Due November 2009 - Remember, remember we're due in November, but not yet quite ready to pop!

[Fruitpastels]

Hope everyone can find us!

Ohhh fab, thanks Hobnob!

Thanks for the link ninja but they don't have any in my size left
I'd suggest waiting until you're about 37 weeks then going to get sized up somewhere - it's important that nursing bras are fitted properly to give good support during feeding as it helps with any potential sagging later on.
Erika I'd be wary of any sold in S/M/L to be honest. Have you been to Yummy Mummy on Portland Road? I have some vouchers for there which I could pass on to you. I bought my maternity bras there and they're excellent at fitting them.
Oh, and George at Asda sell the sleeping bags

I've heard the same about the baby bjorn. We have one but will only use it sporadically and probably after a few months.

Laugs how gutting for you with the baby clothes. Are you a member of your local freecycle? If so, post a wanted ad on there or just keep a look out as people often put baby clothes on.
Also, in your bounty pack you should have got an offer from Verbaudet - you get £15 off your first order of £20+ so you could get some outfits for £5 and they send a free toy too.

Hope everyone is doing ok.

Laugs, that's really annoying. There is really no way to get them out of the storage? Or do you know anybody where you could borrow the newborn stuff? They only need them for a couple of weeks anyway.

About breastfeeding: My sister gave my a book (I think from the La Leche League), she said it really helped her a lot when something went wrong and they actually say you should not use any bottle at the beginning if you want to breastfeed (so you do not need to buy anything) as the babies might get irritated. Apparently the way of sucking is completely different?? If breastfeeding is difficult at the beginning there seem to be other ways to get the milk into the babies mouth, that should be shown by a midwife or some other knowing person.
And about carriers/slings: I agree with beepbeep, BabyBjorns are really bad for small babies. I've already read several articles about it. Their back is not supported as it should be. And also carrying them with their face forward seems to be really bad (which seems logic to me, I wouldn't want to hang there like this )
I have ordered a wrap sling. It's probably a bit difficult at the beginning to learn the different wrapping styles but I think they are the most flexible ones... just that the first one I had got seemed to long, I've changed it for a shorter one which now is definitely too short this is why I prefer going to a shop and talking to a competent sales person rather than ordering from the internet.

As I am getting nervous about the hospital bag (not only do I have to pack it at some point but I even have to buy lots of stuff first): I think I've read already some suggestions here but they got lost in my brain: Which brands of maternity pads are good again?
And what kind of snacks do you prepare? I've read a thread here about people not getting anything for ages. It seems really important to take your own food to the hospital. My sister's midwife recommended to take a homemade frozen chicken soup for after the birth but how likely is it that they have a microwave in the maternity unit?

forgot about the nursing bra problem: I'm still having the same cupsize than before getting pregnant so I'm expecting them to explode once the milk comes in. So how should I possibly guess my size before the birth? But I suppose buying them three days after giving birth is not the best idea either...

usi by 37 weeks (ish) you should be at the size you'll settle in. You will get a little larger when your milk comes in but that will settle down after a few days. Don't buy bras then as they will be too big.
Snacks wise, I'd go for things like cereal bars, sandwiches/wraps, fruit etc. When you're in labour you're unlikely to get hungry although your dh will. You might be hungry after so helps to have something then, but once you're on the maternity ward you will get fed at mealtimes.
The NHS isn't loaded but they won't let you starve!!
I suspect the frozen soup suggestion was on the basis that it will defrost and possibly warm up in the ward whilst you're labouring - the wards are pretty warm.

ursi 3 days after the birth, your boobs will be like enormous boulders! That doesn't last though, so don't buy then. When they measure you at 37 weeks, they'll probably go up a size to predict what size you'll be after the birth. I got mine from good ol' M&S and they did me fine.

I didn't bring any snacks for the birth. I wasn't that organised. To be honest, it's probably more for your husband as I can't imagine having wanted to eat while in labour. The soup idea sounds nice, I guess they'd probably have a microwave in the maternity unit, but I suppose you could ring them to find out?

Scarlotti I am on freecycle so I'm going to ask for baby clothes on there. I think I've probably been a bit over-emotional about it all to be honest (no surprise there ). Thanks for the Verbaudet tip too!

oops x-posted with scarlotti

Grrr, my sizing on the hotmilk-own webpage and a normal fitting guide is totally different. I'd LOVE a hotmilk bra - I bought 2 bras last time which I wore to death and they were really grotty. Something nicer this time is a must, but at normal prices not an option! And internet buying of bras doesn't seem sensible .

I used a wraparound sling (didymos from ebay) with DD when she was a little bit older and wished I'd had it earlier. They are so secure in them, and warm in the winter , and dead easy on buses, etc. My only complaint is that the didymos I bought needed to be really long for the full wraparound carry but was too long to use in other carrys for older kids so I haven't got the use out of it that I thought I would. Two cheaper ones in different lengths might be a better option.

I really need to start thinking about this baby. So far I have got a packet of nappies . We have car seat, crib, pram, bottles, steriliser, breast pump, monitors, etc from DD so I think I'm still justified in not thinking about it all yet

Have just been asked whether I'd like to attend a family gathering in Orkney in Oct when I'll be 37 weeks . I'd really love to go, but the journey options do not fill me with joy - a 5 hour drive to the top of Scotland and a short ferry crossing vs a 6 hour ferry journey. Flying at that stage doesn't make any more sense. I think I'll have to pull out. Only thing is, I'll be pressured into letting DD be taken instead. The time & peace at home may be nice but I'll have just started my matty leave so trying to establish a settled atmosphere at home may be even more important. Especially as I'd planned to start talking to DD seriously about the prospect of this "baby" (a big belly) becoming a real live person soon at that point. Life is so immediate for her there seems little point in doing it earlier. So a week being spoiled senseless by hoardes of doting relatives, quickly followed by a new baby in the house doesn't seem to be a sensible option either. I feel a bit unreasonable/party pooping but I'm really uneasy about it all.

Scarlotti thanks for that, I'll check them out. Never been there, and they don't have a website from what I can gather, but its not that far from DP's so I'll get him to wheel me there next weekend

Laugs I sent you an email - public apologies for being so unorganised as well as private ones!!!!

I'm just kinda and at getting the bras at 37 weeks. Makes perfect sense logically of course, but how are you supposed to walk by that point?!? Might be a wheelchair job me thinks

Snack wise - I think I'm going to take peanuts and granola bars for DP. And will get some of those prepacked sliced apple bags and some cereal bars for me. Nom nom nom - I want apple now!!

hobnob I went to a family wedding when I was 38 weeks and it was a 4 hour drive from where we live. I had a great time and was pleased I went. Someone else drove and I had my notes should things have started.

My other reservation is that with a previous emcs, I'll have just had my scan & consultant appointment days beforehand and that may possibly involve being booked in for another section if all is not looking favourable for a VBAC. Does anyone know at what stage they do electives? I'll be 38 weeks (just by the time we get back.

I'm pretty sure they do electives at 38 weeks hobnob.

hobnob I think you have to do what you're happy with. I have turned down a family party at 36 weeks that is 5 hours away and feel quite relieved for having done so. I also remember from last time that the start of my maternity leave marked a real turning point for me in terms of tiredness etc. I'm sure it was mental as much as physical, but I'd seen that date as a kind of threshold and when it arrived I was suddenly exhausted.

erika thanks, I'll check my emails!

Hobnob I went up to a family do a few weeks ago which was a seven hour drive, and travelling was a nightmare, I'll be honest. I wouldn't have wanted to do it any later. The idea of doing it NOW, let alone in a few weeks time... I'm sure your family won't hold it against you. I think electives are done between 14 and 10 days before your EDD.

I'll ask again because of the new-comers to the thread - would anyone else like a copy of the Natal Hypnotherapy cds? I am reasonably on the ball this week, so you won't have to wait as long as Laugs has if you would

Hmm suddenly an early elective is looking enticing, just because I know all the rellies are away and unable to descend! That's totally irrational I know, especially since I'll need them to look after DD, but I felt way too cramped by MIL last time who felt the need to visit EVERY DAY for the first fortnight and threw an absolute toddler tantrum when we asked her kindly not to bother. It took MONTHS for her to get over that. I can do without dealing with 2 toddlers this time!

Erika, your CD might well be useful for me to begin thinking about this birth rationally! How do I send you my address?

Laugs I think you're right, I remember the same thing happening with me. Although this time I'm well aware of how going 14 days overdue makes the initial tiredness of matty leave seem like indulgence . I'm not sure how they manage overdue-ness after previous emcs's. Hopefully it's not a bother. I've a feeling this one may well be settled for the duration like its sister, although it's been bloomin' uncomfortable today. My belly has felt all inflated but the baby still seems to be all corners and hurting my innards. I think it's a symptom of not moving much myself today. too much sitting on sofas and eating!

Erika, I would love a copy!

HI everyone!
Ooo the hot milk bras look lovely. I would love to wear some underwear that is not hideous.
Laugs how annoying about your stuff being in storage!!! Is there no way they can access the storage facility? Grrrrr for you.
Erika I ordered a couple of GroBags from Asda, I think they were 11.99. I also got one from Primark. Can't remember how much for, but not much. It was really cute as well, and didn't feel too grotty!
I am becoming really freaked out by all the things I don't know about: nursing bras, nappies, slings... the list goes on. Oh, and babies!!! I really want to get a sling, but went on one website and there were atleast 20 types, and I really didn't have a clue. Is anyone an expert?
Oh nooooo - Monday tomorrow....

scarlotti and laugs thanks for your tipps. Lets just hope they start growing. I had read one comment on another thread about a women with the same "problem" apparently her boobs did not grow at all during pregnancy, just really when the milk came in so it went really quickly, was very painful and she got lots of stretchmarks. Not looking forward to that but at least I know it can be normal and that I don't have to worry about not being able to breastfeed.
hobnob - I had a look at the didymos as well but after having read a review, I found hoppediz, it's the same quality (I think they do not do the rather thick ones) but for much less money. (Therefore I can justify to keep the shorter one now and reorder a longer one )
About your family reunion: Could you decide very late? When you really know how you feel or how tired you are? I guess sitting in a car will really be very uncomfortable, but spending time with your family could be nice.

Oh yeah that might help My email address is [email protected], drop me a line

Katster I did look on George online, but they seem to be out of stock of 0-6. Maybe I'll have a wander into my local store next time mum does the shopping!! Thank you And try not to be too freaked out (I'm a total hypocryte, feel free to tell me!) by it all. I really feel now that the reason I am freaking out is because its now kind of a waiting game! A couple of the sling websites to have guides to suggest what type of sling might be best for you, too.

Went shopping today to mixed success.

Bought a cute lampshade from Ikea but using it will involve replacing the whole light fitting which I guess is a job for an electrician? We wanted a chest of drawers but think we're going to paint a set we have already instead.

Got a microwave steriliser that won't fit in the microwave! It's a mothercare pod one. We're planning on getting a new mw anyway but not sure what size to get and if it'll even fit then. My plan is to breastfeed but thought I should get a few bottles.

Also, what do people normally have in the window of a baby room? Got some curtains but they seem very thin. I keep hearing about blackout blinds but if a baby gets used to these, will they need them all the time and be unable to sleep without? Do people have blinds and curtains?! I'm clueless.

Tonight while I was having a bath a bloody plant fell off the window ledge covering me and filling the bath with soil! What a nightmare.

Lemontop - you just made me laugh out load - could just imagine a bath of nice - nice!! surely people pay for a mud bath?!

We have black out blinds at our windows - just ikea ones so not REALLY effective, in the summer i think we get slightly more sleep because of them, though i don't tendto use them for daytime naps - to try and get them used to day and night!

I know a lot of area have sling clubs or something where you can go and meet other mums/mums to be and try out loads of different slings before buying.
Found a link www.slingmeet.co.uk

lemontop we have curtains with blackout lining. Got them made when ds was a baby and have used them ever since. He will still fall asleep in the daylight if he's tired, and did in his pram/car seat, but they are a godsend for when they're a little older and the summertime comes up.
Belive me, you don't want to have a 9 month old thinking the day starts at 5am because it's the high of summer and the day has started. I have had times like that and you feel like you've done half a day by 9am when you are just starting work!!
I'd go with blackout blinds every time, and just go with naps in prams etc for a balance during the day.

does anyone feel like their insides have suddenly exploded and they are being squashed from within?!!

re. grobags - tk max sell the original grobags ones and u can usually pick them up for around £12, u can get from vertbuadet also but i found some of the sizing of the non grobags ones really small so they grow out of them far too quickly

also i got a babasling from tk max for £20, looks good if a little complicated...must practice with doll..

weston I've borrowed a teddy from my godson to practise too. I've got a kari me sling that's basically one long piece of material that you fold. Going to practise when on maternity leave.