Due in Jan 2009 - the everexpanding bum(p) & ladygarden planning society

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hello!!!!
I've done it....

rrrayray - thanks I will check out the NHS site, yesterday I got a really bad cold so maybe that goes a way to explain it. Cannot believ we are already packing our hospital bags - I have packed the babies bag but not mine yet!

periwink- if that doesnt shed some light on it & your uncomfortable/ getting even less sleep than usual then maybe pootle off to the Dr?

Am off to pack HER bag now, have everything for that. but havent bought disposable panties and all that jazz for my bag just yet! Although my due date is much further away than some of yours!!

Being really lazy and copying and pasting this from an email I sent to someone. Apologies for not editing it to be more useful/smaller but hard at work and not here really

Oh actually this is taking ages to edit all the names and personal comments - I'm going to get in trouble!!!

Labour bag: (Get partner to pack this one since he will have to be able to find everything)

Lots of food and drinks for partner ? enough for 12-24 hours, nothing too strong smelling
High energy snacks for you ? inc something that tastes of something like fruit flavoured sweets and some nice things like chocolate and crisps for once baby arrives and you are starving and it is the middle of the night still
Large bottle of water
Small bottle of water that can fill up again with large bottle
Straw
Very large knickers, black and very cheap ? 3 or 4 pairs minimum ? if waters go will need these during labour to hold pad
Kotex Night Maxi Pads ? one pack ? don?t buy always ones
Maternity Pads ? one pack
Lipsalve
Socks ? loose round ankles otherwise get very constricting and uncomfortable
Slippers ? pref old ones
Dark coloured towel ? cheap and not important if gets ruined
Arnica tablets (Homeopathic remedy to aid recovery)
Flip flops for using in shower ? although I couldn?t have cared less what the floor looked like and never used these
Large warm dressing gown
Dark coloured nightdress to wear during labour plus a spare one in case want to change
Nice cosy pyjamas/nightdress in dark colour to wear after baby born ? buy something new and nice and snugly. If intend to breastfeed then get something suitable with nursing clips/button up front, pref with support bit at top to hold nursing pads in so don?t have to wear a bra underneath.
Toiletries for you ? toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, flannel (may be useful for lots of things), deodorant etc. etc. Best to buy spare of everything and get it packed rather than rely on packing at last minute
CDs to play ? have a few, might be there for some time! Nothing too annoying or that you don?t like since partner will be in charge of music selection!
Clean t-shirt and deodorant for partner
Plenty of change for phone/car park/food machines/anything else
Camera
Hairband
Hairbrush
Pack of baby wipes ? not for baby! For anything that needs cleaning ? you, toilet seat....
Tens machine if using one

For baby:
Newborn nappies (use disposables in hospital and until after poo settled down a bit - the icky first poo ruins washables)
2 x vests
1 x small blanket (easily identifiable as yours, not plain coloured one as might get mixed up with hospital ones)
2 x sleepsuit
1 x hat
1 x muslin cloth or something else to wipe up sick with
Take different sized clothes, not just newborn in case baby is big

Baby will probably puke most of its first feed back up so be prepared! Otherwise will end up changing yourself and the baby straight away!

Hospital stay bag:

Pack this yourself ? separate to other bag so partner can take the labour bag home with him and not leave you with horrible dirty clothes and things to deal with. Make sure you keep your toiletries from your labour bag and any leftover food plus arnica tablets.

Your own pillow (very important!)

Several pairs large cheap black knickers ? take at least 7 or 8
3-4 packs Kotex Maxi Night pads, sounds like a lot but won?t be
3-4 pairs pyjamas/nighties
Another pair of slippers ? other ones might not be in fit state by now
Dark coloured towel for you, soft one
Tea Tree Oil to put in bath if you manage to have one
Socks ? really big ones, feet will be swollen
Lansinoh nipple cream if breastfeeding
A few breastpads
Plastic carrier bags for dirty clothes
Small plastic jug ? can use this to pour warm water over your bits when you go for a wee so it doesn?t sting as much, can also use it to hold water for cleaning baby?s bum with

Pack of nappy sacks ? useful for putting used pads in and bits of cotton wool and any other junk and rubbish
Large bag of cotton wool balls
Approx 30 newborn nappies

About 7 sleepsuits, 7 vests and a towel for the baby
Muslin cloths for wiping up sick
Fold up plastic changing mat (prob got one in your changing bag ? easier to change on on hospital bed rather than using enormous changing mat all the time)

Bottle of that alcohol gel for cleaning hands before eating etc rather than having to get out of bed

Some money to buy snacks
Bottle of squash
A couple of bars of chocolate
A book or magazine ? last time you?ll ever get to read one!
Mobile phone
Cheque book and pen ? sounds odd but if you want to buy the photos they take in the hospital then you?ll need it, and lets face it everyone buys the hospital pictures of their babies, new parents are a salesman?s dream

Things needed to go home:
Partner can bring these in on the day you go home, don?t need them in hospital bag really

Comfortable clothes to wear home ? tracksuit bottoms/soft trousers and a t-shirt plus warm jumper or something similar
Feet will prob be swollen so might not fit in shoes ? bring something can wear as shoes like flip flops or similar just in case
Car seat for baby ? make sure you know how to install it! Also put a baby size teddy in it and adjust all the straps to fit so don?t have to spend hours working out how to make the straps the right length like we did - were still there an hour after discharge working out how to work the car seat .
Pram suit for baby
Hat for baby
Blanket for over car seat

Sit on your pillow in the car on the way home ? much more comfortable!

Also worth putting out at home some spare pads, and clothes for you and the baby just in case you are in for longer than planned (e.g. if need a caesarean) so DP can bring in extra things if needed.

Stock the house up with sanitary towels, newborn nappies and food so that don?t have to go out to the shops for a while.

Sure I?ve forgotten a few things, will let you know if think of anything else.

Realised not written bras on there anywhere.

Apologies again if not much use

Wow what a list! A good guideline for new mums. Some of the stuff on the list doesn't apply to me because i am the grumpy witch from hell when in labour. I wanted complete silence, anyone talking would just make the pain worse for some reason So anything like relaxing music would have been thrown out the window! I didn't want to be touched either, not even by dp (poor guy) so massage oils would have been a waste of time too for me. I remember as well that i didn't want to eat any snacks, the thought of it just made things worse so snacks are out for me too!

I was very thirsty though, really really thirsty so i would recommend bottled water. I think that could be because i threw up so much! This is just me though, everyones different and some people love music/massage oils/snacks during labour!

Does anyone else find they are getting more grumpy by the day?

Yep MsSparkle - I am grumpy as hell! And woe betide anyone who crosses me at the moment although I am usually apologetic immediately afterwards!

Don't forget you might be different this time in labour - I didn't eat either but was ravenous afterwards by which time DH had eaten all my labour snacks as I packed no food for him I also forgot music and ended up listening to DHs CDs out of his car which weren't what I'd have chosen. I took a few bits like massage oils/aromatherapy last time that I never touched so have still got them in the cupboard. If they aren't well past their use by date I might throw them in if got room but highly unlikely I'll use them, just not that way inclined really.

I found it really hard to get drinks from anyone since the midwife was obviously stretched last time and there was no drinking water in the room so am definitely taking bottled water this time. Although I might have to ban DH from drinking it otherwise we'll need a trolley to lift the bag to the delivery suite we'll need so much!

Hello everyone! Have been useless at keeping up. I just skim read.

Moose my DD has Turners Syndrome, we didnt find out until Easter this year just before her 8th birthday. It was such a shock. I have been flagging behavioural issues with school since she started. You would never know to look at her though but she is she is tiny (now on Growth Hormones)The school have been great and she is one to one alot of the time. Keep on at school and they will hopefully help him out.

I have not packed my hospital bag, it just seems to tempt fate as i am crossing everything hoping i do not go in to labour this week like i have with the last 2 babies.

Books very pleased to se you have finished work! Hooray!

GTDAB looking after a pony noooo, sounds worse than a dog. I would not have the stamina to go out in the rain and see to it. Hope you rest a bit now!

very grumpy too. put it down to flipping baby (moving around not the swear word) and very little sleep. keep abusing dh in the middle of the night whe he dares to mention that i have woken him up for the 5th time...
hospital list awesome. thank you so much lennied. had already forgotten that i promised to do that today. having c section means i may as well pack suit case! only thing to add is flash antibacterial wipes if you are a monica like me. i got dh to wipe down bath before i got in when i was in labour and also used every time i went to the toilet. was when the mrsa was at crisis point so was ultra careful. agree big pants from primark much better than disposable as hold the pads in better. also i liked having a book to read for afters to help switch my mind off.
ds very grumpy and a bit snotty with a very sore bottom. hope its just a cold and nothing serious as dh away most of the week and not sure i have the energy for poorly boy.
on a huge plus decorating finished and some of the carpet comes tomorrow. yay!!

Today i feel less grumpy, but yes i have been very grumpy too.

Bless OH has been very good about me getting up a million times a night and waking him up while i use the toilet, and then wriggling ALOT when i get back into bed trying to get comfy!!

Cotton Cheapo Knickers from primark sounds like the way forwards then! Cannot believe SO much stuff needed for hospitial Bag!!

I havent Totally ruled out the idea of a water birth yet, as all the delivery rooms have them, so i'm sure i'll get in at some point, even if just to ease contractions in labour without actually birthing in there. anyone had a water birth? What did you wear into the pool? i'm thinking just another nightie or Big T shirt... i know it'll be the last thing on my mind at the time, but not sure i want to be totally Starkers....

hi

have just ordered this changing table and this sling they are from my parents fo my xmas pressies

www.mamasandpapas.co.uk/product-new-tub-time-changing-station-made-with-love/409202200/type-i/

www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk/babaslings/babasling.html

tink - I have also bought the babsling, i received it a week ago and it is wonderful and so easy to use! No fussing about with a million straps and buckles etc.

Leenied - wow what a list - some things never even crossed my mind .... thoght I was half way through my packing! Thanks the list is very very helpful for a first timer!

I'm glad i'm not the only one who is grumpy!

I have the choice of 2 hospitals. One which is nearer, really nice with really nice staff but is midwife led so they only do simple births. You can't go there if you go into labour before 37 weeks or if you are over due or need to be induced. Plus you can't have epidurals there either.

The second one does everything, all pain relief, c-sections, inductions etc but you are more of a number than a person and the staff from my experience aren't all that helpful or friendly. probably because it's such a busy unit.

I want to give birth in the first hospital because it is so lovely. I had dd in the second hospital because i was induced. I think i'm being unrealistic though about the first hospital because whilst in labour with dd i was begging for an epidural. I don't really want an epidural this time but that's all too easy to say when your not in pain. I don't know what to do for the best?

Hello!!
Thank you for all welcome messages.

It's dd2 on the way. dd1 in bath to try clear stinking cold - is 4.

Have just perchased tumeric for dodgy pelvis, someone said it got them off crutches so have high hopes!!

Have no bag packed. Have no bag.

Dear God!! MUST GET IT SORTED FOR CHRISTMAS.
Oh dear God Christmas. Hasn't anyone cancelled that yet? I'm sure I put that in my birth plan - I haven't time, energy or pennies.

Will be able to take part a bit more after thursday - on 3 long days [8 till 8] starting Tuesday so going to bed in about an hour!!! Plus if I chat I'll moan and dread work more!!! Best put blinkers on and try not to notice I'm there.

Would love to hear from anyone planning to work late in pregnancy. Left at 31 wks with dd1, so so so wish could with this one.

Off to refill hot water in dd1 bath in hopes of breaking through the nose slime.
YUM!

Hi
Rray, I laboured in the pool with DD and despite previously being a bit shy about getting naked (as in communal changing rooms), I was quite happy to strip off for in the birth pool. Wouldn't recommend a t-shirt or nightie as they will get cold when they're wet. If you really want to wear something, hows about a tankini or something similar? I loved being in the pool - not necessarily for pain relief, but just the enjoyment of being in a bath that covered me entirely
I've already packed my hospital bag, but have to admit it's not got half the stuff in it that Lenni put on her list, maybe I should repack? But then, I only stay 300 yards from the hospital, so it's no problem to send DH home if I've forgotten anything Also trying to get organised for Christmas, every time I'm in Tesco I try and pick up some extra Chrimbo food items and I managed to get most of my present shopping done over the weekend - on the internet of course, who can be bothered trailing round the shops when you have the stature of a weeble
Need to be organised as hospital advised me today that they will not let me carry to term as I have gestational diabetes. No firm plans in place as yet, but I may get induced as early as 37 or 38 weeks - that means I might only have 3 and a half weeks to go

dare i say it but crocs would be good because they are washable and easy to dry, you could wear them as slippers/in the shower etc. i would agree with the water and food as well. i had my first baby at 9.15am and i wasnt offered any food until they got a bed for me in the ward at 6.30pm and i got a stale old cheese sandwich(as i had pre-eclampsia i had to stay the night) OH had been away sorting the workmen out and having a shower so i couldnt get any food until he came back. when i was in hospital a few weeks ago i found that the cheese oatcakes were great for filling in the gaps between meals. i must say that hospital meals are alot better then they were. there is a new policy in my hospital that you can only have items in the lockers by the bed, nothing on the chair and floor. its to stop MRSA which is a good thing. you have to pack carefully as the lockers are not really big. also they have the bedside tvs with telephones which are great but you have to pay for it. you get your own telephone number so family can call you (but it is expensive).
i am going to marks and spencers to buy the christmas dinner this week to pop in the freezer. i usually do the full works but i cant imagine i will have the time this year with newborn twins, a 2.5 year old and a 4year old. i have bought most of the presents and i have everything for the babies for a few months.
i am over 32 weeks and the consultant said i will not go over 36 weeks and with all the trouble i have had this pregnancy its looking like sooner rather than later. i am getting excited but also scared because of the risks.

well, i took the plunge and bought a multi-pack of very big knickers today - my, it's a glamorous business, reproduction... think dp really must be very fond of me... i am slowly compiling the bits and pieces of a hospital bag - nappies for little one and some for me (well, they are nearly that big...), nipple pads, sleep suits, nighties. at some point i must dig out a bag to put it all in - currently it's stashed in the pram. it's all starting to get a bit real now, isn't it?

mel - fingers crossed that the twins stay put for a few more weeks.

hello mel haven't seen you for a bit - hpe you're feeling ok. You sound brilliantly prepared, hopefully the twins will treat you gently lg&t hope your little one stays put for a bit yet too! any ideas why your babes make such early appearances?

I've just had a HUGE bowl of Cheerios and bran flakes and muesli for dinner. Yum. dh is out for a stag night so no one to tell me off..

all this talk of hospital bags is making me a bit nervous. So I'm afraid I am going just to ignore it. la la la, la la, fingers in ears.
thanks for the list tho LenniEd, I'll definitely come back to that

treedelivery hello! what's your definition of working late? I've got 3 weeks left til I stop and I know that will FEEL late with ds I left work on Friday and waters broke on Monday.. that was not the plan. he was early... this time I'll be stopping at 36 weeks to make sure i get some time to put my feet up!!

rray I ended up just wearing a sleep bra (soft thing, no buckles, looks a bit like a bikini top) in the pool, mainly cos I didn't get round to taking it off. I didn't want a t-shirt on or anything, had a real thing about not wanting anything loose and flappy on. The bra was good because it was that tactel(I think) material and dried really quickly when I got out of the water. if you end up getting in and out that can be important..

MsSparkle - have you asked what happens at the birthing unit if you can't cope with the pain or there are complications? Would they transfer you to the other hospital? And how long would it take?

I would be inclined to aim for going to the birthing unit and then see how things go once you go into labour. It is meant to be more painful if you have to be induced anyhow - and I know with DD I was also begging for an epi but hadn't planned on having one - but then I had been in labour for a long time by then and this time round hopefully the baby will have arrived in the amount of time I managed to hold out for with DD IYSWIM.

Heather's Mummy and Mel - it is exciting and scary that you are both so close now. I am sure things will be ok for you Mel, especially since you have managed to hold on the babies for so long now after your first scare and it sounds like the consultant is really looking after you.

Welcome treedelivery - sorry I forgot to say before. And I hope DD1 is feeling better soon.

I'm 32 weeks now so have at least 5 weeks left and maybe even 9 weeks but I feel so much more like the baby is getting ready than I did last time. Is this normal for a second one? Am having loads of pains and BH plus the SPD makes me feel like I did during the actual birth last time. I am still hoping this one is late or on time as I don't want their birthdays too close together - but of course sod's law dictates it won't be!!

maybe we should call the next thread something about keeping our legs crossed. must be scary for those of you who think that babes might come early. lots of good thoughts and prayers that they don't. mind you if someone told me mine could come out now i would probably say yes please! def don't remember being this uncomfortable before. 33 weeks today so another 6 to go before c section. seriously don't think i have enough skin to cope.
mil offered to have ds for day tomorrow so think will spend it internet shopping. cleared bedroom today so that carpet can be fitted tomorrow. might have clothes in wardrobe by weekend which will be fab as they have been all over floor for past few weeks.
i too had major panics about what to wear in labour first time round. when do you have a big event in your life that you don't have a special outfit for?! got cheap button fronted nighties from primark. only got into one in labour room though. was in bath when flew from 5cm to 8cm in about 20 minutes so midwife got me out in a panic. tried to remove the gas and air which i went mental about so dragged me down the corridor still attached to it - naked! highly embarrassing as girl from nct group was being induced and saw me in all my glory.... obviously didn't realise at time but mortified after.
treedelivery hope snot gone. how do people so small have so much snot?!

Hi, welcome treedelivery .

So relieved the grumpiness is not just me. Have been sooooo foul today. Culminating in a massive hooha with both boys (over the flipping computer of all things). It was all very loud with much screaming - surprised neighbours didn't call social services! Mum raced round to adjudicate and DH has provided a large bar of galaxy to settle my nerves. All friends again before bedtime though.

Went to dentist for follow up with DS2 today and they decided to extract the tooth there and then! Dentist thought it was so loose it would come out easily just using his fingers - unfortunately he was wrong, despite numbing paste and spray it hurt like hell and bled everywhere. Poor poor DS2 screamed the place down. It was truly awful - especially as I am dentist phobic anyway, but had to try and be brave.

That said, he was absolutely fine by the time we got out to the reception desk and is taking his tooth to school to show his teachers tomorrow before the tooth fairies take it away. (Told him you only get 50p for one that falls out, but if the dentist takes one out you get a pound - that put a gappy smile on his face.)

Little madam has had hiccoughs on and off for 24 hours now and its totally doing my head in! She has also decided to push herself right out in front so I have a rock hard ball of a bump which looks quite bizarre and is really uncomfortable.

You are all scaring me with your hospital bag talk. Am nowhere near that organised. Really need to get hold of some basics for possible/probably homebirth and order a tens machine, some arnica, tea tree, postnatal bath soak etc etc.

Can't decide whether I want time to slow down so I can get everything finished and sorted or hurry up so that I can start being comfortable and get back to being me again.

DS1 told me that he is happy we are having a baby but very unhappy that the house is all messed up and nothing is 'normal' at the moment.

morning

peri did lots of research on net babasling seemed to come up loads and get lots of reviews i hve gone for pink one my fav colour.

mm - glad ds has had tooth out hope he isnt in pain now

MsSparkle - am totally in your boat too! i am booked in to give birth at M.wife led unit, and REALLY want to, exactly same thing as you i feel like a person having a baby, not a patient number, etc. SO am praying make 37 weeks/ Don't go over due and everything happens smoothly!!

HeathersMummy/Spink - i think i may well just wear a nursing bra in the pool then, i hadn't really considered that the T shirt could get cold and wet. Thanks

Lennied with my Birthing Centre if you cannot cope with pain and want say an epidural (they only offer gas & air and pethadine) then you will be transfered by ambulance which is 10 mins for us. I think Midwife led centres HAVE to be within 15 mins of a hopsitial, for complications etc. I am slightly worried about how i will cope without pain relief, but i do really want to avoid an epidural so i'm thinking in the full throttle of labour the idea of an ambulance right must JUST be enough to put me off.

Qumps great idea for thread Title. Although i'm pretty sure beanie isn't coming just yet sometimes over the past few weeks when i've been walking around, shes dropped so blood low that (with the combination of a swollen downstairs) i feel like shes about to start forcing out!!!

Ladies, if you can find the time, i cannot tell you to go swimming enough. i haven't done barley any exercise since about 5 1/2 months and putting my bikni on was SCARY... but i feel SOOOOOOOo good for swimming for 30 mins yesterday. You feel like as a feather, its helped with my constipation and although i was tired afterwards it really helped all my Aches & pains!

Anyone else got Sore Wrists? i have been getting sore wrists when cooking etc, then when swimming yesterday i kept getting cramp in the palms of my hands. so i called my sister in law who is an OT but specialises in hand therapy & says sounds like Carpaul (Sp) Tunnel Syndrome & is quite normal in pregnant women. Said if keeps occouring to see Gp. Wondered if this sounded familiar to anyone else? or anyone knows what it actually is??

Should say Bloody low, not Blood. OOps!