Due Aug 08 - And the Signs of Labor ARE....

[TwilightSurfer]

This is it!! Some of us have already started the descent into new BABYDOM. Best to arm ourselves with the facts. Here you will find the Signs of Labor. Just don't panic. Remember women around the world have been giving birth for ages. You are not alone nor will you be alone throughout this entire process. We are all here for each other no matter what. So let us go forward with heads high and bellies low.

This little quiz might also be helpful. Remember we are in this TOGETHER!!

DUE AUGUST 2008 STATS
[TSupdate04JUL08]

GROUP TOTAL: 57

DELIVERIES [BOYS (0) vs. GIRLS (0)]
sample23JUL via VB SOMEBODY delivered Jenny Sue, 8lbs 3oz & 55cm [EDD 08AUG]
sample24JUL via CS SOMEBODYELSE delivered Timmy, 6lbs & 43cm [EDD 31JUL]

WAITING ROOM [BOYS (12) vs. GIRLS (15)]
21JUL IlanaK is 35 and lives in Central London. She has 2DSs, 6y & 3y. Expecting DC#3 via CSec (EDD was 24JUL), a BOY to be named Saul.
23JUL Voodoococonut is 29 and lives in Manchester but moving to West Midlands asap. She has a DD, 19M. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
24JUL Alittlebitshy is 28 and lives in East London/Essex. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2 via CSec (EDD was 03AUG), a SURPRISE.
29JUL Miamla is 32 and lives in North London. Expecting DC#1, a BOY to maybe be named Theodore.
29JUL Bigboydiditandranaway is 36 and lives in Midlands. She has a DS, 26m. Expecting DC#2.
30JUL Dizzydixies is 32 and lives in Fife. She has 2DDs, 4y & 2y. Expecting DC#3 via VBac or CSec, guesses it's a girl.
31JUL SassyLou is 33 and lives in Cheshire. She has 2DDs, 7y & 5y. Expecting DC#3.
01AUG PhilB is 31 and lives in SE London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
01AUG Pertelote is 30 and lives in East London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
02AUG Vintagegardenia is 35 and lives in Ireland. She has a DS, 9y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
02AUG Mum2b1 is expecting DC#1.
02AUG Shazza2002 is 27 and lives in West London. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
04AUG SKYTVADDICT is 40 and lives in Lincolnshire. She has a DS, 13m, and 2DDs, 8y & 12y. Expecting DC#4 via CSec (EDD was 08AUG), a SURPRISE.
05AUG ChaCha is 32 and lives in Oxford. She has 2DCs, 2y & 10m, Expecting DC#3 via CSEC, guesses it's a boy.
07AUG BraveNewWorld is 31 and lives in London. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
08AUG LadyOfWaffle is 22 and lives in Berkshire. She has a DS, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
08AUG Mummypud is 28 and lives in Wiltshire. She has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
08AUG Bealcain is 21 and lives in Kent, She has 2DSs 2y & 1y. Expecting DC#3, a GIRL to be named Delilah.
09AUG BirthdayBaby is expecting DC#1.
10AUG Lcy is 30 and lives in Wales. Expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.
11AUG Sarahnh is 32 and lives in West Midlands. She has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL to maybe be named Tess Alexandra.
11AUG Foghornleghorn is 23 and lives in Northampton. She has 2DDs, 3y & 1y. Expecting DC#3, guesses it's a girl.
11AUG Sibh has 2DCs, DS 5y & DD 2y. She is expecting DC#3.
12AUG Buckets is 31 and lives in Southampton. She has a DD, 4y, & a DS, 3. Expecting DC#3 via CSec (01-07AUG?), a BOY to maybe be named Kurt.
14AUG Hardygirl is 36 and lives in SW London. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
14AUG HazieDazieandBaby is 26 and lives in Aberdeen. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL to be named Gabriella.
14AUG Gigglegirl is 32 and lives in Stockport. She has a DD, 4y, and 2DSs, 2y & 1y. Expecting DC#4, a GIRL to be named Imogen.
16AUG Longwayfromhome is 29 and lives in Argentina. Expecting DC#1, a BOY to named Tomas.
16AUG Pregnancy1 is 31 and lives in London. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
17AUG CaptainCaveman is 35 and lives in Nottingham. She has a DS, 3.11y. Expecting DC#2 via VBac, a BOY.
17AUG Iliketosleep is 24 and lives in Wolverhampton. She has 2DDs, 7y & 6y and a DS, 4y. Expecting DC#4.
17AUG Poppysocks is 30 and lives in St Andrews. She has a DD, 2.4y. Expecting DC#2 via CSec or maybe VBAC, a GIRL.
17AUG Warthog has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
17AUG Jennylee is 30 and lives in West Lothian. She has a DS, 9y. Expecting DC#2, a GIRL.
18AUG Kezza7779 is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.
18AUG Expectant is 32 and lives in Singapore. Expecting DC#1, a SURPRISE.
18AUG Cheerfulvicky is 24 and lives in Cornwall. Expecting DC#1, a BOY.
19AUG SazzlesA is 35 and lives in Cheltenham. She has a DD, 18m. Expecting DC#2 via VBAC or CSec, a GIRL to maybe be named Emma.
19AUG Karney is 39 and lives in Glasgow.
19AUG TwilightSurfer is 37 and lives in Tennessee, USA. She has a DD, 4y. Expecting DC#2 via VB, a GIRL to maybe be named Maggie Ethelyn.
19AUG Daisy26 is expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
20AUG Ejesmum is 38 and lives in Exeter. She has a DS, 4y. Expecting DC#2.
20AUG Stillhere is 36 and lives in Yorkshire. She has a DS, 2.5y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
21AUG Pinchypants is 34 and lives in Guildford. She has a DD, 20m. Expecting DC#2.
21AUG Musm2go is 35 and lives in B'ham Solihull. She has a DD, 6y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
23AUG Stickybean is 27 and lives in North London. Expecting DC#1, guesses it's a girl.
24AUG Libbyssister is 34 and lives in Oxfordshire. She has a DS, 2.11y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
24AUG Cyteen is 32 and lives in Leicester. Expecting DC#1, a BOY.
24AUG SausageAndMash is 37 and lives in London. She has a DD, 3y. Expecting DC#2.
25AUG Petitfilou is 36 and lives in S Oxfordshire. She has a DS, 4.4y, & a DD, 2.10y. Expecting DC#3, a BOY.
25AUG Oopsacoconut is 32 and lives in Wiltshire. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL to be named Poppaea Anna.
26AUG Ellasmum1 is 30 and lives in North Staffs-Newcastle under Lyme. She has a DD, 5y. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
26AUG Dancerandprancer is 31 and lives in Devon. She has a DD, 28m. Expecting DC#2, a BOY.
26AUG No1putsbabyinthecorner is 30 and lives in South Yorkshire. She as a DD, 1y. Expecting DC#2.
28AUG Ataraxis formerly Readyforbed has 2 DSs, 5y & 3y, and is expecting DC#3, a GIRL.
29AUG Waytoomuchchocolate is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a girl.
30AUG AnnVan lives in Kent and is expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.

Good morning ladies, I do hope you are all well and managed to get at least some sleep? I finally finished season 3 of 24...now onto season 4!

Ds and I are off to watch Kung Fu Panda today - we are both v excited! After that I have my mad docs appt mid-afternoon, which will hopefully be short and sweet, and they will say its ok to carry on with the clomipramine.

Have fun whatever you're up to - except those who are still working

dd2 had us up at 4am and have been awake ever since - dropped them off at nursery, dd1 loaded up with mini white chocolate buttons for all the kids as its her birthday and am eating breakfast and going back to bed

btw - is it alright after years of trying to finally admit I just don't like raspberries?!!?? I feel there is something fundamentally wrong with not liking actual raspberries

(am fully aware of my weirdness )

ds just came up to me and said "mummy I've got a present for you"
"what is it, a cuddle?" I ask
"No" says ds "it's invisible"
"oh" I said
"and it's going to come out of my bottom" he added
"Is it a butterfly?" I asked hopefully
"nah, it's a flying trump" he exclaimed - and then farted on me.

What a delightful child I have raised

don't worry dd, I won't tell the Fruit Police . Raspberries are an acquired taste and leave pips in your teeth which you spend the rest of the day picking out!

oh am I have SERIOUSLY lost my inability to concentrate or make decisions so I need someone just to tell me please -

1. which sling to buy for lady with big norks and big baby - where to get it and which colour

1. do I buy a new changing station or not? I had one for dd1&2 and it was great for not bending to bath them etc but it was ruined so thrown out - likliehood of C/S growing by the day so considering it again

1. what to name baby

thanks in advance

pmsl CC he sounds brilliant!!!!!

along similar lines, was on the phone to a girl from work last night when dd1 marched up and asked me

'mummy, when the baby come will your big fat tummy fall off and where IS the baby coming out of?'

to which I replied 'go and ask your dad' and tried to continue grown up conversation with colleague who by this time couldn't speak for lauging

LOL dd you have to hand it to the kids for their outright ability to speak plainly!
Have to admit, CS looking more likely here too unless ds2 gets on with some turning.

Dizzy - good to see you back. Also indecisive. DH and I haven't spoken about names and last night he asked me if I was sure about the girls name we have chosen he really didn't need to put any doubt in my mind at this stage.

Bealcain - it is pretty much always hot here and you are all welcome to come visit! Longway is in Argentina although I think she mentioned it is winter there. Think also pretty hot where TS is at the mo

morning all
feels like Pip is practising what the password is to get out by trying different combinations of knocks. All feels v strange, can't really describe it. My friend examined me yesterday and she's pretty sure his head is engaged (feels to me like it is as well). When we compared yesterday's photo to the week before, my bump is soo much bigger and lower. The race is definitely on, although I am 37 weeks tomorrow so i guess its not all that surprising!

chacha no, you're not the only one to have horrible piles. I was in alot of pain about 3 weeks ago. lots of helpful suggestions from people to help relieve them including sitting on a bag of frozen peas, lots and lots of fibre in your diet, drink lots of water to help soften the motions, put vaseline on the sore bits (but not too much otherwise you'll get nappy rash!), use baby wipes after a poo oh and almost forgot.. clean area and then hold a pad soaked in witch hazel against your sore bits. the advice i got from my consulant was to sit in a bowl of saline solution (1 tbsp of salt to every litre of warm water). Sit in it for as long as you can bear, and for at least 2 times a day. NB When working out how much water your bowl will take, don't forget your bum will take up some space! i didn't and i flooded the bathroom!
i tried all of the above at various times so i'm not sure what one helped the most. to be honest, probably the soaking in saline, and the vaseline were the top two
good luck, and from someone who has been there, i really do sympathise and there is light at the end of the tunnel..i promise! i had a few days of being really bad (to the extent that i was crying if i had to move from one position to another ie sitting to standing) but things are most definitely almost back to normal now

CC your son sounds great!

good to see you back dizzy. so what answer did your DH give to DD1?

right then, i'd better get this day started. my master plan for the day consists of a cup of tea, breakfast and a doc's appt at 4pm. i suspect i'd better had something else to my list like finishing off building the chest of drawers for Pip's room and the skirting boards (yup, more skirting boards!) in his room need doing. definitely need a cup of tea first

Hi all, hope all are well. Just skimmed last couple of posts, good to see you back, dd, take it easy now.

CC what a lovely gift, I think our DS's may have been gift shopping together...

Expectant how are the sods at your work doing?

Off to second last day of (office) work, last is Wed, Hallelujah.

Have good day lassies.

Hi Dizzy - changing tables - search on Ebay sorting the results by 'Distance: Nearest First'. No point buying new if it's likely to get ruined LOL. And I hate raspberries too, they're just sour, not like strawberries. Can't really help with slings except to suggest something adjustable - again look on Ebay as there may be some trial and error required.

Now, Expectant has woken up my baby with her tales of Full English and he reminds me that we are due our fortnightly fry-up. Thing is I am up to my overdraft limit as no word from Maternity Allowance yet. Might just break the joint a/c too to pinch a tenner for me and DS to have lunch out as we have vegebox, milkman and school dinners to pay this week. I have £100 in Paypal a/c from tent sale but that won't get me my required dose of saturated animal fats will it? BUT I NEEEEEEED IT!

pelvic floors everyone!! i want 10 from everyone who is reading this...GO!

Ok someone remind me not to have a diet coke (don't even LIKE diet coke) and a cup of tea in the afternoon. I was awake from 3.30-5.30am this morning

Dh off to Bahrain for three days - ds dd just said 'daddy is fetching someone elses daddy isn't he?' and is very chilled out about it. She is erm more emotionally robust - or perhaps because she is a girl??!

dizzy - let me know your thoughts on big babies and slings. I have a wilkinet but have seen the Close in a shop and really hanker after it. dh would kill me though as we don't strictly NEED another sling. Yes get the changing table - will save your back and getting housemaids knee (surely one on ebay for not much??)

gigglegirl - you are bound to have an NCT fitter near you - how about trying them (can't say I have but am sure they are well trained)

My DS has moved on from sticking teatowels up his jumper to stuffing them in his sleeve or trouser leg and declaring he has a baby there instead. (NB he uses teatowels as comfort blankets - it is quite hard to find one for drying purposes in our house but handy during a DS meltdown as he's not fussy about colour/pattern/cleanliness.)

We know what to buy your ds for a prezzie then buckets!. Mine just likes my fluffy pink dressing gown - he's currently eating his breakfast whilst wrapped up in it

Right, I must go and get washed & dressed - we're off out to the cineam and need to be gone in 40 mins....

VG - thanks for asking but don't even want to go there on the work thing as I'm liable to have a v.long rant and I'm really sure you don't want to be bored with that. Plus it will just make me more miserable which won't help anyone!

Buckets - full english didn't go down as well as I had hoped but they did also have a chocolate fountain which went down very well indeed (we were at some friends place).

Morning all.

*Buckets( I've just had a bit of a cooked brekkie. Went to tescos and had bacon sarnie and rather a lot of hash browns .

Petitifilou I'm planning to get the Close sling too..... Can't decide which colour though.

dizzy good to see you. Glad dd1 had a good birthday and celebrations with the cousins etc etc. Isn't it scary having a 5 year old??? Sooo grown up.

Cavey dd and dh saw kung ku pands on friday. They came back raving about it and giggling, so i think it was good.

Got to to and have a blood test today. I think it's just a routine 35 week iron levels test (even though I'm 36 weeks cos didn't get round to going last week and will need another one in another week or so as a pre section one, apparently).

Ooh - feel all funny again now. Is prob the thought of going to clean the kitchen which is my main chore today.....

Dizzy, "which sling to buy for lady with big norks and big baby"

Practically any proper sling (i.e. Not one from mothercare) fitted properly can work with big breasts and a big baby.

I have used wraps, ring slings, structured carriers, obi, mei tais and tried on pouches.

My favourite sling for a newborn is a wrap woven (Didy) or stretchy (i.e. Moby)

Older babies suit mei tais, easy to throw baby on your back.

You can get slings on here, www.thebabywearer.com, yahoo UKswap group (sorry don't have a link to hand) and loads of other places.

HTH

DD - Lovely to 'see' you! You had been missed.
I have tried to catch up from where I left off last but gets very difficult if you leave it for more than a few hours...that'll teach me to try and catch up on sleep

Buckets - Enjoy your brekkie! Treat yourself - if i could be bothered i would be doing the same but mum is on her way and think i'd like to potter around minus DC and get my bag ready and by the door as although I don't think there will be an early arrival i don't have the mobility to do too much alone and with the DC.

Miamla - Thanks for the info, i was actually pleased to read that someone else has gone through this because personally can't see how i would be that sympathetic towards someone else's had i not have gone through it myself. The Germoloids with the local anaesthetic is definitely helping as is the cream, i got some sleep last night even if broken and uncomfy but all natures way of preparing you again isn't it? I will try the other things you have mentioned - really appreciate that, thanks.
Awwww...so with you on that, I cried a good part of the night because no matter what i did it hurt. I'd lie on my side - ouch...i'd try and sit up...double ouch and so it continued and even just visiting the loo is a nightmare. DH told me to go and see the GP and said 'could you do that? You wouldn't feel shy' LOL, told him the pain and discomfort i'm in at the moment would show the neighbours if it meant some relief!! There is no dignity in this PG game.
37 weeks - getting closer!!! I'm 36 today!

PF - I know at some point you were moving to this neck of the woods - do you have friends here? Am not sure where you are in Ox but I'm central and if you need anything while your DH is away am happy to send you my numbers should you need us.

I know i meant to reply to other posts but cant remember them now, apologies. Be back later x

I think the last time I checked in was about 4 threads ago...sorry! Things have been manic here - just what you need when you're on the countdown to birth - and we've been living in rented accommodation sans internet for a while, so no chance to log on to the real world...

We're now back at home although it's still a building site so we're camped out in two rooms on the middle floor of the house, surrounded by builders/plaster/dust/shouting on both levels. Hilariously, I'm planning a home birth (ha!) so I'm hoping I'll have somewhere clean, dry and relatively private to do it by the time bubs#2 makes an appearance, hopefully not early, next month...

Apart from that, have been getting delightful backache, groin ache and necking back about 3 hundred chewy Rennies a day to keep acid vaguely at bay. But actually feeling pretty upbeat, all things considered! Sorry for being so crap - it was originally my intention to be on here pretty regularly but life kind of got in the way.

Hope you're all well - I've only had time for the vaguest skim through this thread - and good luck to those nearest the front line. I keep thinking about WW1 trenches when I think about those closest to giving birth (happy thought eh?!), so if you're close to going over the top, good luck! And do let me know if anyone else is planning a home birth - I just decided it would be sensible as bubs#1 was out in 4.5 hours from start to finish with second stage of about 1hour, and I have a feeling I'd be giving birth on the road to the hospital if I didn't plan home birth...

Apols for a massive post - hope to be a better correspondent from now on...

morning all!

Am at work.

Changing table - would love one but not sure where I would put it! Struggling changing DS2 at the moment as no way I can get on the floor and back up again but I couldn't lift him if I had a cot top changer. Cot top changer was destroyed along with cot in a morning of the boys wrestling!! Now have no cot and no changer and no space. Not sure where this baby will be going as no space once they are out of our room! Only place I could fit a cot is in with the boys but don't want to appear in Take a Break as one of those parents whose siblings accidentally smother the baby!

Chacha That's very kind. I live in Marcham - have got a couple of neighbours who could potentially step in if necessary and my sister lives in Banbury so not completely alone! Fil, dad and mil all retired too so there in emergency although not very close.