Due October 2009 - To nest is best....

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My first thread!

Hi everyone

It feels quite peculiar reading all your posts about the discomforts of pregnancy. It seems such a long time ago, even though I was being induced only this time last week!! I think having my baby arrive ten days early has made it a little bit harder for me to adjust, to be honest. I'm finding it quite hard right now - I'm fine with the feeding now, and she's adorable when she's sleeping or playing but it can take up to an hour to settle her and we absolutely can't put her down. DH has just taken her upstairs to change her nappy and I can hear her going completely mental. I know that this is just what babies do and it's not because DH and I are bad parents, but the constant crying is a little wearing.

The midwife is coming tomorrow to do the Guthrie test, so I'll ask her advice. I know it's just a phase and in a few weeks it will all be better. I think I find the evenings the most difficult actually - it will all feel better tomorrow.

Sorry to post on such a downer - especially for those of you who are impatient to give birth - but it's quite helpful to get it off my chest!

Hi treats, sorry to hear its difficult at the moment, it does get better. Babies often don't like having their nappy changed coz it means they get cold - as you get quicker and they get used to it, it tends to get easier.

We also realised that we were making it worse by switching from cotton wool and warm water to wet wipes, which are very cold. We didn't go as far as to buy a wipe warmer (which people either love or think are completely ridiculous) but the only reason we didn't was because I always have really hot hands, so I'd warm the wipes and DH would do the dirty work! DS was far happier that way! Might be worth a try perhaps?

We didn't put DS down for weeks, we were just too besotted, it hasn't spoilt him at all, we started putting him down in his crib for bedtime at about 3 months old, until then, he just slept on us during the evenings while we sat and watched telly, all happy, all relaxed.

Hope you have a good evening and look forward to cuddling my own LO really soon. EDD is today, and apart from a couple of flurries of contractions, verging on painful and resulting in some deep breathing, nothing doing...

Hello! I am not a frequent poster but do come on here most evenings to read posts- especially now that the birth stories are coming thick and fast. I am not due till the 24th october so will be one of the last ones I am sure. I am quite envious of you all with your little bundles of joy! Although the birth stories are making me remember how painful it was first time around !LOL!!

Wow so much has happened I cant keep up so sorry, big congrats to all the new mums and babies, cant wait till I join you,

The last few days have been hell, alot of pain and tears . ~On the plus side I have been to the midwife today and begged for a sweep, she had to get consultants go ahead as im 2 days shy of 40 weeks, luckly he agreed so I got my sweep.

Im a streatch 3cm and baby fully engaged, so much so she cud feel the head when sweeping. (Im holding out alot of hope it works even though didnt with DD). If it doesnt work I will get a another one next tuesday, induction boooked for the 20th, praying I dont have to wait that long.

Saraheb I also suffer spd and have had this click/cracking feeling then followed by pain relief in the past, I will say though enjoy it when you can I think mine lasted around 24 hours.

Princessmel I know how your feeling, im going to bed everynight thinking oh will tonight be it, then so disapointed when nothing comes of my pains.

Great idea to stay on this thread until all babies here. Good luck with inductions, sweeps, good night sleeps and aches and pains to everyone.

stretchy 3cm* sorry bout the typos.

Hello and welcome ronniemummy.

Treats-please do talk to us and you are not putting a downer on the thread, that is what we are here for to help each other.

Congratulations on the speedy arrival of Phoenix lix-wow, 10 mins after arriving.

peaches-I haven't tried any other positions. He is sliding down as I have been putting the cream all over instead of just on the end of the nipple therefore he couldn't grip poor lad.

The MW came today and as I will never need her services again she gave me a kiss and wished me luck. Hate the moment I get discharged from the MW team so will be a tad upset on Sunday when the other MW discharges me and takes my notes away.

Better go as he needs a feed and I need to keep him awake so he sleeps during the night.

HC
x

congratulations to all the new arrivals i cant keep up with this thread, i had masitis at the weekend , but we have a star buddy syste here where my star buddy comes out to my home to help me with attachement and self help and it's now gone she rings me every other day and if im having any problems she comes to see me, is there anything like this where you are HC ?
Madison has put a pound on in just over a week ! so I am now going to donate my milk to prem babies , it must be good stuff
i will have to try and keep up more

Treats - I remember with DS, we were having a terrible time, just not knowing what to do etc. and he was crying alot. The MW came round and put him in the pram and put him outside and told us that babies cried and if he has been fed, burped, nappy changed he was fine. I honestly felt relieved that it wasn't my fault and felt a lot better about it.

BTW - I didn't go around leaving DS outside crying obv. but it was a reality check from the MW and stopped me feeling so rubbish.

Kowaikiwi

Not a family name at all - bit of a story - We live on a houseboat and dp is a boatbuilder and marine archeologist and wanted waka as a middle name but I thought it too harsh so looked for alternatives Ngawaka is the term given to the group of waka that brought the maori people to NZ. I am pakeha but wanted a kiwi connection and had wanted a maori first name which dp objected to - so he is named after dp who is Alastair. I know it is probably strange to people but we have given our children names that are important to either our family or where we are in life - without being too out there.

Right, actually have time for birth story now:
had a s + s at consultants appt on Thurs - he told me I was already 4cm dilated, later that afternoon started having very painful BH which then became contractions on Friday afternoon coming at 4 mins this continued until 6am saturday morning when after having woken me up pretty consistently they stopped and i was only having them when I moved. On friday night i went to the triage on labour ward to have my BP checked as I had had problems with DS1 and ended up being induced because of it. Was told by midwife that consultant had been generous with the 4cms that I was 2.5 but could stretch to 4.

Went back in to triage on Saturday afternoon after had flashes and just to get my bp checked again - contractions were still acting up - not consistent.

Was examined by midwife and was 5 cms - had issues with blood being taken - so both my arms are covered in bruises. They decided to admit me and break my waters after obs. My waters were broken at 8pm and contractions kicked in coming pretty thick and fast, was told to mobilise which i did - but difficult when contractions are on top of each other, had a shift change - and started on gas and air as i was not having the best time. Was examined by the new midwife - who had to rush to get prepared I was fully dilated - Alexander was born at 9.35 - the speed took everybody by surprise as did his size 8lb 8oz a full 1lb 4oz more than DS1 - it's amazing how different their births have been - but the similarities too - both my boys were born on the day after their due date - a saturday and at 35 mins past the hour.

I congratulate everyone who has delivered their babies without major pain intervention - I stil found it excruciating with G+A.

JDM

Congrats Lix Well done you!

Good luck Littlepea hope all goes really well X

treats I sent you a little text this morning (at least I think I did?!), and I completely empathise. If you feel up to meeting up again sometime in the next couple of weeks, it would be good to talk as I'm feeling pretty much the same way.

latching - nipple soreness is driving me mad, especially as the midwives keep saying that the latch is fine, but nips are always feeling like someone has grazed them with sandpaper Hope its just something that passes with time? After all its not like I'm used to someone being clamped to my boob for several hours a day...

Look forward to hearing some new birth announcements tomorrow! (oh and as everyone and their dog said to me before the baby came - SLEEP LOTS before the arrival )

jdsmum I totally understand where you're coming from, I had thought about a Maori name too in order to hold onto the NZ connection tho I'm also Pakeha. But English DP prob wouldn't go for that as he would get asked too many questions!

I've been reading everyones stories & now feel like I know more about what I want so I'm reasonably confident asking my midwife on fri if I can have a S&S next week if things haven't happened (due this sat). I think this it preferable before an induction if it comes to that? Think I'm just worried this is going to be a big baby given how hungry I am all the time.

I hope everyone gets some sleep.
kk

Congratulations lix.

I had a fast one like that with ds2!

Anyone heard from happytangerine?

Also... Just back from the hospital... Unfortuneately because ds2 split his eye brow open this morning! Glue and butterflies and no on the sofa.

My boys are always being glued!
In fact a writer friend of mine is writing a story about ds1 called Glue Boy!

Hi Nathaniel Alexander was born 9.15am on Mon 5th October weighing in at 8lbs 10oz.

I woke up at 4.45am with a cx and needing the toilet,cxs came every 8 mins.By 7am they were 5mins apart so woke up DP and phoned hospital.Got there by 8am and cxs come every 3-4mins and were painful.
I was 3cms dialated when they checked around 8.30am which just made me cry as cxs were so painful and just wanted epidural by that point.Then went to room with pool but kept crying for epidural.With next cx felt like needed to push and took trousers off Mws told me not to push yet so tried to breath through.
Next cx knelt on floor and started pushing as couldn`t hold on any longer.Then my waters broke and mws moved me around with them holding my legs and me leaning on DP.With few pushes he was out at 9.15am.Was shocked how fast it was just glad we went to hospital when we did.Needed stiches but feeling fine.Anyone with stitches I am putting tea tree oil directly on pad its really good.You can also put some in water when having bath.Was home by 12.30pm that day.

He was very sleepy monday but very unsettled through the night.Yesterday was a bit better and he only woke twice during last night.Having problems latching on too will check his tummy is next to me youd think it gets easier with third.He just looks so small next to my breasts and milk not even in yet. Love him so much and dd and ds1 cant get enough of him too.They want to hold him and stroke him all the time.Cant believe hes mine he`s so adorable will put pictures on profile.x

Don't Know

Sparklytwinkletoes - 06/10/09
Saraheb - 08/10/09
Sugarkane - 08/10/09
Heylottie - 09/10/09
Kowaikiwi - 10/10/09
Smallone - 11/10/09
Hackneybird - 15/10/09
HalfMumHalfBiscuit - 15/10/09
Flamesparrow - 16/10/09
Mossop - 21/10/09
Peachespaige - 26/10/09

Boy

HappyTangerine - 30/09/09
KKKKaty - 10/10/09
SassJ - 12/10/09
Princessmel - 21/10/09
Cookiemonster1 - 2/10/09

Girl

Idreamofbeanie - 27/09/09
Sammysam - 27/09/09
dogstar - 4/10/09
Jules888 - 8/10/09
Littlepea72 - 12/10/09
MeHimCatBlob - 25/10/09
Lal123 - 26/10/09
NewbeeMummy - 21/10/09
Jellytotz - 21/10/09
MrsHappy - 23/10/09
Hattie05 - 30/10/09

ARRIVALS

theboob - Madison Rose born 14/09/09
Devilsadvocaat - Charlie born 25/09/09
LittleMissBliss - Marley born 25/09/09
Mrs Kitty - Eliza born 26/09/09
CalypsoFLame - Annalise Francoise born 28/09/09
Ohmani - Patrick David born 29/09/09
Wibblydibs - Louis Dashiell born 29/09/09
KleineMaus - Magnus born 30/09/09
Twinklegreen - Amelie Eva born 30/09/09
Fidelma - Connor Ben born 30/09/09
Treats - Isabel Rose born 30/09/09
HumphreysCorner - Matthew John born 01/10/09
Willmouse - Henry John born 02/10/09
Rubyslippers- daughter born 03/10/09
JamesDavidsMum - Alexander Ngawaka born 03/10/09
Neon - Thomas (Thom) Laurence born 03/10/09
Lix - Phoenix Tabitha born 05/10/09
BellaCullen - Nathaniel Alexander born 05/10/09

congratulations bella - a quick delivery. Good job you went in. Thanks for the tea tree oil tip.

Morning - not really had chance to catch up with thread as DD (how weird it is to write that!) has been feeding NON STOP! Luckily my milk has come (hurrah) so she is more settled

I think someone mentioned sore nipples - you must get some lansinoh cream. It is v expensive but my nipples blistered on day 1 and this has really cleared them up

DD's lacth wasn't brilliant at first so she was nipple rather than breast feeding - things going much better now but sometimes have to unlatch her and start again

still no name as yet although think we are closer

will ctach up with everypne's news now

congrats to bella - enjoy your babymoon ... sounds like it was fast and furious

Lix - oh my goodness!

jamesdavidsmum,Neon & Treats - mega congrats to you all too - enjoy your scrummy babies

am happy to stay on this thread too ...

now, i just need to get this baby named

I have had sore nipples the last couple of weeks and bought some fabulous stuff from Boots to help them. I'm allergic to lanolin so this is the only product I can find to use:- Biofem Instant Moisturising Balm. It is safe to use during breastfeeding and was developed alongside midwives. Can't remember who recommended it to me but for anyone else struggling it might be of use.

love to all

Congratulations bella another fast one!

Its funny, Ive just realised that just before ds2 was born I was in hospital with ds1 with a meningitus scare and now Im due number 3 Ive been in hospital with ds2 this morning! Must be a sign

Yay bella what a fast delivery, welcome baby Nathaniel

So some tips from various people which may help someone:

1. Midwife said that dark chocolate with a high cocoa % was very good for making milk. As is fenel tea, but which would you rather have?

2. friend has shown me baby calming technique which works well for me: saying SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (one long sustained sound) loudly very close to baby's ear repeatedly sends her off very fast. DH doesn't seem to be able to manage this but stands under the extractor fan instead at full blast!

3. PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES: SQUEEZE! Ante and post-natal ladies

4. Lasinoh cream I agree is a MUST have from the very first try at breastfeeding and well worth the cost. My nipples did get very sore on day1 leading me to not be able to put baby onto breast more than once (where need to put on at least twice to empty when first had milk) and ended up with non-infectious mastitis. To avoid at all costs.

5. get some breast nurse coolgel 'pads', so so helpful to reduce the pain of engorgement, and I found it was super uncomfortable when my milk came in. Very bad day, crying in bedroom with episiotomy aching and breasts an uncontrollable fountain of milk leaking everywhere

6. I ate a TON when I first started to breastfeed and completely overdid my caloric intake (dark chocolate aside) and milk production went haywire. Now eating sensibly and milk has really settled down, to emptying breast on one feed and starting the second for about 5-10mins. Much more comfortable, although I know that milk production does settle down anyway after a few days, but my point is that I really didn't need to eat a stupid amount of food

7. man I didn't realise how often I would need to change Annalise, she possets (sp?) after every feed, a bit all over her shoulder. I thought I had more than enough baby-grows, but apparently not, heh.

Anyone else want to share some useful early day observations? Stuff you wouldn't hear about in parentcraft classes?

x

Hi all

I am really enjoying reading all these birth stories I just can't imagine it happening like that for me Ds was a planned induction. And although dd's waters broke at home, in the night (which was super exciting!!) I never had the experience of cx starting naturally as they induced me on arrival due to mecconium

So even though this is baby no3 I still haven't had a labour where things start at home and get more intense and then I make the big decison to 'go in to hospital'!! That's what I want this time!!!

I have been doing loads of housework this morning in a pointless effort to get something started! At least the house looks tidy. I am hoping not to go on the school run this afternoon, I am fed up of being the local freakshow that everyone looks at and comments on all the time. Even the school cooks came out of the kitchen yesterday as I was walking up the path, to ask how much longer. They say they watch me everyday and say 'oh she hasn't had it yet..'!!
I am hardly fitting into any clothes any more and feel that I look awful all the time.

Last night I had a teeny bit more of a show, hardly anything to speak of though and not blood stained...so I though we'd ty an old favourite 'bring on the baby remedy' and have sex! It was not good!!!! I kept laughing and it was very uncomfotable. Anyway nothing happened in the night, so we tried again this morning...and that was just as bad!!In fact I felt very achey and sore afterwoods too
And it hasn't even worked!!!!!!

treats Please don't worry about bringing the thread down, it's very common to feel low and it's great you can talk about it here. Both ds and dd needed to be held for the first 6 weeks so it's all very normal. Have you got a sling??

Congratulations on all the new arrivals I love all the names aswell

congrats to bella, Lix and jamesdavidsmum

Every time I check this tread there is more and more babies...

Thanks for the tips CF, was debating getting Lasinoh, but sounds like it's well worth the money.

Mmmm dark chocolate - my favorite, not that I needed an excuse to eat more than I do

Hi,

congratulations on all the new arrivals, this thread is moving so fast these days it's hard to keep up.

Treats - please don't feel you are putting a downer on the thread. The point of the thread is to get some support and advice when it's tough as well as sharing all the good bits.

Calypso - thanks for the tips

PrincessMel - I think DP thought xmas had come early when I first started demanding sex to try to induce labour. Now he has that 'rabbit in the headlights' look and it still hasn't worked. I keep telling him his sperm must be rubbish but he points out it got us into this mess quickly enough .

Peaches - hope DS is okay and the trip to hospital is a good omen for you!

Well I'm just back from seeing the midwife (40+10). Baby is still very active, growing fine and heartbeat is good but she is still not engaged so I have to go and see a consultant on Friday for a quick scan and check up - she thinks they will also do an internal exam and try a s+s then. I have to discuss an induction then too but they agreed to wait until Monday for that which I'm pleased about. This midwife gave me loads more info than the crappy one I saw last week and talked through the worries I have so although I'm not totally happy about being induced I feel much better and more relaxed than I did. Whatever happens I will be a mum by this time next week which is very exciting so I'm just going to focus on that!

I am going to catch up after this post.

Just to let you know baby Connor is now a week old and doing really well.

My recovery has been slow.I have all the other children off school as we all have suspected SWINE FLU !!!!!! The Dr has taken a swab and we will know in a week.

Connor does not have it at the moment.In a way I hope it is swine flu as we are all getting over it and are not toooooo bad.

Having been a great breast feeder in the past I am struggling with engorged breasts and painful cracked nipples. I will not give up as I know that it is only tempary and sooon we should be flying.So if anyone eles is struggling hang on in there it is so worth it.Thank goodness for painkillers.

I am off to read some posts. Good luck if you haven't deliverd yet and I hope that everyone with babies are enjoying themselves as much as possible. XXXX