Due in June - Creme eggs are long gone and our own eggs have started to hatch. Who will be next?

[Upsidedowncake]

We are two down and have another 30-40 to go. Makecakes and Gemma have probably popped by now, then G43! It's all happening!!!!!

Morning all.

My bag when I get round to packing it.

Long t-shirts for bed
T shirts, trackie bums for day
Maternity pads
books
camera
wash things
towels
cheap pants
maternity notes

for baby
nappies
big bag cotton wool balls
lots of sleep suits and vests (DD got through loads last time as gunk in lungs)

Will be sending DH to the local fab deli for stinky cheese once baby has arrived.

morning all!
just a quickie as DD is "helping" me

I like the idea of taking in nice snacks/ chocolate for post birth. I only stayed in 12 hours with DD so didn't have time to get fed up with the tea & toast cure-all of recovery ward, but will put some chocolate buttons in this time.

Paro- really great news!

Dylan'smum- I did lots of knitting when I was expecting DD1 and followed Debbie Bliss for beginners book- loads of really nice stuff. Is that the one Dylan's in (he's so cute!)? I'll go and check later. I just don't have the time to knit at the moment (not helped by trying to take on a cable- knit for DD) I'm impressed by your blog and you are inspiring me to start again. [worried about when I'll get the time emoticon]

Makecakes- it's not easy coping with the huge hormone shift and learning to BF. I had some down moments in the first couple of weeks. Take your time, get plenty of advice and rest as much as pos. I'm sure it will all make sense soon.
PS DD seemed to have BF marathons which drained me but it settled down.

morning all! haven't read posts yet but wanted to share this thread with everyone. i'm so impressed by this woman i wanted to give her a hug!!

peartart i learned to knit from that book after dylan modelled for her but he's in the Essential Baby book that came out fairly recently. i'm currently knitting the 'hooded carrying bag' out of it for this baby but it's slow going because it's soooo boring i keep switching projects.

Thanks for the suggestions for the photo albums Ernest, Laura and DQ, and yes DQ I do find doing the washing up quite tricky at the moment. I always give me back ache as well.

makescake don't worry too much about finding it hard to adjust. It does take some time to adjust to having a new baby and the baby blues is quite normal too. Don't give up on the breastfeeding either, that too takes a little while to settle and to be truthful it does hurt for about three weeks but after that is quite marvellous and handy and worth it. I second generously applying lansinoh too!

UDCake - BH have calmed down this morning, I think nesting is beginning, finally got round to putting away/washing all winter gloves, hats scarves today Have lots planned for today so BH will be back I'm sure, also had a few sharp stabs round the pelvis this morning, think little man is descending a little further.

AH - I was never aware of my mucous plug with either boys!

Makecakes - how are things today?

Dylansmum - how kind of that woman to bring it round, we'll need photos when it's done!

Laura neen Sorry you both had bad nights

I am impressed with all of you bloggers. I am either too time pressed, useless or lazy to try. My attempts at mastering new technology stop at posting on Mn and trying to upload my first digital album!!

Pao great news, so chuffed for your. Now we all need to send turning vibes to GF U/cake how is the little one today? Feeling a bit better?

My bag has pretty much the same as systemaddict but I also have Tnes, aromatherapy, homeopathy, some cooling sprays. Can't find my mini fan but that was useful last time. Re food I took some dry fruits and cereal bar, several bottles of lucozade and packs of winegums and glucose tablets. I will also brew and freeze a big bottle of raspberry leaf tea.

Also I am preparing a third bag (on top of the labour bag and baby bag) full of going out clothes, nappies, maternity towels etc so that DH doesn't have to rummage through the cupboards to find what I need the next day. Especially since this time the hospital is far from home so I won't be able to send him home and back to often!

Morning all!

Sorry bout floor Debs! Another time maybe! RE tea bags they are also in my bag!! Tea here is awful!!

Thanks all for wishes, sending TGF vibes too hopefully her LO will catch on

Had really bad cramps and period type pains last night plus the odd twinges. Stil got cramps . Dp woke up this am saying "God you were reallt restless last night!!!!"

Now thinking bout getting up and moving onto sofa, DP just phoned to see how i was and I said hungry!! He said well get something to eat but i cant be bothered to get up!!!
Might have to though as now am starving!!!

Quick Poll; What are your thoughts re tens machines? do they work?

TENS definitely helped me for a while at least last time. Also v. entertaining when you've got it ramped up to 10 and dp accidentally touches pads while helping take it off

Hello all June mums! Just sitting here bored (3 weeks to go) having yet another nose bleed! Had a baby shower on Sunday which was great and got loads of really lovely baby clothes (best ones were from Matalan can you believe - nice than White Company!). I have washed everything as I've seen something somewhere that says 'just because they're new doesn't make them clean'. I guess people do have to handle them to pack them and if they're not sealed in packets then randoms will handle them in shops. I used fairy non bio - nice and gentle. I've been off work for 6 weeks already and seriously have done absolutely everything in advance now so any tips on boredom relief would be most welcome. There's only so much Jeremy Kyle a person can stand.

Re bags for hospital...

I've got one back for labour/birth (plus vanity case thingy for toiletries) and a second bag for post birth. I have some very basic essentials for the baby in the first and more stuff in the second.

I think I have pretty much the same stuff as most people have in their bags. Have still to buy a mini fan (any ideas?), plant spray type bottle to help cool me down, arnica tablets and tea tree oil/lavender (apparently good to put some on pads to hold your bits when going for that first poo (nice thought, not! - sorry everyone!). Not read the previous lists properly but also have bendy straws (for drinking at awkward angles). Am also going to pack some lightweight trousers/shorts for DH in case he's wearing jeans when we go and he's far too hot in the hospital.

Amberc - sorry you're bored - if you go back a few pages (or was it on our last thread?) we had loads of chat about whether to wash newborn clothes or not.

just come back from midwife, and feeling really low. Baby is lying op (back to back) and hasn't moved any further into my pelvis about 4/5 engaged), so not really looking that great. Mw also reckoned baby was about 8.51lbs so I'm really worried that I'm going to have a horrible long labour and if I go overdue the baby might be too big for me. I am 39 weeks today, I really don't want a cs, I couldn't cope with a new baby and 2 year old!

Sorry for the moan, just feeling sorry for my self, going back to lie over my ball, see if baby will turn.

Upside down - are you wishing the time at work away as much as me? I was ok up until Tuesday then I had a really bad day at work as I just felt so uncomfortable all day long. Now I am just desperate for my maternity leave to start. Job change worked out ok except that a lot of work from my old department seems to have followed me . I've started putting my foot down though with what I am prepared to do for my old group - mainly by not turning up at meetings and ignoring emails . Normally I would feel very guilty at this but at this stage I could really do without the hassle of trying to do two jobs.

Very of everyone who manages to keep blogs going. I find it hard enough keeping up with mn and downloading the photo's off our camera. I can't see it getting any better with two dc to look after.

Finally managed to buy my ds a present from his little brother or sister yesterday. I've bought him 'Roary' the racing car as he is mad keen on this. Just need to wrap it and put it in my hospital bag.

Tens machines - I used one of these in the early stages last time and it did help a bit but it did nearly get thrown out the window as it drove me mad having to keep picking it up off the bed when I wanted to move around the room. What I needed was a nice sexy bum bag to put it in that I could then sling over one shoulder!

katyo - don't be too down as I think second babies can drop down into position quite quickly so it's not all doom and gloom. Hopefully, they will turn as they drop further down into the pelvis.

In the meantime get on that ball or start scrubbing those skirting boards!

Katyjo- sorry baby not turned, but there is time and if he/she is only 4/5 then it's still possible- don't give up. Apparently it's the movement on all fours that has the greatest effect for turning- so crawling, rather than being static. MAybe some visualisation will help, please don't get yourself worried.

Re: bags I second one for immediate labour essentials and one for after that DH can leave in car. Def change of clothes (shorts) for DH- not least because it's so hot in labour wards. My after bag had a really nice nighty for me which made me feel a lot nicer after all the blood/sweat/tears!!

Re TENS: I found this helped up to a point, then MW suggested I take it off as it wouldn't make a difference. She was right, but up to delivery it did help. For a while it was the only means of communication with DH:-
"turn in up NOW!"
"fuck, turn it down"
"no DOWN" etc...
I was in 2 minds as to wether to hire one this time round and decided I would( it arrived this am!) even if the effects are partly psychological.

Hello Everyone!

KatyJo - My LO is back to back as well. Have been sitting on birthing ball but it can give me pelvic and thigh pains, (minor case of SPD) so can't do it for too long at a time.
Think I need to spend more time on my hands and knees with bum in the air as previously advised. Ah well, kitchen floor needs cleaning anyway.

I've gone a bit nesty today, washing and cleaning, etc. Hope it's not a sign, I want a few more days to sort myself out first...hosp bag half done, but am finding all the posts really useful for things I may have forgotten.

I find that I am becoming a bit anal in my organizing. I want all baby stuff in one place and one place only (& get stupidly annoyed if anything is in the wrong place). Also wanting to have a place at home for me ready for when in labour, with birthing ball, tens, books, mags, etc round me. Is this normal or am I just being my usual contol freak self?

Btw - loved the PJ day yesterday! Can we have another one soon? I have to get up and wash hair and have shower every morning, just in case today is the today. I really am an obsessive control freak aren't I....?

Dylan'smum- I'll look up the Essentials book next time I'm in john Lewis. The knitting seemed so much easier when it was just little teeny cardi's for baby DD. Couldn't do it with toddler DD and I'd never have the patience to do an adult- sized garment (prob just as well really). But did manage to get MIL and Grandma-IL converted to non-twee kids' patterns.

Hi PP- I'm doing lots of organising too and consider it normal. My DD is a force against this and is into bags/ zips etc so have taken to hiding hosp bag on a high shelf so I know it's all there as I last packed it. I think it's important to know where things are ahead of time.

Have also ordered a shed-load of storage cupboard food/ freezer ingredients and loo rolls just in case we need something and can't get round to the co-op (all of 4 mins walk away) in the post-birth days!!

I could prob stock an air-raid shelter right now!

Hi all,

Back from the hospital, and hurray, I don't have pre-eclampsia or anything like. Phew, I slept so badly last night thinking my placenta wasn't working and the baby was going to die. (I'm totally rational these days). So they're not pulling him out this week. (But it would be ok if he came). they were really efficient and I have had lots of good experiences at the hospital. But secretly that I didn't get another scan...really want to see him!

Anyhow, in my panic I got my hospital bag all ready and I'm now able to double check against everyone else's here!
I'm really interested in the food discussions, because I'm veggie and a bit fussy (not really keen on sandwiches) so really not sure what to pack. But yoghurt and lucozade sounds good. Also considering oatcakes, and chocolate (especially tracker bars!).
I'm hoping there will be hot (boiling) water there, so I could get one of my rice and lentil snack pots (they're like pot noodle but gluten free - not that I'm gluten free, I just like them!). Could possibly do something with some porridge type food too. I just don't know how much I'll be wanting to eat!

Nursing bras - midwife told me not to bother to get any until I know my size, especially as they're expensive. But what do I wear?? I'm not leaking even at 37 weeks. I do have nursing tops, and I'm not a big girl really but conscious that my nipples are rather, erm, big and brown...so braless might be a bit, well, porno?

Nearly went into labour now. My plants have come! I must finish my paper today. Please, everyone nag me if I'm not done by 5 ish!!

Essie I'm going to order nursing bras just now and if they dont fit then take them back after!

The NCT bra fitting lady says that if you get fitted from 36/37 weeks onwards they have a very good indication of what size you'll be post baby. If you buy from NCT they'll change sizes after if no good.

Bravissimo also very good at that sort of thing.

I'm just sticking to my maternity bras till then and have got some bra extenders to keep me going.

katyjo sorry you're feeling down. If it makes you feel any better my NCT teacher says they dont grow much past 40 weeks - just a bit of extra fat, but the head doesn't grow and that's the sore bit!

Have MW appt so better dash!

DQ for DD I bought my mini fan in M&S. Don't know if they still do them. Otherwise a magicool spray or spray of mineral water is nice

Paro I had a really really long labour and TENS was the only thing I had handy and they did help for a long time. I bought mine last time as hiring wasn't that cheap and I thought I would reuse them for future baby. It was a little investment I only had to buy batteries and electrodes this time.

Katyo sorry you are feeling down. I'd follow the advice of the others re skirting boards and ball.

Hello amberc welcome to the chatty chatty thread

Essie great news. Glad you are ok. Go on now, go and do that paper [bossy emoticon]

Right I did one photoalbum this morning using a company called extrafilm and it was an absolute nightmare. The only reason I persisted was that I had loaded the pictures yesterday and didn't want to do it all over again. My computer crashed twice and you can't save what you have done so far so had to restart from the beginning. Sorting the pictures in order was a nightmare so slow and not user friendly and each time you move a picture it copies itself as opposed to just move, so you then have to try to find the picture and delete it. There is some tool to edit and resize pictures but it doesn't work. So I will definitely try photobox for the next one which I hope will save me from tearing all my hair out!

Needahand- what are you going to do to help prevent/ reduce sickness??? Rem this from another thread?

I've got a homeopathic remedy and crossed fingers!

Needahand just a quick break, because I've written the bulk and need to check the references. Promise!

Water spray - just got an e-mail from lovely and expensive Neal's Yard remedies (I'm on some mailing list but not sure why because I'm not exactly a regular customer - I don't think I ever bought anything there!)
They do lovely facial spritzers here, and also other creams and potions (inc. tea tree, and lavender), and a new mum pack etc. If you're feeling flush, I have a code: spend £40 (easy, at those prices!) and get 10% off. Code is BH0508.

Afternoon all.
paro BRILLIANT news about LO turning. I am so pleased for you. I must admit am also jealous, but am really glad it has worked, particularly as it sounded like you had fewer options in the event of breech due to your location.

re hospital bag you guys have made me paranoid I'm missed something and am going to have to repack everything now . Keep putting the camera in the bag and DH keeps removing it to use for ebay purposes and not replacing it which is getting annoying....

went into the centre this morning for unavoidable stuff and it's the last time I'm leaving our area until the baby comes. LO was so far down all I could do was waddle v slowly and the walking around set off some pretty strong contractions. A woman working on a cosmetics stand did the 'can I just ask you a question madam' thing and it was all I could do not to tell her to p*ss off! Ended up in the toilets in the centre sat on the loo and leaning against the wall trying to breathe through it. Has stopped again now but things are definitely hotting up here. Just hope I can hang on til I see my special consultant in ten days. It would be nice to have it all official before I pitch up at my new hospital and scare the life out of them by refusing a CS for breech!

Got another ecv tomorrow but if it doesn't work I'm not going to try again. It is extremely painful and it must be horrible for LO. Will do moxa tonight to try to get her to turn, or at least stretch my uterus ligaments before tomorrow, but I can't see how she can possibly shift. paro how far along are you? Am 37+1 now. Just wondering when fleur moved...

laura sorry you are feeling rotten - I do hope you're over the worst of it now.

makescakes hope the BF improves soon. I am told perserverance is the key, but obviously I know nothing first hand!

thanks for the info about mucous plugs everyone! I was wondering if it always appeared...

SERIOUS RANT ALERT.

Aaarrgghh! Just been in tears for last hour after speaking to letting agent (of property we are leaving). She was so abusive and just ignored everything I said and literally shouted at me for 5 mins non stop without letting me speak....and yes, she knows I'm very pregnant. We have been so flexible letting people view the property and showing them round ourselves within less than an hours notice and I've helped her personally with her staff problems, just to be nice!!! I sent an email last week saying amongst other things that if possible we'd prefer 24 hours notice before viewings (I know legally we're entitled to more). Got a call today saying they want someone to come round at 5.30pm, I rang back to say that's fine, but mentioned that in general we'd prefer 24 hours notice, did they get my email as we hadn't received a reply? (The email also requested written confirmation of final move out dates as their letters had suggested March 2008!!!) She went off on one, completely and utterly. When I suggested that I was planning to put the phone down and perhaps she could call back when we'd all had a chance to calm down she said she was fed up of my threats! What threats? St one point I called her Susan rather than Suzanne and she literally shouted "THAT IS NOT MY NAME!" so loudly that the cat jumped...

DH rang up as I was crying and phoned her up and she started lying to him, saying I said someone could come round on Monday evening(which I did, providing they rang me with a time....they didn't) and that then I wasn't in. I was in all evening, luckily so was DH, so he knew it was rubbish.

Where can I name and shame such appalling customer service? The woman who was so offensive is one of the three company directors so no point going to them....

Can't believe how much she has upset me (I don't cry at things like this normally! Then again, I'm not normally treated so appallingly normally) but now am just so angry. [a ngry] RAH!