Due November 2009 - who is going to go 'pop' first?

[BeckyBendyLegs]

Here it is!

Unfortunately I think my frequent visits to the loo are the iron tablets disagreeing with me, oh and tiredness - seems to have that effect on me!

Had nightmare day with DD playing up big time as she was tired, took her to wildlife park in the end to find it has started the winter closing times and was shut, cheeky madam DD was in tears and told me that Dady wouldn't be happy with me because I wouldn't let her see the animals not sure where she's got things like that from!!

Laugs - your day sounds like what mine should've been like!! Madam is going back to preschool tomorrow as there is obviously nothing wrong with her, she just knows how to play people!!

oh, meant to say southernbelle sorry you're consultant was a cow. I don't know anything about SPD, but it sounds like even if a vaginal birth is the best bet, she really went the wrong way about dealing with you at such a sensitive time and when you're in a lot of pain already. I hope you get to speak to your midwife tomorrow and you sort out a plan you are happy with.

hobnob that sounds like a lovely last day and I'm very jealous of your massage. And the chocolate pot! Mmmmm

You know how women in the same house become in tune and all have periods at the same time? I think about 5 of us just posted all at once! If we stay on here too much we'll go into simultaneous labour

I go away for five seconds to check the pasta and five posts have appeared!!!

There does seem to be a lot of nesting going on here...watch this space! (Not me though.)

I've had back-ache and crampyness on and off since this afternoon but had that a fair bit with ds and he was ten days late, so it may just be where she is soo big now and pushing everything out. DH did just tell me off for freezing too much so you never know.

Sadly, not quite a last day - one more to endure. But I THINK I'm actually getting to the end of my (school) list!

Time to start on that bag-packing one....

By the way, re. the bag debate I took one of those massive holdalls in last time on wheels with EVERYTHING in it. Got some looks but it was so much handier than working out what needs to stay/go home etc. when faced with a 5-day stay.

Speaking of which, I just heard they've shut one of the matty wards in my hospital - staff cutbacks, just when I also hear the birth rate here is exploding and in my village alone there are more babies due in December than were born in the whole of 2006 (and that was thought to be a full year ). I think they're quite fond of the 6-hour discharge now, especially for 2nd time mums. So you never know, if I get my VBAC I might be home before I know it!

I also heard that 2nd births are the quickest and safest with least likelihood of complications. All good to know.

southernbelle, I wasn't trying to say that I thought you SHOULD have a vaginal delivery with SPD, just that this is the advice they give if you have to have it. Personally, I really think it should be your call.

Thanks for all your views and advice everyone.

I had spd with dd and had a vaginal birth but with intervention and it was not a good experience. I think that is why I am so worried as I have it so much worse this time. It's not that I even want a cs as such, it's just that I honestly don't feel that trying to have a vaginal birth is going to work. I have since been trying to do some more research and there are very mixed views both ways. I think the fact that the consultant was such a cow made it all worse! Have calmed down a bit now! Going to speak to the midwife tomorrow and see what she says!

Will catch up with everyone else shortly! Sorry for being so me me me and selfish.

dont worry about the 'me me me' posts, we all need to write them now and again.

southernbelle sorry your consultant was such a cow, can you speak to your midwife about seeing someone else for a second opinion?

beep beep I feel your pain re your dd, my ds has been playing up today too, I wonder if there's something in the air. Or maybe they sense whats coming and acting up accordingly!

katster Muslins have many uses, mainly mopping up sick and milk! I also used to use one to swaddle ds before feeding as otherwise his arms would flail about and it would be a nightmare to latch him on the boob. Worked a treat and I did it for months!

My back is really hurting and I've been getting loads of braxton hicks. No urge to tidy though so think I may be a way off going into labour! Really wanted dh to come home early from work to help bath ds and put him to bed but he went down the pub instead, alright for some. Feeling a bit hormonal and tearful but think it's just because I'm tired, what I'd give for a decent nights sleep and for ds to get up at a reasonable time. Roll on the weekend when I can have a lie-in!!

Well, hospital bag is now packed, just a couple of things to get now (baby vests, some more enormous old lady knickers and at least one MASSIVE bra in case I go all dolly parton for the first couple of weeks again) Sling arrived today, but with no instructions, so I need to go online and work it out.

Laugs I know we should be getting housing benefit, but they can't even look at our claim until the DWP get their act together. DWP are now claiming that a form hasn't arrived, even though they have actually sent me a letter regarding the sicknote that was in the same envelope...Honestly, it is so hard claiming what we are entitled to, I have no idea how people manage benefit fraud!

A week and a half to go till the point where DD arrived (early, but basically fine) so I am really gearing up for the birth now. Well, I say that, but now I have my heart set on a planned section, I am merrily ignoring all talk of pain relief and birth positions, so I will get a shock if I end up with a vaginal birth somehow!

On the hospital tour, the lady said i will probably end up with a side room postnatally, which is worrying me slightly, as i have images of being all shut away alone with the baby and being ignored as she will be my second. I really enjoyed nosying in on the other women on my ward last time, especially judging observing the entertainingly common down to earth woman across from me who couldn't spell her new babies name! I was in for just over a week, and I was on the high dependency bay, so we had plenty of drama, and when I was hooked up to the transfusion and DD was in her incubator and all I could do was cry, the other ladies kept smiling at me and bringing me brews and magazines, which was lovely. I must have been the youngest there by about 20 years, so I think they all mothered me a bit.

But then I suppose it will be nice not worrying that I am keeping other people awake if I end up with another baby needing noisy equipment or whatever. And I can always take the baby for a push around the unit in her little cot thingy (last time, me or DP carrying DD in our arms anywhere caused a massive panic, it was very odd)

I think I am kind of expecting all the horrors of last time, when in actual fact I will probably lie down on a table, they will whip the baby out, we will stay in for a couple of days, and then we will be home, completely fine.

When I describe even the type of section I had, medical professionals always remark on how incredibly rare it is, so I am probably worrying over nothing.

I watched the "from bump to breastfeeding" dvd today and cried 5 times! All at the birth stuff. I think it did me good to admit to myself that I am upset about DDs birth, but it is 99% likely to be absolutely fine this time, and even if it isn't, well, me and DD are both fine now!

Kyte I'm a little surprised they wouldn't give you a seasonal flu jab while pg. Who told you that? Full disclaimer: I am American and am more familiar with US policies. As far as the science behind vaccines is concerned, however, there's no controversy - the NHS, WHO and CDC all recommend that pregnant women get vaccinated swine flu when the vaccine becomes available.

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Adviceforpregnantwomen.aspx

That said, I never get seasonal flu jabs and I certainly don't like the idea of starting now. But there's a lot of conflicting information out there, much of it coming from our doctors and midwives (!) and I just wanted to share what I've learned in researching the issue, as a pregnant woman and a scientist.

... stepping away from the soapbox ...

How are you ladies putting on socks? I literally haven't worn any for at least four months. I tried to put some on today and I think I strained something! Maybe I don't really need to wear socks during the next six weeks

Scarlotti sorry to hear you?re not well, hope it clears up soon.

Sleepless I would have cried, too. I did, actually, multiple times, when DP buggered off to Cornwall, when I really needed him here.

Lissy fingers crossed for your DPs interviews, and good news on getting at least some money from them. And just to say I love the name Emmeline, what a lovely choice

Maman NINE towels?!? I?ve been told two?

beepbeep hope you got some well earned rest in the end.

Kyte good news from the doctor, although how frustrating to have had an incorrect diagnosis for so long. Also, think you?re being entirely practical about church, it just makes sense. Hope you find somewhere to take Communion.

Fruitpastels glad to hear about the baby turning

Southernbelle sorry to hear about the crappy consultant. I hope when you speak to the midwife she is more helpful and sympathetic.

Katster muslin squares are for after feeds to stop the baby spewing on the back of your top when you?re burping them generally Though can be used as feeding cloths too.

Hobnob that?s so lovely of your work!!! I?m incredibly jealous ? of the massage and the pudding

Longway socks are a no go here. I get out of breath Pop socks and dolly shoes!!!

I?ve had a major cleaning spree today, am rather proud of myself. Sorted through all my books, arranged some to go in the attic, some to the charity shop, and the ones to keep are now in subject categories Also washed and dried a load of baby clothes, unpacked some bags that were still in the baby?s (newly converted!) wardrobe, sorted my bed side cabinet and other drawers. Absolutely shattered now, but feeling good.

Keep getting twinges in my lower back and pelvis even with my support belt on? Maybe just over did it today. Am going to go and try to sleep now ? have found the only way to get any rest is to ensure I?m totally exhausted before I go to bed!!

Hope you?re all well

erica do. not. offer. anything. They are not allowed to refuse an offer from you under oft rules!!!! They cannot take you to court for non-payment, if they have stated you cannot offer an amount. It is not possible, the court would not accept a claim from them. So, bide your time. It will not just go to court, you would get notice and a chance to write a response first, put in a defence and if they are serious about taking you to court, you can then offer £1 a month, that would be all you would need to pay. It is all the court would make you pay. And they talk shit on the phone just to scare you, which is exactly what they are doing.

I just came in to say 1) baby has changed positions and is no longer breech YEY and 2) builder has actually ruined our floor and it is going to cost us more, so we are going to go to the big courts now, for all our money back. and 3) MN has kept archives of my posts throughout my building troubles and is like a diary, so I have the bastard now, along with photo evidence of his most recent mess he is finished

Anyway, that is all, a very very stressful day, and I am sorry I have not posted, I will come on tomorrow to catch up properly.

Sorry Pavlov crossed posts. I'm so glad I have you to consult on all this!!! I must admit I haven't thought about them at all today, and even picked up the phone, which I haven't been able to do in ages!! Thanks for your help and support. Sorry to hear about the arse of a builder though I hope you have a relaxing night, at least...

Pavlov wish you come to court with me on Monday.

or even...
Pavlov I wish you could come to court with me on Monday.

Morning! DD got up at 5.45 again - yawn!

Glad you had a good sleep Kyte. Mine wasn't too bad either. I listened to the natal hypnotherapy cd on the way to bed and fell asleep again, but I did wake up at the end, so I think it's all going in.

Hope your delivery arrives nice and early. I think we might do some baking this afternoon too. We have some lemons to use, so might use the lovely lemon drizzle cake recipe I found on here.

Ninjacat that court date seems to have come round really quickly. I hope it will all be resolved after this and you can get on with family life. Thinking of you.

Wow erika what a lot of organising you did yesterday! Very impressed! Sorry you're having problems with the company still, but it's great that pavlov can give you such good advice so hopefully all will be ok.

Pavlov sorry about your bloody builder. I really hope that you can take him for all you can as he has messed with you too much, especially at such an important time for you as a family.

Socks aren't something I'm doing too well with either! DH has to help, but I have a real loathing for feet so him getting near mine is bad enough!! Tried getting dd to help me once, but being a rather uncoordinated 5 year old, she touched my feet soooo much it made me want to scream! Poor girl!

Had a dreadful night sleep Couldn't get comfy (probably made worse after getting proded and poked yesterday at the scan etc) and couldn't stop thinking about everything with the consultant. Kept crying in my sleep as it's getting to me. Going to see what the midwife says today as she has always been lovely about everything. Also going to talk to her about changing to Princess Royal Hospital (that's where you are going isn't it Erika?) if she doesn't think that the consultant will change her mind. I honestly don't want to have a section just because, but I can't stop really getting myself worked up and worried about being induced, then needing intervention, then them hurting me badly and still needing an emergency anyway. Needing to wait another 3 weeks is one thing, but knowing that after that it may all end so badly isn't a nice thought! Anyway, will stop going on now as I'm sure I've bored everyone enough!!

southernbelle poor you . I really hope the midwife can help out. You can definitely change hospital at any time you want to (the midwife might not want you to, if they are attached to a hospital, but that doesn't mean you can't). Maybe it would also be worth asking to talk through your previous birth experience, as lissyglitter did? I have been thinking maybe I should do that too.

Southernbelle I do feel for you. You shouldn't be forced into doing anything you don't want to do and your birthing experience shouldn't be turned into a thing of stress for you by someone else who just has an opinion about what you should do. I hope the midwife can help you.

I had a really good night sleep too thanks to aqua natal. My leg was hurting a lot though I think the baby has moved down as indigestion is much, much better but I think the way I was lying trapped a nerve in my leg and I was soooo dead asleep I dreamt my leg needed amputating it hurt so much!

Longaway I have the socks problem too! I do have rather bendy legs (hence my name here) so I can bend my legs sideways to put them on! I can't cut my toe nails anymore though...DH will have to help me out soon.

Southernbelle poor you, I just hope you'll get this issue resolved. Reading all these posts I too am a little stressed as this is the land of stirrups and yanking and epidurals.. I hope I'll be in a fit state to fight the Swiss off!...I too had no sleep so sympathise. Don't be getting too upset its not good for you or baby.. Good luck .

Are DDs and DSs playing up? or is it just mine.. I've banned all Peppa Pig dvds from the house.. she is def getting influenced by the rather princessy pig..