Due November 2009 - second trimester thread part 2

[skorpion]

Hope this works

Congrats skorpion So pleased it went well!!

Wizzy - I looked up NCT classes earlier - there was a four day course for £135 gulp So I most certainly can't afford it. But seems very reasonable, really, for what they seem to be offering.

Skorpion only just seen your post - congrats on your scan, and a little girl - yay! How exciting!
I have been awake ages... It's throwing it down and I am scared!! Fingers crossed minikatster is doing well...

WizzyWoo has boob done any more leaks? Mine haven't leaked, but do ITCH like mad!! I have to stop myself frantically scratching in public Also - lol at your DH - am sure mine would be just as helpful!

Hope everyone else is having good days and not getting rained on...

Morning and congrats to skorpion and funtime for yesterday's good scans! katster I hope today goes well. It'll be lovely seeing your minikatster again.

I woke up this morning congratulating myself on my new regime of going to bed at 9pm whether I'm tired or not and how much better I am feeling for it. Half an hour later I was hugely sick all over, well, everywhere. It wasn't like morning sickness, so think I must have caught a tummy bug that's been going round DD's nursery. Yuk.

Wizzywoo I also like going to bed and having a bit of time with the bump! I can't really see movements on the outside yet, but there is lots to feel. I go to bed early, slather my bump in oil and read my book, propped up so bump is in sight. It's becoming my favourite part of the day.

erika You can get discounts of up to 90% onNCT classes if you earn less than 25K. here

Katster good luck today! Hope its all good.

Laugs hope you're better after your episode..can you keep anything down?

Wizzywoo wish I could have some time with bump..just too much to do..although i have to sleep with no nighty on as its about 26 deg at night..unbearable...but the baby does kick a lot and can see it jumping up and down!

Can't believe how quickly time is flying..The Swiss are preparing for Swine flu in the autumn..great! I know lots of people in London who have it..its mad..

anyone else really tired?? or is it just the heat making me sleepy ALL the time?

Impossible to catch up so just my random thoughts:

Welcome all newbies.

Congratulations on all the scans!

I now wish I NEVER found out what sex the baby was. Both pregnancies.

Swine flu is scaring the shit out of me.

Have informed work I will be starting my maternity on EDD.

My right boob is leaking too. Dh laughed at me at the weekend (he was the first one to notice?)

I am now officially fat. Its everywhere my thighs arms even knees are fat. Its disgusting and only my doing too. Can?t blame anybody else of forcing me eat those damn almond magnums can I?

My belly just jumped out during the last couple of days. People just comment ? what November??? But that?s whole 4 months left!!! And don?t I know it! Or - you must be due soon?

Didn?t do NCT classes last time around but did 1 day thing at the hospital and found it quite pointless really. Don?t remember my dh learning anything either. But maybe that was because we were moving so didn?t give it enough attention as we knew anybody we would?ve met we would leave behind in the other side of London. Looked at NCT classes for refreshers this time round but found them really expensive and a bit far. I am being ignorant?

It was my birthday yesterday. A BIG one? got pink barbie cake from tesco chosen by ds. had a day out of office but not a day off at all if you know what I mean.

I am knackered but hope everybody else is in the blooming energy faze!

Thanks Laugs I hope you feel better soon.

Sulking today - the wind outside is too strong for me to walk in, so I'm stuck in here. I tend to look forward to Wednesday afternoons, because I get out to go to therapy, and can grab a coffee or something out as well. The other four days tend to revolve around the PC and day time TV. No wonder I'm depressed!!!

Ohhh sounds horrible, but you know what? I'd really like to unplug my belly for one nights sleep. Just one!

Sleepless I'm exauhsted too. Even just the thought of doing anything is enough to need a nap! I'm dreading the next few weeks in the heat of summer.

Ladies, need your opinions - Its my Aunts funeral next week and its in Liverpool, about a five hour run from here. Mum's planning on driving up the night before, and coming back in the evening of the funeral. Just know that we're going to hit every bout of traffic possible. I want to say goodbye to my aunt, but I don't know if my bladder can handle that journey!!! Plus it will knacker me out for the next week, and I haven't got a suit that fits me any more. I really don't know what to do...

I think the NCT classes are worth their weight in gold for setting you up with friends in those initial sleep-deprived weeks when all you want to talk about is whether or not your baby's poo is normal and should his belly button LOOK like that and does anyone else's child make strange grunting noises in their sleep?

I didn't actually DO the classes because I couldn't get a place, but I managed to infiltrate the local group anyway - don't know what I'd have done without them. Fortunately, they're all sprogging again this year, so I have lots of company (one just had a baby, the others are due in August, September and December!)

Koumak, am terrified by the swine flu thing too - don't know if getting while pregnant or having it wallop my newborn would be worse. Also, I read through the NCT's guidelines, and honestly, I do not need to hear that there may be maternity staff shortages when I'm in labour - there are ALREADY huge maternity staff shortages! I hope my doula's prepared to deliver this baby.

When do we get that health in pregnancy grant - the government's daft idea to make us pregnant ladies all eat better by giving us a wodge of cash part-way through? Because I've been eyeing up the warm drapey cardigans at babeswithbabies.com...

NCT do this great thing where they ask the husbands and partners to carry a bag. It has lots of stuff that symbolize the weight we carry..Like washing up liquid for placenta and amniotic fluid, and cans of beans for the baby and more..its so heavy and makes (some) them appreciate our load... Its priceless..He still remembers some of the stuff.

koumak can't believe we have 4 more months.. I feel like a whale..and my tummy feels huge already, I know how big I can get and this is just the begininng!...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY..21 again!!

no energy here..just collapsing all the time..

erika if you can't make the trip just be honest with your mum, long trips are hard especially on the bladder.

I'll echo Tamlin about the NCT classes. They are much more informed and practical than the NHS ones (we did both last time), and more importantly you get a support network from them. Our NCT teacher didn't let us all leave on the last class until all the Mum's had booked in a date to catch up. It became weekly from then on - and still is to this day for those that are off, and the DC's all turn 4 this year.
Only another mum with a baby at the same stage as yours will be able to appreciate just important it is to discuss the number/quantity/consistency of your baby's nappy
Our NHS ones were just more rushed and mainly focussed on labour. The NCT ones went into bathing the baby, putting on nappies (cloth and disposable), swaddling, first day blues, how to spot pnd and loads of other stuff. I found it great and my DD was 11 when DS was on the way.

Tamlin health in pregnancy grant can be applied for from 25 weeks. YOu get a form from the mw which you fill in, then they have to sign. If you get a 24 week appointment then as for it then. I think you're on #2 or above though, so you might be like me and left alone between 16 and 28 weeks

Erika nobody would expect you to make the trip. Can you maybe get a nice card or a small posy of flowers and ask your Mum to take that from you? You don't need to be at the funeral to say goodbye. Why don't you just take some quiet time at home/in the park/wherever at the time of the funeral to say goodbye in your own way?

As for starting maternity leave - I was planning to wait until 37 weeks or even 38 if I'm doing ok. Planned that with DS though but by 36 weeks I was ready to go. Really need to try and hang on this time though as can only afford a short time off.
Mind you, if he follows his sister then I'll be giving birth at 36+4!!

Welcome to all the newbies and happy birthday to pavlov and koumak

Oh, and swine flu - we have someone at work who's gone off with it, great.
All the reports say now though that it's no more dangerous/virilant than normal flu so I don't think we need to worry.

I'm pleased to hear some good feedback on the NCT classes. I paid for the refresher course and became a member as well. I'm a very shy person so I'm a little worried about introducing myself to a new group. Public speaking makes me go giddy!

I feel like this baby is doing rounds in a boxing ring today. The kicks and rotations are very strong. It's bringing back memories of carrying my DS. I'm almost squirming on the sofa this afternoon as it's such a strange sensation.

I wish in a way I could work nearer to my EED date, but being self employed as a childminder I've had to work around the parents. I finish up end of Aug. I have DS to keep me occupied and lots of nesting to do. Anyone who is self employed and will be claiming MA - I phoned the benefits dept the other day and the claim process seems very staight forward. I was concerned about what type of income evidence they required as I don't have payslips etc. They just need the MA form filled out along with the MATB1 certificate. They will do the rest and contact the NI dept to check all my payments are up to date. I'm getting my certificate at my 26 week check from the midwife. I think I may need two copies if I'm to apply for the health grant as well.

So, can I be rude and ask how much the refresher courses are? How much to join?

I did not do the courses first time around, does that matter? Is there any point doing them second time around? Will I be able to make friends this time around as a second timer who did not join the 'club' first time around? Is is really cliquey? Do I have to wear boden? .

I missed out on the whole socialising thing first time around. At the time, I was not so bothered, I was very absorbed with it being just me, DH and DD, and along with some personal things going on (mum unwell and passed away) I was happy for the isolation. But I regret it now, as we know a few people with kids a bit older than DD or a bit younger, but not any her own age, or any girls, and I would like to have some more people with a child same as age that are local, for my own sanity! Although lots of my friends are now having babies!

None of the NCT mothers I know wore boden. It was more stained flannel shirts (their husband's old ones) which buttoned up easily and ancient trackpants in the early weeks (as well as that vague been-slapped-with-a-halibut look which you get when you've been awake from 2 to 5 am).

Erika, my family lives up around Liverpool, and there's no way I'm trekking up there from this point - I'd just wind up weeing on the side of the motorway!

Pav of course you can ask - I don't have the paperwork to hand, it was approx £140 inc membership (annual fee is £39). I didn't attend first time around either. Not sure what to expect. If it doesn't work out on the friend front, I'm hoping I get some good support on breastfeeding as I felt very alone with DS on that subject. I'm taking the plunge and hope I can meet some nice people. When I had DS I was the first to have a baby out of my group of friends, it was hard at times. This time around, a couple of close friends are having their first babies at around the same time as me, so I'm very happy about that!

Tamlin oh dear.. I may stand out at NCT then! I've always got my mascara & lippy on when I leave the house and I like my trendy clothes! Don't think DH as any flannel shirts to hand - if he did I may just have to divorce him !

LOL DH said I could do it if it was £100 or under. I said, that it was technically only £1 over as the rest was in fact membership! . I have no tie dye either. but that can be sorted out with a bit of dye and some of DHs shirts

Most of the mums at my NCT class were (and still are) very glam - makes me look dowdy by comparison and I wouldn't say I was mumsie really!

Our classes were only about £120 I think but I didn't pay for membership. Am surprised the refresher course is as high.

Little man is jumping around like nobody's business in here, has been for a few days now. Was starting to worry he was trying to tell me something was wrong but it sounds like everyone else is getting the same...?

Well thanks for the support I didn't make it to my last aunts funeral (Nov.? I think...) as was very ill at the time, so think thats why I feel a bit guilty about not going, but I don't think I could manage it.

Oh - and on top of the Foot and Mouth, there have been cases of Swine Flu in my brothers class at school, and at some of the nuseries Mum has been visiting recently. Fabulous. My immune system is low anyway! Might freak out and run off to DPs for a week

Yes, mine isn't stay still either. I don't mind - its such an oddly pleasent sensation. I didn't ever really think about what it would feel like, and I get the impression that I'm going to miss it once he's born!!

Had a total hormonal break down in the council offices today. I've been in three times now trying to get my free bus pass - each time I've been told I need to take in a different piece of paper work. So I have, and each time I've been told its wrong. This time, I was just so exauhsted, I burst into tears. And the woman just raised her voice at me So I got even more upset and just walked out. Its so rediculous that I have to prove that I'm disabled enough.

Phew rant over!!

erika you must be so annoyed. I can't believe anyone would raise their voice at a pregnant woman in tears! I'm cross for you

You know how I said I was really sick this morning? Well I have come out in a rash all over my face and throat. NHS Direct told me to go to the local drop-in centre, I waited there for 2.5 hours and when the nurse saw me she said I need to see a doctor, so I've just had time to pop back home before my GP appointment at 5.30. Phew! They think it might have just been caused from the force of the vomit (Yuk! TMI) but they have never seen it so bad before....

You are all selling the NCT courses to me! I'll have to see what DH thinks. I don't really feel the need for refreshment, but I do want to make some friends. Almost none of our friends have children. I think it might be a nightmare trying to arrange babysitters too.

Thanks Laugs. I've called the DWP and asked for copies of everything they've sent me since I was awarded my DLA, and I'll have to drag myself back in with it all. Surely then it'll be enough!!!

You poor thing... I hope everything went okay at the doctors.

I'll always come babysit hehe

Erika that is ridiculous. I hate the bureaucracy of this country sometimes.

Happy Birthday Koumak! Hope you enjoyed your Barbie cake

Sleepless am also terrified about The Swine... Hopefully it is true that generally it is v mild and we can have Relenza which is meant to actually be more effective than Tamiflu anyway (but they have a ton more Tamiflu so you only get Relenza if pregnant)

Well.... my scan was fab, after all my wittering!! Baby is fine, bang on with all its measurements, and I now feel like I am going to become a mummy in November I am so so so so so relieved. Had been not really allowing myself to think about the baby properly until this scan was over and done with, and now it is, yay!! He weighs a pound as well, that sounds like quite a lot!

Congrats on your scan Katster now you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy!

I meet up with my NCT buddies at least once a week and a couple of them I see more often, maybe 3 or 4 times! It was a great way to meet new friends, especially as I would be too shy to just go up to people at toddler groups and introduce myself. It's amazing how just by knowing a few mums you make friends with more, NCT was great for that.

I feel absolutely shattered today. For some reason ds didn't have a nap today and I have no idea why. He normally naps for 2 hours! How can he go from 2 hours to nothing? I really need those nap times to chill out and am worried that he won't nap anymore. At least he went to bed early though, hopefully this is a one off!

Right, off to make mine and dh's tea, we are having curry tonight, yum yum!

Glad the scan went well Katster And thankyou for the info on meds.

In the past hour my mum has developed a very high tempreture, she feels sick, tired, and has a sore throat. If she's still ill in the morning, going to head over to DPs because my immune system is that bit lower because of my ME. Quite like being at his, even when he's not there - although there are three flights of stairs to his flat, it IS a flat, so I don't have to drag myself up stairs if I need the bathroom, and that's a definately plus!!!

Baby is laying in the most awkward possible possition - absolutely killing me!!!

Congrats katster...so pleased you feel relieved. What great news!

Our NCT group were lovely..just folk who are in the same boat as you. No one forces you to be best mates but you do have one thing in common..a new baby.. All of us had diff approaches to feeding, routines, dummies etc etc came from all over the world and it just worked..oh and I never leave the house without my lippy! Just a habit i picked up from my ma, sorry folks

laugs how are you? hope you're better..

helips how old is your DS? I love my 1.5hours to relax too..maybe it was a one off?

Congratulations katster on your good news from the scan! Hello to newbies - where in the country are you all?

I have heard good things about NCT classes too, although I suppose it depends where you are. We will be going to the Oxford ones, moving there late October once I begin mat leave. Going to stop at half term as seems a natural end but I will still be 4 weeks from EDD then so could be a lot of nesting! Still, am so exhausted at the moment with Y6 leavers' end of year show and prep for their special leaving assembly, I can believe I will be ready for a BREAK by then. Feel so fortunate about summer hols around the corner

Oh! Sorry to those of you without that privilege

Just realised I sounded a bit smug about summer hols

Sorry