First time mums expecting Spring babies

[FlirtyThirty]

Hello!

I'm expecting my first baby on 24 April. I'm currently only 4+4 but have NO symptoms at all! Have just retested as I'm convinced I've imagined it!

Went to Dr yesterday to share the news and have to wait for hospital 'choose & book' paperwork so that I can arrange first scan for around 10 October.

There seems to be so many decisions to make all of a sudden...

Anyway...just wondered how you other first timers were finding things...or your other halves for that matter. Mine is still in total shock in spite of this being a planned baby!

Flirty x

Hello Ladies!

Happy New Year!!! What an exciting one we have in store...

Sorry I've been away for so long...will fill you in as quickly as I can...

-Pre-Christmas I got really sick! Proper flu and the most horrendous cough. It was so bad it pulled all the muscless across my back and resulted in my being unable to do anything at all without extreme (really!) pain. I ended up in A&E and was transferred to the maternity unit at Kingston. So...for all you Kingston Hospital ladies, I can fill you in on what's behind those doors in the labour ward if you like! (Curiously, the best thing that happened during my time there was realising that it was actually quite nice, the bathrooms were spotless and the staff were lovely! )

-Christmas & New Year: started feeling better and had a lvely time with family! They are so excited about baby that I felt really very blessed..

• Now...well I'm almost back to 'normal' health-wise and have started doing a little baby shopping! Have only picked up a few fun things (nice blankets in the sales) and mainly basics as I see them 'on offer'(wipes, nappies etc). Have a 'baby box' in my wardrobe for the gathering collection and have made a shopping list. Looking for a cot and crib just now, and beginning to research prams. All very exciting!

My list is anyone's at all interested: Crib & mattress Cot/cotbed & mattress Cot bedding Baby monitor Blankets Swaddling blanket Travel Cot Changing mat Baby bath Bath support Nappies Flannel / Sponge Towel / Cuddle Robe Hairbrush Nail clippers Baby scissors Bouncy chair Car seat Carry cot/buggy system Footmuff Raincover Pram bedding (2 flat/ 2 fitted) Baby sling/carrier Changing Bag Nursing pillow Muslin Squares Bibs Basic Clothes

Oh, and have started to try and think of a name. Got to be honest...I'm finding it SO HARD!! I have yet to fall in love with a name...a few good contenders but nothing I'm 110% about...can see this is going to be a huge challenge!

So...that's me...all's well that ends well!

Hope you all had fun over Christmas with bumps behaving themselves...will try and catch up on some of your posts over the next few days and reply more personally next time!

Flirty x

Happy New Year Everyone!

Just wanted to say to girly that I felt SO much better after reading your message as have been having big 'ol freak out for the past week about all the changes afoot, good to see that brightside and evs are feeling it too - I guess its completely normal and all part of the mental adjustment - after all, what could be more life changing than creating a whole new human that you are then responsible for!! I'm going to be doing some deep breathing and reminding myself that I am a worldly, mature adult, and if my mum could do all this business then I can too!

4.5 weeks to go at work I am counting the days!!!

Prams - errghhhh... such a big subject, I've handed it over to DH!! BUT, if anyone finds one with a nice light carry cot which easily comes out (we live on 2nd floor flat - so carry cot and bub will come with me - wheels stay below!) than I would really love to know about it!

Have taken to watching the TV leaning over my big bouncy ball as I read on babycentre that having pelvis forward increases chances of baby facing anterior (face to your back) on delivery. I think i'm a bit early to be thinking about this but I want that baby in the right position! have spent the past 2 weeks trying to figure out where the head is. Can't. hmmm....

Hey Flirty - I was starting to get worried about you! Sorry you were so ill over Christmas, but it sounds like you were well looked after... it's good to hear that Kingston maternity unit isn't too scary - so do you think this will sway you towards the actual maternity unit for the birth instead of the Malden Suite? How are your house renovations coming along by the way? Do you have walls yet?!!

Welcome Bleuravin - I was on the April thread initially but it moves sooo fast I couldn't keep up!

I'm beginning to freak out a bit as I realise that I only have 2 1/2 months left before I go on maternity leave and then life as I know it will change forever. Argh.

Had my 24 week GP appointment today and heard the heartbeat again baby measuring the right length and probably lying across my tummy at the moment (but I'm 24+2 so plenty of time to shift around). My GP also told me that it being dangerous to lie on your back is an old wives tale which is a relief as I've been waking up on my back very regularly...

Beginning to get a bit of backache now. I fractured my T12 vertebra last March snowboarding (all very dramatic - was flown home on a stretcher after 3 days in french hospital with DH fending off french neurosurgeons who wanted to operate!) and I think the extra pressure of the weight of the baby is beginning to take its toll will have to keep going with pilates to try and build up strength...

Anyway -sorry to waffle, am SOOOOO tired... keep dropping stuff and bumping into things at the moment - grrrrrrrrrr!

Night night spring mums x

Aw,

So nice to read messages from people going through the same thing as me.

Brightsideoflife, DaisyJ and Rosa7, So much to look forward to yet so much to think about!! I think I will be ok when im back at uni on Monday and am flat out with essays lol.

Anybody else have to figure out when to go on Maternity leave, work keep asking but im not sure when. Suppose I should take into account the fact I have a uni workload to.

Rosa, I know what you mean about prams, my mums buying ours but neither me or DH drive. This means we have to find a pram that can be folded otherwise its not allowed on the bus here...grrr.

Anyone else finding sleeping uncomfortable yet?

Nite nite all.

xx

About 2 weeks ago I was only sleeping for 3-4 hrs then I would be up for 2-3 then I'd sleep again... It was a nightmare mostly because I was trying to sneak around the house so as to not wake DH. I joked to everyone that it was my body's way of getting me used to the idea of having the baby already.

Went to see the midwives today and (drumroll please....) Head is down!!! Yayyyy!! Thats not to say that it won't pop back up again and all over the place over the next weeks, but I'm just so thrilled that bub can and has found this position. And I was feeling a lot of pressure on my right side and this is bub's back pushing into me - I could feel something sizeable there and its really good to know what it is.

Asked my midwife lots of Q's about admission on "B" day and was very pleased to hear that today's practice doesn't involve shaving, or enema's, or blood tests...just an inspection to see how far along you are and take it from there. This pleases me no end as I don't think I'll be in the mood to be tussled with mid-labor!

Ciao x

Yeah for babies getting their heads where they belong!

Now if mine would only stop kicking me in that oh so uncomfortable place.... wish mine would flip even for a day...

on a new note has anyone read these books

New Active Birth: A Concise Guide to Natural Childbirth
or
The Water Birth Book
both by Janet Balaskas
They were brought to my attention because of another thread and I was wondering if they might help me understand some of the birthing techniques over here better...

I'm just trying to truly understand what occurs in active birth options as I have no clue, it's just not really a choice in the States and it's talked about in rather uncertain tones because it's mostly 'new agers' who have a midwife and 'alternative' birthing practices...

Bicnod - thank for thinking of me! Was hideous whilst ill, but honestly hospital was clean, perfectly pleasant and the staff were so calm and lovely. I did have something of a wake-up call though. I was in so much pain with my back and damaged muscles that I literally didn't know where to put myself (and I usually have pretty good pain tolerance). It is making me think long and hard about pain relief in labour as a result. I have never been anti-drugs in childbirth (far too pragmatic...and realistic!) but when I was ill, I would have given my right arm if someone had said they would give me an injection and the pain would stop.... So, I'm not making a firm call on the regular labour ward just yet, but I'm not so 100% sure I'm going to opt for the Malden Suite. Figure I can stay in the bath at home for water...and in fact there was a perfectly good bath in the labour ward they had me in too. Not quite the same as the birth pools...but it's all water, I guess!
Oh, and guess what...we now have a floor...if not walls! But builder is back on the scene so things are at least moving.. :-)

Brightside - yes, I'm up for a Kingston meet-up too. Would likely have to be February though as masses on this month.
Also, wondered if anyone fancied giving the hospital's Saturday ante-natal exercise classes a go? They're listed in the little 'Maternity Guide' booklet from the hospital. £42 for 6 sessions. Or has anyone tried them...?

Oh, and have had 24wk check-up...baby's doing fine and I'm measuring as I should (...size of a house!! )

Cannot believe I'm 25weeks tomorrow... I remember a time when I thought I'd never be pregnant and now it's pretty much certain that in 4 months, we'll have a baby!! Amazing. Am really loving being pregnant now! Sending you lovely ladies lots of positive vibes form my hormonal haze...

Flirty x

Hello all!

I am well. I had my 24 week check-up yesterday and was relieved to see that littlebrightside was doing well...albeit lying sprawled across my stomach (Taking after its' father already, stealing all the space?) It feels like a massive milestone to reach 24 weeks though, as flirty says 7 months ago, I was wondering if I would ever get pregnant again and now there is a real little baby in there!

flirty sorry to hear that you were so ill but glad to see that you are recovering and that baby is doing well. I am very pleased to read that the maternity ward was quite nice! Your list is really interesting. I have a similair list given to me by a friend after her baby was born and it is very useful. I was clueless! (Her list didn't include pram sheets - very good idea, must add that to mine, thanks!)

bicnod and rosa I handed in my maternity leave 'official' notice (Last day is the 3rd of April) and thinking about it either excites me or terrifies me (Changes by the hour ) so I sympathise with that 'X weeks from now, things are about to change feeling' [terrified-new-mother-smiley].

girly and bleuravin I am finding sleeping OK...if I can get into position. Turning over in bed is really uncomfortable though - my hips creak & click every time I move. I also have about 3 pillows that I stick behind me, under my bump and between my legs. It is like a military operation to get them all in place (And then I need to get up to go to the bathroom and start all over again )

kingston ladies I am keen for a February meet-up...my weekeends are relatively free so far!

I am actually doing the ante-natal exercise class at the Kingston Physio department, I started on the 29th November and tomorrow is the first session after the Christmas Break. I highly recommend it, I find my hips and lower back feel really loose and comfortable after wards - it has also been a fun way of meeting new people. It is a nice mix of low-impact 'general' aerobics and relaxation exercises. Come on - join me!!

Oh Brightside - glad the classes are worthwhile! Think I will go ahead and post the form off this weekend to see if I can get started. What time is the class you do?

Flirty x

PS. Top tip given to me on pram sheets...depending on the size of pram, you could even cover the mattress with a cotton pillow case and just tuck the edges in...

sorry - forgot to say - welcome Bleuravin!

Have you asked your midwife about antenatal classes? There are classes held by the hospital you are booked into, that you can attend for a nominal fee and there are also private classes held by the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) which tend to be quite expensive, but are smaller classes and alot of people join in order to meet other mothers-to-be in their local areas.

Good luck

hi flirty

I attend the 11am class on a Saturday. I know there is an earlier class but I really like my lie-in!

Great tip about the pram sheets, thanks!

I've not seen my midwife since the end of October..I'm in again next week so I'll have a lot of questions for her about birth classes and labor and such. In the mean time I'm trying to gather as much of my own info as I can. Otherwise I may not know what to ask.

Well - yesterday we happened to be walking past a shop selling baby stuff that is closing down this week and on an impulse we went inside and bought a pram!! It's a Haberkorn Comfort XL. I have no idea if you can get these in the UK or not, but we got it at a good price (279 euros) and it is the only pram we've found that actually fits in our lift!!!! Woo hoo! (we live on the 5th floor..)

I was anticipating weeks of hassle and checking out loads of different models, but the decision only took 10 minutes! It was the last one in stock. It's really light and has a carrycot type thing and can convert into a buggy too. We also bought a sling that was half price while we were there.

I'll try to do a link to a webpage with a picture:

www.babytown.fi/products/523

Soooo glad we've found something that can fold down pretty small too since we only have a 1 bed flat. I have no idea if it's recommended by other mums, but I think it fits in with as many of our requirements as any pram possibly could (though it may not be the most beautiful looking thing in the world.... )

What do you reckon??

Good for you Kalikaroo! It things like that which make us feel really pleased doesn't it.
It looks great.

Happy New Year all! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Welcome Bleuravin. Flirty sorry to hear you've been so unwell. That must have been really horrible. Glad you're feeling better now though and managed to enjoy Christmas. I also love your list ? I am a bit of a list queen myself . So far we have crossed off moses basket, car seat and base (maxi cosi caribofix with isofix base that came out top in Which tests ? if you can, check out their website as the difference between good and bad car seats is actually quite shocking), cot bedding, curtains, wallpaper border and light shade for the nursery, cuddle robes and a few tiny white sleepsuits and vests that are just so cute. Going to get the nursery furniture and pram ordered quite soon. We were thinking of the loola up as this seems to fit our requirements best and gets reasonable reviews. Again not perfect but I don?t think any pram is! Can?t decide whether to buy the carry cot attachment as it is quite expensive and I don?t really know whether we would get much use out of it but I really like the idea of it. Kalikaroo well done you on the decisive pram purchasing. It looks great and the shopping basket seems a really reasonable size.

I?ve also started to think about my hospital bag. So far have organised toiletries, baby clothes, cotton wool and maternity pads which just look delightful . Still have to get actual bag though as the ones we have are probably too small. Think I?ll just get a mini suitcase that can be wheeled or carried (by DH of course).

Brightside congratulations on your 24 week check. I also found when I reached 24 weeks (Christmas day!) that I felt it was a really big milestone.

Rosa well done your baby on getting into the right position .

Girlylala I also had trouble deciding on when to start maternity leave. I officially start on the 3rd April but am using holidays before that to finish work on the 13th March. Remember that even if you do give a date now you can change it later as long as you give your employer 28 days notice.

On the subject of work is anyone else finding it really difficult to get motivated at work just now? I just keep thinking of how long I have left and counting down to when I finish. I have even made up a little countdown calendar so I can cross off each day I get closer to maternity leave . Only 64 days to go!
It?s not even that I hate my job or anything. Just that I work quite long hours and now really want to focus on baby stuff, preparing for the birth and getting things organised for our new arrival (as well as being able to spend more time on mumsnet - at least before the baby arrives ). Also this probably sound a bit daft but I love every kick our baby makes (even though they are getting increasingly uncomfortable at times), but when I?m busy at work I feel like I can?t fully appreciate them. I?m really looking forward to spending some time just bump and me when I can chat away to our baby to my hearts content, feel the kicks and look at my tummy take on a life of it?s own .

Hello all. This might sound dreadful, but it's a relief to read that people are starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. In the past week or so I have started to feel huge - at the 24-week scan 10 days ago she (definitely a she now!) was already estimated to weigh 710g and on Monday I felt s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d - as if my belly was about to give way under the pressure. And this morning I found I had to breathe more rapidly than usual (and of course the more you panic about being short of breath, the more you hyperventilate). Like Bicnod I have some damage to my frame (long story) and I can really feel it! I suppose we are all moving towards third trimester now - I wish the second were longer!

Anyway, whinge over: I am glad she is happy and punching me half the day.

Has anyone else read Rachel Waddilove's book? I am finding the suggested routine rather scary ... What To Expect the First Year says you should feed on demand the first several weeks, Waddilove gets strict earlier. Less practically, I enjoyed Charles Fernyhough's The Baby in the Mirror www.charlesfernyhough.com/. It;s fascinating on how much babies understand and experience and when.

Im so ? you have all got to see the baby in 2 scans!!!

Damn the NHS in Edinburgh!!!

Pinkadink, I was aiming for April to as a time to leave work, as im at uni to and the last 4 weeks is always madness (finish 27th March) I thought I may leave work a bit earlier. Maybe 8th of March kinda time. Not sure though.

Start "parenthood" classes in 5 weeks. All about labor though, nothing about how to look after a baby!! Im not allowed to buy any books, my DH, DM and DMIL have all told me just to go with the flow!!

May sneek a look at some in local Library.

xx

I hate mondays! It is getting harder and harder to get out of bed these days - today was no exception. Is anyone else finding that they are having the most vivid (and in my case - disturbing) dreams lately? I wake up in a panic and then can't get back to sleep again (Or can't get comfortable...)

elpis I know what you mean about feeling uncomfortable already - I feel guilty moaning because there are still a few more months of this! I also find I get feel really stretched every few days, then things settle down again. I have been lathering on the bio-oil and Sanctuary Mum to Be Body Butter. I know that it probably won't prevent stretch marks but it does at least make my skin feel better!

pinkadink I have also created a countdown calendar until maternity leave only 11 weeks and 4 days to go, excluding a few days off in between! I find motivation at work really difficult - I am getting so easily irritated by problems that just seem so insignificant - can't they see I have other things going on What you said about not appreciating the baby while you are at work is so true - I could have written that paragraph myself! I also feel that at work I don't connect with the little person who kicks & prods me all day, I relish my weekend lie-ins when I can have a little chat and watch my tummy moving in response.

kalikaroo congrats on the pram - it looks great. I am rather as we still have no idea what we want!

Hi all - I feel like I've missed loads this last week - sounds like everyone's getting to that organisation stage, checking out prams and stocking up on supplies.

Took Friday afternoon off and went shopping with my mum. Bought a Baby Bjorn Active sling (really good if you have any back problems, apparently - I'm not that strong, and DH gets a dodgy lower back sometimes), and looked at prams. Also bought v. cute gender neutral first leaving-hospital outfit for Bo. Soooo cute - white with little animals sewn on.

Flirty - good to see you back - sorry you were so ill - sounds horrendous, and it's 10 times worse when you're worried about the baby too, isn't it? I had a vomiti8ng bug for two days over Christmas, and that was bad enough - at least you had a good experience of the hospital, though.

Elpis - I know just what you mean about the stretching. I had that quite early on (around 20 weeks) and I found Bio Oil helped loads. Even though I've had a couple of big growth spurts since, I haven't had that 'oh my god, it's going to burst my belly button' feeling again .

Started antenatal classes last week with a lovely local midwife and five other couples in Greenwich. It was great, apart from the diagram of the technique for perineal massage that she sent us after the class. I had no idea it would be so...errm...intensive (for want of a better word). Am now terrified to do it and terrified not to...

I just read a bit about perineal massage myself. It seems a bit daunting to me too I have to admit. Plus in all honesty I cannot see down there properly anymore even with the help of a mirror really, let alone get my finger in the right spots... Dare say I'll have to enlist help from DH, if I can explain without giggling too much and it doesn't give him too many ideas...

Hi girls,
may I join you in this thread? Got a reply from flirtythirty in another thread and hear that there are a few of you in the Kingston area. I'm not due until the beginning of July so mid July most likely. I'm from Kingston and am planning a home birth. Though not through Kingston Hospital though. Long story. Anyway I wanted to meet mum's to be in my area as I've only been here for just under a year and of course would like to go through our pregnancy experiences together and beyond. So far it's been a nauseas experience and am still trying everything under the sun to ease the nausea. Keep meaning to call my osteopath but too busy at work to. Ah the joys of pregnancy.

Evening girls...

pinkadink and brightside, I can totally relate to feeling demotivated at work... I am feeling a bit down about how demotivated I am to be honest, I'm worried that I'll never care about my job (which usually I love) again all I can stress think about is the baby, getting ready for the baby, making sure we have everything sorted for the baby etc etc... ARRRRRRRGHHH!! Hopefully I won't be baby mush brain forever

flirty - I spoke to a girl who goes to the pilates class after mine this evening and she gave birth in the Malden Suite last October and said she couldn't recommend it enough, which was really good to hear. So it sounds like whether we choose the MLU or the maternity ward (judging by your experiences there recently) we'll be well looked after...

Really glad you have a floor now by the way - it's the little things in life that make the difference isn't it?!

Kingston ladies - we should definitely organise a Kingston meet up (welcome bellybaba by the way!) - there are so many of us now... and for anyone else who can be bothered to drag their bellies south-west as well of course... how about SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY OR SUNDAY 1 MARCH?? would either of those work for everyone?

My last day in the office will be 27 March (hurrah!) - one month before my due date. I was going to try and hang on one more week but my commute is 1 hour 20 minutes (on a good day) and I reckon I'll be a proper beached whale by then...

Anyway - must go eat some food...

x x x

morning everyone!

In true spirit of my current work motivation levels, it is only 9:30am and I am already on mumsnet

Is anyone else suffering from leg cramps in the middle of the night? I woke up twice last night with cramps in my calves - it was the first time I have had this and I hope it is not a regular occurance!

hello bellybaba - welcome! Sorry to hear that you are still strugling with nausea. I know the old wives tale says that a 'sick pregnancy is a healthy one' but it doesn't help you feel better! So - the important questions first - are you going to find out the sex and have you bought a pram yet?

bleuravin and daisy perineal massage is one of those things that I intend to do but haven't quite gotten my head around yet (excuse the pun).

bicnod I have also booked a month off before my due date - DH is worried that I will be bored but I am already quite excited and thinking of things I can do...sorting the nursery, cooking for the freezer, watching a movie and sleeping. Of course, all I will probably do is lie on the sofa watching TV

kingston girls I am very keen for a meet-up and can do either of those days but will need to check with DH which one. It is the London Baby Show that weekend and we were thinking about going (If my expanding-girth and aching hips allow it) so I just need to check which day we will go on.

Hope everyone else is having a good day!