Due in June 2009: The final quarter - packing our bags and remembering to squuueeeeeeezzeeeee!..

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Here it is!

Hello all.

Haven't caught up for a while, been poorly with sinusitis which seems to be clearing up now. Went into town with DH and DS and picked up some 'bump bands' from New Look and arnica, sea salt and raspberry leaf tea from the health food shop. It's not the sludgy nasty kind, but I'll try the nice tasting stuff first. DS was born early, so I'm hoping that I won't even need it. I also spent £50 on jewellery in Accessorize to make myself feel better as I'm feeling a bit low with illness and fatness and general pregnancy crapness. Feeling a bit guilty now, but oh well!!

Spent an afternoon in the sunshine at IL's and it was lovely. FIL is doing so much better now, and though is still a little sore, looks much more like himself, if a little thinner.

Have written my birth-plan, packed my bags, sorted the nursery and just have to buy snacks and cook up meals before LO arrives. DS took me totally by surprise (though I had thankfully packed my bag - just). I was in denial, even while pushing I'm not in labour, I'm not due for three weeks'. I'm refusing to be taken by surprise this time around! 4 weeks today I was holding DS in my arms, so it's really not that long. Who knows, I'll probably go 2 weeks over this time.....

I'm with ermintrude on the 'layering' thing for BF (I'm not that confident at whoppping them out in public). I only managed BF for a short time with DS (he had jaw pushed out of alignement by the forceps so couldn't latch) but those BF tops look really bloody fiddly. I think I'll wear a bump band round tummy, vest then top (like I am at the moment). Then LO can go under top while I pull up vest and bump band can hide my wobbly bits. New Look have three for a tenner on bump bands at the mo....

I've put on over two stone now, but I'm hoping that'll slow down now as I'm nearing the end. I'm certainly smaller than I was this time last pregnancy so I'm okay, and I'm still in 12 tops and 12 / 14 bottoms which is pretty much where I was pre-pregnancy. I carry my bump really low, so size 14s are definitely more comfortable, but can fit into one pair of size 12 jeans so that's cool. I'm not really bothered too much about the weight, just going by the clothes and the fact that I can still wear my wedding rings...

Sorry not to catch up properly. I'm glad that moves / holidays etc went well and that everyone else seems to be doing okay, despite the pregnancy symptoms.

alignment - sorry for typo

Oh no "erm" I took my wedding ring off a few weeks back because it's tighter than it was and I'm worried aobut it getting stuck!
I just tried it on again and it still fits, phew ;)
Still paranoid about it getting stuck so dh is wearing it round his neck atm.

You sound very organised, that's wicked!

I started on the maternity bags and even got a plastic jug from asda today.
I'm really not sure what else to put in now.

I'm really hoping to only be staying a maximum of 48 hours in the birth centre, fingers crossed.
I'm not sure how many pads/knickers to take. Saw a site that said bring 24 maternity pads, didn't say for how long though.
Not sure whether I'm just going to look silly bringing so many. (Not that it matters but I'd rather put something else in the case if that's going to be too much).

Birth plan....not started on that yet.

I'm very confused about what I want.
The NCT host has said to be careful with our "expectations" so as not to be disappointed if someting, even small, does not go according to plan (from midwives/doctors incessantly coming and going without knocking at the door to having to have an emergency caesarian).

Now I'm kinda afraid to either make a definite plan that will maybe not happen the way I want, or make a plan that has so many possible options that it's not really a plan anymore ifswim.

Yesterday I was even considering a home birth which I never even dreamed of before.
(I blame this article in the Times for that! It's the rebel in me I think ;)

Then again, writing it down would probably help clearing it up in my head.

Did you know one of the first pages in the maternity notes is to help you write the birth plan? Never noticed it before.

I wouldn't worry about being that organised June - it's only that I went into labour at 37 weeks with DS that I'm determined to have things ready this time round. Our house was still in a complete state of disarray (we were having major renovations at the time) and I'd loosely packed a bag. I'm the complete opposite this time round!

As for my birth plan - it's only so detailed to cope with my SPD / PGP in labour (I had a couple of midwives who didn't know what I could and couldn't cope with in labour last time, so I spelled it for this time round). I also had a bad reaction to pethidine, so it's in bold, capitals and underlined that I do not want it in labour. The rest of my plan is pretty open-ended. I don't think you can make a definite plan as you don't really have an exact idea of what labour is going to be like (even us 'experienced' mums - my mum said that all three of hers were completely different). I just know that I don't want pethidine, and I don't want them to aggravate my SPD / PGP as far as poss. That's about it really. I know that they probably won't even read it more than once, and that it can all change in a heartbeat, but that at least I feel that I have made my wishes known. DH also has strict instructions that if they are trying to encourage me to have pethidine (like they did last time - despite saying I didn't want it - they still pressured me into it) then he is to bar them from coming near me with the needle!!

I brought a pack of maternity pads and 8 pairs of pants last time round and ended up with spare (I stayed in 48 hours as they couldn't work out why DS couldn't latch (see earlier post) and because DS didn't wake up for 48 hours as a result of pethidine). You can always ask someone to bring you more if you should need them.

You sound as though you're well on the way in terms of organisation.

P.S. a few of my friends loved pethidine, I don't want to put anyone off. I just know that I hate the feeling of being stoned, so knew I'd hate it, and lo and behold....

Morning all.

june what's the plastic jug for? Water?

I have just started to think about maybe packing my hospital bag! Never mind finishing the baby's room! I am so hyper organized at work that it suffers at home. Hopefully I will get onto it soon. Well, at least once
I'm on leave in 4 weeks!!

Hello everyone. I'm confused about the jug too Tee. For mixing a post-natal gin fizz, I hope

june I think the phrase 'birth PLAN' is a bit specific and puts the pressure on first-timers. Ineed can be specific because of her knowledge of previous labour and of her SPD. I never wrote one but would have done something like: 'Ideally, I would like to labour naturally, using TENS for pain relief as necessary for the first stage, during which I hope to be fully mobile. I am not sure what position I will assume for 2nd stage but am considering a water birth if available, and will decide at the time. I would like to deliver the placenta on my own. If MWs or medics believe interventions to be necessary at any stage I would like these to be discussed with me and my DH, who will be my birth partner, if possible.'
...so that's my ideal labour stated but with a nod to the facts that a) I won't know some of it (eg what 2nd stage position will be comfortable) and b) it might not go according to plan. It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the lingo of pain-relieving drugs, episiotomies, forceps etc so you will understand what medics advise in the case of prolonged labour or emergencies etc. Saying 'I do not want a CS' is fairly pointless if that ends up being the only way the baby is going to come out...

Someone sent me a link to that Times article and I wish they hadn't - do you think seething mother is bad for baby in 3rd trimester? Grrr.

ps: both my labours went according to 'plan' - I was home from birth centre 6 hours after water birth with DD and had DS at home, all v quick and straightforward. I must admit to feeling slightly proud of my efficient uterus, but if I'd had to transfer to hospital, or been cut, or whatever, I'd just have been glad to have the babe safely in my arms.

This is why I am not really writing a plan ermintrude. First of all, its my first baby, I have no idea how much this will hurt or what kind of pain relief I might like. Second of all, as a diabetic, I don't get a lot of choice. I will have a drip (insulin and glucose) and, most likely, a CS at 38 weeks anyway.

I'm pretty laid back about things anyway (hence the no hospital bag or completed nursery yet!). I really just want this baby out, as quickly and safely as possible.

I also have no big plan. Hopefully will stay at home like last time with probably some gas and air but we'll just have to see. Midwives came fine and seemed to feel very relaxed about the whole thing so I'm taking that route.

I'm very glad I didn't read Times article. Have no idea what it said re home birth but I don't really care, sounds like they were being tabloidy and purposely controversial.

I remember seeing an article in the paper about finally getting 20 week scans in Lothian. You would think that was a fairly good, non controversial thing, even a laudable decision. But no, a good half of the comments were whinging about tax payers having to pay for it and pregnant people expecting too much and stuff like that. I couldn't believe it, really, when I read comments pages I do worry about the number of ignorant, intolerant arses there are out there!

Now, before I get myself too wound up am off to enjoy bacon and pancakes and maple syrup courtesy of dh!

I think the plastic jug might be for weeing afterwards. If you pour warm water over yourself while you wee it can stop it hurting..... or so I've heard. I didn't find weeing afterwards a problem, to be honest...

Now your first 'number two'... that's a whole other thread!

Hello Juners!

I'm keeping up but not having too much time to post

What I can say is that I've been getting loads of practice this wkend as DH's cousin has a 12wk old. It's been great!! (NB: You need to join a gym before handling a baby, people! Every upper body muscle hurts Luckily newborns are a bit lighter this LO is 6kg already)

Welcome back Ermin!

Great comments everyone re. birth plans. Enjoy your Sunday, Juners!!! It's sunny and nice in London, but in a few hours we're heading back north.

I'll try and pop in later.

(((Waves!!!)))

Like ermintrude says, Birth Plans are an indication of how you feel about certain things. My midwife read through mine and said 'ok, got it'. Basically, I wasn't crazy about the idea of pethadine, wanted to do as well as I could on TENS and gas & air but if I really needed it would ask for an epidural. I said I was very keen on a water birth, had read a book on it, realised I couldn't get in until 5cm or so and may have to get out just before the end but would prefer not to. I said that dp had said he didn't want to cut the cord, but I had a sneaking suspicion when the time came he might quite like to, so offer him the choice, he can always say 'no'. I said I didn't want oxytocin afterwards.

It would have been hard to explain this all to her while I was having contractions and as it is written down, she can refer to it.

Basically, water birth wasn't an option as at first I was 3cm and the next time they examined me I was 10cm and on verge of giving birth, so missed that opportunity. I found Gas & Air and TENS great together and offered me just the right level of pain relief, until I stupidly took my TENS off and 5 mins later my pain was almost unbearable. But by then they realised I was about to give birth. DH had to cut the cord, as it was just him and the midwife in the room so she needed his help. I think he actually really liked being involved (I cut my daughters umbilical cord ). My placenta came away easily after a few mins with just a few tugs from the midwife.

Absolutely, you don't know what will happen, the plan is just an indication of how you feel about various things - knowing full well that all may go 'belly up'. Midwives just don't want you ending up with a birth you resent, because decisions were made that you weren't comfortable with on hindsight. They also understand what to ask your permission for, what to explain more fully and what you will easily agree to.

Morning Juners!

We had a lovely sunny weekend bbqing with friends and family, back to reality now though and to daydreaming about the baby work.

Thanks Erm and Daisy I will try and put the birth plan into words this week.
Hopefully the midwife I am seeing on Thursday has a bit more time for me and I can ask her more questions than the last one (who looked like she was high on something).

We have a nhs AN class later on today, I think she said they will be showing a birth video. Eeeek!
Anyone know how to prevent someone from fainting? I don't think DH can take it and I'm not sure about myself either.
I may close my eyes throughout.

As Ineed said, the plastic jug is for weeing afterwards - pouring water on yourself at the same time to take the stinging out - if any). I got that tip from a mn thread, not sure how many women actually need it.
Oh dear, yeah...first number 2...I hear you can ask you GP for laxatives, if so I guess we should ask him before birth (though I would imagine they won't prescribe it to you when still pg?) Or is it one of these things that usually doesn't happen for a few days?

Naat, how are you coping with this weekend's travelling? I can only handle small trips in a car.

I stood around too much this weekend, I could barely get up and walk to the loo last night for my hips were killing me.
It's better now I'm up and about, I'll try and tackle the stairs in a minute :S
(and "luckily" I have an appointment with the physio this lunchtime.)

33 weeks on sunday, starting my 34th week today, blimey! Are we meant to give birth during our 40th week or when we're in our 41st week? I'll be forever confused about this counting in weeks business.

Finally weighed myself this morning and I've put on just over 2 and half stones. People tell me I don't look like I've put on much elsewhere than my belly (which is huge now) but I have noticed a double chin so maybe they're just being kind ;)

Well that's quite enough for now, spent way more time on this post than planned and now I only have 6 minutes to get tea before the phone starts ringing!

Have a nice week everyone!

June - From my experience definitely a good idea to have the jug. I so hope I won't need it this time, like Ineed, but I really did last time!

(Also, not so much a big deal the no 2 for me, felt like my insides might come with it but not painful or anything! )

Daisy - Been meaning to say, do you know what it means if you see arnica 6c and arnica 30c? I was looking for your 200/300 but in Boots they have the c measurement?! I will probably just go elsewhere but just wondered if you knew?

Well, went into uni bright and early to pick up a book and do printing and is a random uni holiday! I didn't know as it is all holidays for students til next week but usually library, etc still open. Oops!

Hi littlesarah - I had to go back to my post to remember what the dosage was. I must go and get some this week. I don't think the chains stock the stronger stuff - the 200 because it has limited demand. Many people buy arnica for bruising from falls and they take the 30 or less dosage. As you can see, you only need 3 x Arnica300 immediately post birth and then you move onto the Arnica30. I just picked mine up from a Natural Health pharmacy and they just sold me the three Arnica300 over the counter - unless they can see you are pregnant I don't think they will sell them to you. I had to go to three shops before finding it and would recommend ringing around first to save time.

I'm afraid I can't tell you much more than that. It was our NCT teacher who gave us this info. The homeopathic lady who I rented a TENS from also recommended the same dosage. But maybe other people take less??? I'm not sure.

Daisy

Take Arnica200 straight after the birth. Take a 2nd dose 2 hours after the 1st and then a 3rd dose 6 hours after the 1st dose. Then move onto Arnica30 3 x times a day until feeling better.

Morning Juners!

I forgot to say yesterday, Ineed I'm glad your FIL is better And don't feel guilty about the 50 pounds spent at Accesorize You deserve the purchase!

June I didn't get that tired during the 3-hour ride, the need to wee is what bothered me the most I don't drive, so DH has to do all the work Enjoy your AN class today! I don't think you'll faint, don't worry. As for your DH, well, I don't really know any tips to prevent people from fainting so I can't help you with that one Hope you don't need them and everything goes smoothly. We start the AN classes at the BC 1st May and I can't wait!!

LittleS Oh, yes, that has happened to me this year, getting there and suddenly realising there's some special event and X area is closed Hope uni is not too far for you and that you could go back home easily.

The sun was absolutely brilliant Saturday and Sunday so we had a great time with the cousins. As I told you I got a lot of practice so I'm quite happy

32+3 today, pelvic pain there but bearable so I can't complain much. I came back from our cousin's with a bag full of baby clothes . I can now prep the baby's bag!! I'm really excited, we're getting closer, ladies!!

Right, back to dissertation. Have a lovely sunny day! (waves!!)

Morning ladies!!

Good news from the -frontline-- Zara: the wrap dress is lovely, £26 and v flattering! I bought it in black and in the purple. Although sounds like it may gape when I am bf (thanks for the warning, Ermin), so that's not good news . But I am prepared to give it a go anyway!

Naat - congrats on the bag of baby clothes! How lovely and lucky you! Agree - cannot believe how close we are! Set up the moses basket this morning - its so adorable!!

June - am not organised yet, either, so you are not alone! This week's task is to wash all new baby clothes, which will take ages I think, as well as pack labour bags. I am also struggling w my rings, but refusing to not wear them at the moment. DH has told me that if I lose the bling, I have to wait 10 years for more . Need to google "finger slimming exercises" ...

Anyone think taking pyjamas to hospital is a bad idea? I don't wear/own nightgowns...

Thanks, Daisy, for the arnica info - bought some cream and am totally confused about what I need it for. May "trade" it for tablets...

Thanks Ineed for the tip on bump covers at New Look - I will go have a looksy. Hope you are feeling better soon! You are not alone in the weight gain situation. Its grim and I hate it. My sister told me on the weekend that she refuses to participate in any more conversations with me about it as its destructive and pointless - God love her and her commonsense!!

Ermintrude - hello and good to hear you had fun on your holiday!

I also need to buy a new clothes airer for baby - imagine the washing machine will be going gang busters...

Have a lovely day, ladies!

bunny I'm sure you'll come up with a clever way of lobbing out your bosoms discreetly . I don't wear rings much - DH and I discuss wedding rings from time to time but we've lived without them for nearly 15 yrs so will prob never get round to it. (I wasn't going to wear a symbol of patricarchal ownership if he didn't reciprocate and he doesn't like wearing jewellery). But my watch is a bit tight! Fat wrists?

Naat washing baby clothes is on my agenda this week too if the weather holds. Just finishing off the holiday stuff first!

We've been invited to a friend's 50th birthday party in London at the end of May and I really don't think I'll want to go so far from home with only 17 days to go... my first two DC came 3 and 10 days late but that doesn't mean this LO will be late. It's an old friend of DH's so am not looking forward to broaching that subject . It's not even as though I can tell him to go because if things happen quickly he wouldn't have time to get back.

Never mind, lovely sunshine here, will go and do some 'work' in the garden

Hi All

Ineed also glad to hear that FIL is better.

ermintrude I would agree that a trip to London so close to due date is less than ideal! I hope your DH understands.

Personally I am feeling very 'off' today. Tired and achy. I go to OB tomorrow so will find out how LO is doing then!

Have a nice day all!!

morning ladies hope everone had a lovely weekend sun was shining brigthly all weekend in normally rainy Greenock

Just woken up from a very long sleep which i needed desperately fell asleep at 9 last night woke up a few times during the night and finally woke up at 11 but feel i could have slept all day

been having weird dreams again, if anyone watches the programme 'Heroes' all my dreams have been involving Nathan Patrelli and they're good

Going into mothercare today saw a lovely lemon coloured jacket and tops so may just go and buy them

will catch up properly later x

hello all,

naat trading cream for tablets might be best as tablets can help with the internal bruising that cream won't reach (although keep cream too as very good for lo's, we use it on ds's all the time)

ermin if you don't feel comfortable going to london then I hope dh understands, how far is it from you? when I was 37wks pg with ds2 dh had to go to US for the week and ds2, who was 4/5 engaged from 34 wks 'popped' out of my pelvis for my 37wk check, mw reckoned I must have clenched to make sure dh would be back in time

bunny I don't think pjs are a bad idea, I wore them after birth both times, pj bottoms and a vest top, one of those with clips on so you can drop it down to feed, like this if you are in hosp I guess you could layer it with a big t-shirt or pj top if you didn't want to have your boobs out on display

we had a lovely weekend - both boys are well although ds2 not sleeping well as he's got used to having me there and wants be to stroke his back or hold his hand EVERY time he wakes in the night, not sure how to break him of that habit...
also got our new car which is lovely even though someone opened their car door onto it and dented the door on Sunday and friend can to visit on Sat night had lovely meal out but she then told me her boyf had a one night stand at xmas when they where going thro a rough patch and the other girl got pg she's keeping the baby and boyf wants to be there for his baby but she's finding it all so hard not really sure how to help her out, just so impressed at how strong she is being about it all, she's had a lot to forgive him for I hope the relationship works out for her

maternity photoshoot tomorrow - eeekkk quite nervous about it now

Hello everyone

Been trying to catch up but way too much to read....hope you are all well.

Ineed - Read your posts about baby girls name. I would feel exactly the same as you have and would go with whatever name you want. Who cares what anyone else thinks,does etc.

DH and I spent a lot of time yesterday looking over names and we are pretty much decided on boys but not on a girls. I also believe that I am having a 3rd boy. The shape of me, pregnancy like the others, size, the way I am carrying etc. Also, quite a few of my friends have had girls recently so a boy is due! I know that all sounds silly...maye I am convincing myself its another boy because I am protecting myself from some disappointment that I will never have a girl...anyway...

We had a fantastic Easter break. Just back yesterday.Ended up staying an extra night. Kerry really is a beautiful part of the worl ladies - you really must visit. it is so child friendly as well. Would you believe I was hiking throught the National Park etc nearly every day?!! My SPD has been fine. It's as if being away took my mind off of things like that and I was able to do more.
No cleaning and verty light cooking may have something to do with it too

Also being kicked a lot these days. Some are so strong that they may me yelp!

Getting nesting feelings now so off to pack my hospital bag.

choccie I'm getting a little worried that I'm going to be disappointed if I have a 3rd boy, I think we are going on how I feel and the shape of me - which I know isn't conclusive but I think I'm trying to get my head round never having a dd so its not a supprise on the day but then I keep thinking but it could be... which doesn't help, like you we are sold on a boys name and don't have a girls one, do you have a short list? ours keeps changing as dh doesn't think we're having a girl either so only really wanted to get a boys name sorted

glad you had lovely break and spd eased a little

when can we start drinking raspberry leaf tea again? I thought it was 32wks (this week) one cup a day building up to a couple a day but now can't remember!

Hey ladies I am finally back on line in and in the new pad, which is fabulous! hope to catch up with you all this evening but in the meantime, sending lots of good vibes to you all and hope you are all doing well. Have to say I am now feeling very large and cumbersome and quite tired!

Welcome MrsMc!!!

Welcome Choccie!!!

I'll pop in later, back to work now.

Well, of course that was supposed to read: Welcome back! Oh my brain