Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Due May 2008 - the floodgates have opened!!!

1000 replies

thefortbuilder · 24/03/2008 19:09

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

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
bobsmum · 11/04/2008 08:22

Oh GCG - I was wide awake at 5:30 too - if only I'd thought to come on here - we could have comiserated together

Dh found me sobbing in the kitchen stacking the dishwasher at a quarter to midnight last night - he'd thoguht I'd gone to bed at 10pm.

Everything's just got on top of me now. I'm v v sore, worried about having to get stroppy to get my own way at the birth, tired, the house is upside down with decorating, ds is on spring holiday for a fortnight from school and watching too much TV

We're going to postpone the EdPscyh's home visit for ds's assessment nxt wed. THe house still isn't finished and I'm not in a fit state (I'll be 39 wks then) to discuss ds' future.

Plus MIL is here for the week and will be hovering around trying to "help" but actually getting me to do everything that she think needs done. In the past when I've asked her to play with/keep and eye on the dcs for a while so I can get stuff done, I've found her defrosting the fridge and on another time making herself a massive fruit salad instead while the children were left unsupervised. I'm going to have a pretty stressful week with yet another person to look after.

Here's hoping I can get to Bravissimo this weekend and buy lots of gorgeous nursing underwear for my hospital bag - really need some retail therapy that doesn't involve "clicking to add to basket" - I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!

This is a possibility

Rant over - dd is being v cute atm and I'm having to cheer up just watching her potter around

bobsmum · 11/04/2008 08:25

and this one

pinacolada82 · 11/04/2008 09:04

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gingerwench · 11/04/2008 10:01

Right - I almost have all the things I need for my hospital bag and the first 2-3 weeks (at least I think so!). However I still need:

  1. big comfy maternity knickers that I can throw away (don't want paper disposables though
  1. nightwear for easy breastfeeding / hospital (don't normally wear anything) Thinking nightshirts might be cooler and because I'm quite short most pjs are too long.

Recommendations please!

pinacolada82 · 11/04/2008 10:07

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This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

bobsmum · 11/04/2008 10:11

Thanks pina

Have just installed the dcs in front of Wallace and Gromit - bit early, but hey!

gingerwench - I got some nice soft front opening nighties from Mothercare in a twin pack - not glam, but v v comfy. THey also do some shorts b/f PJS which might help? Otherwise just ordinary PJs in asize up will probably be fine. I'm 5ft so sympathise with you on the enormous leg length of most nightwear! The only thing I didn't like about b/f nighties is that they tend to open at the front so you reveal rather a lot of bare chest - fine for nighttime at home - not so great in a ward!

I'm also taking some nnursing bras so I don't show my nips to all and sundry as a I walk the corridor to get my cuppa

I'm taking dh's navy blue dressing gown rather than my own white one, just in case of leakage

For big pants - maybe just big granny style pants from the supermarket rather than forking out for "official" maternity pants? A friend also recommended mens boxer shorts as being quite comfy too, but not sure how they would cope with holding onto sanitary wear after the birth.

bobsmum · 11/04/2008 10:12

GReat minds pina

podglet · 11/04/2008 10:50

Ok, great minds bobsmum and Pina - I was going to recommend the packs of knicks from Tesco (think they are about £2 for 5 pairs!) but they are soooo comfy. I went a bit mad on buying them with DS and I still have about 15 pairs that have never been worn, but they are soo useful for those first few weeks. However, DP's face was a picture when he first saw them, he went a bit pale and said "well, I needed a cover for my bike" funny boy (not). I bought size 18 - 20 to cover the fact that you will still have a bit of bump for a while after...

BM - all I can say is good luck with your MIL next week. I think you def did the right thing to postpone the assessment. I know how you feel, though I haven't got the SPD, because of my size (48cm at the last count) I can't get around and can't breathe and am so heavy soon be over though and we can have our LO's at last!

bobsmum · 11/04/2008 10:56

Podglet - I'm sooo impatient! If the house wasn't completely upside down I'd be stuffing myself stupid with hot curry and bathing in clary sage - but I can't bring myself to attempt to get going until I know I can bring baby home to somewhere with a carpet!!

Dh had to pick splinters from the floorboards out of my feet last night - I can't even wear shoes atm cos my feet are so puffy.

And I'm using my belly belt extender on maternity trousers cos nothing fits!

I do enjoy being pg, but I think I would glow and bloom more if I had a cleaner/childminder/cook/masseur and general handyman. Cbeebies will just have to do for now

otter1980 · 11/04/2008 11:47

Nooooo!!!!!!!!! i just wrote a really long post and was nearly finished and the stupid computer just disappeared it... i dont know why... bad machine... arrrggghhhh!!!!

right try and remember

very impressed with all you painters/decoraters - i feel slightly ashamed of my laziness at the moment. all i seem to do is sleep, am actually worried that when she does come i will just sleep through her crying...

opps podglet - didnt mean to make you start re-packing your bag!

ginerwench - i go a 7 pack of under the armpits knickers from M&S for £5. not as cheap as tesco but i want to just get some pants before i forgot!

mumofk - not sure re the GD and lucozade, we have been told we are because we had one borderline test, and despite taking bloods 6 times a day i never have a problem, i dont know if I'd go hypo or what if i took loads of sugar? have a tour round the unit on sunday so will ask then, or on tuesday when I see the consultant...

and i've forgotten the rest... sorry!

pinacolada82 · 11/04/2008 12:02

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This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

gingerwench · 11/04/2008 12:16

ok tescos or M&S apple catcher knickers it is! Probably size 18 (gasp! i may cut the labels out! I'm in size 16 bikini briefs at the mo and at 5 ft I thought that was bad enough)

and good old mothercare for shorty pjs/nighties

anyone else RESENT spending good money on these frumpy horrible clothes and maternity essentials. even the cheap ones. I can't wait until I get back to some sort of normality and treat myself to some stylish stuff - that'll be 2010 then?!

IndigoBlue · 11/04/2008 12:24

Hi

Been to the midwife and baby is two fifths engaged so I'm pleased about that - feels like things are going in the right direction.

Re the lucazade tablets, after i'd been in labour for about 9 hours and was nearly ready to push when i had dd, my DH asked the midwife whether i could have a glucose table and the midwife said i suppose so although i shouldn't really eat anything (even though i had a normal labour), so i only got to have one tablet the whole time! pina - you should be able to find them in boots or in the medicines section of the supermarket, think they are just sometimes called dextrose energy tablets.

bobsmum- hope you can get your carpet soon, I feel like i should start painting the baby's room but probably not a good idea really. GCG - don't think i could manage 11 hours painting, you must be worn out!

gingerwench - I got my big knickers from Asda very cheap. Also got the same twin pack of nighties as bobsmum from Mothercare which i used last time, I agree they are fine but can be a bit revealing opening at the front.

Well better go and give dd her lunch. I've been having a sort out of all her toys and getting rid of loads as we have too much stuff and I can't take it anymore - plus I'm sure we'll get given even more soft toys when the new baby arrives but not too many hopefully!

IndigoBlue · 11/04/2008 12:28

gingerwench - don't worry, i've bought a cheap nightshirt from asda to give birth in and it's size 20! i'm normally about a 14 - i don't care though, at least i know the bump will fit in it and it should be comfy!

bobsmum · 11/04/2008 12:28

Clary sage makes contractions very strong. There's some clary sage in my perineal massage oil and it says not to use before 38 weeks.

I've got some which is in a carrier oil of some kind (bottle from a friend). I'm to rub it round my bump clockwise and it's meant to get things going.

THe smell is so strong that m/ws clued up on aromatherapy won't let it into the antenatal wards in case it starts the mums off who shouldn't be starting

I've heard a rumour that some flavours of Radox have it in too - but need to investigate.

podglet · 11/04/2008 12:41

I'm not sure if it was a fluke or not but I ate 1/2 a fresh pineapple the day before my waters broke with DS... This time, I have avoided pineapple like the plague and so fat so good!

Am 37 weeks today and DS arrived at this point last time so quite pleased to have got here without incident. Baby day in 4 days and counting

Just a teensy moan about my pram. I ordered a twin pram through "two left feet" over 2 weeks ago. Since then, I have had no contact from them or the delivery company. I have spent all week sending emails and trying to get through on the phone with no success. I eventually get through today after 20 minutes on hold to be told that the product is out of stock and will be for another 2 weeks, then I will have to wait another 7 - 10 days for delivery . Luckily, I have a newborn sling and a single buggy I can use but am furious that they didn't tell me it was out of stock when I placed the order. If they had, I could have looked into getting it faster from somewhere else. Grrr... Irrational hormones, just been crying my eyes out about it!

asicsgirl · 11/04/2008 13:32

Hallo everyone

been ages since I've posted tho' I have been lurking a bit. Have been so busy at work and knackered in the evenings. Since going off on holiday/ ML (using up my holiday allowance as I can't roll it over to next year) I've been frantically decorating the kitchen - it's been fun reading about everyone else doing this too! Everyone keeps saying to me 'Ooh are you nesting?'. Well, no, it's just that I can't see me/ us having another opportunity for the next 2 years! All finished now and I am so proud, it looks great, tho' I says it as shouldn't .

Many many congrats to all those whose LOs have arrived. How exciting!

I've been paranoid about the baby coming early too - I think he's dropped down in my pelvis a bit and regularly headbangs some nerve that sends shockwaves through me. The first night this happened I was on the sofa going 'Nooo, you can't come yet, I haven't even started painting!'. DS was bang on time (arrived at 3pm on his due date, how civilised) so I can't imagine this one's going to be late.

So now I've got 2-3 weeks of freedom I hope... Need to organise a bit of socialising, I've been rubbish recently. And just planning to potter around a bit at home. Feels like luxury! What has everyone else got planned?

Love to you all, A x

PazzaPlusTwo · 11/04/2008 16:05

Hi y'all!

JBR congrats again, hope you're both well - love the name Isla, it's on my list too!

I am way too excited about having the LOs here!!! I can barely get to sleep at night. Luckily I can sleep all day.

Big hugs to everyone xxx

PazzaPlusTwo · 11/04/2008 16:35

Making a baby.

There is not one dirty word in it, and it is funny.

The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, "Well, I'm off now.
The man should be here soon."

Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. "Good morning, Ma'am", he said, "I've come to..."

"Oh, no need to explain," Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."

"Have you really?" said the photographer. "Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?"

"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped.. Please come in and have a seat".

After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"

"Leave everything to me.. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there."

"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!"

"Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results."

"My, that's a lot!", gasped Mrs. Smith.

"Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that."

"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Smith quietly.

The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus," he said.

"Oh, my word!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.

"And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with."

"She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look"

"Four and five deep?" said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes", the photographer replied. "And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots.
Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in."

Mrs. Smith leaned forward. "Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?"

"It's true, Ma'am, yes.. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away."

"Tripod?"

"Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long."

Mrs. Smith fainted.

goodcatholicgirl · 11/04/2008 17:04

Very Funny pazza

Well , we managed 2 hrs at the zoo, and I was frozen and uncomfortable, we had to eat our picnic outside cos no indoor eateries, and then.........the heavens opened, thunder, lightening, a storm of hail stones that actually settled onto the ground like a sludgy snow (really safe for a heavily pg woman to walk on!!). Needless to say, we came home at that point.

However, it did give us time to do the 5th (yes, 5th ) coat of paint in the kitchen. So, it's ALL FINISHED!!!!! YAY!!! Looks lovely, just got to put all the bits back later or tomorrow.

I got a very pleasing £50 for my ebay stuff....2 pairs mat jeans, 3 tops (sold as one item), 3 other tops. Very pleased with that!!

lucozade tablets available from Tesco, chemists etc, dextrose tabs. Yes, pinacolada they are like chalky sweets, fruity, I think they taste nice personally.

Can I just ask why does everyone buy such big knickers for maternity? I've never understood this? I am still in my normal knickers and was after giving birth before. I wear bikini briefs, so not complete bucket old lady knickers!!!!

Right, off to bloody B&Q again to buy the floor tiles as the man has just rung and he's coming Monday!!!

GCG xxx

podglet · 11/04/2008 19:33

GCG - I wore "harvest festivals" (all is safely gathered in ) because of my c - section scar. I preferred something that didn't rub against it. I have also always preferred over the bump mat clothes too.

otter1980 · 11/04/2008 21:13

GCG - like podglet I've got giant knickers because I was told that they are better if you have a c-section (i.e. dont rub) and currently we could be brought in for emergency cos of complications... yay about your kitchen!!
Whats going on with everyone and their kitchens though?

Casserole · 11/04/2008 21:29

Evening all

I HAVE FINISHED WORK!!!!!!!!! Yesterday in fact, so today was my first day of leave. Had a nice leaving lunch and was very touched with loads of gifts etc. Had a bit of an identity crisis earlier in the week about finishing but by the time Thursday came I was ready.

My other bit of good news if that I was right - had my scan on Weds and babe is firmly head down, not breech as MW suspected. Hurrah! Est weight 6lbs 2oz.

37 weeks now, this is starting to feel a bit real! Stocked the freezer with half of sainsburys today just in case she's early... then had to sleep for 3 hours as was so worn out, so well done to whoever painted for 11 hours, that is serious nesting!!

pregnabrain · 11/04/2008 22:31

Hello everyone!

Hope all of you are well.

Major congratulations to JBR, although sorry to hear you had the nasty itchy illness. I'm not itching yet and keeping EVERYTHING crossed that it doesn't come back because I can still remember how hideous it was. Congratulations on the safe birth of your baby. Hope you're enjoying it all.

newbishad - sorry, i know you asked this ages ago now. i was induced on Friday midday-ish with prostin gel and had four or five doses over the course of Friday / Saturday. Had contractions but nothing I couldn't handle. This got me from totally closed and high cervix to just dilated a teensy bit - enough for them to break my waters. They did that at midnight on Saturday night. It was freaky but didn't hurt at all. Labour really kicked off after that. Don't remember pain but very intense. They let me go until 6am like that but I had only got to 2cm and was tiring, so they decided on the syntocinon drip. I asked for an epidural at that point. Was on the synto drip for the rest of the labour, but obviously didn't feel pain because of the epi. Bubba was born at 7.30pm on Sunday. It was long, and very demanding physically, but none of it was truly overwhelming (and parts of it were amazing and empowering). I won't be phased by another induction if I have to have one this time too. Hope this helps. None of the above is meant to be scary - just wanted to answer your question re timing. Happy to answer any more induction questions if you think it helps

bobsmum - i was on constant monitoring last time from the point at which they broke my waters. I definitely feel that, if i hadn't been confined to the bed in a reclined position, my labour could have been a lot quicker. I spoke recently to the head of midwives at my hospital and said that this time, even if i'm induced again, i want intermittent monitoring only. She said i was perfectly entitled to ask for this. Why do you have to have constant monitoring? is it because you had a c-section the first time? My friend has just had a VBAC in hospital and didn't have constant monitoring...

ps - where did you get the clary sage perineal massage gel?

GCG - my dd is SUCH a daddy's girl. i'm the grumpy disciplinarian and he's 'fun dad' who makes her laugh all the time. Makes me very so you're not alone.

podglet - hope your cold clears up in time for your birth to happen next week. Fingers crossed!

babylove21 - i should think you've already seen a midwife about your BH by now, but I had really regular ones towards the end of my last preg. So much so, that one of the midwives I saw thought I was in early labour (sadly, I wasn't ). I'd definitely consult a midwife to make sure of what's going on...

Righto - can't believe some of you are so close to your due dates - who's due in early May? Mine still feels like an age away, although bubba is SO low I feel like it's going to fall out in the street sometimes. If only.

am getting 'breech' paranoia now. Anyone who's been or has a breech baby - was all your kicking really low down? All of mine is around my bladder region - can't believe this can be coming from its head!!

Apols for massive post. Am not trying to steal anyone's crown.

sparklyshoos · 11/04/2008 22:47

message for bobsmum
would highly recommend the freya rosalie nursing bra - i had 3 of them for the last 12 months, they're v comfy, not too unsexy and really lift your boobs higher than your belly (v impt. with bigger boobs ).

sorry for gatecrashing your thread ladies and good luck to you all - was just browsing the conception/ante-natal threads feeling broody

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