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

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Here it is!

[Naat]

MOrning ladies! (loving the sun!!!)

Doris for the day you had, my oh my! I'm sure today will be much better

MrsMc PLEASE let me know if you need any help with the Spanish of your birth plan, really, no problem at all! Happy to help.

I loved the checklist! Mine would look like this:

? Buy buggy ? check!
? Bed and clothes for baby ? When we go down to London on 17/4 we'll see Tom's cousin and she'll give me everything (She had a girl in Jan, and is not having any more, so lucky Naat!) I do have some, though.
? Hospital bag:
? Birth plan: check! (to be revised with MW at 36 wks)
? Hypnobirthing: in progress Check!
? Pelvic floor exercises: squuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeezing!!!
? Food in freezer: waiting until mid May.

• Look for house to move: in progres.
  
• Move: most likely 1st June
  ? Get baby?s room organised waiting until move is done.
  ? Buy change station: check!
  ? Wash baby?s clothes and sheets: waiting till I have them
  ? Write out DS?s schedule: well, I have to organise DH's schedule hahaha
  
  Right, I'm really excited as today we have a tour of the BCentre so I'll tell you about it later
  
  Have a lovely sunny Sunday, Juners!!!

[MrsMcJnr]

This is what I had in my hopsital bag (bags!!) last time!

HOSPITAL BAG
Personal Hygiene/Protection
Breast pads 3
Sanitary towels 3
Lansinoh nipple cream lots
TENS machine 1
Extra pads for TENS 2
Anti bacterial wipes 2
Arnica cream 1
moisture toilet wipes 2
Hand wipes 1
Food & drink
Lucozade 2
Dried apricots bag
Brunch bars 6
Sweets 2
Camomile tea box
Water lots
Small bottle of water 1
Peppermint tea box
Sandwiches from freezer 4
Ice cubes in flask lots
flask 1
Fruit Juice small
club biscuits
Toiletries
Make up
Nice bubble bath/shower gel
Lavender oil
Body Moisturiser
Face Moisturiser
Flannel 2
Hair bobbles 4
Comb
Hair brush
Shower flower
Body brush
eye gel
foot lotion
hand lotion
anti bac hand gel 1
Face spray 1
hair dryer 1
eye drops pack
Contact lenses 5 days
Tissues pack
deodorant
Cleansing wipes pack
toothbrush
toothpaste
mouth wash
lip gloss
Clothes
Big pants 10
Slippers 1
Long Tshirts/nighties 2
Pjs 2
Flip flops 1
Dressing gown 1
socks 3
nursing bras 2
clothes for home
Clothes for in there
Misc Money
ear plugs
Eye mask 1
straws 2
Medical notes
Birth Plan
Heparin & aspirin
Watch 1
mirror 1
Glasses 1
mobile
charger
Plastic bags for washing
Entertainment Camera
Ipod
Magazine & books
Notebook & pen
Thank you notes
Comfort Pillows
ball
Ian set of clothes
toothbrush
Baby clothes for home
bath things
toy
Neal's Yard spray
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Massage balm
yoga mat
birth ball
small jug

Needless to say I didn't use most of it but chances are if I don't take it all again, I'll miss something!!

[MrsMcJnr]

Choccie - baby monitor, good point, still thinking about which one to get

[Tee2072]

Holy cow mrsmcj!! I was thinking a few nappies, some snacks, clothes for me and baby and some bottled water!

Maybe I should rethink this...

[MrsMcJnr]

control freak central here but I did eat and drink all the food and it was a god send - can't say I used the foot cream but then again, I probably haven't used foot cream since I had my DS!

Just my opinion but DONT take your favourite shower gel or else you will always associate it with those first post partum showers and you won't want to use it again, I got an Avent one from Boots and the smell brings back the ikcy feeling!

[MrsMcJnr]

Sorry, me again. Thinking of adding a stun gun to my bag to keep over interventionist medical staff away from me!

[lauraloo09]

hiya all here's my list

? Buy new single buggy ? bought and over at in laws DH superstitious even tho I want to see it assembled
Bed and clothes for baby ? paid off cot yesterday will be here on 20th May again DH being superstitious doesn't want it in the house
? Hospital bag - started to think about what I need and made a list just not started to buy it yet. (got list off a website babycentre)
. Baby Monitor - in law were going to buy prob will end up buying myself next month
? Birth plan - starting to think about it esp if allowed music in delivery room want baby born to some decent music even tho I wouldnt say my taste is decent . DH knows what I want in terms of pain relief.
? Pelvic floor exercises ? doing these as much as I can remember but worried I'm doing them wrong
? Food in freezer for the crazy first days - Will have MIL over all the time and DH is on hols so I can just send them out for stuff
?Organising baby's room - been there done that months ago
? Buy change station - Have a combined bath and changing station bought from Mamas & Papas.
? Wash baby?s clothes and sheets - didn't know I had to .

tee not sure why I am crunching ice was tested last week for anemia and results came back clear

Think I am really going to start concentrating on the hospital bag now

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Wow MrsMcJnr - I thought I was the only control freak around here! I, too, took a load of stuff I didn't get to use.

TMI ALERT!! I think the main thing that made life bearable is some of those Andrex moist toilet wipes which made 'freshening up' easier between showers. For those who haven't gone through post-partum bleeding before, imagine 9 months of periods all at once!! I would also take some of those maternity pads (good for stitches as they also act as a cushion) but some heavy duty Always Night pads for when you are laying down and not resting on the offending area (if you know what I mean!) as they are much better at containing everything. The padded ones aren't that great at keeping everything where it should be!

I also wouldn't bother with those disposable pants that you can get as I wore them for a couple of days and they're quite uncomfortable. I would recommend some cheap pants from Primark, Asda etc as you can chuck these if they get too grim-bob and they're only a couple of quid more expensive than the disposables.

Snacks for both you and partner are a MUST (esp for partner, as DH got so bored and was munching away!)

Got most of the things from the list, tho we're waiting until the Easter hols to re-vamp the nursery, pack the bag, get moses basket from the loft and wash all the baby clothes etc. Then we are READY! DS caught us by surprise coming 3 weeks early (tho, thankfully, I had packed my bag) so we're not taking any chances.

Had a lovely meal out at Auberge (French restaurant) and saw some lovely friends. The food wasn't that exciting (not much I can eat in a French restaurant). I did get to have a creme brulee tho' (my favourite!) so that made up for the lack of wine!!

DH is running 21 miles today in his longest run before the London Marathon. He needs to get his arse in gear WRT sponsorship tho'. He's a way off of his target of £2000.

Trying to organise a little break in the October half term for us all as Summer will be a bit of a write off this year (and we can't afford a trip overseas). I think we're going to try and stay in a cottage in Devon / Cornwall. I don't care about the weather, there will be plenty to see and do, I'm sure. Just need to have something to aim for past D-Day.... This little one will be 5 months by then, so hopefully all will be good for then. DH works so hard, it's a bummer that we can't get away in the Summer really, but oh well..

Doris - sorry to hear about shitty car trauma....

choccie hope you're feeling well again soon...

Tee hope you sleep better tonight

Hello to the rest of you. Hope you are feeling well... NOT LONG TO GO NOW

[Tee2072]

I actually need to check with OB as to if I am allowed snacks. General procedure for diabetic is glucose and insulin drips, to keep blood sugar as level as possible.

Will definitely bring snacks for DH!

[ermintrude13]

Hello all, just checking in without being able to catch up - have been in bed all weekend with low-level abdominal pain which feels extremely gut-related and I am totally constipated. Has happened to me before, and gets worse when pg, but am trying to hold off using evil laxative drugs. Will see MW tomorrow and maybe see doc and get something from him too.
Will catch up properly with y'all when I'm better, hope you're having relaxing weekends.

[Tee2072]

ermintrude I hope you feel better soon. I honestly think that is the worst pregnancy symptom. Every time I do manage to pooh I have a little celebration!!!

[bunnymother]

Afternoon ladies!

Am a bit tired last night, as was at our friends' engagement party and didn't get to bed until 2:30am!! All that fructose really hit the spot. Now am droopy and grumpy. Lucky DH.

Good thinking re the list, MrsMcJnr. Here's mine:

? Buy double buggy ? will order / bid on ebay once moved (ie in a week)
? Bed and clothes for baby ? looking at moses basket, which will order once moved. Already have lots of baby clothes
? Hospital bag ? not yet
? Birth plan ? have prepared first draft
? Hypnobirthing ? am listening to the CDs
? Pelvic floor exercises ? not been v good, but will change my ways!
? Food in freezer for the crazy first days - will re-stock freezer once moved
? Move house ? looming before me!
? Get baby?s room organised ? will do once moved
? Buy change station ? haven?t worked out what one yet!
? Wash baby?s clothes and sheets ? will wash once moved
? Baby monitor ? DH to work out which one, then will order
? Baby sling ? bidding on ebay as we speak!
Oh dear, much to do! Know what I want to buy and need to do, but waiting on the move... That?s my excuse!

Am off for another sit down/nap, before we go to friends' for dinner. Biggest challenge - what to wear?!

Enjoy the rest of your afternoons and will catch up properly tomorrow!

[bunnymother]

Doris - your day yesterday sounded crappety crap crap. Hope all sorted now!

[Naat]

Hello ladies!

ermin oh poor you! I get those exact pains every now and then and they're awful! I also avoid any laxative, just try to manage with dried fruit and lots of water but the pains! Hope you feel better soon, hon.

bunny have a nap, you deserve it!

We've come back from the BCentre. Oh my, ladies! It's just gorgeous! Our jaws dropped! We really hope the day our baby comes it's not "at full capacity" (they have 6 rooms) and we can give birth there, it does look lovely Definitely the environment we're looking for for that day peaceful, relaxing... We put our names down for the small course they run (3 Sundays) before D day.

It's really sunny here, a lovely day. Hope you're having the same. (waves)

[June2009]

Hiya! Hope everyone is having a good wekend!

Thanks mrsmc for your list, I have 1 tube of lansinoh cream, wondering if I should stock up or wait until I run out (assuming I won't run out in the birth centre!)
Got a couple of questions for you: Where does Arnica cream go exactly? And, did you take ice for refreshment or something else?
I think I might not like the answers .
One more, did you need the baby moisturiser for you or for the baby?
Dh made me buy the johnson baby essentials vanity case from asda (£19) even though the stuff I read about cleaning babies said to just use water for the beginning.

Bunny I know what you mean about what to wear. I'vve only got a few pregancy things which will hopefully all grow with my bump until the end as it is getting BIG.

30 weeks today! And thinking I should start preparing my hospital bag this week.

Ineed thanks for your advice too, I also got some andrex wet wipes and cheap knickers from asda (3 for £1). For some reason I chose some size 20-22 (I'm usually size 14 but my pregnancy tops are 16 and one of my pair of jeans even 18) which leaves confused about what size I'll be once the baby is out?
I guess the knickers need room for the huge pads anyway .

I got a nightie from tescos yesterday but I also need another one and a pair of pjs.

I also still need to get a small plastic jug and some Always XXXXL pads and I really must remember the straw and pillows, also want this swaddling blanket now :D

We've got almost everything I could think of for the baby based on a mn thread here

We haven't sorted baby stuff out in the small room/nursery yet though, it's all stayed in the spare room as it's going to get redistributed when we decided which room we'll sleep in (we swap every now and then.)

I wish tomorrow was bank holiday! Ooooh, there's actually not that long to go until easter bank holiday.

For the ones who went to the cinema, what did you go and see? I'd like to go one last time but haven't been inspired by our local screenings so far.
We bought the latest James Bond dvd and will try and watch it again tonight, dh and I were so knackered we fell asleep on the sofa watching it yesterday!

Hopefully everyone will have a good night tonight!

[Tee2072]

Hi all.

Well just got off the phone with my mum. Who informed me that "You are huge!" Gee, thanks mum. She also freaked when I told her I'd gained 24 pound. "Wow, that's a lot!" Um, not really!!

june I too am wondering what size knickers to buy! I am in 16 maternity, but thinking if I just buy some cheapo ones for after delivery I will get 20 - 22 as well. Of course, I am also wearing DH's XXL boxers! I may keep using those, actually, very comfy and soft all the way around. Who knew men's pants would be so soft?!?!

naat I am totally that you get to give birth at a birthing centre. Thanks to my diabetes, its hospital, hospital or hospital for me. This is also why I am not that sussed about a birthing plan, since most of the decisions that would go in one are out of my hands anyway. Ah well, keeping eye on goal, which is healthy baby!

[MrsMcJnr]

Ineedmore ? I took moist tissues last time but never used them, that doesn?t mean they won?t be going in the bag this time though! I agree about Always Night, they were the best ones. I put a few drops of lavender essential oil on my for healing and also for a pleasant smell. Don?t forget ladies to take clothes that can accommodate those big towels discreetly!! I also agree about the pants, I got some granny bashers from Tesco in black and boy was I glad to see the back of them when the bleeding finally finished!! Glad you had a lovely meal October break holiday sounds perfect

Tee ? that?s a shame about the drips, we?ll be in good company! As you say, the goal is healthy baby (and healthy us!)

Poor you Ermintrude hope you feel much better soon.

Bunnymother ? you are a party animal! Hat off to your stamina lady!

Naat ? so glad the birth centre was nice I was haunted by my labour ward visit with DS but on the day I didn?t even notice the things that had bothered me before ? I was lucky though, I got one of the two ensuite rooms

June ? Lansinoh lasts ages but I used to get stuck somewhere with the baby without the cream hence I had a few tubes around the place! Arnica cream is for bruising, I didn?t have any and didn?t use it (but have it on me all the time now for DS?s bumps and bruises). The ice was for my head if I got too hot or for my lips if they got dry and they were fussy about snacks and drinks in labour but I actually didn?t use it until after the birth (still taking it this time though!) moisturiser was for me, I didn?t use anything but water with DS for a long time. Be careful of Johnson?s, its strong stuff! Rule of thumb is that you?ll need to wear clothes you wore at 6 months pregnant after the birth for a week or so.

Pregnant brain doesn?t know the difference between a butternut squash and sweet potato will need to finish DS?s stew tomorrow

[daisy5]

mrsmcjnr - you make me giggle - I was almost as bad and actually had a suitcase and another bag. The midwife was a little at all my stuff. I had scoured the internet for lists and made sure I had everything. Even went to the hospital to get my fan approved by the electrical people there, as otherwise wasn't allowed to use it, and someone had told me what a godsend a fan was.

Anyway, barely used any of it. If my labour had been longer I'm sure I would have. The ridiculous thing was that I only bought 3 nappies and one baby outfit!!!

Totally agree Ineedmore - the hygiene wipes and the heavy duty maternity pads were the most important items I had. Even if you want to go home asap sometimes for several reasons you can't and may stay a night or two (or longer). As you can't wash your knickers there, I had about 10 pairs of cheap granny knickers and used them all. The bleeding is quite amazing and your 'parts' are quite sensitive and sore, so you don't want to catch bugs and really good idea to wipe the loo seat thoroughly before sitting on it. I think I also had kitchen roll to wipe up the blood that fell on the floor (I bleed quite badly as only lost 100ml during birth).

This is my condensed (only necessaries) list and it still looks long!

Whattopackforlabour
? Maternity notes
? Birth plan
? Birthing ball
? NCT Notes on Birth
? Watch with a second hand, to time contractions
? TENS pain relief machine
? Socks
? An old nightdress or a T shirt
? Lip balm
? Sugary sweets and drinks
? Camera or camcorder
? Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, hair band)
? Tissues
? Massage oil or lotion?
? Book, magazines or games?

Phone/contacts: Check if allowed to use a mobile phone or if need phonecard/change

For_DP
? Snacks and drinks

Forafter_thebirth
? Arnica 200 tablets
? Maternity pads -- a couple of packs
? Antiseptic hygiene wipes ? to wipe toilet seat etc before using
? Pyjamas & T-shirt -- front opening shirts are useful for breastfeeding
? Dressing gown
? Slippers
? Nursing bras -- two or three
? 5-6 pairs cheap knickers
? Breast pads - maybe
? Toiletries, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste
? Towels ? dark colour better or old ones
? Fresh clothes - loose and comfortable clothes (5months-ish size)

For_baby
? Infant car seat
? Two to three babygros and vests
? Outfit for the trip home?
? Baby blanket
? Nappies ? 6-8
? Hat & booties
? Muslin squares

june - the clothes that fitted you around 5-6 months are the ones that usually fit you after you've given birth.

[MrsMcJnr]

On no, don't tell me about fans - the hospital is boliing here, now I want one of those too rumour has it that they supply all maternity pads and nappies for babies here but I'll still take some to be safe. Last time, where I thought I might need more of something, I left another spare bag in the car so DH didn't have to go searching for more pants for me etc. I'm glad I did as needed them! My hospital in the UK supplied clothes for the baby whilst we were there so I only needed a going home outfit for him.

[DorisIsAPinkDragon]

Hi all

thanks for the kind wishes the day did get better today! I went to a mn meetup which was really lovely...

as for the list {hmm] here goes...

? Buy double buggy ? in loft waiting to be assembled
? Bed and clothes for baby ? put some in wash today (including all the outers for the moses basket to freshen up)
? Hospital bag- not yet (was in labour with dd1 when I packed)
? Birth plan -problably not going to bother didn't last time and dh and mum know what I like
? Hypnobirthing refresher - started cd's but must try not to fall asleep
? Pelvic floor exercises ? ? squuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeze umm what pelvic floor?
? Food in freezer for the crazy first days- dh does most of the cooking, so we won't starve!!
? Move house ? no need !!
? Get baby?s room organised -will be in with us for 1st 6 months so have more time to plan the move for dd2
? Buy change station - use the floor
? Wash baby?s clothes and sheets - in progress (need to get out of wmachine!)
? Write out DD?s schedule for helpers- including lists of meds, doses with different foods etc contact numbers etc - argggghhhh rough idea but now where near finished.

For those buying knickers now if you're a 16 maternity you will probably get away with a 16-18 or 18- 20 as in labour you won't need underwear and after things do deflate, not as fast as I'd like but definitely less than before. I'm probably going to use the pants I have at the mo, and treat myself to new after... ( the ones I had after dd2 was born, I bought 18's and they have been fine) Normally 14-16 bottom.

For my Hospital bag I will most definitely take my feme pads ( although thinking about it maybe not as I'll have no where to freeze them d'oh!)

But definitely taking my cd player for bingy bongy background music from the hypnobirthing cd's (to get me in the zone ) ball to rock on and tens... Used very litle else last time, and I went home as quickly as I could.

june the lansinoh should last for ages, you only need a really small amount, I only had 1-2 tubes for the whole time I bf dd1 (8 months)

mrsmc love the stun gun idea maybe they could hire them out with the tens machines??

Right that's all for now need to go and hang baby clothes up awwwwwwww bless!

[lauraloo09]

evening all

I am starting to panic about all the things I'll need for hospital and the few days after I did print out a list from a website but not sure if I need absolutely everything on the list - here it is.
Also do all new baby clothes need washed, if so is it non-bio powder you would use?? I have bought a lot of clothes and they are all hanging up in wardrobe or in the chest of drawers.

Isn't it all a bit frightening how quick the weeks have went in can't believe we are now discussing hospital bags

[DorisIsAPinkDragon]

Lauraloo- new clothes don't have to be washed, I just find it nice to wash them and soften them and know I've done it iyswim. (All of mine are old coming out of the loft so just need freshening!)

Thank you for your lists ladies I really am seriously going to start, gathering tgether the bits for my hospital bag, making sure the camera is cleared and charged, and I have batteries for the stereo ( to avoid the electrical testing saga!)

[Tee2072]

That looks like a good list to me, laura.

And don't panic! We still have 3 months. Well, probably best to think of it as 2, in case you go into labour early!

And yes, all baby clothes should be washed before wearing in non-bio powder. There can be chemicals in the clothes that can be too rough on newborn skin.

[MrsMcJnr]

Doris - I started doing my DS's schedule, likes and dislikes etc, it's harder than I thought

DH and I came up with a Playlist for my iPod with DS, didn't listen to it as we didn't have time but maybe this time. We had some fun things on it like that "shake your ass" from the Megane advert

Come on ladies, let's have some fun, what would be the top ten labour tracks you can think of be? I reckon Salt n Pepa's "Push it" has to be up there (showing my age )

[lauraloo09]

I think Queen's "I Want to Break Free" should be in the list lol