Due May 05 part 5

[logic]

I think it's time for a new thread! The old one was getting huge...

Fashill, you should have a list in your bounty pack as to what to put in your labour bags. Don't worry about taking too much stuff, they are used to it. I didn't have a midiwfe that I knew at the birth and it didn't matter at all. You really won't care who is staring at your cervix, honestly.

I'm only getting appts every 4 weeks now, down from 6 weeks which I don't really think is enough. My blood pressure is creeping up, just like it did last time.

Can I have a big virtual scream please? Aaaaarrrgggghhhhhh! That's better. Spent the last few hours trying to sort out a friend's router problems. Turns out someone else 'turned off a few things that they thought they didn't need'. God help us all from people with a small amount of knowledge dabbling where they shouldn't. Still can't get the damn thing reconfigured and I wanted to spend the afternoon in the garden, enjoying the gorgeous weather. Still, my friend is so lovely that I can't say no. I am giving up and going for a nap. I doubt if anyone is still reading this but thanks for letting me unburden.

Agree with logic - not sure I would have cared who attended birth of DD, well, so long as they were competent, which mine fortunately was! I am 30 weeks now, next MW appointment at 31 weeks, haven't had one since 24 weeks - is this normal all you second/third etc mums? I had appointments every 4 weeks for first DD then down to every two weeks, but they seem much more relaxed this time (unlike me!). My concern is that am rheses neg and have not had a blood test for rhesus antibodies since week 12 - I thought I was supposed to be tested somewhere between 24-26 weeks and Anti D'ed if necessary. Anyone out there know the score on this one?

Nogger, with ds I never had any anti-D until after he was born and they'd tested from his cord. With this one I have had 3 jabs already. I said to my midwife on monday how different it is this time, and she said "yeah, there are just different policies." I will still need one after ds2 is born, if he turns out to be positive.

Hello Ladies,

What a beautiful day! My neighbour gave birth to a teeny weeny little girl on Wednesday (just 5lb10) and I caught a glimpse of her as she arrived home from hospital this afternoon. Makes me feel so excited about my little girl thats on the way, and to think they'll probably be playmates!

We bought the paint and freeze for the nursery yesterday as we too will be decorating over the Easter Weekend. I say we, but will be husband as I'll be looking after DS. Been attacking the garden today and DS has been running around and enjoying the sun. Doesn't a bit of sunshine make you feel great.

Discovered TK Maxx yesterday. Never been in before but found a dinky cute Kenzo top for new my little girl bump for just £7, which will look lovely in the summer.

My SIL finished work today as she in now 36 weeks. Feel lucky to be surrounded by all these babies.

Noggermum, I have already had one set of anti-d and due to have second set in 4 weeks. They didnt test my blood before hand, they said they give it a standard precaution to all rhesus negative mother now. New guidelines have been brought in during the last 12 months.

Forgot to mention that I received some really good news today.

Dp works for FIL's company and due to the commute is out of the house from 7am to 8pm. FIL suggested today that after the baby is born that maybe they can arrange for dp to work from home a couple of days a week.

This has really made my day, the thought of dp being out of the house so much made me feel like I was going to be a single parent but with the potential for dp to work from home a few days a week my outlook on things is far more postive. Lets just hope they will be able to arrange it now

Brighteyes, if dp could work from home it would be great for you. Dh currently does 2 days a week at home because of his 30 mile commute and it really helps me. He can change ds' nappy in the morning or at lunchtime, make me cups of tea and is company when it all gets a bit much. It does mean that you need to keep the baby quiet though if he's on the phone etc...

One thing I meant to mention is about glider chairs for the nursery. They are a bit expensive but worth it. We got a "Hayley" chair from John Lewis and it was lovely for night feeds.

Noggermum, im also rhesus neg and blood was checked at 10 wk bk apmt, then again at 28 wk and i'm due another test at 32 wk. I have been advised that as long as the blood results come back fine you don't need to have the antiD jab. Apparently I will be checked again when baby is born and if necessary given the jab then.
As far as i'm aware you are usually at risk with future pregnancies only, either following m/c or after having baby.
I would say contact your midwife and to ask them just to be on safe side.

Hi everyone hope all is well...

The 4D scan was excellent - we have finally found out we are having a little girl and have named her Ruby Annabelle
She didn;t cooperate for the first ten minutes (had her foot in her mouth covering her face(!) so we got sent for a little walk and got some good photos afterwards. DP swears she looks like him already (although I think that may be the lack of hair!) They did have a bit of trouble getting a good look because apparently 30 weeks is quite late and her face was squished into my uterus!

Anyway well worth the money and highly recommend the clinic. We got quite a few pics and video and DVD. Also just finished an NCT weekend of antenatal sessions - also highly recommended. Really nice group of people and content aimed a little higher than the dumbed down nature of what we experienced at NHS classes.

Off to marvel at photos of my little girl...

I'm so glad that you had a good scan, Holly! I think it's nice to know what you're having.

Morning every one,

What a week end, dont think I sat down all week end, still I got peace and quite now, all still in bed for another hour!!!

Went to a car boot sale yesterday morning, some one was selling a baby bath set and marching hooded towells all brand new and still in their wrappers, for a fiver, a bargain I thought. The other week I bought a tommee tippee nappy wrapper from Tescos for £5 reduced from £30. Just got to get everything else now. lol.

Logic, I asked my consultant last Friday about induction he arranged for me to have yet another scan on the 1st April to see how much he has grown since the last one 2 weeks ago. Hopefully he will agree and tell me I can go in early at 36 weeks. Ive also got twice the amount of water I should have and they dont know why.Ive had tests fot diabetes and they all came back clear. So right now I feel like Im as big as a house, Im bigger now than what I was when I had my last DD 4 years ago.

missblossom, it's funny how pregnancies are so different isn't it? I feel much bigger this time too but the doc says that I'm not.

Had a hectic weekend too, feel like I haven't stopped! Put a set of drawers together with my Dad yesterday and sorted out the baby clothes into ages and lovingly gazed over each and every item!! My lovely Dad gave me some money to get some bits so made a trip to Toys R Us in the afternoon. Spent Saturday looking for a new car too as our boot is too small, so all go!!

Holly - glad you found the NCT classes a help, I'm doing them over 9 evenings and have had 2 so far and their great, really good for DP to be able to find out a lot of stuff too. Having said that my teacher just called to cancel this evening as she has flu so after a tiring weekend I'm quite happy about that! Glad the Scan was a success too!!

My Dad managed to feel the baby move yesterday, normally when anyone puts their hand on my belly he stops but he put on a show for Grandad!!

Logic - Thanks for that, I really need to go through all my bits of paper and magazines as I know I've got the info somewhere about the hospital bag, just in a bit of dissaray at the mo!!

It's all getting so real and exciting now!
Fashill, here is my hospital bag list so far:

labour

old t-shirt/nightie to give birth in, socks, hair scrunchie, lip balm, snacks, camera, washbag

after birth bag

nighties/pjs lots!, dressing gown + slippers, going home clothes, underwear, breast pads, maternity towels, watch, money, more snacks, makeup, towel (preferably old)

baby's bag

going home outfit?, blanket / shawl, nappies, vests, sleepsuits, little hat

Logic - you're a star that'll be a real help!! Although I did think you meant a bag for the after birth at first!!! Was there anything you didn't take last time that you wished you had?!? I was going to buy some disposable knickers and pads yesterday but haven't got a clue how many I may need

loads, fashill. I bought 2 or 3 packs of maternity towels. After that I moved onto ordinary towels, I think. I've bought 10 pairs of pants this time because they are really useful when your feeling so tender down there!

lol fashill, I should have been clearer! Last time I didn't take my going home clothes and dh had to bring them the next day - mistake. I have bought 3 packs of 10 maternity towels and I may get some more. Have to say that I bought a couple of packs of those disposable knickers and hated them. I just bought lots of cheap cotton knickers in a bigger size and threw them away afterwards.

Oh and we all deserve a nice present from the dh/dp for going through childbirth

Agree re pressie logic - I got a designer arm chair that I'd lusted after for ages last time. Ought to start the campaign right now!

Hi, just had a lovely time catching up with all your conversations since i was last here, it is SO exciting!!
I read one thread recently where the mums were all saying that a beautiful piece of jewellery from dh/dp after the birth of our new babies is the very best possible way they can help prevent pnd I have been in and measured the finger i would like a present for (and no, not ring finger!) and put the size into his phone so he cant forget. I would really love something he chose all by himself.
I have started having wierd dreams about going into labour and then when i wake up for the 16th time to go and wee in the night i'm half wondering if i'm in labour or is it a dream.
I am So ready to have this baby this week - i wonder what the chances are My consultant has told me to take 1 or 2 10minute walks a day and have as much sex as i can -
How are you all doing?

Last time dh bought me a bronze ornament called "First born" of a lady holding a baby which was lovely and I chose a plain gold bracelet that we had ds' name engraved on. I'm going to get the new baby's name engraved on the other side of it. This time I have been making hints about a silk kimono

I am ready to have the baby this week too, northstar. My feet are swollen up like balloons and I can't put my own socks on any more.

mmmm, there's definately a knack to putting socks on when this pg - i kind of stand one legged and use one hand! Makes you realise though how hard it must be to be a "larger size" lady

Morning ladies,
Sorry for thread crashing again, but I was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes and am having an awful time trying to come up with things that I can eat being vegetarian. I think I saw in a nother thread that Northstar is the same situation? Would you mind letting me know how you are getting on and whether you find any good sources for menus and recipes.
Thanks!!!

Lua, i will start a thread now -

Thanks guys on the Maternity pads info!! Guess the one pack I was thinking about buying wont suffice!! Can I just ask how much and for how long you do bleed after?!?

Having trouble with my socks and shoes/trainers now too, although I don't feel that big so I dread to think what it's going to be like at the end!!

I'll have to try to drop hints to DP about a pressie! I am hoping he'll think about it all on his own but I'm not sure and I think I'll deserve something!!

Am starting to panic about baby being here now and just wondered where you 2nd+ timers found the best info about what to actually do with the baby, bathing, feeding, clothing etc?!? I'm hoping I'll get lots of infor from my NCT classes but if not would be good to hear suggestions x