No, no, no to hospital bags - can't think that far ahead! (although I know I may need one, will prob not bother for at least another 10 wks!)
Hypnobirthing sounds good - have been given the phone no of a friend of a friend who is really into it having done it herself for homebirth recently and wants to do the course and become a teacher so will meet her for a chat and hopefully she might teach me! BUT DH is getting increasingly non-plussed about homebirth, he asked the other day what would happen if 'something goes wrong'. I said well, I'd go in an ambulance at high speed. But it will be fine. Have had 2 normal deliveries (well, ish, and a PPh but didn't go into that with him). I just think it's going to be ok this time. And we aren't far from the hosp (well, 20 mins in traffic anyway). And my consultant and midwife said it should be fine, so I'm giving it a go. Am worried about him though!
In answer to the sleeping question both my DD's go to bed at 7pm. DD2 (age 2) goes to sleep immediately and DD1 usually reads for 1/2 hour with a glass of warm milk then goes straight to sleep. If they are later it's usually hell the following day.
Have been surfing for an Amby hammock - am definitely getting one for this baby (after the months and months of sleepless screaming from my reflux/colic/nightmare of a DD2). Don't care that it's expensive, will re-sell for excellent value on ebay hopefully afterwards. Apart from that can't think of anything else I'll need.......well giant maternity pads and pants obviously. And nappies. You'd think I'd remember (after all I HAVE done all this before!)
Dandylioness - I am in awe of your calmness in the face of everything you've gone through. Am so pleased you have a lovely sounding consultant. I really hope all goes well for you this time
Re - raspberry leaf tea. Third trimester I think. Start on 1 cup a day then work your way gradually up to 3 per day I think. Tastes absolutely vile. Capsules are prob better. Seemed to work with me (textbook 1st labour). Didn\t bother with it last time and had horrible labour. Could be related? Who knows. I didn't take it last time as developed horrible itching all over during 3rd trimester with 1st DD and wondered (in retrospect) if I'd been allergic to the raspberry leaf? Most likely not but didn't want to risk it. I was borderline for Obstetric Cholestasis and they were going to induce me but I went into labour myself first. No such probs last time though. God knows what goes on in our bodies !!!
Is it just me or does anyone else forget they are pregnant for quite large chunks of time? I was exhausted last night and said to DH 'oh I must go to sleep (6pm) as I'm just shattered from the hideousness of my v v stressful week' and DD's were screeching in my ear and I was sitting at my laptop hungry and about to cry. And DH said 'well, plus you are pregnant too. Go up to bed'. And I sort of went 'Oh, yeah, I guess i am'. Dur. For some reason I keep forgetting and wonder why I feel hellish and can't cope as much as usual. [thicko emoticon].
Pregnancy brain I suppose.
I usually only remember I'm pregnant when the little man jumps on my bladder or kicks me so hard I drop my papers on the floor!
Anyway god, am waffling. DH away tonight so was meant to have relaxing early night. Sleep well. x