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

[BeckyBendyLegs]

Here it is!

[ursigurke]

morning Lissy, I'm awake since over an hour and just gave up.
And actually my husband stole one of my pillows!!! I had stolen it from him months ago, so I think it really became mine. (and I gave him the two small ones from our couch instead)

Breastfeeding lesson yesterday was very interesting. Lovely elderly lady, a bit confused. We had to ask her questions and she answered. I guess we covered lots of things but I wouldn't have minded a bit more structure and more of a lecture with us asking lots of questions about the specific topic.
The annoying thing was that she ignored problems you could have when breastfeeding and said that it should never hurt, even not at the beginning, when you are doing it right. So, I should probably just hope that everything works out as she explained to us, and the first feed seems to be very important: So they give you the baby who will then lie on your chest and relax from all what has just happen to him/her. After a while it's doing a specific sequence of 16 or 17 movements to get to your nipple(she showed it to us with a doll, was really cute)and you don't have to squeeze your breast and stick the nipple in baby's mouth. (I was rather surprised by that because all I have seen and read so far was more like that, so I'll continue to explain. Sorry if it is really obvious for the experienced mums) Actually it is not supposed to suck but with it's chin and tongue it massages the milk out of the breast. She let us try with one of those long, narrow yogurt in bag things. If you only suck, nothing comes out, if you squeeze it with your fingers, you can easily drink. Therefore it's important that the babies chin is about two inches away from the nipple and you should not hold the head but rather support the neck to make sure the baby can bend his head backwarts for a better position.
So according to her, the baby knows what to do and only we have to learn. If for some reason it doesn't work out, you should seek advice with someone qualified. NCT, La Leche League and two other organisations are good and free of charge but it seems that there are many lactation consultants without official training and very expensive.
End of lecture.
Hope most of you are still sleeping and will have a nice day.

[Fruitpastels]

Erica How scary for you. Hope you are feeling ok today. Take things easy

Ursi Thank you for the bf info. I'm going to start reading up and watching videos to get a better understanding, another job for my list!

These dark mornings are helping me sleep a bit later. I had terrible heart burn last night. Haven't had it for a few weeks and was hoping I had got away with it - no such luck.

Baby isn't so active this week, still getting more than 10 movements a day, but I think space is now an issue.

Have a good day everyone

[Tabbykat]

Morning all - hope veryone ok, especially you, EricaMaye after your drama!

NOt been on for a while as just trying to get through the days - is anyone else just absolutely KNACKERED? Can't sleep at all as bump is sore all the time, and am up every hour to the loo even though I'm trying not to drink much in the evenings - hmm.

Finally have a date for BIL's funeral - but because of all the inquests etc, I will be 37 weeks - am getting v worried about going into labour at the funeral. Looks like not an overdose, but possibly an allergic reaction to his new meds, but we won't know for sure for about another 6 weeks - all this waiting isn't doing anyone any good - and I just spend all day wondering how the hell to get DH and the rest of us through the next few weeks sorry for the moan, but just struggling a bit at the moment.....

Finally had some good news tho, the placenta has moved! Had a scan last week and they measured the baby - it is enormously long! DD was really small all the way through but this one is almost off the scale in leg length etc, and was already 5lb 6oz It certainly feels huge - bump is enormous and v solid. On the plus side, apparantly having finally gone head down, it should stay there as it's too big to turn back! Is also definitely another girl - even I could see that as she kept flashing her bits!

V impressed with all the organised people- keep veering between wishing baby would hurry up as am v bored of being PG and then panicking I'm not ready. DH keeps trying to reassure me that we'd be fine if it did come now, and we're more ready than we think we are, but I'm not sure. My list of jobs seems to be getting longer by the day....

Sorry for mammoth post, must get on now as need to get to the shops before kids arrive - and am working till 8 tonight (grr) Hope everyone has a good day,x

[BeckyBendyLegs]

Erika so glad you and little mite are ok. What a scary experience for you. I hope you are ok now. Take it easy and let your body recover a bit.

Who mentioned lemon drizzle cake? Yum!

Broodzilla I had the same problem with nipple shields. My nipple didn't come all the way and I actually found them really painful for some reason. I only tried them once though as a last resort with DS2.

Tabbycat I really feel for you and your DH what you are going through right now. I feel totally knackered all the time too. I think a lot of us are going through this third-trimester knackeredness now and still a few weeks to go...

Oh cripes it is that time already: 'COAT AND SHOES EVERYONE, COME ON TIME TO GO!!!!!'

[Ninjacat]

Tabby thinking of you

Easyeggs Just wanted to lend you my support for tomorrow. Will be sending you positive vibes. Stay strong x

[skorpion]

Good morning all.

tabbykat thinking of you.

erika certainly brought things home for my dh. He couldn't believe that one of us could pop any time now. Glad the baby didn't make an appearance after all, make sure you rest a lot.

ursi thanks for the bf info. I read this too about the baby not sucking on the nipple but mashing more of the breast. I suppose it makes sense - imagine the nipples wouldn't find it too pleasant.

lissy hope you'll get a chance to rest during the day and make up for the lost night. It's awful not to be able to sleep.

[ursigurke]

Fruitpastels and skorpion, I was really fascinated about the baby's technique. And if you think about it it's really logique. Lets just hope it is really painfree from the first time like the lady kind of promissed.
tabbykat, thinking of you and your family. Good to hear that you have got a date for the funeral. You shouldn't worry to go in labour right then, you might still have a full month!

[Koumak]

Morning all,
Hope some of us slept!

I meant to say that we went to the birthing class in hospital on Saturday. As it was rather short 9-1 I didn?t expect much but she covered so much! And she taught our dps how to give us a massage when in labour so what else could you ask for? I was the only second timer there though so I had a feeling she was carefully picking up words if you know what I mean and didn?t show any scary pictures of forceps etc. but otherwise went trough the whole process of labour, how partners can help and what decisions they may have to take if we cant etc. And I think it reminded dh that the baby is really coming soon! And he might have to play the midwife again. Second time is a doddle right?

I had a GP appointment yesterday, baby not engaged at all but head still down. She did find some sugar (++apparently) in my urine and wanted to compare that with my last blood tests as that was first time ever?obviously to do with the massive bar of chocolate I had in the last 2 days but I didn?t admit it so have to call the mw for blood tests results and then call gp back to make sure we are not missing anything!

Broodzilla I used the advent shields before and don?t worry the baby will sort of adjust it when sucking it won?t matter at all! I had a blister in the first week where ds didn?t latch properly on one of the breasts but with the shield and lansinoh?s help it only took couple days to clear.

Erica what an adventure! At least you had a ?dry run? and now you will know what to expect!

Tabby thinking of you!

Easyeggs is it your court hearing today?

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

tabby that must be so hard for you and your family, especially right now when you want things to be about your baby and all the positives that go with that. I recall mum becoming unwell during my pregnancy and being diagnosed with terminal cancer, and it was hard to focus on the positives, but somehow, I found that expecting my first child gave me some hope and happiness that I did not think would have been possible. I found her such a comfort when she was growing in me, and then when she was born. She made it all so much easier to manage.

This time though. I just cannot shake this negative feeling I have. I cannot sleep. I dread bed time now. DD was in our bed for some reason and cried when I tried to move her (after not sleeping until 9:30pm anyway). The sofa is really uncomfortable to sleep on, too narrow I need to spread out. Bump is sore, back is sore. I tried putting the air mattress up and the pump was broke. DH came in at stupid oclock which is normal for him these days and rather than come over and give me a hug and tell me it will be all ok, give me a massage for bad back, make us a cuppa, or some nice gesture. He had a go at me for being negative, and made a sarcy comment about me balling my eyes out when he goes to bed, and this morning, when was in a down mood, he said what did I expect when I ignored the phone to him last night (he left no message or else I would have called him back, DD was playing up and I thought it was his family as usual). His attitude was basically that I should expect no comfort as I was rude.

Sorry for the moan. The cloud of doom will not shift. And I fee like I have nowhere to turn. I feel trapped. I cannot even cry for fear of being called a baby. I could really do with a hug but it is not going to happen . Not sure what has gone wrong.

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

Sorry that was such a miserable post. tabby you are experiencing so much more than me, and I just took it over. I did not mean to post that much. Just feel very tearful. I shall get a grip, as DH tells me

[Laugs]

Urgh. Been up all night with DD who's not well, just off to see the doctor.

broodzilla I didn't use nipple shields, but my nipples did get longer when breastfeeding (almost comically so!) so I think being 2/3 the length now should be fine.

erika what a shock! I agree with wook that you can be reassured by how calmly you coped with the whole experience and now you know that you will cope in labour - when the time is right of course!

ursi I'm a bit about that old lady's advice! I definitely found that my newborn did not know what to do and, in fact, while I learnt fairly quickly, she seemed to forget every time I went to feed her for the first few weeks. It does make sense that it should be human instinct to 'just know' but that was not what I found at all.

tabby poor you with all this stress. I hope all the family and particularly your DH are managing to cope ok. Great news that your baby is in the right position though.

[Ninjacat]

Pavlov Big hugs.

It's all relative as you know x

[skorpion]

pavlov here's a hug. Hold on tight.

[longwayaway]

Operating at about 20% capacity today. Will be a zombie tomorrow if I can't get a decent night's sleep tonight. Thank goodness I have yoga this evening!

Erika - yikes! Really glad baby held off a bit longer. Get some rest.

Tabby glad you got some good news re: the placenta.

Pavlov - totally unimpressed with your DH. Hope he turns his attitude around, soon.

As for BFing, I finally got around to watching the DVD that came with the informational packet I got when I booked in - did you ladies get a DVD? It was mostly propaganda (ie meant to convince women who are uncomfortable with the idea, so not that interesting if you're already planning on doing it) but there were a few decent instructional bits that made it worth watching.

Oh, and I had a meeting with my MW yesterday - apparently the big lump constantly poking out of my right side is the baby's bum! MW says her head is down, so what kind of position is that? I only feel kicking around my belly button - or is it punching? I am so confused.

[bumpyandfrumpy]

Sorry haven't had time to read through...just to say that I am turtle23 in hiding..

[Koumak]

welcome back I was wondering how you were!

[scarlotti]

erika wow, hope you're ok now and getting some rest. On the plus side, you've now been into RSC too (even though I know you're not planning to go there) so should things happen sooner for you and that's where they send you, it will be familiar and the last experience of the ward etc. was positive.
Have emailed re meeting up, but make sure you get enough rest first - cake will still be there after!

pav am sorry you're feeling this way but if it's any consolation I am struggling too so you are not alone. Sadly my arms won't stretch to the SW but am sending you big hugs.
Am also feeling as though I'm coping with the pg bits alone as dh makes the odd noise of 'how's your pelvis' but then gets the arse if I moan about anything that could be remotely connected with him, and then dismisses my feelings.
Am finding it hard to focus on the positives and am worried that I'm getting into ante-natal depression territory - am more susceptible apparently as had pnd last time.

easyeggs thinking of you today

tabby hope you're doing ok, I think you're staying wonderfully strong for your family so give yourself a pat on the back.

Can't remember who asked about the book but it's called The Triplet Diaries Extreme Motherhood by Jackie Clune. Just finished it and it was fantastic. Happy to pass it on if anyone fancies a read?

Friday's physio can't come quickly enough now, pains in my pelvis were actually waking me up last night which hasn't happened before so think I definitely need some help. For those with support belts - do you wear them in bed?

[scarlotti]

longwayaway I too have a bum that sticks out to the right!! most of my kicks/punches are around the belly button too or lower. I'm presuming his legs must be bent know so his feet are lower down me than his bum.

Agree with that dvd we get free, more of a choose to bf then a here's how.

I don't agree with the 'baby knows what to do' theory at all sorry. DD was fine, took to it straight away, put on the breast right after birth even though she was 4 weeks early and it never hurt.
DS didn't know what to do at all, it did hurt a little and we struggled badly for 5 weeks. I had presumed as it was so straight forward with DD that DS would be the same but no. He used to suck his lower lip and nobody noticed for 24 hours, even after that it was very difficult and he lost a lot of weight.

I can only advise people to read up as much as possible on the way to hold your baby and how to position for the best latch. Knowledge is definitely power with this - a crying hungry baby does nothing for your stress levels if you're struggling as then your letdown reflex doesn't work and it just becomes a viscous (sp?) circle.

[mumsiebumsie]

Hello all,

Been having PC problems for past few weeks - SO ANNOYING ! Didn't even get to read the posts on the last thread which is now closed. Will go back and take a look if I get time.

Erika - so pleased panic is over. Your post really shocked me!

Tabby - you're in my thoughts.

Question - sometimes at night when I'm lying down I feel like I can't breathe? Like baby is pressing on my lungs. Am I just panicking or is that a possibility? I'm not lying on my back, I'm on my side but it feels like I can't take in enough breath. Bit scary!

[ErikaMaye]

You?re such a lovely bunch. Thank you for all your kind words. Am okay today ? just seems all a bit like a fuzzy dream in all honesty right now!!!

Usi thanks for that Though am curious as to why she avoided discussing possible problems?

Tabby do you have a bump support pillow? I think they?re £10 from Mothercare, but totally worth the money. It stops it being so painful when sleeping, and because they?re the right shape, its just easier than using normal cushions. Glad they?ve set a date ? I always find it somewhat helpful, knowing there is a specific day I need to prepare for ? but sorry its so far away. Sending you a lot of hugs, and even more chocolate. YEY for placenta moving and baby turning though

Skorpion glad to be of use

Pavlov I?m sending you the biggest hugs in existence. Know its not the same, but we?re all here for you. X

Laugs hope your DD feels better soon.

Longway I keep getting confused too ? am told he?s head down, still, which is good. But I?m being poked or kicked or something at every possible angle. Unless he?s doing the splits, or has three legs, I really have no idea how he?s managing it!!!

Bumpy liking the name change

Scarlotti physio told me I could wear the support belt in bed, but it kept moving and being generally rather uncomfortable when I tried it. Hope Friday comes around quickly for you, and that you feel happier soon.

Mumsie if its an consolation, it shocked the hell out of me too

Easyeggs thinking of you today.

I'm going to do some sorting of paper work today - oh the joy. Mum's moved it downstairs and on to the coffee table, so I have no excuse not to do it.

Also - if anyone is looking for a V shaped support pillow, i bought a fantastic one of amazon as a spare for at DPs, and its actually much more comfortable that the Mothercare one. AND a third of the price!!!

Hope you're all well. x

[Broodzilla]

Erika I think what all the 2nd timers are saying makes so much sense - how you reacted (bravely and calmly - be proud!) to the situation just shows that you'll be absolutely fine when the time comes. And, you now know what the signs are... let's just hope they don't return for a good few weeks!

Ursi Interesting about the BF and baby knowing what to do/making movements... maybe it's another one of these things where that's the ideal scenario and CAN happen, but we shouldn't be disappointed if it doesn't? Might just take a while for mum and baby to get to know each other and work with each other?

Tabby Yay for the placenta having moved! Glad to hear that you've at least got a date. Shame things seem to still be up in the air re the cause of death... but hang in there. Definitely with you on the being knackered - I got up about 8.30AM yesterday, (although had not slept at all well) had a nap late afternoon, went to bed at midnight and slept til 9AM and guess what? I'm tired already... and all I do is sit in front of a computer. You've got so much going on right now that I'd be amazed if you weren't feeling it physically as well.

Easy Here's another virtual hand to hold for the hearing!

Koumak That birthing class sounds like a positive experience!

Laugs How's your DD?

Turtle/Bumpy Welcome back! Have been wondering about you, too.

Pavlov Awww... Sorry you're feeling so low. I must say I really don't think it's fair for the DHs/DPs to be dismissive of ANY aspect of the pregnancy - they're not going through it and they never will. Also, you've had a way rougher ride than most of us, so it's perfectly understandable that you're getting fed up and tired with it. And... you are, after all, carrying a child for you BOTH, not just you. I hope he comes home today with a big apology, lovely hug (and some chocolate!)

Thanks for the reassurance about the nippleshields Koumak and Laugs. I've got that tingly/pinchy early pregnancy thing going on again, so perhaps they're getting ready to boom? [hmmm]

What's this Breastfeeding DVD you're all on about? Is it from the NHS or NCT? I've not had anything like that from the NHS. Then again, I'm not due to start my classes for another three weeks either...

Now, I've GOT to get some work done. It's getting ridiculous...

[Ninjacat]

I think EasyEggs has the hearing tomorrow. Just wanted to post today as more chance of her seeing it.

Anyway have already said it but will be thinking of you EasyEggs. Hope you're feeling better. Sorry you are being put through this x

[ErikaMaye]

Broodzilla I've watched my DVD several times. Would you like me to send it to you? Can always get a spare copy off my MW if I forget what's on it

[helips]

Erika Hope you are feeling better today, must have been so scary for you. Glad everything is ok with Bryn and agree with everyone else saying at least you've had a dry run and know what to expect!

Tabby so sorry to hear what you and your dh have been going through. Must be really tough for you all. At least something positive is happening with your baby and once s/he arrives hopefully that will be something good for the family to focus on.

pavlov be easy on yourself, you've been through a lot of stress recently and it is understandable that you feel upset. Maybe your dh is feeling stressed too and that is why he feels unable to comfort you, hopefully he will see the error of his ways and give you a big cuddle tonight.

Just seen my midwife, everything seems well with the baby, head is down and is in a good position but there is still plenty of room in there for it to move about. Does anyone else get really hot? I keep waking in the night absolutely boiling and dripping with sweat, yuck! Don't remember having this with ds and was heavily pregnant in the height of summer! Last night I woke up and the sheets were wet from sweat and I actually wondered if I'd wet myself (sorry if tmi, I hadn't in any case!) I know you are meant to sweat a lot once you've had the baby but not before! Anyone else have this?

[BeckyBendyLegs]

Pavlov do not feel guilty for sharing your problems and feelings with us, however negative or 'insignificant' you feel them to be. That's what this thread is for - when there is no-one else to share with and you know they'll be people who will understand. Another hug from me down to the South West to add to the others.