Due May 2010: Into the third trimester we go, can the bumps get any bigger?

[MarquiseDeMerteuil]

So here's the continuation of the thread previously known as Due May 2010: Where we get a 'bloom' just in time for the christmas mayhem???
Let's see if this one lasts up until the first birth... Knowing how chatty we can be, I doubt it!

Everyone is sooooooo organised! I am a bit slack but in my defence, I am struggling to do much because of the pain I am in.
Dh is off work this week, so he has a list of jobs to do!!!
DD is moving bedrooms and the baby will have her room. We went to look for a cabin bed for dd at the weekend, but we did not see anything. We saw one in a brochure but I am not sure about it. We will just have to go and visit some more places (unfortunately as I hate being in the car now)
Dh has to paint dd's room this week and we have ordered her carpet so once it is painted, I will be able to get more organised.

Have still to get clothes down from loft for the baby - bought some things for me (pads, knickers) and am trying to convince dh to let me buy / hire a birthing pool as I would love to have the baby at home in water. I had ds at home but not in water.
Has anyone hired / bought a birthing pool before?

I saw the mw last week and she suggested I went for physio, but as I went last time, I do not think it will help, I just declined it. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow for some pain killers and whilst I am there I will get him/her to check out my earache too. Feel like I am constantly moaning about one pain or another! And I really don't normally.

Re - breastfeeding - I struggled both times previously and went on to mix feed for 6 and 8 months respectively. It is difficult, but I am keeping an open mind, although I know I will have less time than ever before!

Hope everyone has a good week.

I am not organised at all, all I have bought are some babygros, vests and socks. Nothing for me as yet. Everything else still up the loft. I want to get a baby monitor this time as I have never had one before but think it will be good if I am out in the garden and the baby is asleep indoors (can live in hope).

I have a few Elle Macpherson bras from last time as well, got them in the sale in Mothercare for about £12 each. You can also get underwired feeding bras too if you require some oomph.

SK - I wanted to get everything down to check how much stuff we had that was suitable for a boy. Luckily everything seems to be unisex for the first few months so don't need to buy too much. I was really paranoid about stuff being ruined in the attic so glad to see it's OK!

MDM - it's horrible when you can't get decent bras in your size. I'm currently a 38JJ and it's been a nightmare to find anything.

Pamelat - sorry your DD is struggling Good luck getting your essay with your essay.

Hormonalmum - I'm not really that organised! Getting the stuff down from the loft is all I've done (luckily I was really anal when I put it away so it doesn't need sorting). I do have a huge amount of stuff still to get and just don't know where to start.

Heffa - that's lucky you have so much unisex, ours is all pink pink pink!

Morning all, well Lunchtime now but hey!

Re the Useful info list...
Anymore votes for where to put the list up? Here or FB group?

tomlin- With you on the shoes. We bought DD a new pair on Saturday. She needed a new pale pink pair to wear at our friends wedding in April so they were £15, plus she also needs a new clarks pair for everyday so theres another £30! Admittedly her last pair of clarks have done her since Oct (size 4.5) so cant moan too much.

Mustbemad- Def get checked.. My friend who lost her baby recently had been leaking fluid and had put it down to her leaky bladder.

Angel- Wow that was a quick cardi! I knitted a blanket for DD.. Only simple squares in different colours. Do feel abit guilty about not making anything this time but I can only manage Blankets and we have them coming out of our ears! I have done a canvas picture for Babys nursery though so I can say I made it something!

Rachel- Yay on the decorating

SK- Hope the Architect is helpful and doesnt quote you too much!

Pamlet- Hope DD is better.. Its horrible when they are ill.

Heffa- We are the same and have plenty of Unisex stuff to see us through the first few months. Plus and entire draw of pink thats just in Newborn and 0-3 sizes!

Had a nip into town today and ventured into the newly built library. DD has turned into such a book worm, im getting fed up of reading the same old stories to her... Feels like im constantly buying her new books too!
Anyway she loved it, Plonked herself down in the middle of the room on a rug and started reading! We are both now members and she has some "special" books to read at home. Good old Elmer and Meg and Mog

Off to our swimming lesson this afternoon so best go attempt to defuzz!

I have some small girls clothes but ds was fairly big when he was born so my smaller unisex things are somewhere "safe". I just dont know where safe is right now! I am hoping if they are not in the loft, they are at my mums.
I thought we should find out the sex for this very reason - practicalities!

Heffa - are you a fan of lists? Maybe that might help. I have started a list...

SK - baby monitor - I had the same one for dd and ds but it gave up working so I was not going to bother with another but now you have mentioned being outside perhaps I should get another.

Pamelet - yes I think the back teeth are always the worst. Hope you get your work finished!

Hello ladies and congratulations! nearly there..
I'm sorry to butt in on your thread but I'm looking for some feedback re antenatal yoga - have any of you gone? Did you like it? what worked and what was not so good?

Thanks xxxx

Littleowls - I just saw this picture on a website when I was looking for nursery decorations, and thought it might be right up your street!

Happy second week in March everyone. The sun's shining here! Happy days

Pigley - I don't have a personal preference for where the list goes, but agree with Heffa that we should be able to add our comments. Not that I have anything to add

I'm most of everyone who can knit. I never got the hang of it. Am considering making some description of toy decorations to go with the characters in the bedding we've chosen, but it might be a ML project when I've got time to sit and work it out

Rachel - whatever you choose, steer clear of M&S - they were rubbish with me. I've never felt so much like cattle in my life. And they were so patronising ("no you simply cannot have underwired, even if I have measured you properly, which I have because I know your boobs better than you do, and anyway you're pregnant so you clearly don't know the first thing about anything". Well, something to that effect anyway )

Can't wait to join you all on the other side of 30 weeks and the single figure countdown...

Yuck I feel so nauseous, hope I don't get what DS has. He is still poorly, alternating diarrhoa with vomiting but still wanting food. He's asleep now in bed so I can finally give DD some attention.

SK we had a rough quote of £60k to add a double storey side extension to our house, we would love to do it but don't feel its the right time for us to borrow more on the mortgage.
Are you sure you want a vibe ? I know of a lovely black and charcoal Sport yours delivered for £195 (details in the for sale section)

Heffa I envy you being so organised, I am trying to be attentive when I am putting things away now to make my life easier when getting them out again!

Hormonalmum I say go for the birthing pool. I imagine it will be brilliant to have it there as an option.

Underwear, yes I think this time I will treat myself to some nice nursing bras, I wasn't too bothered when I had DD and DS but this time (this will probably be our last baby) I think I will make the effort.

Eeek I am 32 +2 today, I feel the last few weeks disappearing so quickly, I can't believe how quickly the pregnancy seems to have gone. I keep thinking I have loads to do before baby arrives but actually I'm not sure what is necessary or not! I think its partly an overwhelming feeling that with a just 4yr old, just 2 yr old and a newborn I wont be able to get anything done once baby is here but on the other hand we dont have the budget to get everything done that I would like!
Had a few decorators round to quote for some painting and coving and I was really surprised at how reasonable they are. So, we are going to get them to do the spare room that will be used for the new baby/ then DS meaning we dont have to factor that into our must dos before baby arrives.

pamelat hope your DD is ok and that your essay is well underway,

SK - yeah, I'm quite surprised so much of it is unisex. I think we mostly bought neutral things for that age, come 6 months I'm pretty sure it's all dresses.

Pigley - newly built library sounds fab Some of the new libraries look fantastic, I always read about them and get very jealous (library nerd). DD loves the library too and always gets quite excited when we pop in.

Hormonalmum - I love lists Have written quite a few, but trying to decide where to buy everything. I need to do it all online so like to go to one place for everything as far as possible.

Myfirstbump - I second M&S being useless. I got measured there once and they put me as a 32B (am normally a 34GG ). They refused to sell me underwired bras when I was a teenager as well.

Pigley Have requested to join the FB group - my initials are EH.

Heffa - we have always known the sex hence the oodles of pink that I have added to every time. Pay day is next week so think I will get more sorted then.

brightred - might be tempted but have my heart set on a Vibe now, saw this today Sola and fell in love but I do really need a double, love the combinations though. Saw it in that colour then realised that I am having a boy, I keep forgetting lol. Thanks for the heads up on the extension, this one will be small at the side and going out the back a bit. Thought about moving but nothing is selling and the thought ot trying to keep this house tidy enough to sell well argh! To be honest as well cost isn't as much of an issue as it once was as with DPs Mum passing away last year we have a small inheritence not that we wanted it but it's coming our way and well it's being invested isn't it?

myfirstbump - agree about the M&S thing as well, horrid frumpy bras and JL try and sell you sports bras.

pigley - DD3 has been a size 4.5 forever as well. Well done on the library, we have yet to go, I just keep buying books but if I have to read about Igglepiggle losing his blanket one more time I will cry. DD3 loves her books too.

Yes, seriously ladies, what is with M&S nursing/maternity bras?? I went there last time and the size they said I was just applied to the bras they sold there, and they were so frumpy, ugly and boring, the seams showed through all my shirts and were lumpy! I got a few from Mothercare as well and they weren't great either, covered too much, showed the breast pads and the seams showed through my tops. I breastfed DS for over a year in these things! This time round I definitely want to treat myself. Thank you very much for the recommendations!

Hi all, 1,600 words down. Not sure the quality is great but to be honest I dont have the energy for it, its the last one, thank goodness.

Re antenatal yoga, I went with my first and loved it. Moved to a village now so more difficult to go. I never had aches and paints with my first pregnancy but not sure whether that was down to yoga/pilates or whether its now because I carry a 2 stone child around on my hip 24/7.

Re shoes. DD has been a 5F since about November!I keep taking her to be measured and always feels dissapointed that not gone up a size!

Picked DD up early from nursery so had 3 hours with her. She still has 38.5 temp,and just looks washed out. DH just home and is putting her to bed.

Evening everyone!

It has been such a lovley day, it puts you in a really good mood doesn't it!

I feel quite organised and have everything I need. I'm very impressed with the knitting. I do need some more baby clothes but I don't want to buy loads as people tend to get you clothes when LO is born. Hospital bag is gettting packed and I've just got some new PJs, and I'm going to hunt for some new slippers too (my white ones I wear now aren't really suitable).

I have bought some new bras, bravado ones but I don't thinks they'll fit me when I start nursing. I think I should get measured properly really.
SK - I noticed in an earlier post that you had used those Lilypadz, were they any good? I'd seen these and thought they looked like a good idea.

Sorry to hear about all the poorly little people. I hope they are all feeling better soon x

MDM - What a lovely thought! I totally love it. I may just have to buy it, tee hee.

Congrats to all those reaching single figure weeks, and if you haven't yet it won't be long. Time just seems to wizz by!
I'm on countdown, only 15 work days left and counting. Looking forward to my antenatal class tomorrow, even though it is about what happens when things don't go to plan! That list would be a good idea - if it was on here we could add suggestions (or those with experience could).

Take care everyone.

Hi All!

Hope all poorly DC get better soon.

Pamelat - hope you got your essay done in time.

Little owls - you have only 15 days left at work. My works doing my head it at the moment - don't finish until end of april.

Thanks to all for your suggestions re hospital bag and necessities for us mums - hadn't really thought about what i would need! Aargh! Another list!

I bought these really cute curtains form ikea for LO's room, MIL-to-be has taken them up and lined them for me, she has also made the extra material into cushion covers! They are fantastic!! Can't wait to get the room all prepared but for some reason can't bring myself to do it yet? Anyone else feeling reluctant to? I've got the cot but don't want to assemble it and tempt fate - am i being silly?

Just adding my location - hope i've got latest list

29 April - Littleowls, 31 #1 ??? Carlisle,Cumbria
01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL (CS booked 22/4/10)
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL Chester
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1, Belfast NI
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4 3DDs, BOY, Lanarkshire (nr Glasgow)
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL, Wye Valley/Forest of Dean
08 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL, planned CS, central London
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
08 May - Asparagusaddict, ? , #1
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!) BOY & GIRL
10 May - Gils, 28, #2, ?, Falkirk (Central Scotland)
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 26, #2 GIRL liverpool
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1, South London
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY Nottinghamshire
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - Mustbemadno3 35, #3
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?, Huddersfield
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?, Southampton
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?, Cornwall
14 May - TomlinTowers, 31 #2, GIRL, York
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY, Chilterns Bucks (NW London area)
17 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2 Devon
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
17 May - KaffaCakes, ? , #1
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY, cs booked 11th May, Bolton
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2 West Sussex
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, ?, #2, BOY
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38,#1 BOY
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1, Shrewsbury
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY Inverness, Scottish Highlands
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4, Halifax, West Yorkshire
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Hello Ladies,

Good to see everything is going relatively smoothly for all.

I'm thoroughly homeless atm and have been feeling a bit sorry for myself. All the work involved in packing up flat brought out the cold I've been avoiding all winter, and I've just been exhausted and not in a place where I feel really comfortable having a duvet day. Plus my commute is a lot longer and it's bloody freezing still.
How can it still be so cold in March?

Anyway, finally today we exchanged contracts on new house. We will be in before of month and both very excited about having first real house. It even has a south facing garden - we're going to feel so grown up at last.
Also excited obviously about being able to sort out babies things. He really is making his presence felt lately.

Looking forward to finding these lists you're all talking about - I've certainly made a mental note to get myself into primark to stock up on big knickers.

Jealous of anyone who has chosen or bought a pram I still don't know what to get and find the decision gets harder not easier. I'd never have imagined it could be so complicated! I had pretty much decided to just get a second hand cameleon on ebay, but have now realised what controversial status symbols they are in Hackney and I'm less certain it's a good idea.

I've seen a few micralite toro's around. They look nice and have lie flat cradles for newborns. It doesn't look like they'd be much cheaper though because not so many second hand ones around, and then i read reviews about how their front wheels snap off a lot. Has anyone here any experience of micralites? Any other recommendations?

nigeltuffnell - i imagine it's a bit early for us to give feedback on antenatal yoga, it is for me at least!

Location updated below

29 April - Littleowls, 31 #1 ??? Carlisle,Cumbria
01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL (CS booked 22/4/10)
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL Chester
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1, Belfast NI
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4 3DDs, BOY, Lanarkshire (nr Glasgow)
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL, Wye Valley/Forest of Dean
08 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL, planned CS, central London
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
08 May - Asparagusaddict, ? , #1
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!) BOY & GIRL
10 May - Gils, 28, #2, ?, Falkirk (Central Scotland)
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 26, #2 GIRL liverpool
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1, South London
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY Nottinghamshire
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - Mustbemadno3 35, #3
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?, Huddersfield
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?, Southampton
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?, Cornwall
14 May - TomlinTowers, 31 #2, GIRL, York
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY, NE London
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY, Chilterns Bucks (NW London area)
17 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2 Devon
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
17 May - KaffaCakes, ? , #1
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY, cs booked 11th May, Bolton
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2 West Sussex
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, ?, #2, BOY
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38,#1 BOY
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1, Shrewsbury
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY Inverness, Scottish Highlands
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4, Halifax, West Yorkshire
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Hi All

Lists are always good - let me know where it is!

Am feeling at the moment. BIL has just emailed me to say he thinks it is "crazy" that DH is coming home from his Mum's (near Preston) early on Sunday morning so he can be home to go out with me and DS1 for lunch because it's Mothers Day, and DH "should" be with his mother and he "can't understand why DH needs to get back".

Can you tell me if I am being mental for being really annoyed with this??

I know that Mother's Day is all about marketing etc etc but I just think MIL has had 33 years of Mothers' Days, and this is only my 3rd so I still quite enjoy the novelty of the card, etc. DH will be with MIL from Friday, DS1 has done (with me) pictures for his Nana and Great Nan and a card, and we are sending flowers, so its not like we aren't marking the occasion in some way.

DH is really cross with BIL for commenting and thinks that MIL has put BIL up to saying something. He is now thinking about coming back on the Saturday instead, but it is important that he goes to see his 94-year old Nan and his brother is coming over from Brussels so I agree he should go and see his family. I have only just got back on friendly speaking terms with BIL and MIL since they spoilt DS1's first Christmas by behaving like spoilt brats, so I really don't want to blow everything up again for nothing - do you think I am getting this out of perspective?

Other than that, sun has been shining, and I have to go and get two new tyres for my car tomorrow - oh the excitement!

Schipo - congratulations on the house! That must be such a relief It'll be so nice when you're in and you can start buying baby stuff!

Tomlin - YANBU Your BIL sounds really interfering. Your DH is seeing his mother and spending most of the weekend with her so I don't think it's remotely unfair for him to come home and see you. You're not getting it out of perspective IMO, if they choose to make a problem out of it then I think that's their problem not yours.

Den26 - I felt quite superstitious about getting everything ready first time round but did it anyway because I panic if things aren't ready! It did feel weird decorating the nursery though. Curtains and cushions sound fab, I keep meaning to make cushions for DD's room but haven't got round to it yet.

Littleowls - I used Lilypadz for a while and found them a bit weird tbh although they did seem to work.

Pamelat - congrats on finishing your last essay! Hope your DD is feeling better tomorrow.

SK - we found out the sex last time but only told my family so ended up with lots of neutral things. MIL always buys DD boys clothes anyway. She always wanted a grandson so buys us some really weird stuff, including stuff that really is just too boyish for a girl IYKWIM?

Tomlin I think you're perfectly within your rights to be annoyed with BIL. Sounds like your DH has found the perfect compromise - visiting his mum & nan on the saturday and sunday morning and then coming back to spend the rest of sunday with you and your son.

Schipo - fantastic news about the house, sorry you're not feeling great at the moment though.

Den - which curtains did you get from Ikea? We got some ikea curtains for our nursery last weekend too!

31 Weeks for me tomorrow, so 9 to go - single figures, yay! Still 7 weeks to go at work though. I don't hate it, but my mind's not really on it at the moment!

schipo Congrats on the house - you must be sooo pleased - just in time! I've yet to choose a pram too - all the models we want to look at are currently out of stock so not sure what we're going to do.

Finally bought an outfit for the baby at the weekend - really cute & neutral as we don't know whether we're having boy or girl. Also bought lovely Teddy all from Boots (mini mode). Still don't feel anywhere near organised though.

Thanks for all the advice on maternity bras. I'd like to get some nice ones too as it's still a novelty to have bigger boobs

Only 4 weeks left at work now so hope to have more time to shop for baby stuff in April.

Can't remember who was going to add that 'list' but personnaly (as a first timer) would find it really useful, esp if it's on here rather than FB.

Have added my location to the list:

29 April - Littleowls, 31 #1 ??? Carlisle,Cumbria
01 May - Brightredballoon, 32. #3
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - ForcesSweetheart, 36, #2, GIRL (CS booked 22/4/10)
04 May - Memorylapse,37 #5 GIRL Chester
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1, Belfast NI
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4 3DDs, BOY, Lanarkshire (nr Glasgow)
06 May - LuckyC, 35, #1, GIRL
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL, Wye Valley/Forest of Dean
08 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL, planned CS, central London
08 May - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL
08 May - Asparagusaddict, ? , #1
09 May - alexw, 37, #2
10 May - Sophie2008, 28 #2 & #3 (TWINS!) BOY & GIRL
10 May - Gils, 28, #2, ?, Falkirk (Central Scotland)
11 May - Itshappenedagain, 26, #2 GIRL liverpool
11 May - MarquiseDeMerteuil, 33, #1, South London
12 May - pamelat, 31, #2 BOY Nottinghamshire
12 May - Katnkittens 30, #4, GIRL
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - Mustbemadno3 35, #3
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - Wibblela, 36, #1, GIRL?, Huddersfield
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - MinnieMummy, 37, #3, ??
14 May - Fiveisanawfullybignumber, 37 #5 GIRL
14 May - Carikube, 36 #2 ?, Southampton
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?, Cornwall
14 May - TomlinTowers, 31 #2, GIRL, York
15 May - LuckyMiller, 33, #1
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1, Dorset
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY, NE London
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
16 May - Rachelfruitloop 35, #2 BOY, Chilterns Bucks (NW London area)
17 May - TwentiethCenturyHeffa, 26, #2 Devon
17 May - Morph2 36 #1
17 May - KaffaCakes, ? , #1
18 May - 30ish, 31, #2 BOY, cs booked 11th May, Bolton
19 May - Pigleychez, 28, #2 West Sussex
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, ?, #2, BOY
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Sweetpeasmum, 38, #2
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - Mollybob, 37 #3
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38,#1 BOY
23 May - Nimk, 30, #1
23 May - myfirstbump, 26, #1, Shrewsbury
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
24 May - peakyispreggers, 27, #1 BOY
25 May - Den26, 26, #1 BOY Inverness, Scottish Highlands
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4, Halifax, West Yorkshire
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Ok heres the List as requested. Just a few things put together by mummies for the July 08 antenatal thread.

Feel free to add any other gems of advice

VALUABLE INFORMATION*It is quite common for baby girls to have a mini-period a few days after they are born. shock It is a withdrawal bleed from the exposure to all the hormones in the womb.

• When your milk comes in (about 3 days after birth) they will be enormous, hot and rock hard. This extreme discomfort coincides with a happy hormone drop so don't be surprised if you spend the day sobbing. You'll feel better soon!

*There are very few musts in either pregnancy or child rearing. Treat all childcare and pregnancy advice like a pick and mix counter take what works for you and ignore what does not.

*The Lochia starts immediately after birth for which you require some form of sanitary pads. You may continue to experience pains similar to period pains for a couple of days after and possible pass a largish clot. This happened to me (the size of a small side plate) and I panicked thinking it was an undeveloped twin. After speaking to my midwife this is quite common (she'd had one the size of a dinner plate - I don't mean to alarm anyone!) but I had absolutely no idea what was happening and felt extremely scared until I'd received clarification. Best to save the evidence and show to MW or HV.

• Really no point worrying in advance about embarrassing indignities during labour - you honestly will not notice or care what you do or how you behave when the day comes. Also, wear something during labour that you are happy to throw away. You may not feel like wearing it afterwards, even when it's washed.

• If you get the chance before the baby is born (and your nesting takes full hold) cook loads of beef or quorn mince/onions/tomatoes and freeze it in take away tubs. When your new arrival appears all you've dp has got to do is boil some rice or pasta, defrost mixture and add mixed herbs or chilli beans for a really quick and relatively nutritious meal. You honestly will not want to cook.

• Buy Toni and Guy's dry shampoo from Boots or Batiste's version (much cheaper but not quite as good) from Superdrug. On those days post birth when your hair really needs washing but you are exhausted, and you need to leave the house but are worried that folks will think you've lost it because of the oil slick in your hair- these products are amazing and will make your hair totally presentable.

*. I really think you can't cuddle them too much. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to pick your baby up all the time if thats what makes you both happy.

*. If you have stitches down below or are even just feeling a bit bruised, get some super strength Arnica, also for at least a fortnight after giving birth have a bath every day with lavender oil in it. It's great for healing and preventing infection plus the lavender is really soothing. It's important to get even half an hour me time (especially if you have other DC).

• Be prepared to spend the first few weeks sitting feeding your baby a lot (if BFing), have phone, drink, snacks to hand. I am also planning on renting some good films and DVD box sets for cluster feeding in the evenings. (I have lovely memories of feeding DD2 in bed with a good movie on).

• Don't get worried if your baby doesn't poo every day, or even every other day, just be warned of the smelly explosion when it does happen.

• On the subject of poo (mm lovely) the first few poo's are akin to tar (very, very thick and sticky!), so try putting vasaline on babies bottom at each nappy change to make it easier to scrape off!

• YouÂ?ll be AMAZED at how swollen your undercarriage is Â? no-one tells you that. I thought it was my stitches but it was my bits It is okay though, sounds worse than it is.

*Make sure you take loads of fruit (maybe even lactulose into hospital with you in case you are in for a few days and have drugs in labour). My DH went home with mine and the hospital had NO fruit/veg/salad and served up horrid salty food. Ended up with horrific constipation and had to get the Dr out a few days after birth

• Following on from last point - fruit somoothies seemed to work well for me in first couple of days - you really want the first post-birth poo to be as easy as possible!!

• Dare I say it...breastfeeding might well hurt to start with but this won't last forever and it is so worth it!

• OK another one with TMI - especially if you push for a while, you may well have bad piles - do ask the midwives for treatment, not worth being embarressed! Also second lavender in bath - pref with epsom salts - brill for healing bits and bottom!

• I carried a spare top with me for first few weeks as boobs would leak hugely at the most unexpected moments .

• Babies can fire poo explosive distances - IME around 4ft! be prepared and buy carpet shampoo/carpet stain remover before the birth!

*Sometimes it is painful to pee after delivery jug of warm water containing few drops of lavender oil poured over your bits while trying to pee can help. If it does not it sounds disgusting but pee in the bath.

sorry for not aknowledging everyones posts will come back on when I can think straight and am not clawing at my skin..it looks like Ive got obstetric cholestasis

todays bile acids have come back borderline and the itching has insified...Im back on thursday for more monitoring and further bloods..feel very frightened..not a good idea to google