Due in Dec 09 - We have our first arrival; hopefully we will deliver the presents before Father Christmas comes!

[Scorps]

Arrivals

Charleymouse- (Our first arrival!! ) DD2 arrived Sunday 22nd November

Awaitees!
Anniebigpants- DC2, EDD 1st Dec ,SR5
pussycatmomma - DC2 (DS1 20 months), EDD 1st Dec
Kingsroadie - DC1, EDD 2nd Dec, SW5, girl
1mum1 - EDD 2nd Dec, girl
Catz - DC2, (DD 20 mths) - EDD 4th Dec,
sparklycheerymummy - (DD 7) EDD 28th Nov - 5th Dec,
BexJ78 - DC1, EDD 5th Dec, YO26
Moosy - DC3, (2 DDs, 3 1/2 and 2) - EDD 6th Dec,
Claire236 - DC2, (DS 4) - EDD 7th Dec,
Legscrossed - DC1, EDD 9th Dec,
damnitdamnit - DC2, (DD 2) - EDD 9th Dec,
BlueChampagne-DC2 EDD 10th Dec
Littlegems-DC2(DD 4)-EDD 10th Dec
Beffnal - DC1, EDD 11th Dec,
AmazingBouncingFerret - DS is 2.5, EDD 11th Dec, Girl
FedUpWithRainyDevon - DC2, (DS 2.5) - EDD 12th Dec, Mystery Gender!
newarrival-DC1-EDD 12th Dec
Claireymumtobe-DC1,EDD 13th Dec,
TheGreatPumpkin-DC2(DS3)-EDD 14th Dec
Tillyscoutsmum - DC2, (DD 23 mths; DSD 5) - EDD 15th Dec - Boy !
Mybox - DC6 - EDD 15th Dec
milly1980 - DC2 (DC1 5) EDD 15th Dec
JeanLouiseFinch-EDD 15th Dec
Ravgirl - DC1, EDD 16th Dec,
Stigaloid - DC2, (DS 22 mths) - EDD 17th Dec, girl
Viktoriamac - DC1, EDD 18th Dec,
sjbj - EDD 19th Dec
ViveLeCliche-DC1-EDD 20th Dec
Bump02 - DC2 (DS 8yrs) EDD 21st Dec
Biscuitsmustbedunkedintea - DC2, (DD 3.2) - EDD 21st Dec,
Madmissy-DS1(3rd child) EDD 21st Dec,
Longhairedchiefofstaff-EDD 22nd Dec
cairnterrier - DC1, EDD 23rd Dec, NR4,
gezmaca - DC3, EDD 23rd Dec, Boy - DS1
Mediamama-DC1-EDD 23rd Dec
Flowertot - DC4 (DS12, DD6, DS2), EDD 24th Dec
Skyward-DC3-EDD 24th Dec
Scorps-DC4, EDD 25th Dec,
1petshortofazoo - DC2, (DS 3) EDD 26th Dec, DN15,
LaDiDaDi - DC2, EDD 26th Dec,
Milliemuffin - DC2, (DS will be 27 mths) EDD 27th Dec,
GoldenSnitch - DC2, (DS 2.9) EDD 27th Dec, MK14, Girl (DD1)
Jumblies DC2 EDD 27th Dec,
mwncigirl - DC1, EDD 28th Dec,
Lee36 - DC3 (DD 10; DS 7) EDD 28th Dec
Pinkjenny - DC2 (DD 2yo) ELCS 29th Dec
Lolianja - DC2, (DS1 2 mths) - EDD 29th Dec
LittleMonkeysMummy - DC2, (DD 14 mths) EDD 30th Dec. AB21,

Fortunately for me, animal instinct kicked in. DH had to field DS1 which kept him occupied, the emergency crew on the phone were brilliant at keeping him busy, and it was all over so quickly and happily that we all seem to have survived the experience.

DS2 is Conrad.

MW very glad we didn't try and get to mat unit; even tho it's only 2 miles away, it would have been the passenger footwell. Despite my lax housekeeping, bathroom cleaner!

Congrats Blue & Moosy.

On the subject of feeding. I've struggled through a very long week of bf & have now switched to bottles. ds2 was having trouble latching on resulting in a lot of crying which would wake ds1. Then ds1 teacher had a word with dh as ds1 had been really uncooperative at school all day because he was tired. Was also feeling guilty for neglecting ds1 due to feeling so crap the last few weeks before ds2 arrived & the time it was taking to bf which was taking away from time with ds1. Now on bottles which meant dh did the night feeds last night whilst I got some sleep & ds1 is very proud of the fact that he can help feed his baby brother. Bottles definitely work better for us as a family although my boobs are currently really sore having fed for a week.

Congratulations to the new arrivals!! Wow we've had one on their due date!
Been having what I think are more BH, but who knows.
Snitch how did your appt go?

really quick check in - not had time to catch up with the rest of the thread.

DS born at 11:15 this morning - officially a 2 hr labour after a 2 day one last time!! At 8:30 I arrived at hosp to be checked after waters had gone and was 1-2cm. Spent an hour with student midwife faffing around trying to monitor me and not managing it during which nothing really happened. Then they left me alone for a while to see if I went into labour 'properly'. Then things started to happened almost immediately and I grabbed the gas and air. The mw who was manning reception popped in to see how I was doing and I was pretty much in transition (though I had a terrible fear that I was 3cm and just not coping). 15 min 2nd stage after 3 hr last time. Home by 3:30. All very surreal. All grandparents now downstairs so having a quick sneak off.

Will check in and catch up soon. Good luck to everyone waiting,

Mega news for Moosy, Blue and Catz. Hi to Sillynoodle! xxx

Well done Catz!!
My second labour was much better than 1st too.

Not long been back from hospital and wasn't favourable for a sweep which I was expecting but booked in for induction on the 15th so next week!

Snitch hope yours appt went ok and you have a date now too?

i am booked for a sweep on friday. if that doesn't work, was half wondering about going for induction sooner rather than later...what do you think? The MW has said i could have induction earlier if I want, and just conscious that if i go overdue by 14 days and then they induce me anyway, it will still be painful and baby might not come til 21 Dec? people keep rabbitting on about poor baby being born at Xmas, and i must admit i am getting to the point where i would like LO to have their b'day a few days before xmas...am i crazy?!?

Congrats to Catz, the babies are coming thick and fast now, fast in more than one way too by the sounds of it all!

Hello sillynoodle.

What's happening with you snitch?

I've no idea re induction Bex.

Something bizarre just happened and the text went red???

I can now join the club of women who've been suffering 'the knitting needle in the bits', it was so sharp and quick I actually thought maybe someone had seen my reaction in the shop so possibly blushed a little but I'm sure I was just being paranoid.

Its good that people are having quick and relatively easy births but I still worry mine will be quick as my parents are on standby to collect DS when things get going and I know my mum will probably go home from work, change her clothes, brush her teeth and eventually they'll get round and then they'll be faffing.

I had someone else tell me today how 'tiny' my bump is, aarrrrrrrrgggghhhh!! It doesnt feel that tiny and it still sticks out a mile!

Congrats to all the new arrivals xx

I can empathise Milliemuffin. i am told continually how 'neat' i am. i feel like a whale. what does that mean anyway?

Ok, finally finished crying so I can tell you guys what happened...

First and most important, DD seems to be OK. The took my blood pressure (which was high) and tested my urine (and didn't tell me the results) and also tested my blood sugar to rule out diabetes (which was normal, thank goodness) DD was also poked and had hear heart listened too and seemed to be OK.

There was no consultants on today so I saw a Senior Doctor who said that often, high amniotic fluid is unexplained and they have no idea what causes it. She said that there could be a problem with DD swallowing or her stomach but also that a problem with her tummy would probably have been seen at the 20 week scan.

It's by no means conclusive but the doctor didn't seem worried.

Did get told about the cord prolapsing if my waters break again though and told I have to go in immediately if I go into labour which is a little worrying.

Then we got onto section dates. As I thought, the last consultant that I saw should have booked me a preliminary date when I was in last and because he didn't and because christmas is so busy - there were no dates left!

The Doctor wanted me in for a section on the 17th but it was booked up already so she started phoning round the surgeons and anaesthiatists trying to get permission to add another slot for that one day so I could get in. But after 5 or 6 phone calls, the admin lady came in and said there was no point booking the appointment as it would just get cancelled and I had to have what was left in the book - a choice of the 24th December or the 5th January.

Can't do the 5th as I would be overdue by then and the whole point is to avoid going into labour cause I don't trust the hospital after DS's birth and also because the cord might prolapse so that left me with the 24th. There was talk of discharging me so I could go home for xmas lunch but no-one seemed convinced that that would actually happen.

I burst into tears. I'm going to miss DS's first proper, excited christmas cause I'm going to be in hospital and DD will forever have a totally shit birthday - all because some stupid consultant didn't do his job properly! DS would not be allowed to visit me in hospital either because of swine flu.

So now, well, the doctor has promised to try and talk to the consultant tomorrow to try and get me that extra slot and has promised to call and let me know what the result is - but that involves me trusting her to do her job properly so I'm not counting on it.

The admin lady has written "Move forward" on my slot in the diary and has promised that if anyone booked in goes into labour and a slot opens, she will move me into it - but again, that involves me trusting her to do her job properly so I'm not counting on it either.

I phoned my midwife when I got home and she has suggested phoning and bugging the admin lady every day to ensure she remembers to book me into any free slot and asking for my GP to put through an emergency referral to another hospital to see if they can fit me in for an ELCS sooner.

I'm totally heartbroken. I feel like this birth is already being made a mess of before I've even got a chance to get near to having DD. It shouldn't be this hard. I should be able to trust the hospital staff but I can't.

So now I'm actually considering all those home remedies for starting labour just to see if I can get her out a little earlier so I don't miss Christmas. I am scared though that if the worst happens and the cord does come out first that the hospital woulndn't be able to get her out fast enough to stop her being affected.

Oh FFS - I'll be the woman sat sobbing over her newborn alone on the maternity ward on Christmas day while my darling DS gets excited about Christmas day without me

Sorry if none of this makes sense, I'm still really upset.

Oh babe

just keep in mind thats really close to your edd so you could go into labour before then.

stay close to home and try to bring it on!

the news on scan is re assuring like i said to you any probs would be picked up at the earlier scan

dont give up hope on the doctor she may come up trumps and not only that if you have on your notes to move forward any one of them women that have baby early will be a free slot for you? keep nagging the midwife to check?

big hugs to you xx

Aw Golden, so sad for you feeling blue

Think of all the people who like me have a CS booked but are trying to go into labour first - I'm sure it's a high percentage of those booked in so the chances of a space coming up are probably quite good. I would definitely keep ringing every day if I was you.

Have they definitely said that DS wouldn't be able to visit you? I know other children aren't allowed in but surely siblings are ok? Especially at Christmas, if it comes to that?

Hope you get some good news tomorrow - and keep pushing for it if not xxx

There are quite a few twins in before me so I can hope one of them pops before her section date. Going to ring every morning and try and bug them into getting me moved...

Definitely no DS on the ward. No children at all.

So annoyed. The last 2 slots went to the 2 women with appointments before me apparently. I just missed out.

I'm just expecting them to forget about me I suppose and book other women into any slots that come up

Oh GS, bless you. prob not a lot is going to reassure you, but I wanted to say a few things

Firstly 24th will not be a totally shit day for a birthday. My birthday is the 23rd, and I always liked it, felt it was my "special" thing being born that close to Christmas. Was also told by friends that I had the best parties because all the decorations and tree were up and made it more partylike. I was never given a half birthday, and don't feel I missed out at all. Just always give separate birthday and christmas presents and never use Christmas wrap to wrap a birthday present! I can't have had too bad a time with this birthday seeing as DC2 is due 21st Dec! Wouldn't have inflicted a Christmas birthday on them if I'd had such a bad time.

Totally understand your feelings on missing out on your DS first "special" christmas as I'm thinking the same with my DD (she's just turned 3). I keep thinking that she won't actually know which day Father Christmas comes, until we start the whole leaving mince pie out and hanging out the stockings. So if you know you won't be home till 26th for example, any chance of getting DH or family to hold off holding Christmas Day till a few days later?

Have a friend whose daughter was born on Christmas Day, and she said visiting hours and other "rules" on the post natal ward were waived that day. So your DS might be able to come in anyway. My friend (and my mum) both said the nurses did everything possible to make Christmas day in hospital special, and there was a great atmosphere. And both got left knitted hat and bootees in the bots for the babies on Christmas morning. Lovely to think this was 2 different hospitals, and 30 years apart, yet same thing happens

Not sure if this is any help, and it is hard bless. Big hugs. Maybe try and look ahead to having a lovely New Years Eve with your newly extended family.

And many congrats to all who've got their wee babes since I last posted!

Congratulations to all those with new babies!! Catz your labour sounds perfect. I'd like one like that please!

I'm 39 wks today! Started putting out stuff to pack in my hospital bag today. Really exciting! I have a horrendous cold though and possibily some kind of infected sinus/ear as the left side of my face is killing me Trying to decide whether it's worth trying to see the doctor tomorrow.... any advice? Does anyone know if there's any decongestnts that you're allowed when pg? Half of me is willing the baby to COME NOW and the other half thinks I'd probably better wait til this cold clears up first.

I also get the stabbing pain in bits every now and again. Not pleasant is it!?!! Really sore hips the last few days as well. Grrrrrrr.....

Snitch, really sorry to hear about all your worries. Really good news that DD seems to be doing fine though!! I agree with biscuits as well that 24th is really not such a shitty day to be born on. It is very special being born so close to Christmas! Having said that, I hope you manage to badger hospital into moving your section date! But if you don't, I really think it's not a bad birthday to have.

My dd was born last week two weeks early!

Had been having lots of BH and then a night of quiet followed by some bh with increasing backache - only lasted about 5seconds though. After school collections, making dinner, bathtimes & finally sitting down when my dh come home I decided to get it checked at the hospital. Just made it in time as she was born a few mins after I arrived at the maternity.

All fine. My dd was born in the sac of water. She was so awake and calm. I didn't need any pain relief and gave birth standing up leaning on the bed.

Best wishes to all and many congratulations to all the new arrivals xxx

catz and mybox congratulations!

snitch Im pleased that your DD is ok.
Keep phoning them and reminding them of you. fingers crossed you will get an earlier date, cant believe the idiot consultant didnt book you in the first place makes me want to accidentally on purpose stand on her foot for you.

Hope you feel better soon shimmer not being able to have medicine you know would work wonders is a pain in the arse, I felt miserable when I had cystitis the other week and knew that it could all go away with just one of the little sachets in my cupboard!

Scorps has been very quiet... wonder if she's ok?

Congratulations Mybox. Glad it all went well. What names have you chosen?

and Thanks biscuits, that really does help.

It's nice to know that having a birthday so close to Christmas can be nice, all the friends I've spoken to seem to think it's the worst thing in the world!

Unfortunately, we can't move Christmas. The plan was for my Mum, sister and brother to come and visit and Mum was going to cook Christmas lunch for us all so I could sit on the sofa in my pyjamas and feed. But my sister and brother both work in retail and getting time off around Christmas is next to impossible so if we moved it, neither of them would be able to come.

After a long and sleepless night, I've come up with 2 plans (assuming I can't badger the hospital into a new date)...

Option 1 - Have the section on the 24th (am told it will be in the morning) and discharge myself either that evening or very early on Christmas morning so I am home for when DS wakes up on Christmas day. I think this one is probably the worst as it will mean that DD's birthday is still very, very close to Christmas, it will mean being in a lot of pain on Christmas day and will probably mean discharging myself without being checked first too as (as far as I remember) they tend to do the rounds just after lunch and I'll miss them if I'm leaving in the evening or early morning (around 6am)

Option 2 - Keep the date while fighting very hard to get an earlier one and going crazy with the raspberry leaf/clary sage/evening primrose/sex right up until the last minute and then refuse the section on the 24th if nothing has happened. The next date was the 5th or the 11th Jan so assuming I don't then go into labour on Christmas day, DD will get a "better" birthday and I will get to spend a fatter but less painful Christmas with DS and my family.

Downside to this is that I could go into labour on Christmas day itself and miss it anyway plus, the slots on the 5th and 11th are now likely to be full and as I will be 2 weeks overdue on the 10th, I'm more likely to go into labour which is exactly what I was trying to avoid by having the section!

Personally, I'm not sure I'll make it that far though. I've been getting the spikey pains down below and DD has definitely dropped. Plus, I noticed while looking at my notes last night that my blood pressure (taken before I went into see the doctor and feeling quite positive) had gone from 110/60 to 126/80 - going to phone the midwife again today about that!

Just called the lady who books the sections (she remembered me funnily enough!)

Told her my plan about bugging them daily to check for free slots and making sure I got first dibs on anything that becomes free and she seemed fine with it. Just said "I'll speak to you at this time every morning then"! She even gave me the extension number so I can get straight through and the names of the other people in the office so I know who to talk to!!

They're checking with the labour ward now to see if anyone went in early and going through the book to see if anything has become free and she's promised to give me a call if anything has come up.

Seems quite positive so far...

Oh well that is good news Snitch, it sounds like you have someone on your side! Hopefully she will getit sorted for you. am keeping everything crossed for you.

Thanks Bex

The doctor just called. Definitely no chance of getting an extra slot on any day. Only hope now is someone popping early so I can have their slot...

Doctor seemed to think my daily calling plan was a good one too.

Midwife is popping over this afternoon to double check my blood pressure too as the readings from yesterday are quite high she says.

Congratulations Catz & mybox.

It appears I did my labours backwards by having a quick easy one with ds1 & a horrendous one with ds2.

GS sorry you're being messed about by the hospital. Fingers crossed that you get an earlier section. dhs birthday is Boxing Day & he always had crap birthdays as a child but that was because no effort was made to make his birthday special & seperate to Christmas. If you do end up having your section Christmas eve obviously you will make sure her birthday is special & I'm sure ds will be able to come & see you

Congrats mybox !

Snitch, I was really worried that this would happen to you when you said that you weren't going to get a date until yesterday, when I was at clinic last week they were struggling to fit people in . I would be feeling very and in your position.
I would do exactly as you are doing and ring up everyday, my consultant told me that at my hospital they book in 3 elective sections every day but on most days they don't do 3 as someone has given birth. I'm the fourth slot on my date.
Do you need to have a pre-op assessment apppointment? I'm having one 3 days before so that they can check my bloods etc. Could you get this booked, if they do them at your hosp, so that at least that's done and you are ready to go so to speak?
Another thought, though I don't know how prepared you are to do this and how possible it would be, could you be ready to go each morning? So that if someone from that day's list had delivered when you rang up then you could go that day? You'd have to not eat from midnight the night before until ypu spoke to them, might be possible??
What did they say to you about going into labour? They told me that unless I changed my mind or turned up pretty much fully dilated then I'd still get a section asap though I'd obviously be behind the queue of true emergencies.
Hope that you are feeling a bit better today.