Due in September 2009 - waiting for an August baby!

[StealthPolarBear]

Hi everyone Can't believe we could have our first baby in 4ish weeks

Lol, AprilMeadow oops!!! Must have been very tired when I typed that!!!

Well I feel as flat as a flat thing thats been to flat shcool! Meh (hate that word but sums things up nicely!) Definately no nesting going on here, bag is packed though which is a nice feeling.

So much going on since I was on here last, I've kep getting some blue screen which wont let me see posts on here or post either, dont have the problem on any other thread though, so have been reading the DM thread which is interesting!

Welcome to the new ladies

Cant believe there are going to be more August babies! Getting very close now!

Glad your DH has decided to come home StayFrosty - that was a bit of a detour! Remember to hide the cream for any bites he may have!

Have you 'tested' the G&A Blinder?! Would be soo tempted! Would have to hide the suturing kit though...

Baby shower sounds lovely Sprinkle, like the nappy cake and baby sock bouquet thats really cute !
Finished work a week ago, I was supposed to be going in for my last week at the end of August but am so tired it cant be done!

Hope every one else is doing good, its the final stretch

I am so excited about not having to go to work tomorrow, have decided to celebrate by staying up past my usual bedtime of 9pm! Had a complete meltdown yesterday, everything got on top of me and realised how much we need to do before the baby arrives. Cried for around 3 hours, but feel much better for it today!
My mum is such a super trooper and came over and helped me clean and tidy and whipped DH into shape (more like shamed him into shape), got the nursery painted finally and it is all ready for the big delivery tomorrow from M&P - so excited, pram and nursery furniture arriving. Finally will be able to stay putting things away!

Had a BBQ this evening which was lovely, hope this nice weather lasts!

Hope everyone else is having a nice Sunday pm

Hey all,

I washed all the nappies and clothes today so all ready to pack the bags when they dry! Its so lovely seeing all the tiny things hanging up.

Peachygirl we have the city mini, its a great pushchair. Really reasonable price too, its built really well. Dp said something about good ball bearings when it arrived which apparently is impressive?!

I had a home birth kit delivered on Sat- I had no idea they were coming, no one had told me! I thought my appt was on weds at the medical centre Had a lovely 'moment' on the sofa listening to the heartbeat through the doppler with ds wearing a stethoscope and dp filming, it was very sweet. He helped me clean the gel off my tummy and gave it a big kiss afterwards, it made me cry . The kit just has birth equipment, no G and A left here unfortunately! The mw scared me by saying she thinks I will go too quickly for G and A and that they will be running to catch the baby rather than with the mouth piece. Eek!

Thank you for the welcomes everyone and hello AliDran!

Instead of nesting I have developed what I like to call 'selective nesting'. The pots will be unwashed and the ironing pile will be the size of the house, but I will be busy bleaching the wardrobes. If it's a useless task that can wait then I will be doing it instead of the stuff that really needs doing.

I wish I had G&A in my house I shall have to have a home birth for the next one

No Minshu - I understood you! You were sympathising! Tbh, daytime telly is awful nowadays, whereas the internet gets more fascinating by the day. How many birth stories can one woman read for goodness sake? Sorry if I seemed to snap when I asked how the hell you knew I was online! I thought it was hilarious and amazing that as I was typing my post, you were wondering if I was wasting time on the net . I wondered if you could see me through my screen .

Still haven't packed my bag .

And the G&A is still untouched under the stairs, but I have inflated the pool for a test drive. Comfy!

Frosty - great that NaughtyFrosty is on his way home .

Hi all -- have caught up a bit and am so relieved to see so many people in the same bag-packing-procrastinating boat. This is baby no. 2 for me (DD is 4.5) and it's much harder this time around for me to get myself in gear for delivery. Though reading about those of you who have already had your babies is definitely a kick in my ever-growing backside.

Low-lying placenta-havers: mine was v low last time, but by 38 weeks it had moved up to 2cm from the os, and I delivered vaginally. Apparently it was a bloodbath (I wasn't looking) but my doctor said neither I nor the baby was ever in danger. I mention the blood not to scare you but so you can warn your partners if you want! I remember DH trying to keep a calm face, but his eyebrows shooting up past his hairline kind of gave away his shock.

Re: babies' presents for older sibs -- DD has been asking for months for a specific Disney costume. Pains me to buy it because they get glitter everywhere, but that's going to be her gift from DB. I figure it'll soften the blow of his arrival for about ten minutes. TheTickListQueen - we got DD a kids' laptop a year ago and it's still one of her favourite things. "Excuse me, Mummy, I just need to do a little bit of work now," and away she goes with Winnie the Pooh and his tedious ABC games. Brilliant.

Ladyem - Don't let anyone talk you out of Harriet, I love that name! FairySparkles - I love Raphael, unfortunately a friend used it a few years ago so it feels funny for us to consider it. I know a few little Oscars and I always lean toward the less popular names...

mummyhill, StayFrosty, Ladyem - I feel so bad for you with the SPD. Had that last time and it was so, so miserable. You have my intense admiration with managing that AND older kids too.

blinder - Ugh, good luck with the dissertation. I remember those days all too well...wrote mine in something ludicrous like five days. Once you actually start, it never seems that bad, right? Though you have it much harder than I did, being pg AND having the internet to distract you. (God I'm old)

nitnat84 - I asked my MW about the strep B test and she went off on a rant about how stupid it was that our PCT tests all pg women for MRSA but not for strep B. So in my part of west London...no, no strep B test.

I'm 36w4d, dealing with v surprising carpal tunnel (didn't have it last time, was AMAZED at how uncomfortable then painful it was; had a systemic steroid injection and was given paracodol so it's manageable now I have so much sympathy now for those who have it all the time). Last time I saw the MW, the passenger's head was down, which is good, since for various boring medical reasons I have to have a hospital birth, and yet we need to try to avoid a c-section, or more specifically the blood-clotting drugs one gets after a c-section. Haven't done a birth plan, since it's quicker to just scream EPIDURAL! when we get to the hospital. (Had one last time during a 24-hr labour, convinced it was gift from God). Need to finalise plans for DD, though it's such a pain to be due so close to the start of school, makes it a little more complicated to figure out who'll take her/what to put in her bag. Am terrified most of all that I'll miss the first day of reception, which would make me feel guilty for the rest of my days.

Must finish packing that bag. So hard when you don't know how long you might be in for. I ordered a couple of things from the US, where I had DD, that I'm given to understand aren't provided here peri-bottles, perineal cold packs, etc and so those are packed, but the clothes bit is flummoxing me. As are the horror stories about the state of hospital bathrooms. Second- (or third-) timers, did you find you needed to clean up after other people before you could use the showers/loos?

Hi All!

Been lurking as not much to report!

Trixibelden I know what you mean about packing the hospital bag. I've had mine done for a couple of weeks, but now need to re-think them as I am going in for induction on Friday and I have no idea how long it will take or how long I'll be in for!! I have no more room in the bags, though for extra clothes and nighties!! Think I might have to be selective and have an extra bag ready in case I am in longer than expected! Re the hospital abtherooms, where I had DD was always really clean and they seemed to be cleaned every couple of hours, so not all hospital bathrooms are awful. Not sure about where am having this LO, though as I now live in a completely different area!

Stayfrosty Glad DH is on his way home! Think I'd have gone doolally coping with DD on my own for so long at this stage!

Blinder Good luck with the dissertation! I've been doing a distance learning degree and have found it difficult just doing the modules and normal assignments, so hats off to you!

Wow, so many of you having home births! Am a tad jealous, as the thought of a lovely birthing pool and g&a sounds really relaxing! I'm hoping for the pool at the hospital!

Well, not been up to much in this heat!! Sorted out all the clothes and rubbish that were clogging up the nursery so that DH could get on with the decorating!! (I know, a bit late in the day, but the baby will be in with us for a few weeks at least!!) Also been doing lots of ironing (think this is my nesting instinct kicking in as I've ironed EVERYTHING in the house!!). Managed to set it all up so I could sit down to iron with my feet in a bowl of cold water! Was lovely!

Oooh TrixieBelden you have just reminded me about perineal cold packs. I had DS in the States too and they were brilliant. Meant to source some ages ago and forgot all about it. Can I ask where you got them from and about how long they took to arrive? Not sure I've got enough time now.

LOL about an epidural being a gift from god. Didn't have a lot of choice where I was as they didn't do g and a. When the pushing time came with DS I remembered having read how if you push like your life depends on it when you feel a twinge (under an epi) of a contraction then they don't have to turn it down. Had a lovely pain free birth which I didn't know was possible.

Ticklist they do those ice packs in Boots and Mothercare for about £20 for 2, plus the disposable covers for them. I've been thinking about whether or not to get some!

Been doing my hypnobirthing cd as much as possible, to try to prepare myself for friday! I really don't want to go into a panic during labour, as last time I managed to stay at home until 8cm, but this time I'll be in the hospital for the whole thing, so might not be as relaxing.

Am defo thinkng abut having an epidoodle now!! Pain free sounds good to me!

TheTickListQueen - I called a friend in the States who's studying to be a midwife and she steered me to www.1cascade.com where she gets all her supplies. Can't advise on shipping times as I had everything sent to my mother and she brought the package over a few months ago. Sounds like we had similar labours - I had absolutely no pain whatsoever during the pushing bit. It's funny how in the US you can either have absolutely nothing or you can have an epidural, and there's nothing in between. I've never had nitrous oxide and am used to thinking of it as something rather illicit!

Hello all, I've been somewhat absent from this thread for a while, lots of not so nice RL stuff going on... Good to see everyone's getting themselves prepared! I have been a bit hit and miss with the whole getting ready thing, but my mum threw me a surprise baby shower and friends from all over the country came down, it was lovely {smile] Also means that I have a pile of lovely things I now don't have to go out and buy.. as well as some very practical things that SIL (bless her) put into a basket.

Have to go for a growth scan on Thursday as this one is doing what it's brother did and getting rather big. Am terrified as I have the narrowest hips in the world!

Hope everyone is well...

Stayfrosty Thanks for that, I have just updated my birth plan to say that if they have to use the drip, I want an epidural at the same time!!! I did it all on g&a last time (not for lack of begging for an epi/c-section! Was just too far gone!), so I have nothing to prove to myself! I think if it can be done pain free, why suffer? Did you get the itchy skin/low blood pressure from the epidural? Only side effect I've heard of, but no one seems to ever mention it!

Very true!! I know exactly what you mean!! I've not been able to plan really as I always new there was a possibility of elective c-section, so had been fixated on that, but then they tell me early induction will be better, so now I have to prepare myself for going through labour again. Bit nervous, but will be so happy not to be pg any more and to have my LO!! Just focusing on the end result this time, where as last time was focusing on the pain!! Lol!

Ladyem - ironing while standing in a bowl of cold water - sounds like a health and safety issue!! I can't imagine my nesting instinct making me iron, to be honest... Can't believe you're so close!

I've listened to my hypno CD once, and struggled to come round afterward. Biggest problem was feeling guilty to be lounging on the sofa while DP slaved away in the baby's room (not that he made a fuss). Will start to do it more regularly when I'm in the house on my own, I think. Not totally convinced that it will help with the serious pain part, but if it can alleviate the urge to panic, that will be money well-spent.

JRocks - what a lovely Mum you've got! Sorry you're having a hard time, and hope growth scan goes ok.

For you second (and third) timers - how long does it take for the pg symptoms like breathlessness and rib pain to go? Or is that a stupid question and we'll be too knackered to notice?

Mishnu Don't worry, was sitting on the sofa, ironing board lowered, with my feet in cold water! Ironing has always been my favourite chore (in a, you know, the best of a bad bunch kind of way!!) as you can put a DVD on and not notice you are doing it!! Also know what you mean about the hypno cd!! I have to do it when I wake up now, then I am not as likely to fall asleep for 2 hourws afterwards!! Think I'll be doing it before bed as well this week! Double up on it!

I found that all pregnancy symptoms went as soon as DD was born. Even my 'sniffer-dog' nose went back to normal straight away and it had been awful the whole way though. I did, however, get phantom kicks for a couple of days afterwards! It felt like she was still kicking me every so often, but it could have just been either in my head or stuff falling back into place!!!

ps, can you tell I have no energy for anything else except surfing MN!!!

Hi all, I think my symptoms went pretty quickly afetr DD was born.

TrixieBelton I had carpel tunnel last time but had no treatment I worked with someone who was a Bowen technique therapist and she showed me some exercises and these helped a bit. I think it went in a couple of weeks after DD was born, maybe even quicker. There seems to be no signs of it at the moment.

I tried the RLT and it was OK I didn't have a full cup but left the bag in for a while. I thought it was quite fruity.

Also I had a thought I would pass onto you. When I had dd I used a clear plastic zippy bag from a stationery shop from a stationery shop. Mine is quite tough with weaving to reinforce it. Its good as you can see where everything is from the outside.
I can't find a link to them though. I will keep looking.

No sign of thusnelda for a bit I hope she is OK.

Whoo hoo ^^ mexican wave for me!!!

In my first weekend of maternity leave I have washed EVERYTHING for the baby and myself (including the brand new activity mat, lol!) and have now packed the hospital bags and done my birth plan!! Feel alot better now and just hoping that the bags do not leave the house and we manage to stay at home as planned!!!

I now heartily encourage all fellow procrastinators to just get on and do it, you will feel so much better and really be able to just relax guilt free!!!

Right after all that work I am now very tired so off to bed!!

Hi all, can't believe it is all getting so close for everyone - especially for Ladyem and the induction on Friday. I keep reading that people are 37 weeks + and I am like wow that's really far gone - then I need a quick slap to myself when I realise I am 39 weeks tomorrow!

Lol at NaughtyFrosty - brilliant!

Welcome to Matleave Sprinkle. I have had two weeks off now and admit I am not missing it a bit!

TrixieBelden - nice to see you again.

I am so not doing any nesting (and defo not into the ironing), maybe that means baby is going to be overdue? I am getting lots of bh and twinges but nothing which seems to progress into anything.

My birth plan is going to be very short and sweet and say no pethadine and I want an epidural. I have also got a TENS machine which I am hoping will help in the early part so I can stay at home for a bit.

Sorry for those suffering with SPD, life is uncomfrotable enough with normal pregnancy aches and pains without getting extra pain.

ooh hello everyone - it's been ages since I was on and so much to catch upon, not least the imminent induction of Ladyem!

Sorry I missed the meet up last week - will make it to the next one (hopefully it will be in the afternoon, so there's less chance of me falling asleep ).

Mostly this week I've been kept busy by nice things, like afternoon theatre trips, and nice lunches with friends, and a yoga birth rehearsal, which was great. We still haven't sorted out the nursery though, so we're still trying to chuck stuff out. Added to that my sleep has been appalling in this weather, and I've really noticed the tiredness creeping up on me. I've decided that after this weekend I'm going to lie about and rest.

Haven't packed the 'just in case we go to' hospital bag (but it is out of the cupboard), and still need to wash the clothes. Have no idea what to wear for early labour, or post birth so am off into Primark this morning to see if they have anything.

Minshu my midwife said that listening to the hypno cd was worthwhile even it just meant I got a decent rest for an hour or two, because it knocks me out cold

Inspired by some of you, I finished packing the bags this morning, aside from food stuff. That feels better! The nursery is all set up and I washed the baby clothes a month or so ago so really all that's left to do is, um, have the baby, I guess? Though now that the bags are packed I'm sure he'll be two weeks late.

Ladyem - INSIST on getting the epidural when you get the syntocinon/pitocin drip, if they don't offer it to you anyway. I didn't get one for 3ish hours after they put me on the drip last time and the induction contractions were worlds harder for me to handle than the natural ones. The syntocinon drip is induction, whether or not you're already contracting (as I was too, StayFrosty - so frustrating).

Minshu - tbh I didn't notice any pg symptoms staying/going after I delivered last time; I was too busy moaning about my stitches and sweating like a warthog and weeing every three minutes. Apparently your body goes straight to work getting rid of all that fluid you made during pregnancy. The pg backache lasted a while for me, though, I think because I spent so much time hunched over trying to bf. (It took me a while to get the hang of it.) (