November ladies are having there babies. One by one here they come. But here we'll let the candle burn. Until we've all had our turn

[Ninjacat]

Come on over....

Evening all

well another addition to the list..Lexi was born at 7:45pm Monday night, weighs 7 10 and so far a dream baby! Started as a funny day with mild contractions from 7am that stopped midday went for some sleep, went for walk around 3 started up again so went into shrewsbury around 4:30 (BBL think we must have passed in the corridor!) and I was 1/2 cm at 6:30pm..decided we were there for the nite..so went for walk and a cream bun...contractions got much stronger...asked nurse to have a look at 7:15...3 pushes..not time for gas and air and baby was out!! So be warned 2nd timers it can go from 1 to full in under 30 mins!! And if u want to speed things up a little stroll is all that is required!!

BBL Ioan had 50ml of formula top up at every feed for a few days until my milk came in. I was told that colostrum just doesn't fill up a baby of his size. We did a top up then at the evening and since my milk has come in we've been ok. It took a few days more for the milk to come through and that was after 2 days cluster feeding but now it seems to be balancing out and I haven't had to use formula for a few days - he's 10 days old today.
I now make sure I change him mid feed, then he wakes up enough to take more milk. Basically we have babies the size of 1 month olds so their tummies and appetites are bigger.
Do not feel bad for topping up and your supply will be ok, it might just take a little longer to get there. Stick with it and you'll be fine.

My Mum stayed for a few days after he was born and kept mentioning putting him on formula - am sure it's just to justify the choice they made for us.

Hope everyone else is hanging in there, sorry to not reply to all but heading to bed!

Criminy weston that is fast labouring! Congratulations!

And congrats Venus ! That smitten-feeling will not go away, ever. You are in for the long haul.

wook so sorry about the sibling thing. Do you have a wrap and a good place to put the baby for a nap so you can play with ds? Esme sleeps loads so I have little breaks where I can play/routine with dd. I also just take Esme to say good night to dd when we put her to bed. But then dd is really interested in the baby, always cooing over her and affectionately pulling her socks and hats off. Maybe that wears off after a while? Also lots of little cries here because mom doesn't pick her up (not allowed to yet) which are v heart breaking. Hope it gets better soon!

Would you all let baby feed whenever the want to? I sort of feel like it can't be right for E to feed all the time when she spits up so much. So I am spacing it with a pacifier, but that's not supposed to be quite the thing, is it? I can't remember why though...E pees and poops more than abundandlty, so I suppose I have enough milk...hmmmhmmm. Wwyd?

Morning! I've been awake since 4am with a sore lower back. This is how labour started with DD, so I'm tempted to think something might be happening, but then again it could just be because I've been squished 3-in-a-bed for the past week.

Weston Brilliant news and welcome to little Lexie! I hope the super-fast labour was a good thing and not overwhelming. How funny that you and BBL should cross paths. One of you should have shouted KNITTED BOOB.

Wook your post last night re sibling rivalry made me sad, but it's good to know what to expect. I am scared I won't love this baby enough as it will be taking me away from my 'real' baby who I already love. Hopefully that's just paranoia and the love will be as instant as last time. Comma seems to have some good ideas. I have been considering a sling but money doesn't really stretch at the moment. I might ask for one for christmas. I hope things get easier for you and DS.

Comma I did feed 'on demand' last time and it worked out pretty well for us. DD found her own routine and within the first 6 weeks (I think) was feeding every 4 hrs and going for longer in the night. She wasn't spitting up though. Is that a sign they've had too much? It all feels like a big guessing game at this stage, doesn't it?

Tasja am I right in thinking you are being induced today? If so, best of luck

Wellllll I think I'll be having a baby today

Been really uncomfy all morning, woke up at 5am feeling odd.Went to the toilet at 5.45 and had a show.That scared the living daylights out of me as I know there is no turning back now.I have never had a show until I've been well into labour before too so now I'm a bit worried as to how fast things might go.

Have had a few contractions that haven't lasted long but they hurt!!!

Good luck to anyone having babies today

weston welcome to Lexi - love the name. Am eager to have a fast labour like yours, being second baby and all if it ever starts.

easyeggs ooooh, good luck! I hope it goes quickly and smoothly for you x

Nothing happening here, woke a few times in the night to some strong BH, but nothing else. Baby is clearly not wanting to come out. i shall be going for a looooooong walk today!

Weston and Venus congratulations to your babies! Very different birth stories but both with a beautiful result!
Pavlov, we usually have two periods of cluster feeding, one in the morning (I don't really know why) and one in the evening, a bit as you described it but without crying, rather feeding, sleeping, feeding, sleeping.
But this new thing (since two days, maybe it won't stay) is after a feed (which is not huge but should be enough for 1 or 2 hours) she suddenly completely refuses to go on and starts screaming. And nothing seems to help, except me singing but only for a certain time. I thought it might be digestion working hard but then usually she moves a lot with her whole body and you can just see that she is about to do a poo. Whereas during those screaming moments she is actually just hanging on my shoulder or lying in my arms, pushing herself away from me/my breast. Well, hopefully it won't be on a daily basis now.

For those with sibling problems: My nephew didn't quite like my niece when she was born but my sister is now very happy when they hide together to plan something veeery cheeky, like hiding my newly bought washable wipes Surely they still have fights but in the end they enjoy having company

Hmm my backache has gone, so I guess it wasn't the start of early labour. Feel a bit disappointed now, although I guess the timing is not quite ideal as DD still has a bad cold.

Easyeggs I'm very excited for you! Keep us updated if you can.

Pavlov I think I'll be going for a nice long walk too. I still have a week before my due date though - don't know what I'm doing getting impatient so early!

Ursi you always amaze me how much you seem to take everything in your stride . I'm not sure about the crying. Does she calm with your DH or does she just not want to be with anyone?

Laugs, I didn't think I would ever say that to anyone but: sorry that your pain has gone Well you still have a week to your due date.
Not yet sure if my husband can calm her as he wasn't home yesterday. But it is definitely not the not being with anyone. That's something she hates. Holding her and for example singing was definitely helping but then she starts again and really out of the blue. Maybe she is dreaming something? It's just interesting that it always seems to be about the same time of day... well, at the moment, she is a bit difficult too. But that's more about feeding, sleeping, a little cry, feeding, sleeping, a little cry...
Just waiting for ILs to go for a walk what she usually enjoys (if her terrible mother gets home in time for the next feed

Hi everyone! I will read through the thread in a minute (if the kids give me a chance!) but just thought I would tell you all that baby Emmeline was born at 11.26am on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz, with dark blue eyes and fine light brown, with a ginger tinge, hair. She is healthy and strong, and the section went brilliantly. I will post a full birth story at some point, but it was completely different to DDs birth, such a positive experience.

I'm very tender and tired, and still have a touch of SPD, but I am hobbling about without crutches, and on a cloud of new baby happiness, so I feel great!

DD loves her new baby sister to bits, and DP is being lovely.

Also, QE hospital in Gateshead is a million times nicer than RPH in Preston. I actually cried when i left because they had been so nice (plus i was swimming in hormones)

Feeding took a couple of days to get going, but she is now a proper boob addict, which DD finds fascinating (this morning she gave me a hug and said "I love your boobies mummy")

I think sometimes when it gets to that time of day it all gets a bit too much for them - they are over-stimulated yet worn out. Also, you may be getting tired (I used to clock-watch from about 5pm until DH got home as I'd just run out of energy) or rushing about getting dinner ready and they pick up on the change of pace?

BTW going out gets SO much easier once you find places you feel comfortable to BF in public (and find it relatively easy to do). I remember thinking I would never be able to go anywhere more than 30 mins away in order to be able to get home to feed.

Great to hear from you Lissy and hello to Emmeline! I'm so pleased to your experience was much more positive this time

Wow, Weston and Venus, congratulations!! And Friday - Monday labouring -

Laugs I had backache all of yesterday evening too, which was making me feel sick, and then STOPPED!!! So annoying! I really thought it was starting last night (she says, for the 18th time... ) Oh, and don't worry - I promise you didn't scare me!!! I am scaring myself by not really thinking about the actual baby, just fretting about the birth / hospital, and knowing full well I will have a baby I don't have a clue what to do with afterwards!

Usi you do always seem so calm, I am so envious!! It sounds like you are doing such a fab job with Paula, especially considering this is your first week on your own!

Well, 2 days 'til due date. Was soooo sure he would be here by now. Boo. Also - does anyone believe in the 'power of the mind' thing as far as labour is concerned? I have read that anxiety can have a profound effect on the progress of labour (adrenaline etc), but I really feel like things start, I panic, and it stops. Could I really be stopping it psychologically? Last night, for example, I really felt so sick with each wave of back/period pain, and then was crying and sort of panicking properly that I thought I would die in childbirth and am seriously worried that each time my body tries to labour, I manage to stop it.... I know, I know I sound a bit mental, I'm not really I promise, I just tend to panic quite a lot!! (as though you don't know this already!!)

kaster totally. I slowed my labour down I'm certain because of my negative thoughts and my panicking as it hurt so much and wasn't following the pattern of the other two. Rest assured that when the time is right, it will limp along despite your best intentions Try to remember that you can do this, yes it will hurt but only for a set amount of time and you can have pain relief if you want, then you'll have your baby. Most importantly keep your strength up whilst labouring and eat or drink energy drinks as this counteracted my mental attempts to thwart!!

Congrats to all the lovely new babies

We also have a bit of sibling rivalry going on here and a bit of resentment towards mummy as she has much less time for DS1. It's getting better slowly though so keeping fingers crossed things will ease soon.
DH has a night out tonight so it's just me and the kids - and no sneaking to bed early!

Congrats Weston and Barnowl and Venus and Lissy!

EasyEggs I hope this is it - don't come back without a baby!

katster There's good evidence that adrenaline can slow labor, yes. Can you try some relaxation techniques, or concentrate on how much you want to see the baby despite the pain? I know it sounds woo-woo but it might help... Anyway, like scarlotti said, at some point the baby's going to come, adrenaline or no!

To Wook we welcome Hedy
A name imbued with class
We hope she will forever be
Your Joyful little lass

For Tigger a bouncing baby boy
Henry Peter's her son
His tops not made out of rubber
but he's definitely Fun Fun Fun

And lest not forget our Pinkminch
Whose Graceful Poppy bloomed
On the 11th hour of the 11th Day
As November swooned

Comma she had Esme
A lovely little lady
We're glad that all went so well
and you managed to turn your baby

And Sleepless may we wish you cheer
With cheeky, cheerful Charlotte
Who's Friday the thirteenth appearance
Could not be forgot

Likewise Roomac's Olivia
Who arrive amidst the storm
She rode upon the winds of life
and a precious girl was born

Now Trikken had her Annabelle
Surrounded by her family
Such a huge amount of love
to enter in so freely

And to Southern a darling girl
Little Baby Leah
All warm and scented of buttered toast
Hurrah for your daughter dear

Then Mazel Tov to Eeyore's babe
Whose name we've yet to hear
A joy to all your family
that your little man is here

Preggo Joe sound precious
A handsome little chap
I hope you get to have some rest
Whilst he takes his little nap

So Venus what a big boy?
A healthy weight indeed.
Is James the final decision?
We'll have to wait and see.

And Weston with your Lexi
All cinnamon and spice
We wish you all the best of luck
And everything that's nice

So Becky is that it?
Is there anyone I didn't see?
Let me know And I'll add the names
To my Vogon Poetry.

Morning All

Quick apology as I haven't had chance to read the whole thread so am not up to date with what's been happening. Congratulations to Lissy - I'm so glad you had a positive experience this time!

Guess what? Lissy wasn't the only one busy on Monday... Daniel Phillip made his appearance at 11.26am on Monday too - what are the odds of two MN babies on our thread being born at the same time and date

Thanks to the fantastic midwives, giving birth to Daniel was the most amazing experience of my life and I have never felt such euphoria. I was so worried about not bonding with my little man but I'm completely in love with him and the only crying I've done so far is with joy! DH and I are literally high on life at the moment

I didn't get home until last night, as Daniel tested Coombs positive, so was slightly jaundiced because of some of my nasty rhesus negative blood mixing with his and trying to cause some issues so we couldn't come straight home as he was popping to and from special care in hospital. His skin condition isn't as bad as we feared either although it's incredibly sensitive - the slightest label or even remotely rough seam on his clothing blisters his skin but we're getting round that.

I'll post a full birth story on the post-natal thread when I get a chance and promise to read through everyone's news from this week at some point today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, I just wanted to say how I don't think I could have got through the stresses and strains of this pregnancy without you all for support so a huge hug, thank you and knitted boob to you all!

ooh love the poems Ninja!

Hiya everyone, congrats to everyone who i've missed recently, not had a real chance to read through many posts til now.

weston that definately was a fast labour, mine went quickly after the mw broke my waters, a few little walks to the door of my room from the etinox and back again and she was ready to arrive.

Annabelle is doing well, she's added weight since she was last weighed on monday and is feeding well too. tho she is a bit of a night baby and would rather sleep through the day and keep mummy awake at night. Have registered her yesterday so that is good. my only problem is my cough seems to be turning into a chest infection and I cant get rid of my spine ache. i dont remember having spine ache with ds tho.

Ds loves his sister, wants to kiss and play with her all the time even when she is sleeping, but can be a little heavy-handed sometimes. also a little clingy and sometimes boisterous when he thinks annabelle is getting more attention. he is adjusting quickly however, and is loving all the grand-parent attention he is getting!

congratulations Wizzy! welcome Daniel phillip! glad things are better than you hoped.

Ninja I am so impressed with your poetic skills!!

Trikken it sounds like you're getting on really well, and glad DS is looking after his sister.

WizzyWoo CONGRATULATIONS on baby Daniel! That is on our name list as well. And really pleased his skin condition is not as bad as feared. I am Rh- as well, it's a hassle, isn't it?

longwayaway and Scarlotti thank you for your tips. You're right, I do want to be in labour really, it's just whenever it comes to it, I panic. I'm not sure it's the pain that scares me, more the thought of everything going terribly wrong and baby / me not doing very well... But as people keep telling me, it is the safest time to be giving birth and everyone on this thread seems to have managed fairly well! Thank you.

Ninja you are a star love the poem. Congrats to all the new arrivals. Only one night feed last night - hooray!

Laugs, I guess you are right, it's probably just a really long day for her.
Actually I am quite confident about bf in public (it seems to be much more common in Austria and also we have less of a problem to show our bodies - you might argue not even enough) but yesterday I had been sitting in a café for too long and on the way home we had to stop in another one for a little bf!
To my defence, I went there initially to wait until she wakes up to then run to the photo shop next door to get that passport photo done with her eyes open and I am proud to say WE GOT IT!
katster not sure if I am always staying calm you might have the wrong impression. I find it almost painful that I can't help her when she seems so desperate. (at least I never had the impression that she is sick)
Once I was sitting there with her on one breast, leaking from the other one, so my milk was pouring down on her, crying for no reason so she got my tears in her face and I was bleeding again because of bf. I felt really stupid leaking from almost all possible "exits".
And don't worry about birth. Your body will guide you through it and suddenly you have a lovely baby in your arms.
WizzyWoo and Lissy congratulations to you too! And to everybody else I forgot!
There suddenly seem too much babies for my brain.

too MANY babies, typical mistake

BRAVO Ninja!!

And congrats Wizzy!! What are the odds?

Gosh I'm getting all choked up now

katster I really shouldn't talk... I've had approximately zero labor signs but still managed to have a total freakout a couple days ago when I convinced myself it was theoretically possible that I might go into labor overnight... could not fall asleep for hours So I do sympathize!

OOooh, congrats to all the new mommies!

Thank you BBL for the lovely poem! I think I got two, yeah.

Laugs you could ask on freecycle, somebody usually has an extra sling or wrap lying around. I don't know if you have craigslist, but there are often a few inexpensive used ones on too.

I love Austria, Ursi ! Stayed in Vienna for a bit, v. lovely with lots of pastries and buildings.