Busy thread again everyone!
Welcome to newbies. My 'small' DD Hadn't seen a HV since 8-13mths check (which I think for us was at around 10mths), and before then not since DD was 4 months. All the ones I got to see seemed bonkers (some dangerously so, giving factually incorrect info) and I'm allergic to charts so I just stopped going. The 2yr check is done by questionnaire around here but as DD was fine developmentally I had no need to go and see them. All I wanted was a 'proper' height measurement for her, as my attempts to do it at home were so crappy, and she'd never been length/height measured. TBH I'd be content to go back in a year and just ensure she's growing at an approximately normal rate. But once you go into (or in our case out the other side) of the 'pink' zone they have to check for abnormalities I guess. I'm seeing my extremely sensible GP next week, though, so I hope to avoid any more HV contact (there are good ones out there, I know, they just don't work around here!). Chelle with you on clothes lasting longer with a shortie! DD's used to having legs and sleeves turned up all the time .
Evie it's hard not to worry about bfing - I did too. PPs have given good advice, and get all the numbers of infant feeding clinics, NCT breastfeeding line, whatever else is near you stuck up on the fridge for when you have questions. Some hospitals have peer supporters working in them, and they should all have professionals available so do ask for help! You and the baby have got to have time and space to learn a new skill. Support is the key .
Bump peaking and abdominal muscles the fact we've all got it seems to indicate that the diastasis thingy is more serious! My old pilates teacher said that when hers went she could actually feel the gap - stick her fingers between it! I certainly can't do that, although I do 'peak' when getting out of the bath too. No idea if I did last time, can't remember. But ActivityApple I had very strong abs last time (all that pilates) and my DD was breech until after 34 weeks. I did a lot of ball-leaning, all-fours time and even a session lying head-down on an ironing board that was propped up on the sofa (I was so desperate to get my natural birth!) and she turned herself without me even noticing, so good muscles doesn't automatically = no room to move. Good luck!
Lillabet ditto JLo2 - honestly, forget organisation until you see what kind of baby you've got. My Mum-mates gave me a mantra - 'only one extra thing each day', meaning that Mummying is your job, it's full-time, so don't plan more than one other thing into your schedule! Then, if you get the washing up done as well as make yourself lunch, that's a major achievement . Things settle into a pattern (if not an actual routine) after a few weeks. If you can cut yourself some slack until that happens, you'll preserve a bit of your mental health!
TENS well it worked for me. Didn't use anything else at all. Only ripped it off a couple of minutes before DD arrived because it started shorting out across my back when I was leaning against a sweaty, plastic covered chair that DP was supporting me on!
Emotional moments good grief, found myself howling at the TV during the kids poetry programme last night. Just a hint of a quivering lip from proud parents set me off. Caught DP with tears streaming down his face as he picked up a newborn baby-gro the other day too - apparently it had been his favourite when on DD. Didn't even know he'd noticed her clothes .