Due November 2009 - we just can't stop chatting!

[BeckyBendyLegs]

A new thread!

Hi everyone,

Southern I am so, so sorry for you - burglary is such an unsettling and horrible thing. I hope you're OK and taking it easy, and that eventually you manage to get your jewellery back.

Scarlotti the pole saga continues!! Hopefully you will have a fully-functioning hammock soon

Lemontop is your school back early? I'm not going in at all this week. Yuck, poor you. Glad GTT not too bad, although the sicky/dizzy thing doesn't sound fun.

My parents have just left. Spent three days completely blitzing the spare room, although to be honest I was pretty useless. After about 1.5 hours painting yesterday, I threw up yesterday and generally felt dizzy and rubbish. Was nice having parents around though, 'cos DH would have just thought I was putting it on I reckon!

Does anyone else feel increasingly anxious? I am not sure if it's the thought of going back to work and having to redo a classroom/face everyone/new class etc, plus the impending reality of actually having a baby plus house being turned upside down, but I feel really quite tearful and anxious at the minute. So much so that the MW rang to check on me as she thought I seemed a bit 'wobbly' on my last check last week! Great!! (I mean, lovely, but now I am worried about being worried!)

katster - lucky you having a kind and concerned midwife who actually knows who you are, I say! Can you tell I had a bad appointment today? Sorry, me me me post coming up...

I know living in a city it's a bit different and I don't expect to see the same midwife every time, that's fine. BUT I do wonder why some people go into these kind of jobs when they seem so 'anti-people' and have no communication skills whatsoever. I go in and there are three women there - the midwife does intro herself and a trainee MW but as to who the other women is, I've no idea. She then asks me questions, doesn't listen to the answers and asks them again minutes later, e.g.

MW: Have you been feeling healthy?
Me: Yes, I had some swollen ankles and calves on holiday but not since I've been back.
MW: Right...
(2mins pass while she checks my BP)
MW: Have you had any swollen ankles or wrists?
Me: Er, yes, WHILE I WAS ON HOLIDAY but not since I've been back
MW: Right..

She also told me to fill in a Children's Centre form for my area right after having a conversation with me about how to get a referral to the new hospital in Oxford where I'll be moving to at about 36 weeks.

MW: Fill this in.
Me: Er, no I probably won't because I won't be here. I'll have moved by then.
MW: [looks blankly at me] Right. Do they have a children's centre in your new area?
Me: Er... (how should I know?) ...I suppose so, but I expect the MW at the new hospital can tell me, can they?
MW: mmmm...[blank look again]

I know it's not that big a deal, but when they are your main source of support and advice (apart from MN, I mean!) shouldn't they have a bit more of a...I don't know...personality? caring side? listening skills?

Argh. It's made me feel all rubbish. Totally unnecessarily and I know I am probably over-reacting, but can't help it.

And I have low blood pressure . The random woman said I should drink more water for that and said I must not be drinking enough because I had 'dry lips'. Thanks a lot!

katster I work in an FE college so we've got to enrol all the new students. We normally go back a week before schools.

It sounds like you've got a good, caring midwife. I'm starting to feel a bit anxious about the birth and keep dreaming about different birth scenarios. I guess it's normal, fear of the unknown for a first timer!

I'm dreading work. I keep getting a stitch when I walk even short distances and I've got a much longer walk to do between home/station and then station and work not to mention getting around and doing my job! Finish on 23rd though so only back for a few weeks.

Bought some raspberry leaf tea today. Any idea when and how can start using it? Will maybe check with doc / midwife at next appointment.

Raggie that is dreadful. I am in a city too - London - and get to see the same MW (one of three, but I was introduced to all three at the beginning) each time. They have made it a priority here, and said there is a 90% it will be one of them at the birth. I didn't realise you were moving - is it a totally new area? That must be stressful for you.

Lemontop I sympathise totally. I have no idea how I am going to manage to get the sodding 6.47am train 5 days a week again, plus walking to and from station let alone functioning at work for a full day! At least you can count down the days. Good luck though. I am mostly dreading all the comments from people who haven't seen me for 6 weeks - I can predict what they will be now! ("Oh my gawwwwwd, you're ENORMOUS!!!!! You'll never last 'til November!!!"). That and getting up ridiculously early. YUCK.

Katster I totally understand your nerves and 'wobblyness', totally normal, having a baby is a big change in your life and your hormones are all over the place as well, and so lovely of your MW to ring you up like that.

Raggie that midwife sounds AWFUL! She sounds really thick as well as uncaring, etc. Was she a robot?

My midwife finally rang back and my 28 week check, albeit a bit late, is Thursday afternoon. I must remember to ask for a MATB1 form and about this health in pregnancy lark. I haven't seen the midwife since 16 weeks. She's nice though, and it is nice to have one midwife. In Oxfordshire I had two midwives I saw, both of which were lovely (Francis and Allie for anyone who knows the Chippy midwives!).

Thanks for the sympathy BBL and katster. That MW was a bit of a robot...sigh. Luckily, they have been good up to now and the one before this was LOVELY so fingers crossed I just don't have to see robomidwife again.

katster this is in London too. What part are you in again? Good that you were introduced to all 3 of your midwives, I can't even remember how many I've seen now. I have to say I am looking forward to moving, albeit to another city (Oxford) as I'm feeling sick of London right now. Same with DH and his horribly long commute.

Grrr, I am fierce today amn't I? Hormones, hormones...

Becky - Francis delivered my DS!

Raggie - what's a children's centre? I assume you're planning on giving birth at the John Radcliffe (main Oxford Hospital?). You'll probably just have to register with a doctor, see their midwife or I think you can have you midwife checks at the hospital - I know that's where we have always been for the baby's hearing tests and some of the weigh-ins. All the MWs have always been really friendly. They have the new 'Spires' centre opened this last year at the hospital - not been but heard really good things about it -it's basically a MW led birthing centre within the hospital - completely seperate from normal maternity ward, think there's info on the JR website. Personally I've never given birth there as foundit really big and i wasn't comfortable with it, but if Chippy won't allow me there this time, I may consider the Spires. (my sil had her baby there at christmas, MW with her was trained in aromatherapy and all sorts which she said was great).

I also have low blood pressure - right on the bottom of 'normal' - been told that it's nothing too much to worry bout as won't affect baby, just got to be careful with dizziness etc. been told extra salt might help.

Ive had three MW'S so far, two of whom i already knew which put me a bit more at ease, and one I didnt know who was covering as the whole of 'blue team' were ill. Tho last time I had a random one for the birth, it would be nice if I happened to get one i'd seen at least once this time round.

I do keep panacking, thinking "OMG, this baby is going to want out in ten and a half weeks, and I bet she's gonna be huuuge!" toby was 7 1/2 pounds and I'd actually dropped two dress sizes from being so ill. This time round I cant seem to stop eating, and none of it healthy apart from the strawberries.

Temper is in full throttle here, everything is aggravating me, but mainly annoyed cos i wanted to order cotbed off tesco direct this afternoon, but didnt realise that if you wanted to use your clubcard vouchers and double them up you have to change them in the store or get them sent to you first, i'd presumed they did it all online if you were ordering online. will get hubby to change them when he goes into work tonight, but still,GAAA!

Raggie commuting Lon - Ox must be v tiring. Are you in North Lon? We are in SW.

Trikken also can't stop eating I am hungry all the time, but I am making a limited effort to eat healthily. V bad. Expect I will regret it in a few weeks! Can't imagine dropping two dress sizes while pregnant - wow!

Beepbeep also have low BP - it is really interesting that you were told extra salt may help, as I have had really powerful 'cravings' for soy sauce and crisps! At times uncontrollable - I wonder if that is why?!

BeckyBL I only just sent off my Health in Preg grant too.

Got my 28 week things on Friday, including more Anti-D. Had a dose when I got bashed in the tummy at 19 weeks but apparently I need more. Been trying to get DH to give blood so he could find out his blood group as his mum is Rh- so there is atleast a 50% chance he is too. He is v good at stalling when it comes to anything medical though!

Raggie, that sounds really annoying. And I agree, it sometimes is strange why people would choose such jobs. My first midwife wasn't un-nice but I had the strong impression that she had become a midwife because they had told her to do so in the jobcentre.
I'm so far not really impressed by my antenatal care. I usually don't get any kind of information, they just measure bloodpressure, belly and heartrate and that's it if I do not have any questions. But how can I have any questions if I do not know anything??? I've just checked my notes and I should have got lots of different leaflets at my 28week appointment a couple of weeks ago. The only thing I got was was something about the danger of swineflu, nothing normal pregnancy related.
But I have decided to not care about it, the baby will come out anyway, with or without preparation or care.
To all those unhealthy eaters: me too, lots of unhealty food.... but since a couple of weeks at least pregnancy vitamins as well (and still lots of fruit and veggies too)

Beepbeep how funny! Francis is lovely isn't she? A midwife called Lynnette delivered my DS2 - one of the other chippy midwives.

katster - my DH is still working in London until October when his PhD starts. At the moment though he's commuting to Camberwell - miles from us in N4! He normally cycles but the bike's broken so he's back on the train which = DH!

beepbeep Children's centres are for after the baby's born, as I understand it (may be wrong) ... actually I really don't know what they are but had a foggy idea its connected to early childcare for some reason. I'm probably totally wrong. Thanks for the words about the JR - had a look at the Spires birthing unit via website and seems nice. Think I am leaning towards borthing centre, from originally thinking home-borth, all going well, but we'll see. Glad to hear the MWs all sound lovely

My MW said to drink more water for low BP, which is kind of the opposite to more salt, isn't it?

Raggie I think birthing centres are great: like being at home but with extra reassurance should you need it. I had DS1 at the JR and I didn't like it much because it was so big and the baths were not in use when I was there! ( but I didn't have any choice though DS1 was induced!). The midwives were very nice though - just busy!

Hmmm. I've never been advised anything for my low BP. All a bit airy fairy by the sounds of it.

I'll confess to eating half of a huge bar of Cadbury's Caramel today. That's what I get for going to Tescos in a fury and buying comfort food on offer. I'm finding it much easier to eat a little more healthily when at work, so 7 more weeks until the cake-fest sets in....

HIP grants - I think mine came through in less than 2 weeks for those of you still to apply.

DH is currently in garage putting up shelves which he bought today. I haven't said a word, honestly !

Hobnob I saw a decent looking coat on ASOS that was like a swing/pea coat but can't remember what it cost. Will try to do a link, but don't hold out much hope as have only just learnt to do a strikethrough!

www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Maternity-Wool-Military-Full-Skirt-Coat/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=667246&cid=5 813&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black

Hmm, quite expensive for a few weeks though- probably not too helpful, but I thought it was quite smart. I am just hoping it stays balmy and warm thorugh sept and oct!

Southern hope you are feeling a little better, what an awful shock.

Starting to really panic about the birth but more about the baby- everything from where she's going to sleep, and whether we can get the room sorted out in time, to how soon I will have to go back to work. Ridiculous to panic in advance but I think it must be hormones. Scarlotti I sympathise, I also will need to find work when the baby is very young.

Hobnob - I wasn't given any advice by my MW, it was adoctor friend who suggested the salt (not too much though!). Please your DH come and have a word with mine?!?!

However . . . he did take DCs off to his parents for an hour this evening, so I could clean the floors without little feet all over them! (had the chimney sweep in this morning). DD came running up to me to tell me she was going to see Grandma and "get me some peas" (she meant give me some peace!!), on her return she told me she didn't get any peas but she's got some tomatoes from grandma's garden!

Got my 28wk MW appt next wk, hoping to get grant form and MATB1 then.

Raggie - have you got your eye on a particular birth centre round here? I'm not sure whether you would go to the JR for all your baby checks or to your health centre/doctors - once i'm signed off from the MW I just go to the weighing clinic (held each week) at my doctors where I can see the health visitor if needed. Not sure if it's different in the city.

Ursigurke glad your appointment went well

Lemontop - My first blood test, when I first got ME but they didn't know what it was, sent me into shock. I almost had to be sent to hospital because they just could not keep me conscious! Hope the results come back okay, keep us updated. x

Hobnob I have thought about using the Health in Pregnancy money to get a new matteress. Mine is ages old and probably needs replacing. Sorry to hear about your DH too - sounds like my Dad

Tigger sorry you're feeling so rotten, hope you feel better soon.

Scarlotti, sorry to hear about your contract Hope something comes up.

Katster I've been pretty edgey, too. Thought it might have something with the ADs getting back into my system, but maybe its a hormonal thing, too.

Raggie well, your MW sounds amazingly unhelpful Hope your one in Oxford is better!!

I went into town today, what a mistake Am now in a lot of pain, my hips are killing me, especially my right one. I have been using cushions between my legs whenever I lay down, though I might try using a bigger one. I really should start using my wheelchair more, but its just so inconvient. However, I did buy myself some cheap comedy movies so will be watching those tonight in bed. Bought myself some pretty knickers as well from Primark just to make myself feel a bit better!!

I keep being told how small I look, its actually upsetting me. Makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong - although I messured a week over my dates at my last appointment.

Dreading the journey up North this weekend, minimum of five hours sat in a packed car. Ugh. Will be lovely to see everyone once I get up there but still...

Am making my way through some Blueberries at the moment, seem to be the only fruit or veg that isn't making me feel too naseous.

Hi all...just dropping in quickly. Things have been v shit indeed chez turtle so have kept quiet. Hope everybody is doing well.

I meant to say scarlotti that I hope things work out for you job-wise. What a seemingly difficult time hormonally to deal with news like that, never mind without the hormones . All fingers crossed for you.

erika I'd definitely go for a memory foam one if you can manage. They are a bit warm but you do get used to them.

We too are going on a mammoth expedition to Lancaster for a Christening this weekend. It's going to be very tiring - about 6 hours each way DH reckons. Followed by St Andrews the next weekend, but at least that's only 2-2.5hrs! Luckily my bladder still appears to be made of steel but my back gets very twingey if I'm not moving around.

Someone please tell me to get on and write my department development plan (that I meant to do in June).

turtle I hope everything is on the up for you. Sorry if our rants seem a bit superficial to whatever has been going on.

hope you're ok turtle

possible tmi alert....

my boobs have started to do very weird things. They feel really hot all the time and recently there's almost another circle outside the areola that's red with raised white spots. I assume it's something to do with them getting ready for milk.

Turtle - hope you're ok

Lemontop -mine the same, quite normal I think (also getting bit veiny - nice!!?!).

Erica - don't worry about your size, we always feel huge no matter how big/small we are, but I have had friends who hardly een looked pregnant and then had 7lb+ babies - just makes me wonder where they'd kept them!! The size you are bears no real reflection on the size of your baby, with DS I was measuring a week behind and he was over 10lb. It's not always easy for MWs to measure accurately so so long as you're around the right mark there's nothing to worry about, you're certainly doing nothing wrong!!

Turtle sorry to hear things aren't good at the mo, hope you are ok. Feel free to rant on here whenever you like, that's what we are all here for.

I've got a mammoth journey on Saturday too, we are off to Devon for a week and dh reckons its going to take about 5 hours. Will have to stop for breaks though, plus ds will be with us so will have to stretch his legs too! Think I'll have to take the laptop with me so that I can keep up with this thread though

Morning all,

wow all these people going on long journeys! I drove to see my friend in hospital last night (about 50 mins each way) and my back was so painful and I felt generally uncomfortable after the 1st 20 mins, don't know how I will last the next 12 weeks!
Hope you all have fun when you get there though

turtle Hope you are ok? Please do rant on here, if there is nothing we can do to help at least talking about it may make things easier.

erika don't worry about what other people say regarding your bump, I know its upsetting (I'm getting told how big I am) but most people just want to pass comment so will say anything without really thinking and I'm sure you are not doing anything wrong.

hobnob hope you've written your development plan ???

scarlotti fingers crossed for you on the job front.

Morning!

beepbeep - I'm going to my GP on Friday to get a referral for the JR (because ROBOmidwife wouldn't couldn't do it. So I suppose I will see from there, but since I'm in the city I hope I can go to the Spires. I will be living v close to the JR, in East Oxford.

turtle - I echo others support. Hope you're ok.

I've been feeling a bit 'smaller' recently too. Perhaps the massive growth over the last few weeks has simply slowed a little?

Now, off to buy some new bras as my boobies are certainly NOT getting any smaller...