Due June - 'I can't remember my own name, let alone where I put the creme eggs...'

[PregnantPenguin]

For those of us with 3 months to go or less....

the boots maternity pads are cheap too - can't remember how much I paid but I think it's around the same so maybe it doesn't matter.

For me the thing to remember about the whole mat pad thing was to put in a new one before and after breastfeeding, because the uterus is contracting while you feed (you can feel it) and it sort of cleans your system out. Disposable underwear is useful for the first 24 hours too.

I used the maternity pads - from Tesco, as very cheap - for the first couple of days and then went onto the super heavy nighttime pads after that. For me the bleeding was really heavy for a couple of days and was then more typical of my usual monthly, although the last bit seemed to drag on for ages. I also used very cheap Tesco knickers for the first couple of days and just threw them away if they were too soiled but that probably only applied to a couple as I still seem to have some left over for this time.

Hello everyone

DH was supposed to be away away for a week but he phoned this morning from Holland to say the rig cancelled there check in and he will be home this avo for a few days then off again....all being well.

Had a massage this morning then nipped into Tesco WHEN did they start doing nursing bras?????got a couple as they are only £5 and a few of there packs of knickers for chucking as well.....Maternity pads got 2 packs for starters 96p for 10....the problem with other pads are if you get torns or have stitches there are chemicals in most pads which will cause you great pain.

Looney I bought an exercise ball from tesco for £3.50 works just as well I think they over price them when they stick the word birthing on the pack.

Sorry Josie meant to say congratulations I think I would change before I went on leave but thats just me.

bitofadramaqueen mat pads are very cheap, you can use normal mattress type ones as long as they don't have gel in them.

Hi everyone, you all sound like you've been busy over the weekend! We have been busy decorating ds's new room and it is taking forever, had horrible textured wallpaper on the walls which we have stripped off but the walls are a bit of a mess underneath. I was really hoping to move him in soon, as I want hime settled before the baby comes, but I guess it will take as long as it takes!

I can't believe how quickly time seems to be going at the moment, I can't believe that some of us will have babies next month!!

I used tena pants for the first few days in hospital, which were great but not eco-friendly at all, it was nice not to have to worry about underwear when coming out of the shower in hospital. I think I changed to night-time sanitary pads after a few days, can't really remember now.

I keep worrying about the baby being breech, it was head down last time I saw the midwife but I keep thinking it may turn, don't know why. I see midwife tomorrow so fingers crossed, he/she will still be the right way round. Does anyone know what policy is if baby is breech with second pregnancy? I know with first they would rather cs, but don't know if once pelvis has been tested if they would let you have a natural birth.

Josie57 well done on the new job! Will you need to be shown what to do and will you have to show someone how to take over your old job and then show someone how to do your new job when you go on mat leave? If that's the case you may be better off starting when you return back to work!

katyjo my baby was head now for weeks and for the last few days when I wake upp it's transverse but goes back to head down throughout the day, this morning it felt like it was part of a syncronised swimming team! I think most places are reluctant to deliver a breech baby as it's not the norm so not many people have experince of how to do it, you may find that your doctor can turn the baby for you.

I'm back and it's a

BOY.
I asked the dr if he would have a look because last time he'd said maybe a girl - he said definitely not and showed us the testicles and willy. Dh was looking over the shoulders with tears in his eyes, I held myself together until we left the Drs then broke down, and continued to cry on and off through the morning. I feel so, so bad for feeling bad. We are so lucky to be having this baby boy and everything seems OK with him , with measurements etc... But when the Dr said it , it was if all these Mother/daughter dreams of mine had been shattered.

I feel a little like I'm grieving the daughter I'm not going to have , probably sounds ridiculous but I know I can share these feelings with you all. I was determined to be positive and we went and bought an outfit in blue, marching past the pink dresses in the shop, but it didn't ease the pain. Dh hasn't said much but I know he is so disappointed too.

I sorted myself out by the time we got home as there's no way the boys will see me like that - they are both just excited to know what they're getting!!

I have to admit it feels really weird to know what the baby is now as with both boys I didn't find out but I am glad that we chose to this time as it gives us time to get used to the idea and find a name - really struggling with boys names!!

Anyway enough of my hormonal, emotional ramblings, hope everyone's OK, off for a nap, dh has taken boys out to build a snow castle - we've had about 30 cms today, then it's forecast 17 degrees by Thursday - ridiculous.

josie well done for the job. If it comes with a payrise then I would start immediately (as it may have an impact on your benefits, SMP etc) plus it might makes things easier when you come back since at least you will have had a chance to experience the new challenge before you go. It might not appear so daunting when you come back?

makescake Oh I miss that primark. I had to make do with ASDA instead at the weekend (I must live in the only city withough a primark!) to buy some cheap towels and nightdresses etc..ended up with a "winnie the pooh" one as it is the only one I could find with button opening. Oh the shame of it, wearing winnie the pooh pooh at 32 years of age. I really hope I get my HB, can you imagine the shame if I have to tread the ward in it!!

greenfairy why would anemia affect HB. Need to check my test results tomorrow as I have been feeling a bit under the weather.

I too am having bad dreams. I find it so hard to find a comfy position to sleep.

The job situation is complex. Basically I will be doing a very similar job but it will be entirely UK based whereas at the moment my role is International and the people taking on my jobs are based in the US. I have to transition my work to my US colleagues ready to go on maternity leave so there is no extra work there. There will be some training for my new role but I shouldn't need too much help as a lot of it I will be doing already. It would be nice to join the new group and meet everyone and start doing some of the training but realistically I won't be able to pick up any projects as projects generally last for several years so I won't be given anything just before going on maternity leave. But it may be nice to have a fresh start when I get back from maternity leave. On the other side I am a bit worried about the level of work I will need to do in my old role as I have one massive project which I think my boss is seriously underestimating and I really don't want my last few weeks to be completely stressed out trying to get everything done, especially as I will have to pack up my office and clear out about 4years worth of paperwork. Oh dear pregnancy brain is making me indecisive!!!! I guess there is a chance I may not get a choice....

katyjo - I'm nervous about a second time breech too - I see the midwife tomorrow as well and I'm hoping for reassurance.

deb - congrats! I think being disappointed is natural and I wish I'd been able to find out a head of time too so that I can get my head around what we're having. It's going to be our last (DH will probably get snipped at Christmas) and there's a part of me that would really like a girl, but then there's a part of me that wants another boy. Either way, I think I'd be a bit sad to give up the idea of the other!

Debs I am so sorry you were disappointed. I was crossing my fingers for a girl for you. Don't know what to say but I understand how disappointed you feel. I also wanted a DD this time (although I already have one) and it took me a little while to get used to the thought of having a DS. Just take the time you need to "mourne" your dream. Virtual hugs for you

Oh debs I feel for you. Don't feel bad, there are many of us that have a preference for one flavour but at the end of the day once the bub arrives and usually before we seem to find that we have developed that special strong attachment with bubs. I bet when we talk to you in a few months time you will be saying that you can't imagine not having 3 boys! Give yourself time now though as you are grieving in a way and don't beat yourself up about how you feel. Stay strong, sending you big hugs xx

Debinastria - please don't worry about the way you're feeling. I too am having another boy and initially felt disappointed which is ridiculous, as we both know, but sometimes, it's just the way one feels - not helped by a good dollop of hormones. My first comment on seeing the 'meat and 2 veg' was, 'oh dammit, we've got such good girls' names'. Give yourself a few days to calm down and then you'll be fine. Also, remind your DH that it's because he has such as powerful Y chromosome which keeps displacing your X, so it's all his fault!! However, if you still feel this way when DS3 is born and you start dressing him in pink, then you have to get some help.

Hi Debs

I totally understand the shock of finding out what you're getting is not what you thought you're getting. It's a lot to get your head around. Glad you are feeling better.

Names ... trying to think -an names to match your others: Ethan? Dorian? Simon?

x

Hi everyone, I've been away for a few days, takes ages to catch up with you all!

Debs - aww, a boy! I hope you don't feel disappointed for too long. Sorry you didn't get your girl, but boys are great (not that I have any yet, but I'm looking forward to meeting my boy, and I love all of my friends' boys). I'm struggling with names too.

Josie, congratulations on your job. If you were getting a payrise, I'd say start before you go on mat leave, as it will increase your mat pay, but then, I am mercenary!

I must say I am tempted by Tena pants (God, what am I saying??? TEMPTED by incontinence knickers, what is my world coming to????? ), after all the warnings I've had about blood and gore. Still looking for a cheapie dressing gown in a dark colour.

I got a gym ball for a fiver from Argos - haven't used it yet, but I think it will be just as effective as a 'birthing' ball.

Have just had a run in with someone at work, so feeling very GRRRRRRRRRRR right now!!!!!!! Think they came off worse though - I have all those extra hormones and lack of sleep on my side!!!

Deb, I think it is totally natural to be a bit upset and am absolutely sure that no one here is going to be less than 100 percent sympathetic. I am also sure that in 10 weeks time when the baby is born you wouldn't swap him for anything.

Upsidedowncake - yes I am a TP fan, although I have to say that Monstrous Regiment is probably my least favourite of his books. You should try one of the guard ones, or the witches, they are really good.

Managed to pick up my pills and saw really nice midwife at the hospital who said it was best to take them with chocolate - what excellent advice!

Debs I understand how you feel. When I was told this one is a boy I was initally amused by the sight of testicles but when it really sunk in felt disapointed as I love the idea of having three girls. Then when I took back the pink clothes and looked at bpys stuff I had tears in my eyes as I really didn't like any of it and jsaw so many gorgeous girls clothes, I still haven't actullay been able to say 'it's a boy' just it looks like it might be a boy. I'm sure the moment we see our babies it really won't matter what it is!

josie congrats on the job!

debs don't feel guilty - it's a normal reaction and at least you've got time to get used to the idea, rather than getting a shock on the day!

needahand - my regular MW said anaemia can be an issue with HB as less iron means your blood doesn't clot as well. But in terms of outcomes I've also read on the homebirth UK site than slightly anaemic mothers actually have marginally better birth outcomes (eg APGAR scores) than mums with 'normal' iron levels

Re pads, I did read that normal sanitary towels are a no go for at least the first few days - something to do with being able to assess the locchia. Bleurgh.

congrats josie, i agree if there's more money you should start sooner rather than later - if not i'd go for the fresh start when you come back. it'll make returning to work more exciting.

debs i know how you feel. we are definitely only having 2 kids and i feel sad that i won't get to be mum to a girl but then i just try to think i've done pretty well with making boys so far so there must be a reason for it!! that goes double for you! definitely be sad and let your hormones do what they will... you know when he arrives you'll adore him any which way!!

Deb - don't really know what to say, I really feel for you and can understand how you feel, on a posiive side you have these few weeks to mourn before the baby arrives so hopefully your bonding won't be affected.

Lots of Love

Thanks so much for all your support and friendship, I'm Ok now, I imagine it will hit me at odd times but I think the next step is to decide on a name(thanks for the advice), buy some more blue stuff and get used to the fact that there's a little boy in there!!

Hi All,

THanks for the congrats, unfortunately there is no increase in salary otherwise I would move heaven and earth to start before my mat leave . At the moment everyone is being very reasonable about when I move jobs but somebody needs to make a decision! I don't think it's going to be sorted until next week though!

Debs - glad you are feeling a little better. Have you told the boys yet?

Josie, it wouldn't necessarily increase your mat pay anyway thanks to complex qualifying periods etc so dont worry!

Debs - hope you doing ok, dont feel bad about feeling bad...

Goingfor3 - thanks on the difference between mat/sanitary pads. Will have a look when in supermarket/boots. I did see a recommendation on one of the other threads that organic ones are softer.