Spring is sprung, the grass is ris, I wonder where my toenails is - Due June 2010

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Ok, here it is ladies. Nice new thread for us all to enjoy

Milly forgot to ask how everything is going with you? Are things any better?

I wonder how the hypnobirthing thing works for a C-section????

Hello, Yes things improving, been no mention of socialising with that woman or anyone else for that matter, too bust trying to establish his business and finish assignments. His last one is due in mid April and then I shall be encouraging a year off as he a) can't afford it and b) i'm studying full time as of September.

The hypnobirthing's main key to sucess is around the relaxation of the whole body so even if you've had an epidural the rest of the major organs could still be tense and producing adrenaline which isn't conducive to a relaxed mother and baby and could slow down recovery. People have had open heart surgery under hypnosis, which i don't think i fancy but it shows the power of the mind.

*too busy not bust lol

bluesnow I have got awful backache. I'm seeing an osteopath regularly, but in between I find the best thing is to have regular stints lying flat on your back on the floor, knees up. Only trouble is DD keeps coming over and literally bouncing off my bump!
Also regular doses of paracetemol.

Many thanks for tips ladies - going to try the lying on the floor later as haven't got any other children who will want to bounce off me! Also thinking the hot water bottle might be good at bedtime! Didn't think of that myself doh!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun

bluesnow I was having really bad lower back pain and started using a support belt. Has made a huge difference. I am also doing a pregnancy water aerobics class twice a week and that has also really helped to ease the pain. Would def get a support belt though if you can. This baby is super low and literally helps to hold the bump up, taking the pressure of my back!

Bluesnowfalcon I saw my physio on Friday and she said that there is mounting evidence to show that it is not good / bad pregnancy posture or weight that necessarily causes back pain but getting stuck in one position for a long time by this point in our pregnancy. E.g. stuck at your desk for hours on end or long periods of driving. Lots and lots of different changes in position can help plus swimming.

Mampam you've made me laugh and cry today. Really feel for what you went through in your last pregnancy. Really hope that you can gradually overlay those very difficult memories with happier memories after this pregnancies despite all the practical difficulties and the inlaws from hell. Pelvic floor nearly gave way though with your description of your DH's attempts at floorplay!!!

CSWS I thought Antarctica would be the better option but on Friday night my DH came home with a reprieve. He has been asked to stay on the project now until December. Phew! Hopefully by then some less inaccessible opportunities will have opened up.

We're heading up to Northumberland to a wedding next weekend. Have to organise Sunday lunch in a pub. Does anyone have any recommendations of good pubs in or near Longframlington?

Hello ladies,

I'm really going to try my best with keeping up with this thread! Have been hugely busy - have moved house and been on holiday. Still surrounded by boxes but will take my time with it.

Hope you are all well. I'm nearly 33 weeks now, can't believe how fast it's gone.

Seen a few of you discussing hypnobirthing here, I'm doing it too and hope to have a home water-birth using the techniques. I find the practices really relaxing, even though the affirmations on the CD do go on a bit

Hi Milly I'd love to have a copy of your hypno-birthing handouts. I bought a book - cant remember the title - but it only seems to have a couple of visualisations and their a bit duff so haven't been doing much practicing and am aware that time is marching on.

Where I am the expectation is that everyone will have an epidural. My midwife was pretty sneering when I said that I wasn't planning on having one but would play it by ear. She also said that it was standard practice as soon as you arrive at the hospital for them to put you on a sugar and water drip - which I dont really fancy. I'm going to pack some water and snacks and tell DP to do all the talking and I'll keep my headphones on - well at least thats the plan!

Anyway if anyone's got any good techniques they recommend then I'm on [email protected]

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Sunworshipper I'll have to think of another funny tale to tell you just before your due date.....you never know you might laugh yourself into labour!

I think it's being so tired that lets these emotions of mine creep to the surface. At least I don't have to deal with inlaws until after the baby is born, electric thingy is sorted, ex and his wife are being nice which is all good. The only immediate thing I have to contend with is my Mother. She is making my blood boil.

Mother and I do not get on when in each others company too often, too long a story to go into, but lets just say this about her - TOTALLY OVERBEARING. DH is convinced she is going to ruin the joy of having this baby.

Anyway, I'm not really into the hypnobirthing thing but Milly has given me the idea to get out my relaxation CD that was made for me when I use to have Kinesiology/hypnotherapy for my anxiety. I need to chill out and relax to stop that woman from sending my low blood pressure sky high.

baguette think your MW is living in the middle ages. Sugar and water drip?????? Never heard of that as standard practise before. They will put you on a drip if you want an epidural but shouldn't if you don't. It will seriously restrict your movements in labour for one thing. How odd.

Good to see you back RnB. How's the SPD?
I'm 33 weeks today but might scream if one more person says to me "not long to go now". It's a long time when everyday is spent in a fair bit of pain.

However, I did manage until 2.30am back in my bed last night when I gave in because I was in so much pain. It was agony I could hardly even walk to the loo. It's definitely the matress....it's too hard and I even had my feather topper on it. Plus the icing on the cake was when I came back from the loo and DH had farted. I've never smelled anything like it in my life and it reminded me of how much I like sleeping on my own, so I made my way back down to my comfy sofa and it was like heaven

Mampam!!!!!

Im 33 weeks too and finding that my hips are hurting from sleeping on my side. It's like there's too much weight/pressure - and I've got a memory foam mattress. I tried sleeping on a thin pillow but that didnt help. Any ideas anyone?? It's like having numb hips when you get up.

Good news about your dh's project reprieve sunworshipper , what a relief

mampam Just tried to CAM you, but it looks like you're not signed up. Let me know the best way to get in touch and I'll get the cat book in the post

gizmo I love your mum's champagne 'medicine' , wonderful! I hope someone does that for me!

justbeme I love the waves on the beach visualisation for hypnobirthing, I find it really helps with the breathing techniques. My trainer's advice was to picture a beach where you were really happy and that your DH also knows so he can prompt you and remind you of it during the birth to help you stay focused. I use an image of the beach in Borneo where DH and I spent our honeymoon, I was blissfully happy and it really does get me relaxed much quicker when i picture it.

Also like the flower opening visulisation. It's quite hard to incorporate this into practice sessions, but I hope to use it on the day.

Welcome to the newcomers

baguette I agree with mampam that your MW's practices sound very strange and out of date.

Quick list update, hope I've remembered everyone, apologies for mistakes (and I hope I don't cross post with anyone)

No date - ac1974, #1
27th-3rd - ScaredofEverything, 33, #2
30/05 GoodName, 31, #1 BOY
31/05 RnB, 31, #3
31/05 dinosaurinmybelly (DIMB), 37, #3 GIRL
31/05 - mampam, 30 #3
31/05 - minimoonumbertwo, 33, #2, BOY
1st - Appu, #1 Girl
1st - Washersaurus , 33, #3
1st - ELM, 29, #2
1st - whenwillisleepagain, 42 #2
1st - PogueMahone, 36, #3 SURPRISE
2nd - scrappydappydoo, #3
2nd - MrsGravy, 33, #3
2nd - meggymegmegs, 31, #1 SURPRISE
2nd - Justbeme , 41 #3
2nd - AlwaysHopeful, 35, #2 SURPRISE
2nd - roundabout1, no 2,
3rd - nickytwotimes, 35, #2
3rd - Jenba, ?, #3
3rd - Flossysmum, #4
3rd - marmiteaddict, 31, #1 SURPRISE
4th - madamefreckle, 34,#2 GIRL
4th - sunshiney, 34, #2
5th - Dizzymac, 35 No.3
6th - zumm, 37, #1
7th - MrsC09, 29 #1 SURPRISE
7th - mumandlovingit, 28 #3
7th - perkster, no 1, SURPRISE
7th/11th - PorridgeBrain, 34, #2
7th - Zeel, #1
8th - dolphina, 31, #1 SURPRISE
8th - LittleRobbo, 35, #3 GIRL
8th - Tobermory, #2
8th - Saucepanman, 31, #4
8th - MrsAlwaysRight 31, #2
9th - greensnail, 28, #2 SURPRISE
9th - Boobz, 30, #2 SURPRISE
10th - upsydaisysexstylist #3
11th - shipsladyg GIRL
11th - woofie, 33, # 2 BOY
11th - amandajo, 34, #3 SURPRISE
12th - UnrequitedSkink, 33, no. 2
12th - Rangemaster 29, #3
12th - Georgee, 38, #1 GIRL
12th - Fabi76, 33 #1
12th - Elena67, 43 #1
13th - ChairmumMiaow, 29, #2
13th - sobloodystupid, 34, #3
14th - Fillybuster, 36, #3 - NOT TELLING!
15th - Ponymum, 41, # 2
15th - Millymollymoo, ?, #4 BOY
16th - NizzyNoodles, 35, #3 BOY
16th - Flossie69, 40,#2
17th - Bluesnowfalcon 28 #1 BOY
17th - Summerhols, 31, #1
17th - Barbeasty, 30, #1 GIRL
17th - chestnut100,30 #1 GIRL
17th - MomBanks, #2 BOY
17th - LateforWork,#1, SURPRISE
17th - Plum100, #3, SURPRISE
18th - Virgo1979, SURPRISE
18th - theperfectbaguette 34 #1
19th - Ladyemmalou83, 26 #1
20th - addictedtofrazzles, 33, #2
21st - Gizmo, 39, #3 GIRL
21st - Sunworshipper, 36, #1
22nd - gaelicsheep, 33, #2 - NOT TELLING
23rd - Sunshineday 39 #5
23rd - Earlyonemorning, 35, #4,
23rd - IckleJess, #4 BOY
23rd - Bobolana, 29 #1 GIRL
24th - GibberingGinger 34 #2+3 BOYS
24th - lifeinthesun #2 BOY
25th - Ilovemyterrier, 38 #1 BOY
25th - readysetgo, #1
25th - Esme,#3, GIRL
26th - herewegrow 31 #2 GIRL
26th - imkeepingmum, #1, SURPRISE
27th - muchchocolate, #2
27th - nikkisbump #1
28th - Wheredidmyfeetgo 32 #3
29th - CantSleepWontSleep, 36, #3, SURPRISE
29th - MrsDmamee #3
29th - MumfieMagic, 37 #1,
29th - playftseforme, 35, #2+3 BOYS
30th - Monthlymayhem, 34, no. 2 BOY
30th - MonkeyMargot, 35, #2+3 SURPRISE
30th - LaTrucha, 36, #2 BOY
30th - NotGrownUpEnough, 29, # 1, SURPRISE
30th - EssieM, 37, #1, SURPRISE

Hello everyone - good to hear people have been taking advantage of the nice weekend: I hope you continue to get some decent sleep Mampam.

Feeling a bit blue this morning, although for no very good reason. We had an idyllic weekend in the sun - picnics, punting, friends round for lunch - then I had another scan this morning, which was fine. However the consultant wanted to talk about my continuing care and somehow we managed to turn what is quite a positive thing - there are no new CMV symptoms which require any further monitoring - into a rather stunningly depressing conversation about what we would do if the baby develops severe brain problems during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Which is unlikely, but not impossible .

In some ways it will be an easy decision if the problems are obviously terminal - I'll just let nature take its course. It's the serious consideration of the decision we face if scans show symptoms of severe neurological disorder that is very stressful. Especially so as the chances are that the information will not be very cut and dried - more a case of 'these scans suggest your baby may face a range of problems from the comparatively mild to the absolute cabbage.' Sorry if that is offensive...this is why I have resisted really addressing this question since it totally stresses me and I really don't know which way I would jump in that situation.

Anyway, the point is that because there is a chance I would choose to terminate in that situation we have decided to continue with the scans. Given a few more days I'm sure I'll go back to my default position of refusing to believe there's a problem until someone tells me there really is. Also known as 'sticking your fingers in your ears while singing "I can't hear you."'

gizmo my cousin was advised to terminate at 20 weeks a baby the scans showed conclusively had either Edwards or Turners syndrome and was upon post-mortem absolutely perfect, a terrible terrible time for the family.
I would be inclined to stick my fingers in my ears too and wait and see.

Oh Milly . How absolutely ghastly for all concerned.

In truth even if scans showed a problem I think I would probably have to be fatalistic about it and persue the pregnancy to see what the actual manifestation of the disorder was in my specific baby: with neurological problems it's so difficult to make a clear assessment of the impact on scans alone.

However I should keep a sense of proportion: there's no sign of a problem on the scans, the blood work is encouraging, and if Madame would just get herself organised to turn over and go cephalic everything in the garden would be looking quite rosy, really.

Good lord milly that really is horrendous for your cousin.

gizmo agree also you should continue fingers in ears approach. Is it even worth mulling over your options until you absolutely have to? As it seems there is every chance the scans might throw up no problems at all.
You are really very calm about this. Is this the result of your mum's champagne I wonder..?

Gibbering thanks for updating stats. I am now 36 not 35 (more's the pity) but happy to appear younger!

meggy think I might sign up for CAM will let you know when I've done it.

gizmo bloody hell, fingers in ears approach sounds good. Don't do anything without a second opinion. Sometimes I think you can be over fed information. Get scrubbing those floor boards to get your little madame to turn!!

Just had a successful naughty trip to Tesco. I did feel like something was going to drop out of my fanjo by the end of it so I sat down and watched DH load everything onto the checkout I'll probably be in a lot of pain later but it was nice to feel semi-normal again just for an hour.

Right off to make some burgers to go on the BBQ tonight for our supper. x

gizmo i would do just the same in your position,i think most of us would,praying and hoping everything works out just fine.

mampam enjoy your bbq!

Well i have been quite heavily nesting and in turn i think i have overdone it,feel like shite actually,aching in places i have never ached!

DS2 is now in big boy bed as from last night it was very succesful,except i had to stay with him until he fell asleep,normally i give him his milk then leave the room, but he stayed in there all night til 7 a.m then climbed out and came to our room,i really hope tonight continues in the same vein,fingers crossed!

Gizmo - I think I would feel the same as you too - fingers firmly in ears until further notice. Although, to add to what Milly said, I too have a friend who was told at 20 weeks that her baby had a terminal brain tumour. She was advised to abort and did. The post mortem again showed that the baby was fine. My hunch would be to give it a go, like you. Here's hoping there are no scary signs and that you don't have tomake any decision of the sort.

We're away at the moment at my Dad's and I have been promised a trip up to London on my own tomorrow (ie. no toddler in tow) to go and look at pushchairs etc. Whoo hoo! I've even managed to make plans at short notice with a friend who is expecting twins, so should be a great girly day. I have NEVER been able to look at baby stuff in the flesh and choose what I fancy before so am super-excited! Wish me luck for a good night so I can actually go.

See you all in a few days, most likely.

mampam glad you're back
gizmo - just agreeing with what everyone else has said to you and hoping you don't have to make a very difficult decision

I'm also 33 weeks tomorrow - saw MW today, very lucky because she does sessions at the GP practice, so don't have to go up to the hospital again till 36 weeks.

Finally started buying some things for the baby - again, really lucky because DH and DS went to a huge Mothercare with the in-laws on Saturday - although nearly everything we wanted was out of stock, but I got to go to a football match instead, which was much better.

MonkeyMargot I'll join you in appearing younger than I am, as I am now 31.

DH has redeemed himself after the weekend, when he told me that I look like Mr Greedy because of the huge bump, by getting me a lovely footstool so that I can put my feet up and get comfortable.

Well, off to work now.

Hi All,

mampam so good to have you back & sounding more positive. I can't believe what you have been through, you are amazing.

gizmo also just agreeing, it's so close now.

LaT hope you are enjoying your shopping day!

We moved house at the weekend to a rented place while we have some building works done. Up until now ds hasn't really shown all that much interest in the baby but moving etc. has really unsettled him & he's been crying at nursery which he never does, saying "i miss mummy" - really really unlike him. Does anyone have any tips with how to deal with all the upheaval? He is 2.5. We are giving him lots of cuddles & attention but he is really playing up at the same time so it's difficult...

Oops sorry turned into a bit of a me me me post...

Aww, thanks for your thoughts, folks - it does help. Strange how badly adapted I am to dealing with situations where really I have no options (that I want to take) and very little power. Have briefly toyed with the idea of amnio but decided to settle for staying in

Barbeasty Sorry but I had to laugh at Mr Greedy! Better than looking like Mr Sneeze I think, although that's an effect I can all too easily achieve on a windy day with inadequate hair restraint.

LaT I hope you're enjoying your day out. It's so nice to indulge the nesting instinct at this stage, isn't it (Or a footie match if that's your thing ). I'm having to strictly limit my access to Ebay or I'm going to break our postie! Really pleased you were able to get something 'normal' done Mampam - it's true you do sound much brighter.