Due Nov 2008 - Explosion Risks, Names Dilemmas and Baby shopping Galore!

[LadyBuzz]

New thread ladies

Ceebee - apart from the fact he cheated on her with a minger and isn't that good looking himself (compared to her) - he plays for a shite team!!!

Choc, you are being too harsh. It was HER choice to go back to him.

am I the only one NOT going to an anti natal class - I was really going to go to one but then kinda forgot and then didnt want to spend the money.

It is my first and I have read alot up on it and seen the odd birthing dvd (I always find with them that the thought of watching one is worse than the actual watching) My DH on the other hand gets horrified - and he used to work in a hospital and has seen a fair few things.

Obs I think I'm just generally overwhelmed and worried I won't be able to manage to do the most basic of things. e.g.Changing nappies, dressing baby - what do they wear at night? A vest and sleepsuit, and then either sheets/blankets or a grobag?
But I do feel better that there is MN for support. Thank you. I just sometimes feel like a total f**k-wit.

Maybe Obs but I think she's crazy - she could have most men in a second who would treat her much better - my DH would probs go running if she clicked he fingers!!

Monkey I have no idea either, am relying on a good internet connection and some MN'ers to be about 24/7 after bump is born!!

Pinkglow I think the antenatal classes are useful but for birthing and baby info you could probably learn most stuff from books / internet. DH and I are going as we don't have any friends in the local area so hoping this will help us make some - although its an expensive way to get friends! I don't think they are vital but it depends what you want to achieve from them.

Hello all and welcome to anothher pinky person!!

who was asking about BH? I get loads of them.But then I have just been running up and down the cellar steps with our monthly supermarket shop..OMG I think it may be my last one- DH may have to do it himself next month as I can't see my being up to it.

Before anyone says anything, I do drink lots of water, I just think I'm someone who gets lots of BH, have done with all my PG.

MM very of your cleaner. If I do ever get my Maternity Allowance I may spend some of it on a cleaner for a few hours a week.

I've bought my bits for my hospital bag today, you know the pads and stuff. I am having to really think about it as I haven't packed a labour bag since DS.

I've got some old navy blue bath towels that I take to hospital.

I have an active birth class at the hospital tonight. Should be fun!!

Monkey, I've got Miriam Stoppard and the Rough Guide to babies - Miriam has actual diagrams of how to change a nappy, pick up a baby, bathe and dress a baby! Also, she tends towards the "just cuddle it lots and everything will be okay" end of the spectrum. The Rough Guide just assumes you are a f*ckwit and is also reassuringly laid back (motto - whatever works). I am terrified too and will be online 5 mins after giving birth asking what to do with this person I appear to have made.

Pinkglow, NHS classes are free but I don't know what they are like. I wanted NCT but too 'spensive... I'm going tonight and will report back.

I think I'm still in ostrich/denial mode - I've done all my ante-natal classes but the thought that sometime in the next 6-8 weeks I'll have a real live baby to look after just doesn't seem real. And I can't even begin to imagine what labour feels like so I've been putting that aspect to the back of my mind, although I'm quite happily planning my hb with birthing pool etc. It's just the actual physical stuff I can't seem to get my head around. As far as what actually happens once the baby is here, I seem to veer from excitement to mild panic - I guess this is normal for first-timers? I'm so glad I'm not the only one feeling this way and thank goodness for MN is all I can say
Welcome to Pinkglow and Mummynic by the way

And I'm basically going because the scary midwife made me!

monkey there was a really good leaflet in one of the bags of crap I got when DS was born, and also some info in the birth to five book, which gives a really good indicator of what layers to use depending on the room temperaturhe. The vest and sleepsuit or nightie is about right, with a grobag if they are over 7lb, otherwise a sheet and cellular blanket. I always put a folded muslin stretched over and tucked in flat where the baby's head goes, this works a bit like a draw sheet to catch any posset or hair that gets rubbed off, so you are not having to change the bottom sheet so much. HTH.

When they are brand new they will want a hat and a thin cardi, but only for the first week or so indoors. I usually put socks on them when they are wearing a nightie. I find the baby gap ones are well worth buyin as they are the only ones that actually stay on the feet!

cricri I think we all find sorting out a new baby a bit challenging. Even if you've got toddlers at home, as they are huge and vey robust and nothing like a little curled up newborn!

What blankets etc do you put in a Moses basket, btw? I've been given one that has no bedding with it so don't know what to get.

Saurus "spensive"?? Have you read the book PS I love you by any chance??

Cricri I can't decide whether I can't wait to get it out or whether I want to keep it in as long as possible!! Whilst it would be nice to get rid of the heartburn and bad back I have a feeling these ailments are known and manageable compared to a real live baby!! I can't wait to meet my LO but once it's out there's no going back!

BTW - I got this cling recommendation from the people who we bought our birthing pool from. They seem to be sling experts and I thought Hana could let us know what she thinks as our resident Sling-spert!

Cwtshi

Nah, I'm just lazy . Overuse of Mumsnet is starting to affect my writing style, though - I keep wanting to type emoticons into emails at work...

MonkeyM and ChocO, right first of all CALM.
With hindsight, I now recognise that I was a very anxious mum, not knowing what I was doing and always worrying that I wasn't doing the right thing. But with the benefit of hindsight, I can see that it was fine. Ds was fine. Me and dh managed to get through it. which = success.

Now, you all know that I am a great one for lists. Sit down and mentally , or actually write down what is worrying you.
We all panicked, could we change a nappy. But you just do. Before you know it you are a whizz.
If you asked anyone, Mn or otherwise, whether they put them in in a sleepsuit only, or a vest & sleepsuit. There would probably be a 50/50 split. And you think, ooooohhh what will I do ? Oh I don't know - a/b/a/b/a/b - do you know what, it doesn't REALLY matter.
Some people like swaddling. Some babies like to be swaddled. Some just DON'T. Some people use sheets and blankets. Some don't. Should I / shouldn't I ..... oh christ what to do ? HELP.
Believe me. We have ALL felt it.

But , I totally agree with ruthosaurus, maybe start with a miriam/basics book, to alleviate some of your basic fears. Nothing too complex, just a good all round book. Then you can come back to us with some more specific q's. Plus there are zillions of threads on Mn about blankets/vests/ swaddling etc.

But that not knowing what to choose. I appreciate that this is a very inherent problem. But please, it is faced by us all. And you must relax. Make a decision and then, just go with it.
IT IS THE ONLY WAY

Hi Ladies

Seen the consultant and unless baby early I am being induced on November 3rd at 8am! Result!

Had hair cut and highlighted but still feel a bit low, silly I know.

I am going to try and be more positive now instead of a miserable old cow.. Tomorrow I know I am early but whilst still mobile going to M and S to sort maternity bra's. Taking DH credit card so may just treat myself!!

I am not going to any antenatel classes either pinkglow, welcome by the way.

rutho I have a crib but pretty much the same, I would say.
I get the jersey or flannel sheets as they don't get so wrinkly as the al cotton ones- you really don't want to be ironing baby bedding.

Fitted sheets, moses basket size, a couple of flat sheets and a couple of cellular blankets.

If you are using a swaddle balnket, then just that, or a grobag.

You could use a coverlet- which is pretty much like the blankets I make, fleece and cotton, that would be the only layer you'd want- as it's the equivalent of a sheet and a blanket. Hope that makes sense.

This may be hormones but why do I feel like shoving a crutch up DH's arse for his comment 20 seconds ago "I thought you were having your hair highlighted, what did she do?"

Rahhhhhhh

Pinky, I have lost the link to your lovely site - please can I have it again?

Coolkat - KILL!

coolkat remember men often forget the old, think before you speak, motto. Or perhaps use it to your advantage - cry, say you are v upset by it all and need a new handbag / shoes / expensive baby item to make it all better!!

I am v jealous of those of you who have firm due dates / deadlines due to c-sections / inducements / twins... I am such a control freak I wish I knew the date so I could count down. Its so frustrating that the "normal" period is 5 weeks (37 - 42) so you should be ready by 37 but may have to wait 5 more!! Grrrr

Coolkat - even more of an excuse to get DH's credit card and go wild in M&S methinks men eh??

Choc, Ruth and Monkey (and any other first timers) - honestly, we have all been there and felt exactly like you are doing - and all our first-borns are ok!! Obs has put it much better than me but go with your own instincts and it will be fine! I had not changed a nappy before DS was born and in fact, was so nervous, I made my mum do the first one in the hospital (the one with the 'lovely' black tar) but within days, it became second nature - as will everything else. Some people like grobags, some people prefer sheets and so on - you are the parents and you make the decisions that suit you and your life and it will all work out - honest! And if in doubt, that is what we are all here for

Choc - maybe Cheryl lurves him and that is why she went back - however I do agree that she probably could have any man she wanted but she clearly wants good ole Ash!! Shite team my a**e

Im completely with you too coolkat, id LOVE to know exactly when hes coming. but then it must be a bit scary knowing the date too, id be counting down.