Due Aug 08 - Glasses High, Bellies Low, Motherhood Here We Go!!

[TwilightSurfer]

Our first Due August 2008 thread started on Monday the 26th of November 2007.
We have had 11 threads so far with a total of 10,452 posts (at 904).
Shazza2002, VintageGardenia, and Bigboydiditandranaway are three original members.
Believe it or not, DizzyDixies did not join until the 3rd of January 2008.

For each of us, this pregnancy has been well documented among electronic pages that can be found here, links to all our Due August 2008 threads:
Thread 1 26NOV07-21JAN08
Thread 2 09JAN08-05FEB08
Thread 3 05FEB08-04MAR08
Thread 4 04MAR08-28MAR08
Thread 5 27MAR08-12APR08
Thread 6 12APR08-30APR08
Thread 7 30APR08-31MAY08
Thread 8 31MAY08-14JUN08
Thread 9 13JUN08-24JUN08
Thread 10 24JUN08-04JUL08
Thread 20 04JUL08-

Today we begin thread #12. It may or may not take us to our first birth. Either way, it takes us into the home stretch, the moment we've all been waiting for....

DUE AUGUST 2008 STATS
[TSupdate12JUL08]

GROUP TOTAL: 59

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 (13) vs. GIRLS (15)] [(6) Scheduled C-Sections]
21JUL IlanaK is 35 and lives in Central London. She has 2DSs, 7y & 4y. Expecting DC#3 via CS [EDD 28JUL], 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 CS [EDD 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, 5y & 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 CS [EDD 08AUG], a SURPRISE.
04AUG ChaCha is 32 and lives in Oxford. She has 2DCs, 2y & 10m, Expecting DC#3 via CS [EDD 10AUG], guesses it's a boy.
06AUG CaptainCaveman is 35 and lives in Nottingham. She has a DS, 4.2y. Expecting DC#2 via CS [EDD 17AUG], 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.
08AUG Babieseverywhere is 34 and lives in Lancashire. She has a DD, 2y. Expecting DC#2, a SURPRISE.
09AUG BirthdayBaby is expecting DC#1.
10AUG Lcy is 30 and lives in Wales. Expecting DC#1, guesses it's a boy.
11AUG Poppysocks is 30 and lives in St Andrews. She has a DD, 2.4y. Expecting DC#2 via CS [EDD 17AUG], a GIRL.
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.
13AUG Mal00 is 33 and lives in South London. She is expecting DC#1, a BOY to be name Leonardo or Lorenzo.
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[London-4h]. Expecting DC#1, a BOY to named Tomas.
16AUG Pregnancy1 is 31 and lives in London. Expecting DC#1, a GIRL.
17AUG Iliketosleep is 24 and lives in Wolverhampton. She has 2DDs, 7y & 6y and a DS, 4y. Expecting DC#4.
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[London+7h]. 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 Chattanooga[London-5h]. She has a DD, 4y. Expecting DC#2 via VB, a GIRL to be named Reese Eleanor.
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.

Exactly...I had some work done on my back while I was on my period and it was loads more painful even then

Do you think that having experience of managing pain levels during a tattoo session might help me manage my pain during labour? I've always been okay when getting inked and not a bad sitter, but then I've always known I was only going to be there for a finite length of time...

i'd say it;s pretty comparable. you always forget the pain with both! i think one major difference is with tatooing it's constant for a shorter period, whereas labour is over a longer period but in spits and spats. not a similar pain though. from people iknow with quite a bit of big work, they say that labour was easier.

Have enjoyed reading all your posts

Bealcain - One of my best friend's, a year younger than me, has a 13 year old DS and they get along sooooo well together. She spent her 20's as a SAHM and even home schooled him until a few years ago. She went back to uni when he was settled at school and this summer is now a primary school teacher - am really proud of her. I on the other hand did it all the other way round - both have their ads/disadv's but in my case I was too busy aged 21 enjoying myself and living a v.selfish life to have cared the way i do now for children. My other best friend has had her 3 aged 36, 38 and 40 but she's super fit and really looks after herself. At the moment, i'm 32 but i feel 60!

ALBS - DH didn't like the idea of the DC being away, maybe too much stress if he had to go get them or anything happened. My mum has offered to come up Wed-Fri though which is a massive help as I do not want to have these iron infusions alone. She has offered the same again next week and then hopefully final countdown. Thanks for asking.

I've spoken to consultant's secretary today and she told me to write an email explaining why i would like to see the consultant and try to push for the Friday section instead of Monday. Have now done that and hope they can do something. I can't imagine 3 days will make much difference, would see me at 38+6 i think. Can only hope.

I'd also like a seat in the grumpy/moody corner at least until DH returns. I'd like a lazy Sunday and slice of banoffee please, haven't touched a cig/drink in years.

Can't remember other replies now and DS2 is pulling my hair and pinching my cheeks to get attention, TTFN

Sorry Albs forgot to mention, don't worry about catheter you don't feel it - just remember how great it was to get it out.

Had some lovely replies to my birthplan for cs thread - some great ideas to work on so will discuss these with dh tonight.

Babies' head is giving me wicked rib pain too - sleeping on the sofa in the afternoon will do that to you

Am just off to the park with ds to feed the ducks and play waddle around the play park.

Ok, what I'm not happy about from last cs: (ds was born at 12.47pm)

1. Ds was whipped straight off to be weighed, warmed, dressed etc - no-one asked me if that was ok, or explained why.

1. no-one discussed a birth plan with me, and I didn't know I could 'have' one with a cs

1. I couldn't see a thing as they wouldn't let me keep my glasses on, thus vision was as far as the end of my nose!!

1. No-one helped me bf until we were back on the ward

1. We didn't have skin to skin contact until some hours after the birth, and this was at the kind suggestion of the senior mw on duty

1. I felt utterly helpless as I was stuck in bed with no sensation below my nipples, and had to ring my buzzer whenever ds cried.

1. I couldn't help change nappies etc til the next day due to being bed-bound.

Am sure there is more - thats just for starters!!

Oh CC--that sounds awful it makes sense to have a plan definitely. I had a spinal block prep. for a caesarean with DS and he was then born by ventouse (trying to come out sideways). I couldn't move either, and couldn't get words out about it either so when he was crying I couldn't pick him up . The second time round I made sure my plan said I had over-reacted to the meds and it was so different being able to engage with DD straight from the word go: really fabulous.

The other thing about the block was I was too out of it to hear anyone tell me I had a catheter in. Cue me jumping out of bed to go to the loo in the middle of the night (why jumping seemed a good idea I don't know), making it about 5 paces and then pinging back into bed, like Tom in Tom and Jerry when he finds his tongue nailed to the floor.

I can laugh about it now. [hollow, hollow laugh]. Can someone pass me a drink?

Sorry Sibh you just made me laugh out loud. I know that wasn't funny at the time.

Captain, you have very valid gripes. You would think folks that deliver babies all the time would be better at knowing what to do and let bonding begin immediately. Or at least be better at asking the mother what she'd like as things are happening. Where's BED SIDE MANNER training!!!

Just a quickie, MIL's flights have been cancelled and there is much panic lol. Ryannair seem to be v.difficult to contact too!

CC - Very much like my emergency section - On a positive note i just wanted to say that my elective was wonderful, held DS straight away, he was placed directly onto my chest, glasses were kept on too, pestered everyone and anyone about latch etc.. and was given help, just soooo different and i told them exactly what i wanted during the pre assessment.
CC - sending you a big hug xxxx

Dublin, derry or belfast....ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Why do they ahve to strike.

CC- Forgot to add I have instructed DH he's doing the skin-to-skin in the operating theatre (scrub gown allowing) as I did feel too sleepy and unsure of the slanty op table to hold DS (the elective one.) Will attempt breastfeeding as soon as nips have feeling though and once on a nice level hospital bed, hopefully in the recovery room.

waaah - pelvis and back ache. pelvis feels full up iyswim.

dh cooked dinner, and is bathing and bedding dd soon. think it'll be eastenders and then bed for me......

starting to panic about logisitics of tomorrow. dd finishes school at 1. fine. i have hosp app at 4.20 - BUT we have to be at dd's prizegiving for 6.30 (not far from you miamla actually - the Sir whoever Hawkey Hall on Broadmead). we're intending to leave her at home with babysitter while we go to hosp and they feed her and change her into clean school dress, then we go back and get her, then get to prize giving - but the hospital is going to run over isn't it??? do they stop at 5 (ie will they be wanting to hurry things along by the time of my app) or might I have to leave without being seen....? ARgh. Panic!

You could stay and get a cab to the hall late while DH goes home and takes her?

Buckets Glad your dd is ok. Just call me Prof Petitfilou - can even diagnose over the internet (that's three times I've got it right!) Dh would be proud ...or not

Off to have fish and chips and try not to fall asleep while making dcs dinner and lunch for tomorrow.

hmmmm.. I had wondered that. he said if running late he'll go home, get her, then come back for me - but it's rush hour plus not exactly en route......

hmm...... cab might work.....

No, I wouldn't think of not having DP there. He'd be really hurt if I suggested it, he really wants to be there, and I'm sure he will be up to it on the day. But even if he faints or doesn't do what we've agreed, that will be ok by me in the end.

(I say that now!!!)

I was laughing at the Tom & Jerry image too!

CC that sounds pretty appalling, especially the glasses, no breastfeeding till back in ward and your DS whipped away immediately. So utterly careless of how you would be feeling. for you, I'll have look at your thread.

CC - That sounds awful!
I as horrified when my mum told me that when my sister was born it was the done thing to put the mum straight to sleep. My mum was put to sleep and a nurse took my sister away and bottle fed her! my mum intended to bf, but cos of being bottle fed, my sister never took to bf. I think it's hideous that someone else should be the first person to feed your baby, unless the baby's sick in special care or somthing obviously.

A baby will be fine for 24hours (or more) without being fed. it has enough reserves for this, it;s building them up as we speak. if dd has to go to SCBU or i can't breastfeed straightaway then she won't be fed. will under no circumstances be given formula.

has anyone else got really bad stretch marks? i've just looked and they're atroticious(sp?) still after 3 what i do expect?

Bealcain - I've got pretty bad marks, and this is number 1 Great big purple marks in a huge patch to the left of my belly button

Oh What sort of sling would you recommend that a newborn can go in hammock style position? I'd like one to use round the house and also for trips to supermarket? Sorry, but you do seem to be the sling lady

My stretch marks were ok - then i looked last week and they have multiplied. so it's not just the silver ones now it's the real deal of red ones... plus the veins looing all stretched. lovely.

bealcain thanks for that - I didn't know that baby would be ok if not able to be fed immediately! Dh was planning on being very vocal and insisiting on cup feeding if for some reason I was unable to feed baby initially.... Wil they look askance at him if he says don't feed the baby? You're sure they won't just whip it away and talk about the neglectful parents over there ?

Worrying about the allowance of/or not of glasses in the operating theatre. I cannot remember if I had them on last time or not. In the info in my maternity notes it mentions being allowed plastic framed glasses. Mne are metal . I do have plastic framed prescritpion sun glasses so maybe i'll get dh to slip them in his pocket so that i will be able to see (albeit through rather dark glasses lol) if I'm not allowed metal ones...

Hi all, the countdown has officially begun for me. I have 7 days left to go! I went for my last antenatal appointment today where they gave me the c-section stuff including the meds to take the night before and the morning of. Today was the first time I have left the flat in a week due to the spd and I took a taxi there and back. I have to go back for blood tests later in the week, but other than that, I can't see me going out. I am going stir crazy!

I finally got my baby hammock back this weekend (an Amby Baby nest). It has been through 3 children now (my two plus my nephew) so this will be the 4th baby to sleep in it. I was so pleased to get it back and it looks lovely all set up ready. I plan to co-sleep, but want to use it for naps etc. The pram is also out and ready now (was in storage). I even have the fold down bed rail thing fitted to our bed. I guess I must be ready!

Just a quick addition to the comments about breastfeeding: while I agree with Bealcain that a baby does not need to feed straight away if there is a problem preventing it, I would not advocate allowing a newborn to go 24 hours without a feed. You can express colostrum and have it given to your baby if you are unable to feed. Frequent feeds in the first couple of days post birth is vital to help bring in your supply. If you are unable to feed, expressing is really important. There is new research that suggests that those intitial days of frequent feeds actually lay down the prolactin receptors in the breast for later milk supply. If not enough are laid down, milk supply could always be a struggle even if latch and everything else is right.

Some maternity hospitals have milk banks and will offer donated breastmilk in an emergency (with your permission), worth asking your MW or consultant if yours does just in case. DD (the emergency one) had donated BM from a syringe for her first feed as I was unconscious/asleep (but happily so) for about 7hrs.

Helllooooo All

Just back from work only 9 working days left!

Who gave this baby a shovel?? She seems to be trying to dig her way out - I think she might have her hand on her head! seratching and digging my cervix

Have just realised that we have still not heard from M/Wife, even though I rang on Friday before I spoke to Delivery suite, I rang saying bubs was quiet, had show and was contracting. I now realise why I never trusted them! What if i had really had a problem? and hadn't had the guts to ring the delivery suite when I hadn't heard from them? How am I now supposed to rely on them for my care?

DH being a darling and has menaced work about me finishing on time - he is concerned I am working too hard. Might have to have a sickie later this week.

CC - do make sure they get a copy of your birth plan when you go in for your section - our hospital seems to have a fantastic post section programme, Bubs born, wrapped in towel handed to dad (before cleaning), dad and mum stay together with bubs whilst stitching up, bubs checked over in dad's arms (only taken in emergency) all taken through to recovery mum then has skin to skin and gets to hold bubs as long as she needs, dad supervises nappies and clothes, bubs back to mum and all go to ward.

Will catch up on you all and post more later.

evening all, am trying desperately to catch up so am sorry if I miss anyone

all well(ish) in dixie household, dh finally finished marathon shifts at TITP this weekend and I'm home from being down the road this weekend

mum settled and comfortable in hopsice, lovely place and very very nice staff. the apparent 'nowness' of it all seems to be on hold (please don't let me have kinxed it by saying that) although we ARE aware that this is a slow gradual process

home in own bed late last night, thank goodness but had terrible congestion and sore throat - checked by GP this morning who told me it was nothing and to take paracetamol

had lovely afternoon at local farm with poppysocks and her wee dote of a DD. Girls and myself all a bit pink even after suncream and hats but they're hopefully tired enough to go to sleep now dh has put them down

am off to make some dinner and have an early night as still pooped from long weekend

hope all well

Aw you girls are so lovely - I really didn't know I could have a different cs experience to that and last time I was too ill to ask (with ante-natal depression). I just wanted him out so I could start feeling better!!

I intend to spend the next couple of days 'planning' my birth plan and making sure it gets written - I don't go back to see them until the day before the op, when they do all the pre-op assessment etc, sign consent and the rest. So, if I did go into labour before hand and end up with an 'emergency' cs (ie planned but sooner than planned), I can still have the birth I want. Lets just hope I don't go into labour tonight!!! and lol too at the pinging back into bed with catheter OUCH!