Due Dec 08 - Braxton hicks, baby kicks and leaking nips!

[Veggiemummy]

that was Disenchanted's idea for a great title not mine

i forgot to add i think it was GBB who mentioned that her consultant said that twins born naturally had a lower IQ than twins born by C-section. I would love to read that research, if you can ask your Doc to provide a link, it sound like the biggest load of crap i have ever heard. Someone told me once that children of vegetarian mothers have a lower IQ so i looked for the research and found that there was a difference of one point between veggiemummy kids and non veggiemummy kids which in any other research would have been accepted as no difference at all, but for some reason was exolled as being a significant difference and so this was widely published as a reason not to be veggie during pregnancy.

I cant keep up. Hello to everyone all well in the jammy household except the poor dog who lost his plums today.

Will try to catch up properly tom.

Oh I did spot Katie's very brave if a little mad ciizen of the yr thing. Please be careful my DP worked with the man who was murdered at the wkend for stepping in and being a good citizen.

oh my goodness Jam that was such a sad story, i bet everyone at your DP's work must be quite upset.

farewell to your dogs plums too.

Veggie I didn't think about putting the waterproof protector on top, but good idea. Would save having to wash both protector and sheet.

I also forgot to say I'm happy to post you as many packets of Twisties as you like - if you send me some of your homemade muffins/biscuits/general yummy foods in return! hehe. Although they probably wouldn't last well in the post would they? Also I'm pretty sure Twisties have MSG in them, so I'd feel a bit guilty about sending you some...

Verso how are you? I feel bad now for not including you in my post . I hope you're doing well in this pregnancy, especially considering your sad and traumatic past experiences. I thought your response to the Metro article was spot on too. C sections are more often than not a choice, but a necessity. Even my mum who is a hippy new age type midwife talked me out of having my first as a homebirth as she's seen things go wrong during birth so often. I would never have thought something so 'natural' as giving birth to a child could result in such serious complications, but as you can attest it does indeed happen. I just hope that this time you (and all of us!) have a good experience.

I met Richard E. Grant yesterday (he's working over here in a production of My Fair Lady for Opera Australia). Pity he only spoke to me because he needed directions to the bathroom! Seems like a nice guy though, he did say hello in the corridor previously which is nice, seeing as I am a stranger to him.

Hello to all the others I've missed, including the lurkers who still read but don't post (that's me most of the time!)

A new question too - is anyone using or planning on using cloth nappies?

Argh also just wanted to add about the C section issue that I once read a really interesting article that was (for once) 'pro choice' for women to have whatever birth they wanted. The writer believed that elective caesarean should be freely available as a modern choice, and drew parallels with an example of having surgery without anesthetic - it can be done of course (and once was!) but is painful/dangerous and therefore we choose to use it. We have the technology to assist us so why not help mothers who do not feel they cannot cope with, or want to have a natural birth? There are risks associated with both, so as long as the mother has made an informed choice I really don't see why a woman should be denied or be made to feel guilty/inadequate about having an elective CS because it's not 'natural'. Of course the article I'm speaking of put it much more eloquently and detailed it in more depth than I have managed to here, but I thought it was still worth mentioning

I'm 30 weeks today, hooray!! Off to the midwife in 1/2 hr for a check up and to hear that lovely tiny baby heartbeat once more...

Bisou; Absolutely planning to do cloth nappies, I think my friends think I am crazy but I don't really see what the fuss is about, it's not like I'll have to go to a laundromat to wash them. And a baby goes through 5000 nappies in a lifetime, don't particularly see that breaking down easily in a landfill!

Re emotional outbursts, spent an entire day crying at the smallest thing last week. Poor DH, think he may possibly be regretting this whole havin a baby thing, although I had bought him a book that warned him this would happen!

bisou well done to you on your epic post! At the time we were applying, both dh & I were in IT which didn't score enough points any more. I'm now training to be an antenatal teacher so hopefully that will be classed as a health professional if we apply again.

I agree with comments about c-sections, it should be the woman's choice without her feeling guilty or weak (same as anything else in parenting really). I recently observed a set of antenatal classes where the teacher said something like 'whether you're having an elective c-section or are planning to give birth hugging a tree, I'm here to support you'. I thought that summed it up really nicely and gave equal status to all the parents.

I'm also planning on using reusable nappies. If you're in London, you can apply for a voucher to either put towards buying them or towards a laundry service.

Re getting emotional, dh was out last night & I made the mistake of watching Rabbit Proof Fence. I couldn't stop crying for about an hour .

Reban really sorry to hear about the growth worries, hope the babe is okay.

Mibbes were the bloods all okay? Hope you okay.

I slipped and fell on Tuesday, had a horrendous few hours of panic as I had awful back ache and I started getting period-like tummy cramps. Was trying to be calm and do DD's tea and wait for DH to come home. They gave me a routine anti-D yesterday anyway and checked me out and said all was okay, but I was absoultey terrified at the time. And DD's were refusing to eat their tea which was the last thing I needed!

Bisou thank you so much for your kind message. so sorry you have experience of prostate cancer in your family as well .

Am quite green with jealously that you met Richard E Grant, he is my number one fantasy drop everything and run away with celebrity. I saw him across a bookshop a few years ago with DH and I went quite weak and wobbly. Mmm..those eyes, they just bore right through you don't they! I read an article about the making of Withnail and I that said his baby daughter had died 6 weeks before he started filming and that's why his emotions and anger in the film (particulary at the end in the amazing Hamlet monologue) are so raw and real.

Better go as DD's at pre-school and this is my one morning off from work/childcare a week. Just need to hoover and then I can have some quality sofa time .

oh Rosmerta not good choice whilst pregnant very heart breaking esp as very true, and happened to so many women and their children. In fact the last separation happened in the year i was born 1972.

Bisou I'm actually not much into Twisties anymore that was several years ago.

I used cloth nappies for DS as i much prefer using them as in nursing babies on the wards we used to use cloth then changed to disposable and just preferred them and felt they were better nappies. Also you do so much wasjing with new babies anyway throwing in a few nappies each time doesn't really add up to much more washing. This time around it will be a little easier as for DS' 1st 7months we lived in a small one bedroom flat but even then didn't have any trouble with hanging them out either on a clothes horse inside or on a line on our balcony. Always got them out in the sun as much as possible as the sun is best for disinfecting and bleaching the stains out. I have used both foldable and shaped and like both though foldable are better for smaller babies and shaped ones are better for older. DS TT'd at 2 years so have no experience after that but would def recommend them if you are thinking about it.

Sorry everyone, reading how emotional we all are at the moment mentioning Richard's daughter is a little insensitive.

It just stuck with me as such a moving story - apologies all around .

I'm planning on using cloth nappies this time around, but am finding it impossible to make a choice about which ones are best. Don't want to get it wrong and end up going back to disposables.
Re emotions, did anyone watch Holby City last night? I was in floods of tears at the congenital twins separation storyline - pathetic, and then turned over to watch Pride of Britain Awards, which started me off again. DH had to leave the room, more to do with being worried he'd cry I think!
I've been called back for an appointment following my GTT scan, so I guess it's not good news. Anyone got any experience of gestational diabetes and what to expect?
Hope everyone has a good day, I'm off to splash some cash on big baggy jumpers - Matalan I think!

Oh and I met Richard E Grant once, his wife was having her hair cut next to me and he came in, sat down and just chatted to everyone. So relaxed and friendly that I have been in love with him ever since. DH was very jealous as Withnail and I is his absolute favourite film.

morning everyone - wow Bisou that was a fab post (although I was an unmentioned too sniff sniff!!!) Only joking!

I used cloth nappies with my DS and they were fine. I had Tots Bots Bamboozles and when he got a bit bigger I used the motherease wraps as they have lovely pictures on them. I must admit I did stop using them when he was about 18-19 months as the boys bladder is like a lagoon and he can pee for England! The nappies couldn't hold it and I didnt want to use loads of extra liners as he wouldn't have been able to walk! Still think that 19 months of real vs disposables was of benefit to the old nappy mountain!

Feeling much better today...had an illicit glass of red when I got home last night and a big hug with DH and DS. Slept a bit poorly (DS woke me a few times and I couldn't get back after 3.45) but feeling ok now - it will hit later and I'll need a choccie injection.

Just a quickie to say Hatty glad you are ok - but what a shock. Take it easy, girl. I think we are all so much clumiser. Well I know I am.

Also jealous of Bisou meeting Richard E. That was an interesting if sad fact about his baby daughter.

Saw some of Pride of Britain - the little boy on the phone to the paramedics because his Mum had collapsed. They said "will you be able to open the door to us" he replied "yes but I will probably be in my pyjamas". Bless!

Off to M/w today and hopefully cranial osteopath for the yukky SPD

oh i have had to have a little cry about Richard's (are we all on a first name basis with him now) little baby that just breaks my heart.

for anyone unsure about the cloth v disposble, if you are wanting to use disposable you can't do much about the fact that they will be landfill but you can reduce their impact big time by getting rid of the poo as much as possible (much easier when they are bigger compared o little) before you throw them away and don't dispose of them in little bags or if you do use the biodegradable nappy bags. If you leave the poo in it breaks down with the stuff in the nappy and creates a highly toxic gas & liquid. landfills now have to be lined and designed to filter out this liquid and contain and burn off the gas as it is so toxic in the soil and air. But if you just put it in the loo its no worries.

oh and Hatty if you are concerned get it checked out. but a few weeks ago DH nearly reversed us of a ditch and slammed on the breaks my tummy muscles suddenly tried to contract i guess as a protetive thing bu couldnt because they are so strectched out, it was really crampy and painful the rest of the day and for a few weeks after i had a sore tender bit on my bump. I think your cramps may be the same thing were your tummy/bump muscles have tried to contract to brace for the fall but can't do so. But do have a chat to you mdwife if your concerned.

Hello everyone - feeling v poor today, I spent all of yesterday chucking up, probably the winter vomiting thing coming back so I'd recommend leaning back from the screen while you read this...

It's really grim, I'm very rarely ill (touch wood) and this was horrid, I'd be lying in bed feeling fin, think "maybe it's gone", sit up, and then chuck again. And the poor baby can't have been having much of a fun time in there

Summer re the yoga, I must admit I find some of it quite cheesy so when it comes to the Ommms I just go mmmmm - but don't tell anyone!

reban, mibbes and hatty hope you're
all ok today and getting some reassurances.

Crying and being emotional - I had a total sobbing attack a few weeks ago when I was trying to put a jumper on and it got stuck over my head, DH made some mildly flippant comment and that was it, I was just unconsolable

Cloth nappies - we're certainly hoping to try, the local council does a freebie for new mums with a few different sorts so if they ever answer their phone we'll be signing up for that.

oh dear jumpjockey, proper pukey bugs are not fun! Hope you feel better soon.

I have to admit I haven't really thought too much about what nappies to use and am planning to start off on disposables. DH is keen on being environmentally friendly, but if he thinks that's a good idea, then he can do the research and we can move over later!! Too much to think about at the moment to worry about it!! But you never know, i might get chance to think about it on maternity leave or something!

SL - I'm with you on that - starting off on disposables until I find my feet, then I'll start looking into re-usable - and actually, yes, DH can sort them out as he's the one who is so keen on them! I am too, but in a distracted way - think I'll have so much else on my mind!!!

JJ - hope you feel better soon. Feeling that rough is just horrible.

xx

bisou What a post! How are things with you?

Ooooooh the big nappy question. I always thought that I would use reusables but thinking about the practicalities - living in the rainy north, no dryer, tiny house, baby clothes adding to the mountain of washing, are making me think twice. My MIL keeps going on about us getting a tumble dryer - where on earth she thinks we are going to put it, who knows?! Also I couldn't afford to buy some reuseables and then discover I've made the wrong choice and there are soooo many to choose from

jumpjockey I hope you feel better soon. You must feel dreadful. Being sick with a belly full of baby feels so uncomfortable.

Taking of funny stomachs... I just cannot stop burping at the moment . I've been windy since the line appeared on the test but it is getting worse. I'm worried the neighbours will hear, I can't make them come out quietly!

Bisou: thanks for the info on agents, we're actually thinking of taking Veggiemummy's tip of advertising on Gumtree (friends of ours did the same) and so avoiding the fees. We won;t be that far away if we have to visit, so it makes sense. I think .

Nappies: we don;t have the room to wash and dry reusables, so we'll be sticking with teh disposables for the time being .

Hatty: hope you're feeling better

Oli: no major outbursts yet this pg, but I do get ridiculously emotional. We were watching Studio 60 on DVD and I was sniffing at the preemie baby storyline

Hi everyone

Sorry not to have been on for a while. I never have the time to keep up with thtis thread it moves so fast, then i feel bad that I am not doing personals but I am afraid this is going to be a flaying visit too as I am at work.

I am now back at work five days a week (having worked 3 days since DD1 was born). I had to come back fulltime as it was a condition of the promotion I was offered in July. It makes great sense because my maternity pay will now be based on my fulltime promoted salary rather than my part-time salary at a lower grade. However, while I see the financial sense I am really suffering. I am just so tired all the time. I commute on the tube for 45 mins each way and work 9-6, then rush home to play with DD for 45 mins, get her into bed, cook and eat dinner and suddenly its 9.30pm and I ready for bed . I am also not sleeping well as my his hurt and I can't get comfy. Up until now this pregnancy semeed to be going very quickly but the last two weeks have rally dragged. I am 30 weeks now and everyone keeps saying "not long to go" but I feel like 10 weeks of feeling like this is a VERY LONG TIME.

Sory for the rant. Just had to offload. I better get back to the job.

x

Jolly i am burping heaps too, i have bad indigestion and had it bad with DS too but can't remember burping so much or so loudly. I really hate it. I hate having to do it in front of DS. I really don't understand it either, someone said that you get the idigestion because the relaxin makes the sphincter at the top of your stomach and bit looser so you reflux but that wouldn't explain why it makes me burp so much. Oh and bad noises coming form the other end too, esp first thing in the morning.

arti that sounds hard...just try and keep going and think of that extra maternity pay!

If I was you I would cut corners at home wherever I could (not with DD of course), cook v quick stuff, do housework quickly & leave most til the weekend, etc, etc.
And then sleep all weekend! You might be doing this already though...

When do you start Maternity Leave?