February 2010: Babies have started arriving...

[woowa]

and here we are...who'll be next?

I can't remember who asked about what on the undies front.

knickers I am a 12 and bought a pack of 16-18 full briefs from Primark for the first few days after birth. Had a c section last time and couldn't bear wearing anything low rise as the elastic sat just on the surgery wound, so apple-catchers it is. Hoping for a vaginal delivery this time but who knows, best to be prepared for anything. Have not bothered writing a birth plan this time either, that was a waste of time for me!

bras I went to H&M maternity section and just tried on all the sizes one by one until I found the one that fits me best round the chest with a cup size or two of bagginess to fill out when milk comes in. This should suffice if my boobs do what they did last time. If not I can send DH down to H&M to buy the same just bigger cup size and instruct him exactly where to find them. Have also got some disposable breast pads in my hospital bag as when my milk finally came in last time (day 5), it was literally pouring out like leaking taps for the first few days.

baby after yesterday I am now in the club of mothers-to-be who work themselves up into a tiz because of not feeling baby move for a day or so and then sit in the maternity ward for 4-5 hours waiting to be seen by the relevant midwife and obstetrician only for baby to start doing the macarena but by then I was in the system and had to wait to be seen even though I was reassured and wanted to go home.

show/plug I went into labour 3 days before my due date and never had one, waters didn't break either, mind.

Congrats T4 on the safe arrival of your baby and looking forward to hearing about more very soon!

Hi,

I'm being induced next Wednesday, baby not growing enough due to badly behaved dopplers so not enough blood getting to the bubba. It's only 5 lbs 5ozs so I'm a bit worried but I know lots of babies are born now and are fine. Very weird having a date rather than waiting to go into labour, gutted about being induced (again) though . When I said I had wanted to do it properly to the dr she scowled and said 'there's no proper way just a safe way' like a school teacher...that told me.

Has anyone delivered at 37 weeks with a small baby?

Now fretting about getting everything ready and sniping at poor DP for not getting various DIY jobs done when he is fretting about finishing his work in time. Tricky negotiations with Mum who might not be able to look after my DD as she's working, all in all quite a stressed household just now!

My sympathies to you sunnybump for being told you can't have the birth you wanted and hope you've found a home for your birth pool.

How awful for you threeplusone being in hospital for so long, I had the same experience last pregnancy and on tablets again for bp, hope you are taking it easy and feeling better. Have you tried listening to a hypnotherapy cd?

Thanks shiregirl for the top bra tip, I have bought the same one! I also rushed out and bought loads of new M&S pants and replaced all my tatty old ones, felt so good! Their low slung shorts ones are super comfy.

Good luck to the next new Mummy!

Aww Clappedout such a disappointment for you to have to be induced, at least there is clear reason for them to do it and they're not just making you fit a random schedule. 37 weeks is term here so although I have no experience I'd encourage you to think positive and ask lots of questions of the MW/Obs so you have your mind as much at ease as possible. I'm sure someone here will know much more and be along soon.

I'm feeling much better about the thought of going into the hospital for the birth today. Like all the very good advice given to me (thanks girls - you're all stars!) it is for legitimate safety reasons and knowing now does give me the chance to plan ahead to make the best of it.

Have ordered one of these sleep bras from Boots to see if they're any good, anyone tried them? I thought they might be good for when my boobs don't know what size they want to be as they're super stretchy! I ordered with delivery to store so super easy to take back if need be.

Probably TMI but... Anyone else finding they really don't get much warning of needing the loo now? Baby's head seems to want to squish everything out immediately

sunnybump good luck today, glad you are feeling more reassured and have got your head around things a bit more, I am getting there slowly! If it's like my hospital you should get your own labour/delivery room and they have Cd players and birthing balls, not quite what you had planned but hopefully some comfort, ooh take a big pillow too if you can!

Not got the loo issue but don't think baby's engaged just yet.

Clappedout.. My first was born at 36weeks weighing 4lb14oz and she was fine, she had IUGR and placenta insufficiency too... ( I was 4lb 7oz when born due to placent a Insufficiency and IUGR born at 38weeks)
She was a csection though because of other probs with the pg and I wasnt allowed to labour with her.
She is now a healthy sporty 13yr old 5ft 5inches..
Good luck,

havent read back through the other posts sorry..
I am finding it really difficult now I am at home not to do anything, I want to potter but after posting i the pg section on here realise i shouldnt even be doing that and it is soo hard when used to doing things.. Hvaing said that I have just put some washing in and jujst taking that down the cellar has tired meout.. I am of for a lie on the sofa with a cuppa and see crap I can find on the tele..
I am seeing the MW again in the morning, and also have to go and have some bloods taken as my dr that I saw yesterday thinks my thyroid looks swollen... something else wrong just what I need NOT..
I suppose I should be grateful( and I am very much so) that the baby is OK moving nicely sleeping lots and bearing down..

sunnybump I know just what you mean about the loo. Went to Mothercare for some last minute bits and pieces this morning and went to the loo there three times in less than half an hour. Toddler daughter thought I was barking mad to keep dragging her with me (couldn't really let her look at the toys by herself, to her great annoyance - cue massive tantrum)
Also have builders in doing our bathroom which makes the problem worse.... How to NOT go to the loo when the loo is not connected and the baby bashes her head down!! Still working that one out while keeping my legs firmly crossed.

threeplusone I can only imagine how frustrated you feel, hope you're not going too mad with cabin-fever

clappedout - sure it'll be okay, sorry about the worry and the disappointment.

Quick update on my bit of blood business:

Dropped in on the MW this morning and after an initial look of concern when DH mentioned the blood, she hooted with laughter when given the circumstances and description and said it sounded as if it was entirely normal. Mind you, to set our minds at rest, she monitored for signs of fetal distress and there were none, so DH is greatly relieved (I wasn't too worried to begin with, so mainly felt vindicated..!)

Just crashing in from the Fab Feb 2009 thread to say congratulations to those whose babies have arrived and good luck to you all waiting for yours to arrive - remember being absolutely collosal around this time last year and believe me, when the babies arrive time starts going very fast indeed.

Ooh sunnybump! Good luck will be thinking of you!

Clapped out. I don't think 5lb plus is considered too small... maybe I'm biased because I was only a 5lb something baby myself way back in the 1970s (and a week late!), and my sister who had twins induced at 36 wks her larger twin was 5lb2. All were absolutely fine (including her 3lb14 twin who was only in intensive care for a few hours). I feel reassured that by the time you get to 37weeks you are considered full term. I can't quite believe that having got this far I am now officially in the 'normal arrival stage'! (well, that's unless I go off the other end, but have to cross that bridge if it comes to it).

Off to buy bras and big cheap granny knickers!

clappedout - sorry that you are worried, but as everyone says 37 weeks is full term. I know lots of people who have given birth spontaneously at that stage and have healthy, happy babies (that were around that size when born). Sending you lots of chilled out vibes.

DH suggested a bit of a cuddle last night and I couldn't get my granny, giant pyjamas off quick enough. Hasn't had any effect though. Went for a really long walk this morning and am getting stuck into the raspberry leaf in a big way, but she's happy in there. I'm not even getting any more BH!

Also went bra shopping this morning - they wouldn't measure me in the shop (it's a baby shop that sells maternity bras) and said it was up to me to know my size. There aren't any lingerie shops locally so not sure what to do. They also tried to sell me underwired nursing bras - is that a good idea or not?

I also can't find my size - I was 34A before pg, went up to 36C after the first trimester but now I seem to be somewhere between a 36C (too small) and a 38D (too big). I'm just worried that if I buy 38 then that will be too big after I give birth and my ribs shrink but obviously cup size might go up when my milk comes in.

sunnybump your bras look great, I think I will try and order some of those if I can find them online.

angelacarleen - screening my calls here too... my mum really wants to come over now but she could be hanging around for a while. I get lots of panicky texts if I don't reply to her calls - and DH is under strict instructions to call her as soon as I go into labour.

Is it really selfish to ask him not to tell anyone when I have gone into labour? I like the idea of waiting for a couple of hours after LO arrives to just be three, but I know Grannies will want to know as soon as I'm dilated even 1cm...

Aargh - the dreaded phone calls of "have you gone into labour yet?" Or my personal favourite "Still there then?". It drove me mad last time as MIL was very excited about me having her first grandchild and was a tad high maintenance. She even told us that we had to tell her as soon as something happened so she could sit in the hospital waiting room for the duration of the labour. DH and I told her very politely that we wouldn't be telling her at the first sign of anything and that she would be among the first to be told when DD arrived. We also explained that her constant phone calls and desire to be involved were touching but somewhat added to the pressure, and she did back off.

In the end I was induced so she knew when I went in.

This time she'll know as she's childcare for DD! So no respite for me, though it has had the lucky side effect of getting her to finally learn how to work the mobile phone we gave her (at her request) several years ago! Hasn't stopped her comments though - when I said I couldn't wait for this pg to be over the other day, she told me very firmly that if I felt like that, I had no idea how she felt!

And as for MIL's mum...

My family are much more laid back. I don't think they worry any less, just are better at keeping it to themselves and not piling on the pressure.

hey ladies, quick update, saw MW this morning, said the baby is offically engaged, didn't give me am amount tho, little gutted about that, but when my mum mentioned that she was going away mon-wed next week [shes my 2nd birthing partner] MW said not to drink too much as may need to rush back.... whooo! lol.

hope everyone else is ok, sorry to hear about the inducing clappedout but i bet your excited to finally meet the little person

I bought a packet of cheapo granny knickers a size too big, and am hoping for the best!

I also bought a nursing bra one cup size up - I reasoned not much point in being measured now (37w) as presumably my boobs will change A LOT when the milk comes in. So it's back out to the shops at that point?!

Glad you're all feeling better mawbroon, watercress and threeplusone. Hurrah for the shifting placenta TheOldestCat! My MW talked me through the homebirth last week, it seems there are a million and one reasons why we may have to transfer to the hospital so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and will go with the flow on the day.

Feeling rather lazy as my mum is upstairs right now painting the nursery and here I am on MN . Ebay next!

How exciting Nikki, it's going to be busy round here soon! You're not lazy Fizi, just sensibly conserving your energy!

I don't think it's selfish to want to keep it low key when you go into labour. All the books say the more relaxed you are the better the birth will go - complications excepted. And everyone, no matter how excited by the pending arrival, wants mum and baby to have as good a birth experience as possible.

Really by waiting til you're well established you're being considerate in that you're not getting them excited about a possible false start and keeping them waiting round for days and they're going to need the energy and rest to do our housework while we recuperate.

Seriously though, it is a minefield. My Dad's chilled beyond belief to the point of sometimes seeming not bothered, and my MIL is just so excited about her first grandchild and wants to know everything in detail. We're going for the put the foot down now approach and hope that sets a good precedent for future parenting differences of opinion. Fingers crossed!

had 37 week mw app tday and as always my bump got measured, the measurement came up the same as my last app which was 3 weeks ago, mw didnt seem to be concerned, but im not so sure as a first timer, anyone had any experience of this? should i be worried? eating more? any advice wud be much appreciated.

ems147 Don't worry, the measurement is pretty unreliable in any case and it probably just means the baby has changed position. With my first I had a different midwife almost every appointment and the growth chart seemed to go up and down like a yoyo because they all measured differently. If the midwife has no concerns then I am sure it's totally fine.

ems147 I would second babygiraffes advice not to worry. I think measurements often decrease or stay the same at the end of a pregnancy as the baby drops down in to the pelvis. I have also been measured yesterday at 35cm by a consultant ( I am 38 weeks tomorrow), then my midwife measured me about 10 times today and came up with 36cm every time. I had a growth scan today(for other reasons) and the baby is growing perfectly. Including, unfortunately, his massive head. But that is another story.....!

clappedout my friend was induced at 36 weeks late last year with a 5lb baby girl, for very similar reasons. she just sent me the latest photo on my mobile today and she looks a beautiful healthy girl! I'm sure all will be well for you but will keep my fingers crossed just the same .

More or less finished hospital bag packing. I have one (small) labour bag, one (small) cool bag with food and water, one (medium) baby bag and one (large) ward bag in case i'm kept in for days. My plan is to bring the labour bag in only when I arrive at the hospital then send dh out to the car to stealthily sneak the others in one by one as necessary. Hopefully no-one will notice...

Anyone else's packing look like they're planning an extended oversees jolly rather than popping a baby from their fanjo????

I am so fed up of people seeing me and saying "still here then?". ........Well...yes - seen as I'm standing here in front of you. I've still got a week and half until my due date so I may kill some people if they keep asking me every morning. I'm going to say "oh, yes I popped the baby out over tea and toast this morning and just thought I'd shuve a basketball up my top to fool you"!!

I've got 3 bags for the hospital - as advised in my NCT class with my first. It does seem a lot but I had this set up for my first 2 labours and it seemed to work really well. It means you only have to take the labour bag in with you and then after you've given birth your H can nip down the car to pick up the others. I also take my pillow with me - a bit of a comfort blanket but nice when you settle down in the ward afterwards.

A small labour bag which has in it my notes and birth plan, tens machine so it's easily accesible for when things kick off, a nightie, warm socks, flannel, lip balm, rescue remedy, hair band and hair clip, lucozade tablets and a bottle of water. Then a flapjack, cereal bar and mixed raisins and nuts as snack for my H. It also has a little bag with a nappy, vest, sleepsuit and hat in to dress the baby in straight away.

I have a small bag for the baby - changing bag size which has a pack of nappies, cotton wool, 3 vests, 3 sleepsuits, going home outfit, 2 cardigans, wooly hat, blanket and a muslin.

Then my hospital bag - going home clothes, pack of cheap knickers, sleep bras, pack of maternity pads, a few breast pads, leggings and vest top for lounging around in, pyjamas, thin dressing gown, flip flops for wearing to bathroom, towel (dark - not white!!), toiletry bag, book and chocolate bar for secret midnight munchies. A really good idea is to have right at the top of the bag your towel, toiletry bag, one pair of knickers, maternity pads, sleep bra and pyjamas. The midwife said it's so easy then to get out all the stuff you need for a shower and to change into afterwards. They also said never take a white towel as you bleed everywhere - especially after that first shower!

Sorry - just realised that's a really boring list of stuff but it might come in handy for someone!!

galadriel that is so helpful, was trying to pack my bag before, wondering how exactly i was going to get everything in the bag, it makes so much mre sence to have a few :D and your basketball comment made me [almost] PMSL,

fizi i think thats what im going to do, i know they say get measured at 36/37 weeks and the person will know what size to recommend, but knowing my luck i'll spend a lot on bras, and have them the wrong size!

oooo its getting exciting now, wonder if we will have another spontanious birth or the next one will be one of the planned ones?

oh rats. Thought I'd twinged my back yesterday when, being PG and cross, I picked up the recycling bags badly. Today, agony. I was feeling so glad that my back had held up through pregnancy (old injury), now i'm worried i will be in pain for the rest of it, then not be able to wear baby like i wanted to. Just have to see I guess.

On a more cheerful note, it's only 10 hours til i see the consultant for the LAST TIME, and hopefully get signed over to low dependency for birth. I'll let you know!

pyjamababe - yes, both me and baby could go on a world tour with the bags I have packed for us! I've never been a good packer, so i'm not surprised.

I'm considering measuring self for bra - there must be a tutorial on youtube or somewhere!

Poor Woowa! I know this might sound a bit lightweight (especially if you have had a past injury) but as soon as I feel my back going I start doing arnica granules and slapping arnica cream onto my back (all perfectly ok during pregnancy as I'm sure you know); I swear within 24-48 hours things get back to normal! Maybe it's a placebo effect but it helps me!!!!!

I hope you are feeling better today.

woowa poor you, hope that it holds off and goes away. Good luck with your appt.

galadriel thanks for your packing advice. When looking at the list of things I have to take into hospital (for the 3/4 day stay) I think I will need to take a trunk! I keep having to explain to DH what is what. As long as I have time to throw in last minute things like washbag, dressing gown and mascara!

As far as I know it's nil by mouth here during labour so I have bought a lot of evian spray which I found on sale, but I think I am going to pack in a few bottles of water and a few snacks, just in case!

It's not selfish at all to keep it to yourself when you go into labour. We did exactly that last time and I'm glad of it because I had a really long labour. If I had notified the grannies when it all started they would have been waiting 36 hours before the happy news that all was well and baby boy was safely out, finally came. I live abroad and I know my mum would have been beside herself with worry if she had known all that time, not able to do anything, not able to sleep, not able to visit or contact us either. It was much better for her to get an SMS at 04.30am with the surprise news that she was now a grandma.

It also obliges you to give regular updates if you start telling people early on, otherwise they will worry. A friend of mine told me when she went into labour and then I didn't hear anything else for two whole days. She had just had a long labour and then a c-section but hadn't had the energy to send an update. I had convinced myself something bad had happened since I hadn't heard anything, of course if I hadn't known she was in labour in the first place I would have been happily oblivious.

Clearly those with childcare to sort out for older children have to tell others but honestly, the ones of you who want to keep it to yourselves can do so with a very clear conscience!

Good list, galadrial, I've been wondering what to get organised for the hospital bag, your rundown is very helpful!

The three bags thing is a good plan too - except for us I think we'll be relying on a taxi or a friend to get us in (save worrying about parking etc.) so don't have the handy extra storage. I shall wrestle with that one. Anyone had a similar situation and tips to get round it?

Idea is for DH to go back home and fetch the car when it's time for us to go home.

One other thing: breastpads.

I saw some for sale in a right-on eco shop which professed to work not by simply mopping up the leakage, but by applying gentle pressure and thus preventing leakage. The idea is that they can then be washed and re-used. Theory sounds good, but I feel a tad skeptical. The make was Lilypadz. Anyone tried anything like this or know anyone else who has? If they actually work and aren't uncomfortable, it'd be nice not to add to the landfill mountain (could work out cheaper, too)....?