Due in June 15 - The competition for first baby is on!!

[katzguk]

Crisp and clean new thread....can't you just smell that new baby aroma!!

Berolina - it could be you.
This thread is going to get way too exciting over the next little while.
Coop - the breech situation means its more likely than ever that I will have a c-section - but it was practically a certainty anyway with the heart stuff (I sound really decrepit)
Don't know if I should share my day so far......once I packed DH off to work (an hour late) and dd to nursery (2 hours late) I had 2 bars of chocolate, a little flick through a magazine and then 2 hours sleep - total bliss
Is anyone else finding themselves really sleepy? I'm 37 weeks and a bit now and it's just happened in the last couple of days.

Hello
Welshie - Your day sounds fab to me!
Bero - Oooh. Call your midwife. Contractions don't happen all over the bump for every one. On the other hand the tummy ache could have been the build up to the runs so don't panic yet. Keep us posted and good luck.
I am thinking about trying some of these lily pads . What do you think??

Welshie - Sorry meant to say more. There are advantages to a section of course. You will be able to prepare the whole thing and be organised etc. When will they give you a date? Can't be long now.

They look interesting Coop - do you think they might be a problem if you had sore nipples though? Suppose you just wouldn't use them then......

Oops our posts keep crossing. I have another hospital appointment Thursday so all should be clear then.

Thanks for all the things you've said Its been really helpful. I am skiving college this afternoon as I just couldn't be bothered. I have an exam on thursday and didn't want to drive 90 miles twice in one week so thought I'd just go in for my exam.

Thanks for all the kind offers but I have so much stuff I am sure you can't use all this bollocks for just one baby. I even left off all the rubbish stuff that people said they never used like baby bath's, bottle warmers and other such items they are just trying to get you to buy.

Coop I've got some of the lily pads if they are the breast pads. I didn't want to take washable ones to the hospital so have packed the free disposable ones I got from various places (bounty packs etc...) and got some lily pads I have heard awful stories about leaking boobs and thought they sounded revolutionary. I have washable ones too though.

tribpot I have always thought your brother sounded a really good person and had such trials with the adoption. I am glad that some children get a better place than the one they came from. I am aware however being adopted that sometimes it just isn't that way. Also there is a huge problem placing ethnic minority children and often males are seen as the most 'unadoptable' as people don't seem to want boys. On the 'baby market' the most lucrative children are caucasian female babies that can go for a great price however afro caribbean children - you can barely give them away it is sad but there is a real hierachy of desirability and I would be so worried if I gave my little boy up that he may actually spend a vast proportion of his time in foster care. I spent at 18 months months in care after rudely being stolen from my natural mother who was only 16 at the time of the Briston riots in london. They wouldn't have been able to place me at all (even being female) if white adoptive parents hadn't have decided to take me however this is against British law now. I think its really sad to be honest people can have their own kids and find it harder to get a dog back from the RSPCA than to take their child home. There are loads of kids who need homes but legislation just has them in childrens homes etc... Thats the main reason I would rather chop off my leg than give him up because if I am realistic he might not go to a better situation

Well I'm going back to bed. Has anyone else got really bad hips now? Mine have gone all weak and jelly like I hope that doesn't mean he is going to make a appearance just yet [scaredshitlesssmilieneeded] I want the weeks after my exams to read the new artemis fowl book and this lauren slater one I only just picked up.

Well, have spoken to a MW at the hospital and she sounded quite chilled - I can go in if I want but don't have to. She said it could be false labour (because the 'contractions' are so short and irregular) and also didn't sound too worried about the runs - I'm just paranoid that I've got listeria, although I don't know where from and I think the symptoms are different anyway? Well, we shall see how things develop - am going to stay here for now and potter around.

Afternoon Ladies

I have been keeping up with you, just no time to post.

Lippy - hope you're completely over your horrible scare now. Glad you're getting well looked after by the hospital and I hope you're getting fussed over by your dp this week. What lovely weather for him to have some time off! Can't believe you're still riding a bike though - I know I'd just fall off straight away! My mate rode her bike too though right up until the before - I couldn't believe how she'd done it either!

MrsF - I told dp that he's going to have to stop drinking his obligitary bottle of wine of an evening very soon. He was slightly horrified

Pink. Sorry you've been going through it lately. Don't know what to say really, only that with your life experiences/family relationships/strength I think you must be able to make a fantastic mum. As for getting your place redecorated, it seems to be causing you so much stress communicating with your crap landlord. It seems like you've done all you can and you're still getting knowhere, so maybe you could forget about it for the time being then when your boy's here and you're on your feet again, just get it done yourself (or do it yourself if you feel up to it) and give him all your reciepts in lieu of rent? Did he pay for the washing machine in the end by the way? Is it your last exam on Thursday?

Hi Gwenyn - so sorry to hear about your loss last year. So happy you're here now and so close to having a baby!

Uwila/Jonah/KVG/MrsW - hope you're enjoying your first day off!

Coop - can you wear support stockings for your swollen ankles? They're so attractive I'm sure you'd love wearing them? Those Lily Pads won't lead to engorgement or mastitis will they? Are you thinking of getting them just for swimming, or for all day wear in your bra?

KVG - how lovely for you to be able to have dh with you all that time in the hospital.
I'm so annoyed at how expensive the private rooms are at the Royal Surrey - no one else's has even got to half that amount. I had no idea that price wasn't standard. Oh well, I'll have to be sociable on the ward. Probably do me good

Bubbaloo - just call the ward and ask about tours, I'm sure they'll organise something. I'm scared of the whole thing, but glad I went to have a look.

Red - I'm so glad your appointment's been brought forward (is that tomorrow or next Tues?)- I'll keep everything crossed that the implications aren't too heavy x

Welshie - hope you and dh are being nicer towards one another today - funnily enough dp and I were at each other's throats all day yesterday too (well, mine at his mainly good job you're having a caesar anyway if your baby's breech. I think mine turned right a the last minute. It feels ever so tight in here too. You're not decrepit at all young lady, loads of us have something amiss with our bodies (I have a back thing for instance). Is your day still as good as it sounded earlier?

Bero - I should think those pains are just caused by DIY - flat pack chests of drawers are not the easiest things in the world to put together even when you're not heavily pg. I imagine it's your body telling you to RELAX. As for the runs, I had that a couple of months ago for no particular reason, but I had been constipated, and haven't been ever since, so I put it down to my body rebalancing itself. Keep us updated though!

Charley - yep day continues well. Quick foray to shops to by 'handsome Prince Barbie' as requested by dd (as a gift from baby) Now back again to lie on sofa. Dh is picking dd up from nursery - so he's back in good books, and I've bought him a currry for later so calm is once more restored in the Welshie household
Are you ok? I've got the same problem with the price of single rooms in hospital - it's about 80 quid, 120 with a bathroom - and even if you say you want one you're not guaranteed it. I ended up being sociable last time too but it was hard - alot of mums seemed pretty shell- shocked after emergency c-sections.

Hello
Bero - Glad you are still with us and don't worry. You will know what to do when the time is right. Trust your instincts. You don't want to go in too early anyway even if this is the real thing.
Hi Charley - Support stockings would just be WAY to hot and I am not sure something constricting the area would help?? I see my midwife again on Wed so will get all checked then. Am sure it is just the heat though so not worried. I just need to put them up a bit more. Shame .
Where is Lynny?
Thanks for the comments on the Lily Pads. I don't think they would be practical for the early days but when my milk supply has settled down I am quite hopeful they will be effective. I used to have to squash my nipple in like this to stop drowning dd with my milk so can see the theory behind it. Have you tried yours on Pink? I want to avoid the pad lines that it mentions when I go to this wedding and in the summer here when I will be wearing lightweight clothing and want to wear light colours etc. I am remembering all the practicalities of b/f now.
Bubb - I haven't had a hospital tour yet either. I think they are worth doing even if they can be a little scary. I was excited after mine first time round.
Right off to do the washing up now. Yawn.

KVG, are you due at the end of June? (Just had a look back to the stats thread but you appear to be due in May on that one ) I haven't even thought about either birth plan or hospital bag yet. Well, I occasionally think "hmm, should do that" but that's as far as it gets.

I half convinced myself I was going into labour at the weekend, so read the labour chapter of "What to Expect" to dh. I particularly liked all the bits for the birth partner "say supportive things, unless it's irritating her. If so, stop". Etc. It all seems a bit more real to him too now, he seemed quite anxious when I'd finished.

Dh's niece has informed me that the baby is to be called Victoria Phillipa if it's a girl, and since "it can't be a boy" she doesn't need to think of a boy's name. Ho ho ho, how little she knows about the Due in June babies

Update...
Am still here, lay down on the sofa and managed to doze off for a couple of hours, waking up now and again to have two or three 'contractions' in quick succession, then nothing again for a while. The pains go away quickly and are no trouble to 'breathe away'. My main sensation now is of being knackered... Am DYING for a bath but have only had showers since getting pg due to liking my baths hot and worrying about boiling baby (also worried about getting the squits in there now ). However, think I will succumb. It's also just the weather for it - horrible coldy rainy.

Evening All,
Pink, I?m so pleased you?ve sorted out a babysitter for some of the time. If its any consolation, I?m terrified about being left in charge of this small, helpless baby, that?s depending on me for everything. I think that?s perfectly natural. I have no idea what I?m doing at all, especially as I?ve had v. little experience of small babies. But I'm counting on the fact that most women cope and don't do permanent damage to the baby while changing/feeding/bathing them

Bubb, if you want to go on a hospital tour, just give the maternity unit a call and ask when they do them. The 2 hosps near us run the tours once a month. It won't matter at all if you don?t go on one, you?ll soon learn your way round, I?m sure .

Welshie, sorry about the baby being breech. Your day today sounds perfect though.

Bero, funnily enough, I?ve been on the Ikea flatpacks today. And I am also a terrible mum-to-be who regularly tries to boil her baby in the bath. I think that baths are okay as long as they?re not too hot, but I?m not terribly good at self control with the hot tap, plus they are a total relief when you have spent the entire day with aching limbs and ligaments.

Trib, I was laughing so much at that section in ?what to Expect? yesterday. Like, don?t be surprised if she doesn?t act favourably to your suggestion of a massage/breathing advice etc etc. I love euphemisms, especially this one, where clearly I will be creating new expletives directed at poor DH especially for the occasion!

Well my first day off has been a lovely combination of doing a few jobs from my massive list, while including some valuable loafing/snacking time. Perfect.

Wow, berolina,

I just checked in to see how folk were doing and it looks like your bub might actually be ready.

All sounds like the stuff the books say about early labour (although I've read it can just stop for a while after it has started).

Hope you're keeping as relaxed as poss - sleeping through this bit sounds brilliant. Looking forward to updates.

Well, here I am, out of the bathroom, feeling miles better, no pains for an hour, no more squits either. I think I'm the first official Due in June false alarm... Oh no, you had one too Lippy, sounded a lot nastier than mine - and Tea's had some twinges. So - third false alarm? (But the first one played out online... ) Wouldn't be surprised if I turn out to be a cm or two dilated at my check-up on Weds, though (well, I hope all that was good for something ). Thanks everyone for your comments and support!
Right, catch-up... Welshie, sorry about the baby being breech - I might be looking at a CS as well because of my wonky spine and pelvis.
Pink, I haven't really got anything to say which the others haven't. You really have got a hell of a lot going on in your life and I have so much respect for how you're dealing with it. Once he's there, just take things a day at a time, give you and him time and see how you feel. I'm having some hip problems too - can't stand or walk for very long without my left hip hurting - which I'd put down to my general dodginess in that area (dislocated hip as a baby which needed several operations, leaving one leg shorter than the other which caused scoliosis and wasn't picked up on until I was 20 when the damage was done ).
Hi there Gwenynbee - don't think I've welcomed you yet.
Trib, Jonah - I've got 'What to Expect' too and have found it really useful - needless to say I skipped over the Pregnancy Diet section but it's been great for looking up and getting reassurance on niggling worries.
If there's anyone I've missed, forgive me - still a bit dazed after the afternoon's 'excitement'...

Glad you are feeling better Berolina. Can't decide whether it's scary or exciting that things are happening now.

All the very best of luck for tomorrow Redheadmum. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you and baby.

Glad you are back and feeling better Pink. You are a source of inspiration for all of us on here - pregnancy is hard enough to do when you have a partner to 'share the load' but you are coping brilliantly on your own and you have my upmost admiration for doing so.

Welshie, I'm also feeling sleepy - had a little nap myself about 4ish today . Heavenly. This afternoon, after I'd done all my chores, I felt at a bit of a loss but after an hour or so I got into the swing of taking things easy and it's fab.

I'm spending a nervous night listening to my bloody football team on the radio - hope this doesn't bring on labour...

Ah, nearly Bero! Actually, I was pretty sure mine wasn't labour, but didn't know what it was.

Man, I'm exhausted today!

Evening girls

Bero - I missed all your excitement! I'm still having the period type pains but definitely no contractions yet. I had similar to you when expecting ds, contractions for 4-5 hours about 20 mins apart, and then nothing and he came 2 weeks later. Having said that your body usually 'clears itself out' just before full on labour starts so your toilet trip could mean things are getting ready...or like me the arribiata was spicier than it ought to have been! Keep us posted...

Mrs W - I hate playoffs too, and penalties - actually feel sick physically if my team or England end up in a penalty shoot out and can't bear to watch, but can't bear not to! Hope you get the result you want. I'm a gunner and dh is a manc supporter so saturday coming is going to be real fun in our house...what do you want to bet we'll both miss it as dd will decide to make her appearance then?!!

Welshie - am very of your day...will hope to emmulate it tomorrow as ds will be at mil's for the whole day - bliss! I'm also very very tired in the day - fell asleep in Bodger and Badger today and didn't wake up til Neighbours! ...so if you get a date sorted soon for a cs you could be number 2 after Uwila?? It's all getting too exciting now.

Right had better go - I have a hot steaming mug of cocoa with my name on it! Catch you all tomorrow, x.

My fave comment in that section in "What to Expect" was about how the birth partner shouldn't be critical. So saying "god, this is taking AGES, can't you hurry it up at all?" would probably be a good comment for our dh's to avoid I feel

Bero, glad you're feeling better after your bath. Keep us posted on how things go, it's very exciting!

I spoke to my cousin tonight about Strep B (she's a doctor) - she was v much in favour of the test, said she wishes she'd had it done when she had her baby in July last year. Just so people know. We were comparing it with the insistence on testing for HIV - she said her hospital in Oxford had never seen an HIV-positive mother who was native to the UK (and had only seen a few in total). Yet they routinely test everyone for HIV but not Strep B. Hmmm.

Morning all,
Trib - Interesting comments about the streb B. i hadn't thought about it like that.
Glad you are still with us Bero. Baths are an excellent way to help with pain relief during early labour too so don't go without them. And don't have them just luke warm either, just not as hot as a jacuzzi . DD was born into water at body temp (38 degrees), but up until the end I was labouring in 40 degrees. You won't boil the baby. It is very well protected in there.
Good Luck today Red. Hoping to hear good news later on.
Have good days all.

Hi everyone. Good luck, Red.

Bero, hope your okay. And if you do beat me (which is doubtful now as you have around 48 hours or so left now) I promise to forgive you... some day.

Well, off to shower and get some last minute things at Tescos. I've decided to go hunt down a pair of really big shorts so I can hang out in the hospital in normal clothes rather than those ugy hospital gowns.

Morning!
Uwila, looks like your first place is safe from me! Shortly after my last post I started getting the blinking contraction-type pains again - continued on and off all evening. There weren't any more of them than before and they were pretty irregular, but very annoying. Was knackered and did sleep quite well, but would emerge from sleep regularly to feel the pains... 6am this morning I caved in and we went down to the hospital. Wouldn't you know, I only had a couple of twinges while there... There were, according to the CTG thingy, no!!! contractions, cervix is stubbornly closed and the consensus was it must be IBS! Just my luck - haven't had an attack in literally years and then I get one at 38 weeks pg . Of course, as soon as we got home they started up again, but not as often or bad as they were. So now I'm doubly knackered and frustrated . Sorry for keeping you all in suspense! Oh well, going to settle back now and get as much rest as possible before things start off for real!

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