November 2008: October are popping like peas.......it'll soon be our turn to moo on our knees!!

[LackaDAISYcal]

Better, No? less cheese-tastic

Hi Daisy - chewing? My goodness, ow ow ow indeed. Makes me realise that this 'un has NOT engaged yet. Poor poor you

Hey, Choc, [whispers equally quietly in possible slightly similarly freakish tones] I don't think anyone else can hear us over here... skin tags, you say? I asked my doc about that last weekend. Are we on the same page here? [in a slightly louder voice] Also, good luck with the pool thing, sounds feasible!

I'm off to bed - got to get some sleep before serious mum shopping trip tomorrow! Nighty night then

PS hope tea and cakes were ace, London ladies!

I have some skin tags on my neck, but not sure if that's the relevant area! I don't know if they are ever gonna go, /i didn't have them before and didn't get them previous pg.

Glad the tea was lubbly. Am definitely on for the champagne version (even if bf!).

Sorry choc, we have no spareettle tho our kettle is pretty old. Maybe try and get one of those catering ones fron ebay? Birthing pool relaxation sounds nice, can't believe you dd it afer long afternoon out!

oops. typing w one hand not good! NO ROOM FOR COMP AND BUMP ANYMORE.

morning all! Glad we are all ok and baby sarus staying put for a bit! Great news on your dates "Merrymari* you are 8 days before me which considering we had the same EDD, you should be very proud to have carried your twins for so long

Choc no kettle I am afraid, but perhaps call the hospital and see what they suggest as they deliver lots of home births and I am sure will have some advice for you....what will happen if you are labour for a long time, will DH need to keep topping it up or does it stay at the same temperature???? Thank goodness you did a trial run eh!

Londonladieswotdoafternoontea was a lovely lovely day - so nice to meet up and can't wait to do it again - this time with obs and merrymari in tow I hope!

What is everyone doing this weekend???

Morning everyone.
Only one more week of work to go before maternity If i can make it that far. I'm 36 + 3 today and since Thurs 'have just not felt right' been having strong braxton hicks for hours on end, period style cramps (like insides are wanting to drop out), lower back ache and increased trips to toilet . I think bubs head has engaged as my bump has dropped which is obviously going to put pressure on pelvis and may explain cramps. Is this all normal? Just can't bear the thought that this could go on for another five and a half weeks

Can i just ask those experienced ladies what their first signs of labour were?

Sorry about me post just don't have anyone else to ask about this stuff

Morning all. LolaBella - I am a first timer too, but am also starting to get cramps and increasing loo trips. Hoping this just means head is getting into position. Bet you can't wait to finish work!!!
lacks - are you still thinking you might be starting? Keep us all posted!
choc - sorry, don't have a kettle I'm afraid. You will probably find the hot water pressure is better downstairs, but that would mean altering your plans for HB. Hmm. What a kerfuffle....
Weekend plans - I'm currently cooking some sausages, then off to the blind lady (she has full 50/50 vision as far as I'm aware, but is making our black-out blind and some cushions for nursing chair). Then I'll be cooking all afternoon as we have DH's sister and her DH coming for supper. Thankfully, their expectations of culinary pleasures aren't quite as high as those of the Gaybours. So i'm keeping it real with an Italian theme of baked cherry tomatoes, basil and feta on puff pastry, lasagne and tiramasu. Quite 70's!
Tomorrow I'm doing tour of the Birth Centre at Queen Charlotte's - although I'm now pretty much decided on a HB.
Thanks to Choc and CriCri for your helpful insights into homebirthing yesterday. Was so lovely to meet you all!!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far!

Feeling a bit odd this morning to be sure......lots of cramping (like imminent arrival of period), strong BHs and feeling very emotional (crying at everything, even Saturday Kitchen ffs!) and wobbly, plus more pinkish discharge.

Not sure whether to call the delivery suite or if I'm just being silly (never gne into labour on my own so am a bit stumped as to what it all feels like!)

I think maybe the dancing and throwing DS around on the dancefloor wasn't such a great idea in hindsight; I've probably just overdone things and it'll settle down in a bit.

I'll wait till DH gets back at lunchtime and see how I feel then, but really I have got far too much to do today to be having early babies

MerryM, I have lots of teeny tiny skin tags as well. got them with DD too; they didn't go away by themselves but i just picked them off and they never came back. With bigger ones you can tie thread around them to cut off the blood supply and they just drop off apparently.

Can't help on the early labour signs, but when I had DS there was definately an increase in discomfort after his head had started to engage. Can happen from around 35 weeks in first pregnancies; usually much later in subsequent pregnancies, often not till labour is underway!

Blimey lacks. I can imagine vigorous dancing of the disco variety might be condusive to bringing things on. On the other hand, it could simply be the head engaging etc. God - this whole thing is so weird - it's hitting home that you have NO control over when LO decides it's time to appear. Fingers crossed that it's a false alarm....
hmm...just had the best sausage sarnie ever.

Hi Ladies!! I finally found you....love the new thread title!

We got back yesterday. Centerparcs is a lovely place, but really not worth the extortionate prices they charge for the very basic accomodation, we have stayed in better and less smelly caravans with Haven, lol! Still, it was worth the money just for all the wildlife that liked to parade up and down outside our patio windows. I think we managed to set a particular squirrel up for the rest of the winter, he took every scrap of food we left out for him, lol! At least I got in a fair bit of excersise as we walked a fair few miles everyday.

Thankfully baby stayed firmly put, I think he's there for the long haul to be honest! Good thing he stayed put as when i returned to the car yesterday, it would not start after being sat doing nothing for 4 days. Annoyingly, there was an AA van on site, so I asked if he could start my car only to be told that he couldn't as I am not a member and I would have to join for £49. I can't believe that they would leave a heavily pregnant woman stranded because they aren't a memember of the AA . Thankfully I had better luck with the reception staff. Even though they were swamped as it was check out/check in day, they couldn't bend over backwards enough. 3 burly men came over to ask where my car was, reg, make, model, colour ect and told me to sit tight in the warm while they had a go at bump starting it for me. Thankfully it worked and they brought the car around for me. Thankfully we have now bought a new car battery so won't have to worry about non starting car issues IF baby decides to come between now and Tuesday night (midwives don't go on call until I am 37 weeks).

I don't really have any decent pics from our holiday, but dh did manage to get this one of the bopys & I that I really like, even though I look incredibly tired! (top pic in profile, followed by 36 week belly, he seems to be dropping a little but was carrying low anyway)

Sorry, I totally have not read any of the previous posts. Anyone care to update me quickly?? Do we have any babies yet? I am pretty sure my little fella is in for the long haul and fully expect to be here until at least 40 weeks (36+3 today). Mind you, I have had alot of just feeling a little weird and a bit tummy ache-ish, like I have the trots coming on. Mind you, it could be the increase in iron, I am now taking 4 spatone a day instead of 2 as my levels had dropped again despite taking the spatone religiously. I am off to get myself some RLT tablets (doubt I need them, but they did no harm with my other 2) and floradix and more dried apricots. I refuse to let them turn me down for a homebirth based on my iron levels alone. I willfind out for certain at my appt on Monday, I am soooo excited!

Right, washing waits for no-one, have a great weekend everyone!

Glad all you Londonladies had a fab time - very but I guess us northerners will soon meet up ourselves.

Daisy sounds like something may be happening but I had none of what you are feeling when I went into labour with DS so I am certainly no expert! Lolabella again, I can't really help you as it was just a gradual feeling I had with DS - nothing dramatic like head engaging, cramps etc - just a 'feeling' (which I realise is of absolutely no use to you whatsoever )

Skin tags I developed them on my neck when pg with DS - I had about 4 quite noticeable ones (or they were to me anyway) - they stayed for a while after he was born but they just disappeared - I guess they fell off at some point. Don't think I have got any yet but iirc, I don't think they appeared with DS until nearer the end. All sounds perfectly normal to me ladies!

HM2J welcome back!! Glad you had a good holiday but I bet it is good to be back in the comfort of your own home

Weekend plans - been to Sainsburys this morning for the weekly shop, DH has now taken DS to MIL's for the afternoon so I need to go and get the playgym from Argos that I reserved yestesrday and then a nap I think! Then watching SCD tonight. Tomorrow - take DS swimming and just generally relaxing - perfect

Am chuffed about the playgym - I have had my eye on it for a while but it is quite an expensive one but the one I really wanted - tis reduced by £15 in Argos so now only £40

Just wanted to say that I also really enjoyed the Londonladies meet-up yesterday - it was great to meet you all and the time just flew by. As Margot said, it's a shame we can't all get together. I was worn out when I got home though - in bed by 9pm! I've also got really achy legs and back after all that walking too. But it was worth it!
Lacks Hope baby stays put for a little while longer
Lolabella Sounds as though you're suffering MW told me last week baby was 3/5 engaged and I've had some of the symptoms you describe, but not constantly. Not really had any BH either. Maybe call the delivery suite if you're worried, for monitoring. One of the girls from my NCT class did that a couple of weeks ago and the staff were very understanding.
Heartmum Welcome back Glad you had a good time and baby stayed put.
Weekend plans... well, I'm working this afternoon but I have to make up for the day in London yesterday. DH and I are going to see Lee Evans at the O2 tomorrow evening though - fingers crossed all that laughing doesn't trigger anything! I love Lee Evans

I am home.
Will catch up with all your lovely messages to me, that Cricri told me about, in the next couple of days.

Yay, Obs . Hope you are feeling much better and can relax a bit before the arrival of DC2

good to have you back obs
hope your well, look forward to hearing from you in next few days on here.

morning ladies . Got up out of bed for some hot choc after trying for 30mins to sleep and cant!

Big thanks to my secret stork. Got my beautiful yellow bunting (correct term?) for baby's room to be joined by fabric letters once we have baby and know baby's name. I received it Friday, so sorry not said sooner just so busy. DS wondered what was wrong with mummy when I started to blub because I think the present is so beautiful, unique and that someone went to so much trouble. Looking forward to my fabric letters. Will be like I've had two pressies. I think I may have a lead on my stork though , well a name and address anyway.

DS has been a little off colour, just not his normal self IYSWIM this week and proves something has been up as he slept from 7.45pm Fri until 9.45am Sat ! Snoring his head off. 7.30-8pm until 8 latest is normal. Of course I couldnt take advantage of this lie in due to both legs hurting so got up at 8 and I got DH up at 9.

DS and a baby - I went to a friend's for a cuppa, she has a 3yr old girl and 9/10month boy. DS sat with me quiet the whole time the baby was there but when baby went for a nap he sprung into life and played like normal with the little girl.

Had a lovely cuddly day with DS on Friday was tear jerking how loving he was towards me.

Also DS has told us when we ask he wants a little girl baby. No pressure.

nursery - Is now a room again with painted walls, new light, socket & dimmer, carpet and furniture. So can start getting DS baby stuff out of the loft and start getting organised. What is to bin, wash and buy etc. YIPPEE! Buying bedding and curtains once we know the flavour to go with the yellow walls.

living room - The plaster is drying out nicely so can hopefully next weekend crack on with decorating and everything else needed.

DS - Got new big boy triple wardrobe coming Monday AM. I wonder how many times DH will lose it and swear putting it together

christening - Going to a christening today (Sunday). Must admit only half looking forward to it as I have made do with the clothes I have got a frankly even though I have never been a trend setter I look like a bag lady. DS will look cool though, will try and get a pick of him for you ladies.

36 weeks on Monday and got all this going on and most rooms of my house upside down as a result. Must be mad , well I already knew that.

ps - Work not contacted me over the childcare vouchers mistake in my wages. Been over a week!

Must try and sleep now ...

DUH! Meant to say 7.30pm-8am is normal for DS sleep.

I definately need sleep OR to read before posting!

Morning everyone, not posted for a while but have been trying to keep up! Sound like all you londonladies had a great time on friday

lola hope you are feeling better today, cant really advise even though this is my 2nd as I dont really remember any specific feeling when head engaged, my first sign of labour was really low down back ache but dd was back to back which is why it started in my back rather than tummy!!

lacks hope you are ok too, any further signs of babies arrival or have things calmed down?

obs great news that you are now out of hospital and back home

heartmum good to have you back and great that baby stayed put so you could enjoy the break! Not good about you car not starting though and at AA for not even trying to help! at least staff were helpful to you! Lovely pic of you and your DS's

vbab great news that your nursery is now finished and its starting to come together for you hope you get started on your living room this week!!

We have now finished the nursery and DH got all the baby clothes out of the loft which I started to sort through yesterday so now have loads of washing to do !! If this baby is a girl we are sorted as have a massive amount of girl clothes right from newborn up to 2 years but if its a boy we have a very limited range of neutral clothing, which seems to just be what I bought before DD was born (mainly white vests, babygrows etc)

Anyway sorry for long post but wanted to try and catch up on everyones recent posts, sorry if I have missed anyone

Hi everyone.

Obs glad to hear you at back home. Take it easy for the next while to make sure you stay there!

Glad to hear all the London Ladies had a lovely tea.

I have been feeling like baby is about to make an appearance for the last few days too. Think it is because the head is engaged. I had a check up on Friday and showed leucocytes (sp?) in urine. The nurse said it could be an infection or at this stage more likely to do with not being able to empty bladder properly, which does make sense. The annoying thing is that I won't know til Thursday what the result of the urinalysis is!!!!!!!!!!! What if I have a horrible infection? Couldn't it be dangerous to the baby?

First-timers As a second timer I have to say that you shouldn't rely on any pearls of wisdom from me. I feel totally clueless this time round and am feeling a lot more nervous too. I was having some pains last night and said to dh that I don't remember what a contraction feels like. And then I though - last time round I didn't have any experience to go on but when I started having contractions, believe me, I was in no doubt.

Can't wait for November!!!!

Lacks, those symptoms sound weird. You could go to hosp today (while dh around to take care of kids) and if they monitor you they will be able to tell if you are having contractions or not and maybe examine to see if dilated. My waters broke before I started getting any pain, and to start with water was clear, but then became pinkish - never had 'the show' as such as I think water just washed it all away. I also had period like pains which just got worse and worse. I was 40+4 though.

Obs, WELCOME BACK! We missed you loads and loads. How are you? How is your Galia melon and your feet? My feet and fingers have got enormous over last 5 days. Told consultant, and he said, it is only going to get worse and only thing will help is to get babies out. What was your section date again? Mine is 22/10.

c-sections, please I need HELP!!! I am getting a bit scared about it. Got some qu's:

• have to go in night before. Don't want to. Is there anyway I can have appointments with anaesthetist etc and then go home till morning.
• leaflet said I can only shower after 3 DAYS. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Is this normal procedure in hospitals?
• any tips for dealing with pain? Someone said peppermint tea did it for them!
• How long before you can walk?

Heartmum, welcome back. You look lovely in your pic. I am glad to see you have some stretch marks on your bump too, given me more confidence to put mine up (though mine are a lot worse!).

Hey everyone - hope you are all having a good weekend

Obs glad you are home again - it must be a relief for you. (Btw, did you take any photos of your 2 bumps? )

Vbab glad the nursery is now done. It sounds like your DS may be coming down with something - I can always tell with DS as he starts to act a bit clingy/is more tired etc.

As for the head engaging, just remembered that when I was pg with DS, the MW told me at about 35 weeks that his head was engaged and that he would be born sooner rather than later.......6 weeks later he decided it was time to come out

Merry will try my best to answer your questions. I can't comment on going in the night before as I haven't had an elective (yet) so don't know what the procedure is. However, I think not having a shower for 3 days is a bit . DS was born by cs at 5pm and the MW made me get up and have a shower at about 10am the next day. Which answers the question about walking really - once they remove the catheter (which was the next morning for me), you can walk although it is very painful to start with and you can't straighten up (imagine the walk of a very elderly person) but the more you do it, the easier it gets. As for the pain, it does hurt but they give you painkillers to deal with it and I don't remember it being that bad tbh (but I know memories fade) - within a week (I think) I was pretty much back to normal. Hope that helps

Having a relaxing Sunday - taken DS swimming this morning and then we are going to the park once he wakes from his nap.

afternoon all - hope everyone is having a lovey weekend! Obs welcome back missy, you were missed

Merry elective CS is a walk in the park compared to an emergency - Not sure why they are taking you in the night before, I am going in at 7am to be "prepped" the only thing I need to do "at home" is fast from 10pm and take 2 little tablets (have been given them already, let me know if you want the name). I then need to call at 7am to make sure there is a bed and not an emergencies - am first on the list so reckon DC will be born around 10ish......Believe you me, the experience was lovely, we chose our music, had a giggle with the consultants and it was very stress free (as stress free as not being able to feel your body below the waist can be!) I held DS2 immediately for skin to skn contact, and was BF-ing him within 10 mins in recovery. Stayed in recovery for about an hour, then was moved to the ward - could feel my legs after an hour and was up walking by that evening (albeit slowly). I also had a shower the next day and at my hospital, they actively encourage you to get up and about.....I discharged myself on the morning of Day 3 so only in for 2 nights, which was actually lovely as not loads of visitors and the stresses of being at home (with DS1 and DH and all the household nonsense and phone calls).

I was driving withing 3 weeks (you need a Dr's letter) and can hoenstly say it was a lovely experience.

Any other Q's???????

DMxxx

Hi... can I come back in?

I got a bit lost at keeping up with the ante natal boards quite a while ago!
I am due Nov 13 (was added to the list) and I finish work on Tuesday of this week.
It would be nice to get to know some of you on the board for the last few weeks (home stretch!)