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

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Here it is!

I am just heading out in to the garden, as now getting close to finished which will be a relief. Have the herb 'row' to put in and get the remaining bulbs in and fertilise the flower section etc.

insy - thanks for your reflections regarding church. I don't like the idea of sending my daughter to a school based on some preconception which simply isn't true (that I regularly attend church). However with a laypreacher as a father, a quite religious family, having gone to a lovely CofE school as a girl and liking the 'caring' environment of the school that I have in mind for dd, I wonder if I must bend a little. I do understand that this school is for the welfare of the children of christian parents who want a christian education for their children, and so if other parents more devout than I am, then they should have first priority over randomly christian 'me' and my athiest dp.

lousie&co - regarding the injection - by a little planning and probably a lot of luck I had a drug free birth, including not having the injection (the NCT didn't seem convinced that it is really necessary) nor even any aspirin/disprin. I did feel fantastic after the birth, was not drowsy at all, and definately came out best out of all of my NCT group. I chatted about this to my NCT tutor. She was fairly broad minded but thought that if you could and were lucky enough to avoid the whole drug experience, all the mothers she knew had 'bounced' back quite quickly and recovered quicker from the birth. But that simply is not going to work for some births, and drugs are a godsend to some people in great pain. And if you've had an epidural does it really make much difference if you have the 3rd part labour injection (oxytocin - is that the name, or is it syntametrine?). I just decided against because having read about it, I couldn't see that there was that much in favour of it. It's really a difficult thing to advise on as there seem to be equal arguments both ways. Interested to hear what everyone else thinks about it.

mrsmcjnr - really sorry to hear about dp being so disappointing with support for you at the moment. Was he like this before the birth of your ds? My dp admits to being terrified by the thought of the whole next year, but thankfully is handling it better now than he was a few months ago which I felt quite 'shut out'. He was under great pressure from work at the time though, and things didn't look great for a month or two, but look a bit rosier now. Do you think he is drinking more because he is overwhelmed by the job, money and baby pressures? How is the business going - any improvement? Do you think when the baby is born he might suddenly click out of it? I'm glad to hear your mother and father are nearby and you have some great friends don't you? I think also, my dp hated getting such a lack of attention around this time....but as you say, so hard on us, when we really are exhausted and feeling quite needy actually. From 35 weeks until 3 months was the most vulnerable I had ever felt in my life, as I felt very dependent - physically and emotionally.

My aunt was saying that in her day, in the ante natal classes the teachers weren't allowed to use the word 'pain' - they referred to the 'discomfort' you would be in. Isn't that amusing - 'discomfort' - like you have trapped a nerve or something !!!!

My dp was a real star this weekend - he did an amazing amount - put the cot together, we went shopping for buggy board and blind for the window. He put up the blind, moved the computer desk and all the techy equipment into the spare room, put some shelves in our spare wardrobe, washed and put all the garden furniture outside, put dd's mini trampoline together and we went to IKEA to look for breastfeeding/night reassuring chair, shelves and wardrobe, which we are ordering this week. He realised I am 37 weeks on Thursday and his first son came three weeks early, so it gave him the energy to 'go for it'. It is a relief as I was getting worried, but he has been so sick lately that I hadn't wanted to pressure him to get these things done.

Thinking of you all. d5

effie I can't stand the liquid, so I take the tablets. Work just as well!!

Thanks Tee will get DH to get me tablets I was given lactulose but can't face taking that either-- so lots of orange juice and bran flakes !!

Morning ladies!!

Naat - what a gorgeous bump you have, and such a lovely figure you have, too. Enjoy and please do ignore any comments/thoughts about "too small"... . Fantastic that you can wear your grandma's ring, too.

MrsMcJnr - was thinking about your DH, and I am also, along w Daisy and Loouise wondering if he is feeling a bit overwhelmed. Not that this would be a great consolation for you. . You strike me as very reasonable, so I know you wouldn't have mentioned it if you weren't quite annoyed. My DH and I have been talking a bit about expectations and our various relationships ie as parents, as partners, as individuals etc and sounds like lots of understanding, planning and support are called for. I hope your DH can return the favour and allow you to have a night/some free time to yourself, too. Think its really important!

My poor DH had such a big night on Friday night that he was even feeling it on Sunday (oh dear, am still chuckling at the memories). He has now entered his self-imposed teetotal stage until our LO arrives. So we are now both on the fruit juice wagon. Wild times at bunny HQ! Although DH did also spend so much on Friday night (he won't tell me how much) that I have now got a licence for another trip to IKEA as far as I see it.

Effie - big decision to be sterilised, but as the other Juners have said if, after considering it carefully, you decide to go ahead, it does seem to make sense to get "the job lot".

Now, I hope this doesn't sound insensitive (ie not that any of you need this!!), but I did hear of a Dr who offered mums a tummy tuck when doing a C-section. Sounds like a fab idea to me!! If my last pregnancy ends in a C-section and its offered to me, I just might shout "yes please"! Have never had a great stomach and doubt pregnancy will have improved it...

Daisy - what a great DP your DP is! You must be thrilled at all that progress!

I am still trying to scare my DH into focusing on baby names, but he obv doesn't scare easily. Will try and step up the pressure...

Re labour bags, can I suggest we all hide some cash in there for taxis, food, emergency shopping (ie smaller/larger baby outfits)?

Juners - thanks v much for your thoughts and experiences on the injection. I had thought I would get it, but now I think I need to read more...

Insy - ah, great to hear you had such a good breastfeeding experience. We went to a bf "clinic" yesterday, which was really interesting and I found the DVD v informative and helpful, so now I feel less daunted. DH knows that I will need lots of support and understanding re bf, but he is a darling so I know I will get it. Just more that I need him to know I need it. Sounds like that support helped you.

Loouise - your friends are treasures - what wonderful offers of support and help. That's fantastic - really glad you have that!

I need another cup of tea, I think. LO is delivering some v uncomfortable blows sometimes and not having the best nights sleep these days.

BTW am I the only one w sore fingers and feet? When I clench my fist, my fingers hurt? Do you think its due to the swelling? I'm not posting so much its RSI!

Hope you are all having lovely days!! ((waves))

Bunnymother I love the idea of a "mummytuck" I would be up for it!! get rid of the wobbly bits once and for all!!!

I agree with the stashing the cash cos you can bet there won't be any loose change at the time of need!!! I've instructed DH to put at least a tenners worth by!! Don't know about your hospitals-- but ours costs a fortune!!

Been turning our house upsidedown as we can not find the camera charger!!!! We've looked everywhere!!! Fingers crossed we find it soon xxx

Hello all. Got a hectic day so no time for a long catch up.

How nice is this weather? Just been planting peony root cuttings with DS and watering them in. This was after 3 loads of washing, changing the bedding on the beds, completing a pile of ironing up to my ears, Tesco delivery sorting out, touching up the paint on the front door and hoovering the bottom of the house..... just got the post office and midwife this afternoon and then I am officially done (or done 'in') for the day (may be nesting instinct at work!). I can't believe when I was a working mum that I used to get anything done at home!

My friend had her baby 6 weeks early yesterday, tho mum and baby are fine. She looks amazing from the photos on Facebook.... I'm not sure I'll look so glam after popping this little one out.

Can't remember most of the posts, but MrsMcJnr your DH sounds like he needs a serious talking to. Jeez, I'd go NUTS if that was me. Poor you, you need some serious TLC...

Ineed Really does sound like the nesting instinct has set in-- can you send it my way please!!!

My DH has posted pics of me and bump on facebook not very flattering one makes the bump look like an apple!!!

Hi Juners.

I too would like to get some of that nesting instinct. I have just about managed some washing and a shower today but am feeling quite breahless and didn't get more than 3 hours sleep last night. It was the "return of the snoring beast"!. I think I am going to have to kick dh out of our bedroom and into the loft as I just can't cope with it anymore.

I would love a Mummytuck .

Mrsmcjnr I was so sad when I read your post about your dh. I know exactly how you are feeling. I have been in that horrid place a few times already. I think your dh needs a good talking to. He needs to understand that you need his support and that you are feeling very tired. Its very tough when you already have a dc to look after as well.
I sometimes feel that my dh's life is similar to that of a batchelors. He does work very hard so when he returns home he likes to simply veg out in front of the tv. Sometimes he doesn't even seem interested in reading the kids a bedtime story
After some thought on this I have realised that my DH's job is zapping all of his energy and he doesn't seem to have much in reserve for us right now.
It's the drinking and stating out late that would really drive me nuts.DH has just had a weekend away and thats it now until baba comes along. I am sure after a chat with your dh he will come around and maybe cut back on all of that too.
I hope you are feeling a bit better about it all today but let us know how you are.

Right I really have to do something!!!! DH is on a gaviscon hunt-so hopefully I won't be posting at silly o'clock in the morning- and feel more human ( if possible ) tomorrow Hope you have all had a good, peaceful, relaxing day-- the light is near the end of the tunnel.
lots of love.

ps if I do get delivered at 36 weeks thats in 20 days time!!! OMG OMG OMG--- days not weeks!!!!!!!!
xxxxxxxxxxx

I must be mad! Did some gardening this afternoon which included trying to save my favourite 7ft plant that had been uprooted in the wind a few days ago. I had to dig a huge hole and replant it. My DH will think I am nuts. Maybe the nesting is beginning

Hi all,

ineed good god you put me to shame woman.

bunny I have the swollen stiff fingers you ddescribe (like trying to move sausages!)

My parents came over today to help with dd's (and me ). Ended up chasing my mother around the house for most of the day (she is a (very efficient) cleaning whirlwind!!) and felt more exhausted after they'd left than a day alone with the dd's!!

Still got quite a bit done, and the bags are closer to being packed think this might be more of the same until labour really does start but OMG I am 37 weeks tomorrow!!!!!! (DD1 arrived at 37 weeks
exactly (labour started at 36+6))

Right off to sort through the washing and my (very lovely) parents are coming back tomorrow to "do stuff" and mum said she would help with the ironing, so I've got to try and remove all the non iron clothes / towels etc to get it down to a reasonable height!

Right where is that bag!!!

Night all

URGH

I hate one of my lecturers! And he is nice enough really but so scatty and airy fairy.

Got this presentation and a report on it due next Thursday, he has given us various details on it but it still isn't clear and is totally different to anything else we've done. Anyway class on Thursday is 'dedicated' to it but then we have just a week, I like more time than that!

Basically we are doing a PR campaign strategy thing (mentioned it at some point I know) and he wants costs. However I don't know how much a charity PR costs. He says finds similar ones and use them as a bench mark (maybe in PR Week)... um yeah mine is a reading campaign and I HAVE found similar ones but they don't advertise costs and I doubt PR magazine will be looking at such small campaigns in detail! Also he hasn't said how detailed he expects costs to be within the general budget, do I need to work out web design/poster/leaflet costs too because I have no frigging idea where to start and I have already put so much work into the frigging thing and I can't be arsed with all this uncertainty!

He told me what a 'guess-timate' was in the email too.

GRRRR.

HI Juners!

Wow, lots to catch up! I've been reading the posts but I'm not sure I can remember everything

LittleS how annoying! Why didn't he give you specific instructions, esp. as you have only one week! I remember you telling us about this campaign... I hope Thursday's class answers your questions, but if you need anything, please let me know, my DH works in marketing and has worked in PR as well so he could help, maybe? He'll be glad to, really

choccie you naughty girl! are you mad!? a 7ft tree! I hope you're feet up now until tomorrow, please

doris so nice you had your parents to help you today! And tomorrow too! Great on being almost done with the bag! Oh my, it could be any day now, lady, if your last one was at 37 wks

effie hope your DH found gaviscon for you and that you found the camera charger. I hate losing things!! 20 days!!! Oh my!!! Looks like May is quite a busy month in your family

bunny I think June was the one wearing her gran's ring MIne are still falling off, believe it or not, I thought I was going to have some swelling at this stage Thanks for your lovely comments re my bump No sore fingers and feet but everything else I can tick : back, pelvis, calves And yes, you deserve the extra IKEA trip

ineed hectic day for you too, I hope you're resting now Glad your friend and her baby are well

daisy sooooooo great you got to do so much this wkend! So sweet of your DH

mrsMC how are things over there? Thinking of you

Hi to all the rest of the Juners I've missed in this pos

Busy day here as well. THe HV came and stayed 1.30hs! But she seemed very sweet and nice so let's hope she continues being like that after LO is born Dissertation work as well and the tour at the other BC went OK. We still prefer the one here in Huddersfield but should it be full, then at least we know we have another one near. I'm exhausted now and LO is moving SO much it really hurts sometimes...

Hope you all have a good rest tonight.

(((waves)))

Hey ladies thanks for your support he came home about 11.45pm in the end. I couldn?t be bothered to say anything, what?s the point. Still haven?t. He knows I am not happy and is just trying to outdo me on the iciness front. That?s par for the course with him. I never get an apology.

Loooouise ? I?m really not sure that there is any explanation relating to the baby, worries etc. I just think he wanted to be out and so just did it without any thought for me or anyone else . Well done on packing the bag! You are right to pack that eye mask; mine was invaluable the fluorescent lights were on all the time! Don?t forget ear plugs too! We had a wee bottled of chilled champers last time and two flutes but they followed me home again I am ashamed to say!

Insy ? I feel the same way as you do about church, I?d like to go more often but it is a nightmare taking DS at the mo and the timing is really bad for us. It shouldn?t be a measure of faith I agree. Glad you got the book safely wonder if there is one on teaching your DH to grow up!? Yeah! Last week of work for you

Silkcushion ? thanks that flattery will get your DH nowhere! pack that bag! When my sis had a HB she was hiding from her DS1 in cupboards to get over the contractions before her MIL came to collect DS1! She regrets that MIL took him away as her DS2 arrived a few hours later and she wanted DS1 back home too. She wishes MIL had only taken him to the park!

Effielou ? 02.08 post poor you!! My DS was a 2am baby too! Thanks for your support better safe than sorry on the moisture front LOL at the days the baby can?t arrive. I?d like mine to avoid our wedding anniversary on 2/6 but I bet you that?s the day. It?ll be lovely to know the date bet you can?t wait until Fri

Tee ? sorry about the acid, ugggh! Sorry, I should have expressed myself better last night, I may have had DS without any drugs but that doesn?t mean I?m against any help in labour I just never felt I needed it and was more than happy to avoid the side effects. One of the side effects of the syntometerine injection can be migraine and as a chronic sufferer anyway I was keen to avoid that clouding my baby?s first hours. Luckily for me it worked out that I didn?t need it. If I had I am sure a migraine would have been better that the alternative, as I say, I was just very lucky I recognise your situation and I do admire your attitude

Naat ? thanks for your kind words

Littlesarah ? sorry to hear about your tiff I seem to stay upset for much longer when pg

Ermintrude ? thanks!

Lauraloo ? hello

Daisy ? sounds like great progress in the garden! Very well said on the injection front, exactly my position but much better worded from you thanks for your support, as I said above, I think it was just pure selfishness, nothing more

Bunnymother ? thanks for your words good idea on money in the labour bag; I had a wee bit last time and have another small amount packed, just in case! Mummyjob very much called for here

Ineedmore ? wow, 6 weeks early, that?s a shock. So glad to hear they are both doing well though DH has such a brass neck, asked me just now if he could go and see Star Trek this week (he?s just come in from playing football- so I?ve already done the bedtime routine with DS alone for the last 2 nights when normally DH does a lot of it)

Choccie ? thanks for all you kind words, much appreciated

Doris ? sounds very organized at your house

When I was out walking with DS this afternoon I suddenly felt calm and realized? I?m ready for this baby to arrive now.. crazy when DH and I aren?t speaking and I don?t feel supported by him but a calm descended over me that told me that she?ll be here soon and I?m fine with it. Slightly weirdly though, my two cats are following me around everywhere, they did that just before I had DS

Mrsm - sorry your dh is being such a pillock. Frustrating isn't it? I wonder if your pussies know something you don't know? They say animals have a sixth sense. Very impressed with yr ability to write these long posts - I havent' the mental capacity.

Just wanted to say Mummytuck - yes please - put my name down

silk on HB front I laboured during the day and had ds2 at 4pm and it was a Sunday so my Mum and Dad had ds1 ? this time round hoping for some great timing! I?ve got ds?s registered at their current nursery for ?emergency? care as IL?s and my parents work full time and asking a friend to look after both of them is prop a bit much, if its in the night I?ve asked my mum to come over and stay so she can deal with boys if they wake up/whisk them away to theirs ? I am v lucky both sets of parents live 30mins away and my MIL works at a school 2 mins down the road. What have you got planned so far?

daisy attendance shouldn?t be the be all and end all for you getting into your local school, especially as you seem to be essentially bringing your children up in a Christian household even if you don?t ?practise? the religion ? take a look at this sounds like inclusion could be a way in to

Hello everyone else ? wish I was a good as some of you at replying to you all but it all gets a bit fuzzy on who said what and I?d prob start attributing comments to the wrong people! I really should be in bed now - night

Insy - I was about to log off and go to bed too but nevermind eh?

Dh is a little concerned about dd if I have a HB. She wouldn't like to know I was here but not be able to see me iyswim. Also I'd potentially be distracted by thinking about her. My mum lives 90 mins away and has said she'll be on standby. Due on the 19th and she's in Spain until the 4th - so ok if I'm not early. If it's mon-fri during the day then dd is at nursery. If it's nighttime hopefully she'd sleep through but if it's a weekend then I'm not sure. We don't have anyone local we'd leave dd with

Off to bed now too

morning juners

just a quick post before heading off for my GTT. Been up all night with a nasty migraine and cramps so going to discuss these with midwife today here's hopeing it's a different midwife from who i saw on Friday

mrsmcjnr just when you mentioned your cats, for the past week everywhere I go my cat follows me, even if i go to the toilet he waits outside the door for me I think it's rather cute but do you think cats/animals know that there is something different going on

anyhoo be back on once i get home from hospital hope everyone has a nice day x

Morning all.

Feel okay after my marathon nesting yesterday. I do think I'll be taking it a little easier today though. Might take DS to play'n'learn (at the local 'Surestart' centre). Then I'm taking it easy....

Midwife was fine yesterday. Fundal measurement was 36 and I'm 36 weeks. Bloods were fine, blood pressure was fine, all a bit boring really! They've changed the guidelines again and she wasn't going to see me 'til 40 weeks! I said I wanted an appointment at 38 as I don't want to go too overdue as SPD is bad. I'm going to ham it up a bit at 38 week appointment and see if they'll do a sweep at 40 weeks to try and kick things off earlier. My friend had SPD and was induced at 39 weeks as it was so bad.

MrsMcJnr - I feel so awful for you. Your DH is being an arse (sorry!). I can't believe he hasn't apologised and he's the one being icy towards you.... AAAGH! I do sometimes get frustrated with some of the responses on MN on other threads that are all for man-bashing, but his behaviour is really out of order and he needs to be more supportive. You should not be shouldering all the responsibility of your DS when so heavily pregnant. Lots of sympathy coming from the chocolate household xx

Naat - Glad your HV is nice. Mine is too, but I think it's a rare thing to find a good one! Hold on to her if she's a 'good-un'!

LittleSarah - Sorry your lecturer is being an arse. I hope you manage to get everything finished before this LO arrives. You don't need the stress!

Doris - I'm 37 weeks on Friday. My DS was also born at 37 weeks so it all feels very near now! Mind you, I'll probably go two weeks over now!

effie - hope you got some sleep last night...

Hello to the rest of the Juners...

Right... off to get DS dressed and ready for play'n'learn...

Just signing it to wave and shout hello because I'm about to take DS to school and then wait for 'Boiler Man' and get some work done. Boring day! You all sound like you're getting v prepared - at Doris's cleaning fairy mother - and now you mention it, my cats are being much more demanding of my attention at the moment, how weird...
Have good days all!

Good morning all.

3 more days 'til my leave!

Ineed let's here for normal pregnancies, yaaaaay!!! Good luck with your 40 week sweep!

ermintrude don't work too hard today.

mrsmcJ no need to apologize! Too each her own. As I said, I am not bothered to have any help I need to have a healthy baby. Mostly I just want the darn baby already.

Do you think if I burst into tears right here at my desk they'd let me go home and start my leave today? I am so tired I can barely think.

Morning All very much refreshed after and acid free night thanks to Gaviscon!!! The tablets tasted like chalk not that I've eaten chalk!! And I had a curry so alls good in the Timms's household!!

An arrrrh factor for you all. In bed last night squiggle (baby) had the hiccups and got Flynn to feel it!!! He managed to feel the baby kick- for the first time and his smile was just fab!!! Anyway all this morning hes been asking if siggle ( as he call it) has the hiccups I replied no- I think the babys asleep so he kisses the bump and shouts through my flattened belly button Wake up siggle, its morning!!! Arrh bless him xxxx

Having lots of BH today but not regular but enough for my bladder to think its a trampoline!! Boi-ng Boi-ng!!!

I asked Flynns old childminder if they decide to deliver me on a monday- if she could have him for the day and she said Yes one less thing to think about.

Imogens dolly is now comfy in the new carseat!! I was playing last night!! heheh-- mad cow that I am xxxx

Have a good day everyone xxxxx

Naat - Could you perhaps ask your man; how much does he think small charity campaigns cost? Basically my campaign will involve four one-minute long video clips to be distributed through viral marketing (that is the main expense) and would also set up a webpage dedicated to it, also have wee things like leaflets and maybe some posters... I need a budget! What is ridiculous is that it doesn't matter really, as long as it is not too expensive I can say right we have the funding and we're going to spend it because it isn't real.... anyway, if he has any advice that would be great! I know it is a bizarre question.

Glad you're getting stuff done and that your HV was lovely, good sign!

MrsMcJnr - Grrrr at your dh, how maddening!

Ineed - Woo hoo for good check-ups! My midwife phoned today saying someone was coming out to see me today for check but last time I saw her she said Friday! Anyway we've gone back to Friday as me and dd have dentist's this afternoon.

Laura - Good luck with gtt! Sorry to hear you've been up so much with cramps, I know how you feel, it is horrible.

As I said, dd and I have dentist today and then this evening I am going with my (German) friend to see a (German) comedian, should be interesting!

Good Morning Juners.

Tee - Did you do it? Cry I mean. Poor you, it must be so hard working when heavily pregnant and feeling so tired. Still not too many days left now and you can then enjoy the rest of your time before baby arrives

Funny how some of you said your cats are following you around, to the toilet etc. My 2 ds's are doing tyhe same. I cannot even go for a pee lately without them loitering outside the bathroom you think they are like cats? .

Doris - you are soooo lucky having a great mother like that to help out. Can you send her to me when shes done? I have a mountain of ironing.

Ineed - glad your visit went well yesterday.

Lauraloo - hope your appt goes well today and that you get a different midwife.

Silk - I too have been thinking about the logistics of dcs once I go into labour. it's the 1 thing that keeps plagueing my mind (apart from labour itself of course). MIL offered to come to our house if things started moving in the middle of the night so that we wouldn't need to wake ds's but I have decided that I would hate to be pacing the floors wiating for her to arrive. She lives on route to the hospital so we have decided to just wake the kids, get them in the car in their PJ's with a packed bag each of their favourite bits and bobs and drop them to MIL. If labour startds when they are in school then MIL can collect them. If in the afternoon when kids are with me then will have to play that 1 by ear. Need someone to get here asap to mind the kids so I can go to hospital.

Mrsmc - Hope things are a little better for you today with DH. Still not speaking?

My DS2 was quite unwell yesterday afternoon and was in bed asleep by 6.30pm. He woke at 4am after having a nightmare and would not get back to sleep. We brought him into our bed but he wanted to play so DH moved into DS's bed and DS stayed with me. DS kept me awake until 6am. I am pretty tired today. Through all of this I was quite irritated that DH didn't go into DS when he was calling him but preferred to pretend he was asleep and let me keep getting up for the 1st hour. Then he moved bedrooms and slept for the rest of the night. Men can be rather selfish at times and my DH just also doesn't seem to "get" the whole pregnancy tiredness, needing support thing either. It was the same the last 2 times so what did I expect? Things always smooth over in the end and there is a brighter day to be had

Naat - hi there. My tree looks like it isn't going to survive it was a fab unusual tropical looking thing that was ready to bloom with purple flowers but looks like it will be going to the dump instead
I am getting lots of movements as well. Baby is very very active.

Hope you all have a nice day.

I just got the latest June issue of pregnancy and birth mag and there are 2 interesting articles.

1- for those interested in doulas--
2- about bf and how big the babys tummy is so not to panic if you don't think your LO is getting enough.
very interesting.
Just thought I'd let you know xxx