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Connect with mums-to-be with similar due dates to share experiences and support.

Due June 09: The final Countdown: RLT, BH, SPD, HB, EC, VBAC & no plans to TTC again!

983 replies

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 06/05/2009 17:56

Here it is!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
bunnymother · 08/05/2009 15:53

Oh, June, you poor thing, what a terrible day! I have to ask, have you tried the hypnobirthing CDs? I listened to mine this morning and was amazed at how calm and content I felt, and it has meant that for me I overall feel calm and positive about the birth (if this is brainwashing, it must be a good thing!!).

Our doula has given me peace of mind re a familiar face, and someone who knows what I want. Plus someone to support DH and reassure us both. So... actually I found our doula via MN. One of the doulas on MN couldn't support us as we lived North London (Islington), so she suggested someone who could. I know there is www.doula.org.uk but I found it confusing. If you like, I can text or email our doula re finding you a doula if you live near where we did? In terms of how I got you that info, would you be happy to put your email address on this post and I reply? If not, pls just suggest a different way of contact - I haven't ventured beyond the thread before...

I should explain that our doula is a trainee, which means that she has done the training, but not been present for the necessary number of births to mean she is fully qualified. I myself didn't care re hoer not being fully qualified as I don't need her for her medical expertise or the like, just want someone we like who understands and who we feel comfortable with. She ticks those boxes, plus she is a new mum herself so been through the same thing recently. Diff between trainee and fully qualified doula is approx £150 and £750. But personal choice - am not trying to push you into anything!

Also, our doula will provide post-birth support, so come around to our house as and when we need her to help me out. As mentioned, am keen for support and encouragement re feeding, as well as overall doula kindness!

Naat · 08/05/2009 16:12

Oh june what a hard day yesterday! Glad to know you now feel better and are ready to ask for support and help. A doula sounds like a great idea, it's not worth feeling teary and like you cannot express what you feel if you worry or things don't go as you expect. Hope that with bunny's help you can find one soon

Wow, I didn't know about noisy babies I can't imagine one being so noisy you cannot sleep in the same room with him/her That has to be loud!

bigcar at the cleaning rota they have at your church! Fingers crossed that the HV that's coming on Monday is nice (insert panic emoticon). Oh, DH also told me the other day that I had snored (and I've never snored before) so I didn't believe him but then the other night I woke myself up with a huge noise and I was hahaha

laura glad to hear you've looked into it and people are aware of your mum's depression so as to be able to help you should anything arise.

You too, Effie. I have a distant cousin who suffers from bipolar disorter and it's a very tricky pathology. So sorry to hear she was that down when your DS was born, that must have been a hard time for you, hon.

bunny and daisy Like in Aus and NZ, in Arg most of the guys our age are circumcised. I also thought it was cleaner. My poor DB was around 6 or 7 when he had something going on down there and had to have it done at that age, which surely is worse than when tiny...

LlittleS so great to hear your BF experience. Fingers crossed for all of us to have the same after LOs are born Glad you had a good night and that your bloods were OK!!!

I'm surely forgetting someone

Right, back to work

(((waves)))

Effielou · 08/05/2009 16:50

Hi All
June its must have been a very stressful day glad your BP has gone back to normal make sure you put your feet up and get pampered if you can't when your pg when can you xx I'm always teary at the mo and when in appointments- can never get out what I'm trying to say-- I go armed with a list full of questions on my teary days and been known to hand it straight to the mw and she goes through them for me xx

Naat and Bigcar I've never snored and always moan at DH for his until....... he recorded me the other day I was very [blush} and will try not to moan at him!!! BTW we pg ladies are prone to nasal congestion-- which might be why we are snoring at the mo!!!

naat It is very difficult--- when she OD'd after DS was born- it was the day I was discharged from hosp and she even had a go at me for not rushing to her side- she lives 40mins away and my uncle promised to take over!! So very difficult!!! I really hope she doesn't do it this time- as I might not be able to forgive her- as it really put a dampner on my special time- on the other hand- its not all her fault!!!!!!

My DH is circumcised==( due to wee-ing probs as a toddler) and I'd never seen it before- apart from little boys post op!!! I believe don't quote me that baby boys have little feeling down there- so less traumatised It looks weird in my book but its his and I love him!!!

Effielou · 08/05/2009 16:54

OOhh Just realised- this time next week I'll get my section dateYIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!

ermintrude13 · 08/05/2009 17:13

here is a link to what the netdoctor website has to say about circumcision from a medical viewpoint.

Baby boys have full sensitivity and feel pain from being cut just as an adult would, and as the wound heals, so it is unusual in the UK to do this without anaesthetic.

LittleSarah · 08/05/2009 17:49

Effie - Glad to hear your date will be through soon, great news! I've started thinking this one will be late and it will be awful waiting, not to mention dh will start his two weeks off at due date and so everyday baby is late it's another day closer to him going to back to work...

June - Hope you're feeling better now, sounds like you had a very difficult day at the hospital. If you want a doula then I would say look into it more definitely, like ermin I hadn't met either of my midwives at dd's birth and I was fine. I think it depends on what you need in labour tbh, I know some people are really helped by doulas, I think for me it would be a total a waste as I went into my own space and was breathing and concentrating and so on and didn't take much notice of anyone!

Bunny - Yes the whole competitive but I want to pretend I'm not thing is a little odd. She had home birth too (after me) amd made a point of saying she laboured placenta 'naturally' too when she knew I had 'managed' mine, basically because I couldn't be bothered waiting for it to come out when my baby would be there, and I'm glad I didn't. Anyway one time she said it was because she wanted it all natural, and then another time without thinking she said she'd actually wanted it managed but they'd forgotten the jag at the time... I don't think she means it at all but it does sometimes seem like she wants to out earth mother everyone, and the thing is I am not at all earth mother-y and so she easily 'beats' me most of the time!

Daisy - I've also never seen an uncircumcised penis! I think they do it loads in US still but quite rare in UK unless for religious reasons.

Not much news here, cleaned bathroom!

Effielou · 08/05/2009 18:00

Just had to remove my rings as they were feeling a bit tight!!! I have my Grandmas engagement ring so will wear that now, as she had bigger fingers-- and feel like shes looking afer me when I wear it!!!

Off now DH is bringing home a Mac Donalds- not my fav food but its quick and easy-- back to healthy food tomorrow!!!

Night night alllxxxxxx

ermintrude13 · 08/05/2009 19:11

For anyone interested in using washable nappies, I've just found out on another thread that a lot of local councils do incentive schemes which are worth checking out. In Notts I can get £25 cash back if I buy £50 worth of nappies! Check out the environmental/recycling pages on your council website.

silkcushion · 08/05/2009 19:16

hello - sorry for last night's miserable post. Am much less tearful today but bloody exhausted. Thanks for all your kind words. Interesting to know so many people have similar experiences.

The post natal ward MWs were nasty but during labour I had a lovely trainee MW stay with me throughout (the other had to leave her to it as they were so busy). She was so fab and I'd never met her before but it didn't matter. I took her flowers and a card in the day after I got out to say thankyou and wrote to her superviser at college.

My community MWs were great too - didn't like my nominated bossyoldgrandma health visitor so took dd to a different baby clinic to be weighed where the HVs were lovely.

I am really at the circumcision talk, although not sure where in the world you all are. I have only ever seen uncircumcised willies - must be a cultural thing. Desperately trying to recall the willies I've seen in pornos after someone suggested they were all 'cut'. Must have been a while since I watched one as I can't remember. Quite ironic really sitting here conjuring up images of large erections when I have never felt less like having sex in my life

Update from me - lost my appetite over the last few days (and I really like my food) so have convinced myself it's a sign that something is afoot. However also thought that yesterday when I uncharacteristically did 2 poos in one day Perhaps I'm overthinking the whole thing and should just accept I'm 35 weeks and will have to wait patiently until June!

Naat · 08/05/2009 22:03

Hi Juners!

LOL at all the porn talk I guess it's like we said at the beginning, both with earrings and circumcision, like with many other things, it's a question of "geography" Different countries do different things and have a different opinion on them.

ermin thanks for that tip! We'd love to use reusable ones after the first hectic weeks, let's hope for that

silk I'm not that hungry either these days... but if I think of it, during the whole pg my hunger didn't change much I thought I was going to eat the world I'm also 35 weeks (today) Glad you're feeling better

LittleS good for you cleaning the bathroom! I should do that tomorrow

effie yay on getting the date soon!!! I can only imagine how you felt back then with all the baby things going on and on top of that being blamed by your mum for her actions Fingers super crossed for you not to have to go through that again and to have a smooth easy birth and after

Right, we had another class at the Bcentre and it was quite good, they showed us different positions, things partners can do to help, they also talked about the pain relief they offer (we're going with Hypnobirthing only though ) and the circumstances under which they would transfer you. Good info, it's certainly good to know it all and not be taken by surprise...

Feeling tired, I worked on dtion quite a lot so . I also sent an email to the agencies I work for telling them about my time off (doris I managed to say no! ) so I'm happy about that.

Craaaaaaaaaaaaazy weather in the last 4 hours here, we went from sun to rain to sun to hail!!! Yes, hail!!

Have a good night, Juners, hope you all have a nice rest and no cramps or too many wee trips

lauraloo09 · 08/05/2009 22:56

evening all!

midwife app was terrible , i saw a different midwife than i usually do, they found sugar in urine again but this time not just a trace it was ++++ whatever that means...so I am booked in for a GTT on tuesday morning i haven't changed my diet at all so how could this happen? also midwife was very condencending (sp?) to me today. I measured at 36 weeks and i'm only 34. she turned round and said 'gosh big baby...but then most of that's mummy'! I mean I have only put on over 1 stone, 1 1/2 stone at most ok I was 13 1/2 stone when i fell pregnant but i think i've been doing great not putting too much on. Also baby's head hasn't engaged yet but she is lying in the right position which is something. so now because of the GTT i have went from low risk to high risk and now going to consultant led care rather than community midwife care but i suppose being consultant led can only be a good thing right?
Only good thing was my BP was fine.

Anyhoo kinda tired will hopefully catch up tomorrow nighty night juners x

silkcushion · 09/05/2009 00:04

Laura - sorry you had a bad appointment - watch a cheeky fecker your MW is. 1.5 stone weight gain is good. I've put on nearer to 2 and I was pretty overweight to start with.

If the GTT is ok then you may not have consultant lead care. Not that it is any big deal. With dd I was consultant lead (potential family problems due to my mother's medical history) but it just meant a couple of precautionary meetings with consultant - didn't affect the birth at all which was totally without consultants around. No doctors in sight.

It's good that yr LO is in the right position

daisy5 · 09/05/2009 05:42

Did you get hail up there naat - down here on the flat, we just got the crazy sun/downpour/sun/downpour combination. My washing dried and got wet again twice in the space of five hours! Very confusing - very spring though isn't it.

Fascinated by this circumcision talk. I had absolutely no idea there was so much to it. I don't know how to discretely put this, as a mature lady trying to register her daughter at a christian school, but when it comes to passionate moments, my personal view is the snipped variety are more pleasant and the untouched ones are a little more whiffy - the body fluids seem to hang around a bit more in the creases and folds . But on a prudish note, I've watched so few porn movies bunny that I would have no idea. Does that mean uncircumcised men who have huge movie aspirations have to have it done as an adult - now that would be painful surely!!!!

ermintrude - shall check out that link as curious to learn more now. It sounds like you have been quite busy lately. I am manically writing lists and trying to get everything finished. Currently hunting for a cleaner to help out 2-3 hours a week with bathrooms and ironing, as they seem to be the first to slide! littleS aren't bathrooms difficult to do at 8 months pregnant.

effie - my mother has mild epilepsy and also can't cope well with pressure. The week we flew out and she met her grandaughter for the first time, she had four seizures that week - the worst I had ever seen and she was in a right state. It was hard knowing that our visit had brought them on, because she had a lack of confidence about being a grandmother, and had become so anxious that she got in a real state (she would never acknowledge that). It is such a ridiculously paradoxical situation - on the one hand she was so excited to be a grandmother, but on the other, that she could turn that into something so negative and harmful to herself. And like laura says, sometimes you just wish everyone could be normally happy for you and make a nice little fuss, instead of all these extreme reactions going on. But I suspect extreme reactions are more common that I used to think.

laura - I always worried that you weren't putting enough weight on, especially when you were fainting. I was determined to only put on the recommended 11-13.5kg, but have actually put on 15.5kg, but my appetite has gone too silk and I have remained the same weight for the past three weeks, so hopefully I am over the worst of it.

bigcar - can the church occupy the higher moral ground when it behaves in such a shameless manner!!! Or is it all about coercement!!!! Blimey, I think I'm going to be off to church tomorrow to pray for a solution to my dilemma. DP is very anti church so I can't expect any help there - the school was so lovely though, just perfect, and the other one personality-less and uninspiring. Oh dear!

june - sorry to hear about your day. My bp popped up a couple of times but like you, once I got to the Day Assessment Centre it was back to normal. Do not worry, they are usually being over cautious, which is a good thing. I would love to have a doula but as expecting quick birth, really not much point. I think they would be wonderful for all first timers and it sounds a lovely idea. Glad your dh agrees.

effie - how exciting that it is all happening so quickly. My friend had the choice of 30 Nov or 1st Dec and chose 1st Dec because her birthday and her dd's were in Dec and she liked the idea of them all being Dec babies.

Today I asked my neighbour and good friend if she would come to the hospital with me if dp out of town. She has since sent all six phone numbers that she and her dh have between them!!!! Home/mobile/PA's etc. She works from home, which is the big plus so will be around and just over the fence which is so reassuring. She said she can drive suitably fast if needs be and as she has a 1.5 yr old and is newly pregnant, is 'in the know' with the hospital and current procedures etc which is quite reassuring too. So I feel much better now.

bigcar · 09/05/2009 06:19

morning all

laura, what a crap appointment and such a rude midwife! IF you have gestational diabetes it won't be because of any change to your diet. The hormones produced by the placenta make you less sensitive to insulin which makes it harder for your body to control it's sugar levels. Something else we can blame our hormones for If the gtt comes back normal then I would have thought they would leave you at low risk. As far as measuring big, at my hospital they only ring alarm bells (and even then, not loudly) if you are measuring more than 3cm above or below. Good on your bp for being ok after all that! Hope the gtt goes well.

tee, hope you've managed some rest and are feeling a little better. You must only have a few days left at work now?

effie, I had to take my rings off about a month ago, about the same time I had to resort to my baggy old trainers as they were the only thing I could get my wonderfully swollen feet into How lovely you can wear your grans ring!

ermin, they run a similar scheme here in sw london for reusables, thanks for reminding me to look into it

naat, so glad we avoided the hail, just had the rain followed by a nice bit of sun. Seeing a bit of sun really lifts my mood at the moment Glad the bc went well.

june, hope you're having a better day, sounds like a doula's the way to go for you.

littlesarah, guess you'll be checking out the threads for getting baby moving then Such a shame your dhs work can't be a little flexible on when he starts his leave.

I'm 37 weeks on monday, seems to be coming round rather quickly now! I've got another growth scan on wednesday so I'm looking forward to seeing my lo again, not looking forward to finding out how much s/he has grown since last time though I've also managed to get some stuff for my hospital bag [quite proud of myself emoticon] so at least I'm mostly sorted now!

Have a lovely weekend ladies

bigcar · 09/05/2009 06:47

daisy, what a great neighbour and friend! We're not a religious family and don't particularly want a religious education for our kids so they go to one of the other schools. The thing is, round here some of the primary schools don't have good reputations so a lot of people who aren't at all religious (like my neighbour) will do anything to get their kids into one of the church schools. So, to some extent I can't blame the vicar for making the most of it if a lot of the people will stop going to church again once their kids are in the school. I should imagine he knows who from his flock are the genuine church goers. It's good to know I'm not the only one up at stupid oclock again

Tee2072 · 09/05/2009 07:38

Hi all!!

As you are well aware, not real way to catch up! I hope you all are doing very well.

I did see a bit of the circumcision debate. DH is not circumcised, and neither will this little one be. If its a boy.

DH thinks the practice is, and I quote, 'barbaric'. And I'm Jewish, but I happen to agree with him. My mum is less than thrilled, but she'll get over it!!

It isn't any cleaner or safer. It really isn't if you look at all of the research.

Anyway, I'm doing okay. Ache everywhere, due to my arthritis on top of being pregnant. Going to have a quiet day on the sofa, me thinks!

chocciedooby · 09/05/2009 08:58

Hi everyone

Nothing exciting to report here. All ok at the moment which is good.

DH is away for the weekend on a "Batchelors" golfing trip in the country. I might add that all present are actually married and have at least 2 kids a piece! It's a good excuse for them to let off some steam, especially dh before our baby arrives as he will be grounded in the next few weeks in case I go into labour.

Daisy5 - Serves me right for reading MN whilst eating breakfast. I was just eating my cereal when I got to the bit about whiffy willies!!!

ermintrude13 · 09/05/2009 09:17

Hi all

Naat glad your antenatal session went well - it is good to know all the 'what would happe IF.. scenarios.

Lauraloo consultant-led is just to make sure you're properly cared for if there are medical issues as part of pregnancy. Hopefully as silk says, your birth can still be doctor-free . And your weight gain sounds pretty good, so don't blame yourself if there is some GD.

Daisy the uncircumcised penii (sp?) I have ahem come across have been as clean and fragrant as their 'owners'. Daily shower and pulling foreskin back to pee means nasty stuff doesn't remain. And I certainly wouldn't modify my fanny with surgery or floral sprays in order to make it smell of roses...

I wonder how many other threads are considering their DS's future careers in the porn industry .

Glad your neighbour is being so helpful - that's exactly what you need.

Tee have a good rest, hope the arthritis eases up, and choccie enjoy the peace without DH

Naat · 09/05/2009 10:28

Morning ladies!

Sun again here in Huddersfield, crazy weather

Choccie LOL at your breakfast comment. I myself was having bfast when reading your post and almost choked on my toast Enjoy your wkend without DH. Glad to hear you're feeling well

Tee glad to hear you've had the rest you wanted, sorry to hear about your aches and pains, hope they ease soon

Hi ermin!

Bigcar 37 weeks!! Oh my! We're getting really close now!!! I have a scan on Wed too, to check LO's growth as well, hopefully if everything is still fine they release me from mixed care and I can go on with the MW only

Daisy lovely neighbour you have! So sweet of her... LOL at her comment of being able to drive fast if needed Sorry to hear about your mum's first encounter with DD, fingers crossed for everything to go great this time

hi silk!

laura so sorry to hear about your MW's appt! How insensitive of her! Hope the GTT goes well on Tuesday. Try to rest and relax this wkend.

We had a picnic arranged with some friends and their LO for today but it looks too windy and chilly even though the sun's out so we might have a picnic here at home

Hi to the rest of the Juners!!! Have a lovely day!!!

(((waves)))

LittleSarah · 09/05/2009 11:09

Naat - Good luck with your scan, I hope everything goes well, and of course with your dissertation!

Laura - Hope gtt is clear, lovely midwife you had there hon, I really do worry about people's manners (generally not just in the medical profession!), what happened to tact?

Although talking of tact I saw my mum last night and she was rather tipsy and asked my sister who has been single a few years if she was a lesbian (again). Honestly, my poor sister. She is not btw but it seems like my mum has asked her that a few times, charming. She also mentioned her on-off man as 'sorting out' my dissertation... hmmm yes, I wrote 11,000 words and he corrected my grammar and reworded in a few sections. I mean he definitely helped but 'sorted out' grrr!

Bigcar - Yes I'm going to see if he can mention being more flexible to his boss again, it's not like they need to be that rigid to be honest and I am getting more and more worried baby will be late! Anyway, I'm sure it'll be fine, my mum will help a lot and so on but it would be nice to have dh around for at least a week!

I was reading 'What to expect...' again and found a bit on starting labour about nipple stimulation I had never seen before! Apparently one study found that women who stimulated their nipples for 2/3 HOURS a day in the run up to due date were less likely to go over. But, watch out ladies, they warn against trying nipple stimulation without medical supervision. Amazing!

Daisy - Luckily bathroom quite small, but yes it is a PITA!

Silk - It is that this stage that everything starts to possible mean something doesn't it? I'd love baby to be early but not until my mum is back from Israel (she is on pilgrimage from 12th-24th) and I have finally completed uni work (21st)!

Ermin - I will look into that reusable nappies cashback possibility. I also must mention ebay for getting good deals! They have quite a lot of reusable sets going a lot cheaper than getting them new and many are unused (Ie people buying packs then getting into disposables). I'm watching a couple of sets and very much hoping in next few days I will successfully make a bargain purchase!

Hope all your weekends are starting well. I'm trying to get some research done so am watching old news programmes and looking for certain words/attitudes and 'coding' them for tutor. Is all rather monotonous but pretty easy going and well paid so no complaints here. Well, except from the fact I've sent tutor two emails with questions about the work (basically clarifying when certain codes are used) so I can get it right, and she said she'd get back to me yesterday and so far nothing!

(PS Tis amazing how much news is just gone and forgotten...)

bunnymother · 09/05/2009 12:11

Afternoon ladies!

Have been chuckling at our circumcision/porn posts! I know its a serious subject (circ., that is), but doesn't sound like anyone has made any decisions to have it done, but are just commenting on associated issues and in doing so we have lowered the tone of MN! Poor Juners eating breakfast whilst reading such descriptions!!

Choccie - Like yours, my "poor" DH went out last night on a bit of a "last night out" before LO arrives, and now is in quite a sorry state. Every time I try to show my sympathy I just end up chuckling

LittleSarah - really, your Mum asks your sister that?? Oh dear. I think I am going to ignore nipple stimulation advice, sounds a bit odd/uncomfortable to me.

Daisy - your neighbour/friend sounds absolutely superb, what a gem. Must be such a load off your mind!

Laura - gosh, you haven't put on much at all, have you? [ency] What a rude MW!! I have put on 15kg so far, if that makes you feel any better. Someone may at least feel good about it, as I don't!

I better waddle off to the shops, we are having people over for dinner tonight as its easier for me and have a slight Mother Hubbard situation... Have lovely days, Juners!!

loooouise · 09/05/2009 13:29

Hi all! Gosh, some mammoth post reading required here. Very grateful for all the stories though - knowledge is power, that's my mantra through this.

With that in mind, anybody got any advice on whether or not to have the oxytocin injection to aid placental delivery? (apologies if I've missed an existing discussion on this...)

June hope you're feeling better after your horrid day yesterday. RE you comprehension anxieties, can you put a note on your birth plan requesting that MWs speak slowly and clearly? My NCT teacher says that during transition mothers generally revert to their native language anyway, so you'll probably end up blabbering away in French!! (Probably much more preferable to the Anglo filth I'll be sprouting at that stage)

Lauro at midwife!! Report her.

Bunny - same here with the 15 kilos, I folded away my J-Brand jeans last night, determined not to unpack them til September to avoid self-hatred

LittleSarah CONGRATULATIONS on both the diss and the baby turn! Good work!

MrsMcJnr LOL on your mum's hysteria. I've noticed mine picks up her mobile MUCH quicker than she used to, I suspect she has it attached by cord...

I have stopped work! It's great, except I'm too scared to go anywhere by public transport after fainting on the bus on Tuesday and holding up all the traffic in Hackney! Ach well, 5 weeks to go...

Tee2072 · 09/05/2009 13:36

laura too much weight gain has nothing to do with GD. It just happens and you did nothing wrong. I would, however, report that midwife. What a rude woman.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 09/05/2009 14:40

Looouise - I had the injection and all was fine until a week later when I was back in for two days with a womb infection. It can cause you to retain 'products' (yuck!) as it makes the cervix close quicker and you don't have a chance to expel what you need to. Apparently this is one of the side-effects and potential complications of having it. (I am the only one I know that's had it that's had this happen tho' so I don't think it's that common). I've asked to have a natural delivery for the placenta this time. However if I'm freakin' knackered, I may well have it again!

All good here. The ILs took DS to the farm today and gave DH and I a rare chance to finish all the odd jobs in the house. Feels very quiet!

Hope you're all well xx

OP posts:
lauraloo09 · 09/05/2009 15:07

afternoon everyone

thanks for your responses regarding my midwife i so hope i dont see her again as i feel i would knock her out...came close to it yesterday. well thats me 34 weeks today so not long left for me

been really tired, got 2 hours sleep last night so going for a nap now and hopefully i'll not have too much to catch up on when i awake