowadays, I vary between feeling really quite good for nearly 37 weeks (so much less pelvis pain than this stage with DD, which is my biggest bonus) OR...feeling like death warmed up, COMPLETELY drained of all energy, and barely able to wash up or change DD's nappy. I still sleep in the day when I can, and I think the key is to try and pace yourself. Don't plan to do too much in one day, or week. Accept that you/we are heavily pg, so we won't manage what we normally do, and not feel bad or upset about it.
We are planning to take DD to the zoo for the day on Friday. I know I am gonna be sooooo knackered, AND we are going out for dinner with friends that evening. Silly really, but we are squeezing as much socialising in while we can!

Right, I think I've gone on enough. I put poor DD to bed (no bath!) at 5:45pm cos I was so tired and couldn't cope with her anymore! DH on nights again, feeling bit lonely but Gok Wan is on in 25 mins!!!

GCG xxx

bobsmum IN answer to your question, I doubt VERY much that the physio dept will be able to help. Your baby's monitoring will take priority over any musculoskeletal problems you may or may not have. Also, I had EXACTLY this problem with DD. I wanted to be mobile, use gravity assisted positions etc, but I wasn't allowed to do anything other than sit up in the bed with my legs spread . I begged them to let me try kneeling up and leaning over the back of the bed, which they let me try, and it felt sooooo much better, more comfy, but they couldn't hear DD's heartrate, so alas, I had to go back to sitting up in bed.

Having said that, honestly this did not make my SPD any worse than it already was, and it reslved by about 90% by about 6 weeks after giving birth (before you gulp, this is quite quick, I have treated ladies still having probs 2 years later )

All I can suggest is that you put it in your birth plan about your SPD and your desire to keep mobile. Also, make a point of either you are DH just keep mentioning it when you are in labour, to remind them.

I know it's frustrating, but I know that I wouldn't be happy to and I don't think any of my colleagues would either (write a letter as you suggested).

Thanks GCG- Advice appreciated. The worse part is walking around, standing up straight is agony. I might start having to use all the specialist equipment we have to lift DD. I am cross with myself, as feel stupid for lifting a 25kg wheelchair into my carboot, what was I thinking.( wheelchair has base and seating unit which can be separated to make lifting easier, much quicker to lift in one though). Will take your advice and use hotwater bottle and massage. Thanks again

Thanks GCG.

I did have a lot of continuing problems with SPD for up to 18 months after her birth. Because she was a VBAC and I was stuck on my back I had to give birth in the lithotomy position with my legs braced against the m/ws hips. I have since learned that this is the worst possible position for someone with SPD and sure enough as a result I was in a lot of pain for along time afterwards.

For some reason, eve though I've had a VBAC already and this pg has been completely normal and low risk, I am still categorised as high risk and will require constant monitoring.

I'm quite angry now I get closer to baby arriving. What about all those mums who've been lying to their m/ws about giving up smoking or binge drinking etc etc. Here I am doing everything by the book - I've "proved" my pelvis and my scar, my consultant says I have a 90% plus chance of having a normal delivery, yet that percentage must drop through the floor by having to be pinned on my back to the bed.

I can't face having SPD for another couple of years just because of the risk of a scar rupture (less than .05 I think after one VBAC).

I think I''ll just "accidentally" stay at home and get airlifted at the last minute rather than get split in two again.

Pain free gap was ignored last time - had my string and dh measuring how far I could split apart, but being on my back meant it was impossible to achieve

otter1980 I love your instructions to your OH, mine will be getting rather similar ones when he gets back to the UK. Really scared that LO will come along early but really hoping not. Then as soon as DP is back I'm ready to go!(hmm, on second thoughts maybe I'll lock him in my bedroom for a few days first!) I can't wait til he gets home, the poor soul is feeling very disconnected and far away and I just want him here NOW. Not long now...

Check you GCG and gingerwench with your big swims. I manage about 20 lengths twice a week and that has started to feel a LOT harder recently. Last Summer I was working in America and managing about 50 lengths a day as well as working 24/7 running after kids, I can't imagine doing that again anytime soon!

I had the midwife out yesterday and she kept telling me how big and long the baby is... Also she wants me to give birth at the local hospital as I'm "young and healthy" and no problems so far. The local hospital is only half an hour away rather than 2.5 to the big one. They can't do an epidural there and it's a much smaller unit but I really fancy it. I don't want to have to drive so far in labour and I'm hoping for a fairly natural birth so I don't really see why not. Also I should have lots of attentive midwives to myself and am almost guaranteed the pool. Hmm...

I know how people are feeling with endings and beginnings. I'm the first of all my friends and while they are really excited now, I'm hoping they won't forget me when my life is so different. I'm only 22 so it's not as though I've done all the socialising I want to do! Still I'm also about the only one in a really great solid relationship so I know we'll handle it and enjoy it all.

Spent all day in Inverness today looking for footless sleepsuits for this long baby, no luck except in pink or blue, where is all the lovely unisex stuff? Grr. Though even the check out lady in Tesco today told me I'm having a boy, everyone is convinced that I am (including me) so I will be VERY surprised if I have a girl!

JBR Good luck! All these babies arriving, it's so exciting! But I want this one to STAY PUT until Mummy says it's time!!

Night all xxx

Just popping in for a quick read catch up, and noticed you're near Inverness, baiyu, I'm in Gairloch on the west coast! So will you be delivering in Raigmore? It's nice to know there's someone close!

Have to get to bed!

Hey bramblina! I'm about 20 miles West of Fort William in a wee place called Glenfinnan. Gairloch, how funny. Did you watch that awful programme last year "When Love Comes to Town" with everyone from Gairloch and one outsider? That'll be my friend Ailidh from Glenfinnan! She was the only one from a different part of the Highlands. Also do you know Jacob Hunter the barman? hehe. I may be delivering in Raigmore but hoping for FW if there's no problems. Hello to a fellow Highland lady!

Hi Guys
I hope we hear from JBR soon ... and that everyone can try to take it easy and get plenty of sleep during these last weeks. Lets send those happy hormones swimming around our babies so that they come out with big fat grins on their faces.

Well my acupuncture has done the trick and turned bubba upside down - yippee! Obstetrician agrees I will be very likely to go right ahead with a normal vag delivery just like my last two now.

Although ... I have to say I feel more uncomfortable now she is down so low - never happy.

Scan revealed that my placenta has moved up since my 19week scan and everything else looking good too. I was hoping to have a nice visit with bub but she was difficult to get a look at head down against the placenta with the cord and a foot and had in front of her face oh well - not too long now anyway.

Hello

Hope everyone is feeling good today - especially poor Mitchell81 and her back.

mumofk - supermarkets are horrible, every time I go I feel absolutely awful about halfway round and need to sit down. I think it's the neon lighting and the slow pace while pushing a trolley that does it.

pinacolada - your turning vibes worked, the baby is head down and also front to back, yippee. Told dh that the baby was upside-down and back-to-front and he thought something had gone wrong - til I explained I meant it literally .

indigoblue - I'm with you on the not sleeping well and the daft nightmares - had one about my breastmilk being full of broken glass .

Baiyu - I've chosen to go to a midwife-led unit that doesn't do epidurals, I was a bit nervous about it at first but I'm now feeling really happy with my decision. I've been round the unit and spoken to a couple of mums who've given birth there and it sounds lovely and supportive. Admittedly I'm closer to a major hospital than you (about 20 min down the M6) so if it's not straightforward I can be transferred quite quickly, but it just seemed so friendly and less busy (only 10 births a week).

Had a great first antenatal class - we went through the progression of a 'normal' birth and I'm feeling so much calmer - no doubt that will all change next week when we cover the various things that may not go according to plan!
Jxx

Hi all,

Mitchell - sorry your back hurts - I have ongoing probs with mine, which are getting worse now. I have had to sleep on the floor for the past few weeks as it is the only place I can get comfy and even then, I wake up several times in agony. Hope yours feels better soon.

AussieSim - glad baby has turned for you.

Baiyu - when does DH arrive back? Lots of "stay put" vibes for your LO!

Good luck JBR - thinking of you today

As for me, bump has dropped right down and getting lots of strong BH - chances of me hanging on til planned section next week???

HI all,

bobsmum Lots of sympathy re SPD, yours does sound worse than mine was and mine was bad enough. Hopefully when you are in labour you might be able to reason with the MWs a bit about not being attached to the monitor the whole time, try and strike a compromise? I'm sure they prefer for us to be mobile if possible? Nightmare!

mitchell81 How are things today with your back, and erm....yes Mrs, you most certainly should be using all your specialist lifting equipment for DD, that's what it's there for, esp when you are heavily pg . Be a good girl now won't you!!! (sorry, I just got all maternal on you!)

aussiesim Yay! for the acup working!!! .

pinacolada was it you who mentioned weeks ago a about you still having to stay with your DD until she went to sleep and how you were worried about how it was gonna be with baby??? How's it going??
DD goes to bed at 6-6:30pm everyday, sometimes has a bath, sometimes not. tbh, if we try keeping her up later, she gets really ratty, but I must admit, it is lovely, cos we get a whole evening to ourselves.

Well I had an awful nights sleep for some reason. I had really bad wind (burping not farting !) and felt so 'awake' I think I got about 2 hrs sleep. When DD woke up I went in to get her and she kept telling me to 'go away' and that she wanted Daddy (she hadn't seen him for 5 days). My bump felt v low and uncomfortable, and I think that with the lack of sleep....I just burst into tears, and blubbed and blubbed for about 15 mins. DH kept telling DD to give mummy a cuddle and she just said 'no', which made me blub even more. She is such a Daddy's girl, and cos DH can do so much more fun stuff with her at the mo, I am feeling a bit paranoid that she doesn't like mummy very much anymore . I can't wait to feel normal again....whenever that may be!!

GCG - I really feel for you with your DD being mean to you at the moment! You poor thing. I'm sure it is just a passing phase, try not to take it personally (or do what I do which is cry until I'm out of tears!)

have some smiles for encouragement - nearly there!!!

I am sure my 2 will be complete daddy's girls and I'll be the wicked witch (at times)

bobsmum I hope you can move around in labour. It should be your choice all the way as to how you want it to be, no-one should force you to labour in a crap position, even if they would 'recommend' it.

I am having the same issue. My hospital promote mobile/active labour usually but with twins they are much happier with constant monitoring and I know the monitor's cables are not very long and if they find it hard to keep a trace with me moving around things might get difficult. My plan is to insist on being upright and mobile as long as possible, with DH and doula for backup!

Is it worth insisting on having the conversation again with the hospital, about your concerns and whether you can have intermittent monitoring say 20mins at a time and still move around in between?

good luck JBR - how exciting!!!

thinking of you, hope it all goes smoothly xx

Just cleared the kitchen ready for the big painting session tomoz!!!

DD bit nicer to me this afternoon . DH took her out all morning and I think she actually missed me .

Thanks pazza for your sympathetic words. Bloomin hormones!!!

Went to opticians today and ordered a funky new pair of FCUK specs, and changed hair appt to next week instead of week after, just cos I have this really strong feeling I am gonna be early. OK, bet I've jinxed myself now. This one will probably not only be really late but will therefore be born on DD's birthday!!!

crashing in .....

GCG - just to make you giggle DD1 asked if daddy was going to do her story, on being asked if that was what she wanted she replied 'yes coz i like daddy (thoughtful pause) but im starting to like you.' - she tells it like it is. Hope that make you feel a bit better re your DD.

....... off again

LOL Denny!

Poor you GCG, DS is like this sometimes, like tonight, when DP got him home from nursery he just wanted Daddy to play with him in the garden!

Just a quick note to say that my very own chocolate stout is nearly ready to drink - DP gave me a very little taste last night and it is gorgeous! I have a very clever and fab DP

hello everyone! thank you so much for all your kindthoughts and words...
Isla was born this morning at 5:40am weighing 5ib5oz. She wask ept in aheated cot but is in a normal cot now - she is doingfantastically well! the induced contractions from11am yesterday slowed in the evening but at 11pm my waters broke and at 3am i was fully dilated. the only bad bit of labour really was the final bit of pushing - i hadn;t had enough to eat and the OC itching and being in hospital meant i was too tired to push properly so she was delivered by ventouse. so add ;lucozade" to your hospital lists!
ok off to get some sleep...
GOOD LUCK to all of you!
love gerry xxx