Due Sept 08: The one where we pack our bags and write our birth plan.

[mamamufin]

I thought I would be brave

Kasha Great news. I am so happy for you.
I am very, very bigggggggggggggggggggg.

Today I have been looking for a childminder to look after my ds while I have the C-section.
What should I ask the childminder? Is is normal to want to visit her house even if I will only need her for a day?
I have never used a childminder before.

Hi guys

Work is out, I am officialy on mat leave. Horray!

What a lovely birth story Kasha I am so pleased you little one is doing so well.

Thank you so much for hosting our little get together today carrieon. It was lovely to meet you and ponymum. Hope the meal goes well. And hope you enjoyed the cricket ponymum

Gosh star youve got me thinking about lots of birth things.

How did it go today eandz ?

It Friday again girls how exciting xx

Congratulations Kasha . This is all becoming very real.
I know this question has probably been asked and answered but what exercises/positions are best to avoid back-to-back births? With the exception of getting on my hands and knees and scrubbing the floor. If that's my only option, I'll take the risk of another back-to-back!
Is it just me, or is this an absolutely fascinating thread?

starlight good points, I'll have to have a proper think about it...so far I've got:

Do you want directed pushing, or to be able to push in your own time when you feel like it? Possibly directed as I've never done this before

Are you open to pethedine, and gas and air? no to pethidine, yes to G&A

Are you happy to have internal examinations?
yes, but keep them to a minimum, don't want MW checking, then 5 minutes later a Doctor checking, then 3 minutes later a student checking

Would you be happy to have students? only if they keep quiet and don't annoy me

Episiotomy or tear? dunno I'd like to say I'd go for the cut to spare tearing more than necessary, but don't know if I'll be that pragmatic on the day.

Hello everyone,

I've been having lots of really vivid dreams about giving birth. Last night I finally had one where I had an elective c-section, which is the most likely for me. I'm feeling quite pleased since it was a really positive dream, so maybe it means I'm starting to accept it a bit more. I even dreamt about doing the first breastfeed and the baby latching on. Is anyone else having a lot of dreams about the baby and the birth?

Potxola, I'd definately visit the childminder and have a couple of sessions for your ds to stay and get comfortable there.

I breached the subject with dd (3.5 years old) a week ago and told her how she would go stay with nanny and granddad while I went to the hospital and she had a hysterical fit. She is adamant that she is coming. Generally speaking, since all the upset with the amnio she is very reluctant letting me go to the hospital or doctors without her. We won't lie to her when it's time though, but we'll keep talking about it to help prepare her.

Morning everyone! Thanks carrieon and mamamufin for the great meet up yesterday! FYI the only reason you couldn't taste the burnt bits on the banana cake is because I actually cut the top bits off the cake with kitchen scissors before slapping some make-shift icing over the collapsed, crater-like remainders! Officially The Worst Cake I Have Ever Made. My reputation as a domestic goddess has gone out the window since pg - why??

DH's cricket was a nice but rather dramatic outing. Picture this: I am innocently sitting in my wheelchair reading a magazine, when one of the opposition batsmen fires a massive 6 at top speed in my direction. I realise that I literally can't move and there is a dangerous missile heading straight for me! Helpless pregnant woman in wheelchair starts screaming and a fellow spectator leaps in the air and catches the ball in mid air literally inches from my head!! No-one from either team could quite believe it. DH's team mates said our baby will either be totally scared of ball games, or emerge from the womb with keeper's gloves on ready to catch any ball which heads its way!

Had another really black episode last night as I was in so much pain. I just sobbed and sobbed at the thought that I might end up as a disabled mum. I know lots of people do it, but it wasn't in my plan. My eyes still hurt this morning from all the crying I did last night. Oh, FFS, crying again now. 10 weeks to go today, and counting. What am I going to do?

Oh ponymum I can imagine you must feel very down - this isn't how it's supposed to be. I'm sure you won't be wheelchair bound imn the long term BUT you don't need to feel you should be brave or apologetic/guilty for feeling down because plenty of disabled mums do an amazing job.

What is happening to you is really shit and unfair! I wish I had some better advice for you, if its any consolation you sound like you ARE doing well and maintaining a positive outlook when you can. Lots of people wouldn't manage to be baking, entertaining guests, supporting DH's cricket matches...

HUGS.

morning -well afternoon all

have cleanedmy kitchen top to bottom this morning including emptying the fridge freezer out and washing all the shelves and compartments good god i must be nesting

the children have entertained themselves and have actually played nicely together with the thomas stuff which is surreal

so much for the sunshine it's been peeing it down all morning and doesn't look like it's going to stop!!

I also dreamed about breastfeeding the baby last night! For me that's a bigger deal than labour coz it went so wrong last time, but in the dream the bf was really successful .

I strongly suspect that my baby doesn't like me . It abused me all night long and is still fighting to get out now. Dd was totally contented in the womb, and got a lot of comfort from being swaddled when born. This one seems to be an entirely different kettle of fish.

Had a lovely dinner out with dh last night (we had a voucher for 2 starters and 2 mains at Cafe Rouge, and ordered the most expensive steak ) and of course mostly discussed our children, including how cute dd is, and names for the new one. We've got first and middle names for a boy sorted, but dh has gone off our girls names! Ah well, there's still time.

ponymum I'm so at your cricket story, I can see it all in slow motion before me and its terrifying! I'm sorry you've been feeling so down, I know you're getting the best support and treatment and you're welcome on here any time to pour your heart out.

Thanks for the support and lovely hugs, it really means a lot.

hi guys. apparently the rheumatologist, obstetirician and a cardiologist (i don't know why we have a cardiologist on board) all seem to think that i should deliver at 34 weeks (so in six weeks time) and i have to have daily checks because they might need to be admitting me.

i don't have pre eclampsia yet, but they think i'm going to get it as soon as my stills worsens (i'm beginning to flare).

ponymum, i'm sorry your having a rough time! just another 10 weeks and life will be normal again...lots of hugs and you've inspired me to bake a butter pound cake.

eandz Glad they are keeping an eye on you...didnt realise they could predict pre-eclampsia!

starlight yes, I am trying for a home birth this time too, but the community m/w still havent contacted me yet and I am 30 weeks next week - isnt that a bit late???

My reasons for not doing a birth plan are numerous.....my dh knows what I want and can liaise with them whilst I am having contractions (the student m/w at my ds birth expected me to answer her increasingly stupid questions whilst in the middle of very painful contractions!) so they leave me the hell alone.

Last time, I was not even asked if I had done a birth plan, and because the unit was busy and I only had a student m/w with me until actual delivery, I felt very much "practised" on. She soon lost interst when it became clear I wasnt going to deliver on her shift.

My dh doesnt want to cut the cord, but he can tell them that himself. I am ok having syntocin to help with the third stage as I think I will be fed up of pushing by then!!
I will push when I am good and ready and not before so they will be wasting their breath if they start to order me about and I am assuming that - all being well - they will give me the baby immediately (although I will check on this).

I know I sound really bolshie, but I am not having some ill trained idiot telling me what to do this time - hence my preference for a home birth. I suppose I feel that this way I have a better chance of getting what I want?

I could get to 2cms this time and be begging for an epidural...I just dont know...each pregnancy and labour are different and I just hope that I get my home birth, hopefully without being in labour for 24 hours (!) and that baby and I are well.

Obviously, if things go haywire between now and then, then I will deliver in hospital, but would rather not if at all possible.

Have either you, Pidge or KKDmom actually had a home birth or are we all first timers? - I feel a bit clueless about it so far, not having spoken to anyone yet!

Hi guys

Ponymum You are so brave. I think its fantastic that you can still see the funny side of thing, even though you are struggling and having a really rough time. Sending big hugs.
Eandz you are truly getting the best care and being monitored closely.
We are all in this together and are here to support, offer advice or just listen to each other.

Have just been to Leeds shopping and for a nice lunch. Debenhams have a sale on at the moment. I got 5 nursing bras for £5.40 each! So pleased as bras normally cost me at least £30 each for my size. I got a mixture of colors too. Pink, black, white, lacey and leopard print with pink. Fab.

ponymum So sorry you are feeling so low....Glad you didnt get lamped on the head with the cricket ball

just noticed the list wasn't completeley up to date, have added pitufina and kept the arrivals at the top.

Arrivals!
28-May - Johnworf ? Katherine, 1lb 8oz
30-June ? KashaSarrasin ? DS2, 1.39kg

Counting down the days:
25-Aug - Excitable - age 31 - North Lancashire - first baby
30-Aug - Gracie14 - age 26 - Berkshire - BOY
31-Aug - Sassafrass - age 31 - east midlands - DD 3 - GIRL
31-Aug - Sunshinemummy - age 38 - SW London - DS 2.2m - GIRL
01-Sep - Talia1 - age 29 - Leeds/Buxton - 1st baby - GIRL
02-Sep - expatmom2be - age 28 - London - 1st baby - GIRL(?)
02-Sep - Fandango - age 31 - Cheshire - DD 11m
03-Sep - KashaSarrasin - age 38 - N Yorks - DS 3 - *Surprise!Boy?&
03-Sep - Debithescot - age 27 - North Hampshire - DS 25m - SURPRISE
03-Sep - Jenpet - Brittany, France - DS 6
04-Sep - Lollipopmother - age 26 - Oxford - 1st baby - GIRL
04 -Sep - Meglet - age 34 - North Hampshire - DS born Nov 06 - GIRL, planned c-section
06 Sep - Lilapple - age 37 - North London - first baby - surprise!
06-Sep - Potxola - Age 41 - Exeter - DS 3.6 - GIRL
6-09 Sep - Starlight - age 32 - Herts - DS 13m - GIRL
06-Sep - Kagey - age 30 - Kent - first baby - GIRL
07 - Sep - Leenie - age 36 - south london - 3rd baby
09-Sep - Hopefully - age 25 - West Sussex - first baby - Surprise!
09-Sep - Kirstygem - Norfolk - DD 19m
10-Sep - kiki21 - age 32 - Southeast London - first baby
10-Sep - Lollyheart - age26 - basingstoke - dd3,ds17 months - BOY
10-Sep - MrsElle28 - age 28 - Yorkshire - First baby - BOY
10-Sep - Workstostaysane - London - DD 17m
12-Sep - Mustsleep - age 27 - ds 6.8, dd 2.10 - yorkshire - BOY
12-Sep - Biglips - age 33 - Liverpool - DD3 - SURPRISE - girl???
13-Sep - Lulu15 - 1DC
13-Sep - mama2bee - age 34 - South London - first baby
13-Sep - mumiyumi-age 35- Warwickshire -DS 2.9 - suprise
13 Sep - notcitrus - first baby - South London - BOY
14-Sep - Crabby - first baby - Cambridge - GIRL
14-Sep - kel78 - age 29 - dd1 3, dd2 8
15-Sep - ellideb - age 24 - North Wales - 1st baby - BOY
15-Sep - Bogie - age 20 - DS2 - GIRL
16-Sep - BikeRunSki - age 37 - W Yorks - First baby - BOY
16-Sep - Surelyyoucantbeserious - age 30 - s. London - first baby
17-Sep - LumpyBumpyThingy - age 23 - W.Sussex - 1st Baby - GIRL
18-Sep - MelT76 - age 31 - Staffs - 1st baby - BOY
18-Sep - Becaroo - age 35 - ds aged 4 - derbyshire - BOY
18-Sep - mamamufin - age 28 - Yorks - DS 3 - BOY
19-Sep - barnpot - age 27 - west yorks - 1st baby - BOY
19-Sep - kiskidee - dd 3 - Durham. - - GIRL
19-Sep - LeonieD - age 31 - Sutton Coldfield - DD 4.2
19-Sep - Naturalblonde - age 28 - N. Somerset - DD 1.4
19-Sep - Lilypink - age 31 - Suffold - DD 19m
20-Sep - emandz - age 24 - NW London - 1st baby - BOY
20-Sep - imoscarsmum - age 35 - Cheshire/North Wales Boarder - first baby - Surprise!
20-Sep - izzybiz - age 31 - Winchester - DS 15, DD 3.8 - BOY
20-Sep - Jenbot - age 28 - Herts - 1st baby
20-Sep - Treadmillmom - aged 37 - West Midlands - DS1 5, DS2 2 - GIRL
21-Sep - Charitygirl - age 30 - SW London - first baby
22-Sep - jearund - age 35 - South West - DD 15 months - BOY
22-Sep - Luboo - age 31 - Hants - DD 14m
22-Sep - MummyToOneForNow - dd 14mths
22-Sep - Slinkiemalinki - age 31 - West London - dd 2.1 - BOY
23-Sep - digitalgirl - age 29 - North London - first baby
23-Sep - feelingpositive - age 31 - Edinburgh - DD 21m - GIRL
23-Sep - LouiseAnn - age 40 - Guildford - ds 8yo - BOY
23-Sep - Blimey - age 40 - South London - DS 5, DS 3 - BOY
24-Sep - Ninja - age 37 - Manchester - DD 4.5
25-Sep - kgirl - age 24 - 1st baby
26-Sep - MissusH - age 35 - S.Derbys - dd, 5.8
26-Sep - Pitufina - age 29 - 2nd baby - ds, 3.5 - surprise! - South wales
27-Sep - Inquisitive - age 31 - Berks - 1st baby - BOY
27-Sep - pidge - age 37 - London - 2 dds age 5.5 and 2.10 - Surprise!
27-Sep - Jennylindinha - age 36 - London - first baby - Surprise!
28-Sep - Carrieon - age 28 - York - dd 12 months - Surprise!-Boy??
28-Sep - LittleConnie - age 33 - West London - 1st baby - Surprise!
28-Sep - splishsplosh - age 37 - London - dd 2
29-Sep - WombFor1More - age 26 - Kent - DS 6, DS 4, DD 10months - BOY
30-Sep - Ninja - age 37 - Manchester - DD 4.5

lollyheart I start maternity leave in a weeks time. I can facebook you for a basingstoke meet up.

Me and DP had a suprisingly nice day at Bristol Ikea today, got loads of toy storage and some fun bits too, I had to buy DS a huge toy dragon . DS was with Grandma & Grandad for the day!

eandz hope you aren't suffering too much and very pleased to hear your hospital are keeping a close eye on you.

ponymum sorry to hear you are feeling so down. Lets hope your baby will turn out to play cricket for England after its in the womb experience. Take care of yourself. x

Starlight Thank you. I will follow your advice.
)Ponymum* I send you LOTSSSSSSS of hugs
Eanz You are in VERY good hands.
We are all together in this.

whats an average when the babys head is engaged? is it about 35-36 weeks?

just catching up after being busy for a few days.

biglips Ciara is currently our favourite girl name. We don't have a deffinate boys name yet.

lollyheart I'd be up for a Basingstoke meeting too. When you said somewhere in the middle where did you mean? Can't remember where you are, are you Winchester?

no, I see you are Basingstoke. There is someone from Winchester here isn't there? And Meglet is Basingstoke too. I'm Farnborough.

caught up now...

Had a busy week at work this week so I'm glad I only have 5 days left to work now. Hopefully they shouldn't be too bad.

Got my brother's wedding this week so have been writing lists to try to ensure we don't forget to do anything that needs done before we go up to Scotland and don't forget to take things we need. I had a dream that I forgot to pick up the dress I'm hiring and am now paranoid about that!

Went to see Spamalot last night, it was very very funny and the theatre seats weren't too uncomfy.

Just back from seeing Harlequins get completely slaughtered by St Helens . We had to fight through the Iron Maiden fans going to Twickenham to get there as the grounds are opposite each other. Who is it on here who was going to see them? I'm sure someone mentioned going there today.