Due Sept '08: We're halfway there part 2....

[LittleConnie]

Come on over!

For some reason I have developed an irrational hatred of the idea of a waterbirth. I have absolutely no idea why, except I've never been much of a water baby, but I'm not stressing about it, and looking into lots of other active birth techniques, as well as trying to find out more info about the drugs available.

Interestingly, when i first found out I was pregnant, I was all for the full works in terms of drugs, but the more I find out the more interested I am in doing things a bit more naturally (although I am not setting any plans in stone - I know how low my pain threshold usually is!)

Carrieon my P&T arrived a few weeks ago. It's lovely - great to push and steer. I had a few problems with brake - think it needs WD40, but am really looking forward to using it. Also it's v. versatile but v. easy to change. Did you order the cocoon?

I'm going for full on intervention after last time. Not suggesting it's for everyone, or even a great option if you haven't had previous problems, but if anyone wants to discuss, let me know.

I'm the same hopefully. Don't fancy thrashing about in a big cold bath myself, but seem to be in the minority!

Sunshinemummy you mentioned NCT - I don't suppose you've signed up for NCT refreshers course in Wimbledon/Wandsworth as I did too! Vaguely recall you being from SW London am I right? I am moving to Wimbledon in December.

Yes I did sign up to refreshers in Wimbledon/Wandsworth. How exciting that you did too! I'm in Earlsfield, but have only lived there since last May so am really looking forward to meeting some local new mums.

I am looking forward to read all about your good experiences of home birth in September girls.

I quite fancy the idea of a water birth, as the water is warm and at the Countess of Chester is in a room called 'the Lagoon Suite'!!!

Can I be naive and ask - do you have to go starkers to have a water birth. i know I won't giove a shit about my dignity by then but I'd rather not flash my boobs if I'm also flashing my fandango, iykwim.... Can I waer a T shirt?

ooooh yes - it's not a cold bath !!! - it's a deliciously warm tub - and it helps you relax and so helps you work with the contractions rather than fighting them, if you see what I mean. And you can wear whatever you fancy - bra, vest top, t-shirt, or absolutely nothing. You'll know at the time what is comfortable.

Plus there's nothing to stop you having gas and air at the same time. Heavenly!

do you think it's possible to have a water birth if your having a walking epidural?

I am definitely going to look into a water birth, I can't actually believe I'm saying that because I've always seen it as a really hippy thing to do! The home birth idea doesn't appeal at all, but the water sounds good because of the possible reduction in pain, you can't knock that!

I will NOT be doing it starkers though, that I can guarantee, I'm going for a nightie or something I think, in black so it doesn't go seethrough!

I don't think that epidurals and water births are compatible - with an epidural they will want to monitor your baby and your contractions which doesn't work being in the water.
Sunshinemummy that is fun - we could end up on the same course! I too am hoping to meet some local mums, as I've met a lovely crowd through my first NCT group and will be leaving them behind but whether the times of the classes will work out still being in west London then, what with work and childcare, who knows, but I thought I would try and sign up!
They do look like a very organised NCT group - I think I will also try to attend some of the coffee mornings in my area with the baby while my daughter is at nursery.

Also eandz you will have the drip hooked up to your spine and all that gubbins which I wouldn't think would work in a tub!

ok. well since drugs are my first and foremost need during labor i guess i won't even think about combining anything.

but i've always wanted a walking epidural.

I'm doing my usual and posting before I've caught up. Digitalgirl we have a Ford Focus Estate which we bought because we only had a little car before and it just wasn't big enough! V. happy with the Focus, the big boot means we can even get the buggy in without folding it!

My scan is tomorrow so I'll be updating the list then with the sex (hopefully!). Very excited but it's going to be strange that the wondering will be over!

Re maternity packages: ours is pretty good. I get 6 months on full pay (sadly that's not so much these days as I'm now part time and wasn't anywhere near the 40% tax bracket before!) then we get 3 months on statutory. The last 3 months are unpaid (making up a year). I plan to start maternity leave at the beginning of September and take a couple of weeks of leave before that. I'm then going to use all my outstanding leave (from last pregnancy!) and the leave I will accrue while off to postpone going back until December 2009, by which time DC2 will be 14 months and DD will be a couple of months off 3. It will be strange being a SAHM again and even stranger with 2 to look after this time!

i can't wait till sex and the city the movie comes out.

I think that as much as I love them I may have to avoid the SATC movie. I feel like a big lolloping dumpling these days and am not sure I can cope with looking at skinny ladies in nice clothes and high heels.

I am going slightly mad not being able to exercise properly. Got loads of energy to burn off but running / martial arts are obviously rather unwise at the moment. Been swimming a bit and walk loads but much happier doing heavy duty stuff. Only 5 months to go I suppose!

eandz i can't wait for the movie either. will be booking at the electric cinema in notting hill so i can watch it whilst reclining on fab leather lazyboys with 6 of my closest girlfriends. heaven.

im so excited my mum is going to pay for me to have a 4d scan

i think i will go for future babies in reading. has anyone had one done there?

The rules for the pool at York are:
-not if you've had an epidural or pethadine
-not before you're 4cm (they need you in active labour so you don't spend forever I think. I don't totally agree with this and if you're having a home birth you're more likely to be allowed to get in when you feel you need to)
-not if your waters have broken
-you can wear whatever you like (I wore the top of my maternity tankini so I wasn't naked but there was no fabric flopping around. This is what I delivered in too)
-they listen to the baby's heartbeat every 15mins
-they get you out every 4 hours for monitoring. EVERY FOUR HOURS??!!! I screamed, but for me I'd delivered in half that time!
-they regularly check the temp and add more hot water, but every so often you have to take the plug out of the bottom to let some drain away!
-you can have gas and air and play whatever music you want
-there's a reclined chair they put you in to deliver the placenta

Hope that helps!!

My friend in Brazil has just skyped to say she's had a show, so baby is imminent! She's 38+5. She had 3rd degree tear last time so still in two minds over whether to go natural or c-section. I'm so excited!

eandz is your issue that you don't think you can cope with any pain, or would you consider holding off the epidural for a bit? Lots of people say the water helps the pain melt away, and for me I found I could cope with the pain because I knew it was positive - I did that cheesey thing of picturing my cervix opening up with every contraction and it really helped, its not like the pain if you've hurt yourself, this is constructive! I know you have medical problems so maybe that's why? Hope you don't mind my curious mind asking

thanks for the tip sassafrass, we'll look out for boot space.

jearund we've currently got a Ford Ka, not sure if we could graduate onto an estate just yet, might feel like driving a tank!

good luck with the interview lollyheart

very of those taking the full year off (or more!). I'd love to, but alas can't afford to.

had my scan today, baby was asleep in a very awkward position. head down, refused to budge during the entire scan. so printout pics are crappy again! But...two eyes, two nostrils, top lip, bottom lip, all the limbs and fingers and toes, good size head and heart. slightly big tummy (takes after it's daddy!), but all normal and healthy and PERFECT!!

so I'm now officially 20 weeks today, it's downhill all the way. Won't see the lo till it's born now, I can't wait to meet my baby (him, we think)

Good Luck to all those still awaiting scans.

Carrieon--

when I'm in pain with a level over 5 (my rheumatologist has some number chart) my blood pressure starts to drop. It's really weird and I should be used to it by now but I just cant seem to be able to control it. I want to avoid a c-section at all costs because I've known some very fit women not to have lost that little flappy part of their tums. I want to have the baby as safely as possible for myself and little Noah, but at the same time I want to avoid anything that might make me feel cynical towards him or my husband...or myself.

has anyone got or looked at the pliko combination push chair from mamas and pappas? went to look at one yesterday, thought it has everything we need and is light weight (cos i'm a weaklin!) but does cost quite a bit, which I'm prepared to pay, as long as I know its wel worth it? any advice welcome.