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

[greensnail]

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

Oh you're welcome to it meggy. Would be lovely if someone got to use it as I clearly won't .
for the placenta not moving. Presumably that would still be the problem even if the baby turned (which I'm assured they still do at this stage). I can't think of positives of a c-section I'm afraid - it would be pretty much my worst nightmare (though nothing against anyone else who has one by choice, just not my choice). But aside from that, 3 weeks - eek!! That could well make you our first thread birth couldn't it?!

LaT - very sorry to hear about your dad. Hopefully he will at least hang on long enough to meet your new arrival.

freckle - what blinds are you after - blackout ones? And you've managed to find a sling that I've never even heard of!

Is Calin Bleu a gauze wrap sling madamefreckle? I had a sudden thought while sitting in the waiting room this morning that I might be too hot in with a stretchy wrap in summer, but can't see a newborn being very secure in the mei tai which I used for DD last summer. Might have to look into that too...

LaT so sorry to hear about your dad Hope you're going easy on yourself.

I'm just back from the hospital, all ok at clinic and scan. Sonographer kept saying "oooh baby is a good size" and "oh, he's really growing well" which got a bit worrying to be honest. They think he/she weighs about 5lb 6oz now (will be 34 weeks tomorrow). Luckily I've also got 3 weeksish to go as will be induced at 37 weeks unless anything changes drastically. Will race you to be first meggy but I bet someone will sneak in before both of us.

Oh and on positives for having a caesarian - how about the fact you won't be completely knackered from going through hours of labour and so will have plenty of energy to get to know your baby, establish breastfeeding etc.

Hi all

Anyone else 32 weeks and feeling like an emotional train wreck?

Don't know what is worng with me but could easily cry at the moment and wondering if it is just me or if it is pregnancy thing!?

Hope some of you can shed some light on this!

Keep putting it down to being tired as only mmanaging to sleep in 2 hour stints all night as keep waking up for pee and when I have to turn over I wake up as well so it is hard work being in bed! Also teach so guess long days and little sleep don't go well together - anyone else struggling to sleep?

Look forward to reassurance that it is not just me

I can?t remember who asked, but my ds was induced at 12 days late and my dd came on her own (via a liberal application of castor oil) at 5 days?I was determined to avoid the induction booked for the 7 day mark!! Being induced was bloody awful and immensely painful from early on, but then dd wasn?t much better despite the ?natural? start, mainly cos both my dcs were back-to-back (cue long, slow, painful, crappy labours). I fully expect this one to be late (and back to back!), which partly explains my head-in-the-sand attitude to bag packing, nursery preparation etc?.woofie, btw, I too have a 24 day cycle but it doesn?t seem to help with getting my dcs out on time!!!

Love the names CSWS?.can you share your names with us MrsD? I?m desperate for inspiration?.

We got an excellent 2nd hand Renault Megane LaT for about £1500 and its been completely brilliant?so 2k is definitely enough for a car! But don?t forget you?ll need insurance and stuff, and that can be quite expensive if you don?t have a no-claims history?.we?ve also had several Fiestas along the way and they?ve all been great as well. Not so keen on the Focus?So sorry to hear about your father, though ? I know you?ve been dealing with this for ages now, but that doesn?t make it any better Hope you?re getting lots of support and love from dh and dd.

At the risk of sounding like a cliché, I love Lucy MadameFreckle, in fact, it?s dd?s middle name

Please keep on being kind to yourself, WDMF - you sound like an amazing, thoughtful, committed mother and a couple of ?snappy? moments won?t cause any long term damage?.we all have moments when we are slightly less than perfect or proud of our behaviour, but your children know you love them and you can?t be superhuman all the time. So pleased you?re getting some good support from your parents through all of this.

Playftse, hurrah !!! Excellent news!

I?ve also got the family/friends using names issue, Greensnail, so lots of sympathy from here?Lily is lovely though and I like Lizze too. So so so envious of you starting maternity leave- try to enjoy it!

Great catch up Mampam and I?m so pleased you got your hospital appointment (and that you kept on trying to get through!). I?ve got a friend with a dd called Laila and its such a pretty name?.I would add it to my short list but it?s a little to similar to my own name?.shame! Sorry you?re feeling swamped by the financial stuff again, though, but please feel free to keep ranting on here ? its good to get it out. Would your parents help with the drama club if you explained the situation to them? Another ?well done? from me, as I think you?re dealing with all this brilliantly

Happy birthday Major Gizmo , I must say, you don?t look a day over 39 daarrrlin

Oh god, theperfectbaguette, that sounds bloody awful. And that?s coming from someone who has had 2 epidurals, but only by choice after approx 14 hours of gas and air each time I?m really for you. Can you do some research? I can?t believe there are no natural childbirth supporters in France?maybe la leche could advise?

Megs, I know the c-section planning (which might still change) is a bit of a shock, but you are so right to keep focussing on the positives. If you want some reinforcement I?m happy to CAT you the gory details of the awful scar tissue I ended up with on my fanjo after dd?s birth, the impact on my (far too painful for words) sex life for the following year and the absolutely agonising pain of having the scar tissues chemically ?burnt off? by the gynae. And that?s just the edited highlights! More to the point, how the baby comes out is so much less important than a) getting a healthy baby and mother and b) the relationship you?re going to have with that child for the next (hopefully) 60-70 years. And thank goodness for that, since otherwise I wouldn?t be speaking to either of mine!! And greensnail is right ? not being completely knackered before you?ve even got started is definitely a good thing (although I know that recovering from a section is hardly a stroll in the park). Anyway, good luck

I now weigh a stone more than my dh MonkeyMargot and will probably put on another 6-8lbs before the baby arrives. So much for hitting my target of staying below 2.5 stone this time?will definitely be over 3 Oh well, not too much point in worrying about it now!

Dh has (gently) reminded me that its his birthday on 10th June (4 days before my EDD) and I am now much more worried about not having sorted out any birthday-related stuff for him than I am about not being ready for the baby. Especially as he isn?t remotely interested in most ?blokey? things (football, games, beer etc) and I find it a massive struggle finding stuff for him even when I can walk around the shops. And I bought him clothes at xmas and for his birthday last year (at his request) so feel like I can?t do that again, either. Bugger bugger bugger. Open to any and all suggestions!!

Posting this on the train on the way back from Manchester (I love broadband on trains!)...it was a work trip but I mainly went as I wanted to see my gran again. Its horrid to see her slowly disappearing but was lovely to get some more time with her - and now there's only about 7 weeks to go before my EDD I'm beginning to (cautiously) hope she might actually get to meet my baby. I'm going out with dh as soon as I get back to London and won't be home until late so wont see my dcs until the morning - I can't believe how much I've missed them this time.

I've got a mw checkup next Thurs and a growth scan on Friday next week...I think I've been 'leaking' a small amount of fluid (its def not wee), but everything feels ok and the baby is moving loads. Should I be worried and trying to get an earlier appointment? I kind of feel that with 2 appts next week nothing major is going to happen between now and then...is that foolish? Answers on a postcard please

LaT, sorry to hear your bad news about your Dad. I hope you can make these last few months really count.

PlayFTSE, so glad your DH is home, you must be knackered coping so much on your own, hope you get a bit of respite now.

Perfectbaguette, Sorry to hear its so different to what you have planned/hoped in the French system. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you some advice (like greensnail suggested)

Had my midwife appt and 32wk growth scan this afternoon. Babies fine, one breech (the one coming out first) and one head down. Both above 50% percentile for singleton growth, but they wouldn't translate this into a predicted weight - but looks like they will be at least 6lbs each. Didn't see the consultant cause he is on holiday. So far just seen him once at 20wks. Next appt is at 36 wks. But had a bit of a strop and they grudgingly said I could have a check up at 34 wks. I know I'm being a stroppy childish mare, and I'm very lucky to have such a problem free pregnancy, but I just feel a bit abandoned by the midwifes.

No date as yet for c-section, but they reckon about 38-39 weeks, so that's 10-17th June. Meggymegemgs, I know a section isn't ideal, or what you wanted, but it's certainly not the worst thing in the world. Don't underestimate the joys of an undamaged fango

bluesnowfalcon, I'm an emotional wreck as well. Some days are better than others. Seems directly related to tiredness. However do talk to people (especially your DH) about how you feel, as bottling it up won't help. And a good cry does make you feel better.

Fillybuster, I would probably phone the midwife/NHS24 or something as if you are loosing fluid then the baby might come early and they might well want to give you a steroid injection to make sure its lungs are as developed as possible. Fluid is very important for lung development. It's probably ok, but maybe better to be on the safe side

Meggymegs - I had no idea! I'm very now to think what I might have said.

On the c-section question, Meggy, you are very right to focus on the positives. I was told at 38 weeks that I would have to have an elective at 39 weeks. I was very shocked and sad. In the end, I had an emergnecy c-section 2 days later. The emergency wasn't a great experience, but looking back now (while facing another baby arriving) I am really happy that both DD and me are alive and well (which wouldn't have been the case without). I am looking forward to a VBAC, hopefully, this time but if it doesn't happen, the chances are me and DC2 will, again, be healthy and fine which far outweighs everything else.

But that's not quite what I meant to say. When I had my c-section a friend was in for a planned c-section 24 hours before I had mine and she was absolutely fine. She told me that she only had paracetamol for pain afterwards (I took everything under the sun) and recovered very well. Other friends of mine who have had electives have no regrets either.

If you want to bf, you may ahve to wait a little longer for milk to come in, but don't stress. I was made to stress (although there was no actual problem) but my SIL had a very supportive consultant when she gave birth a few weeks ago, who told her to relax, take her time and all would be fine an dit is. Her baby is putting on masses of weight and they're both doing really well.

Thansk for your kind messages. It was one of those posts that you don't really mean to do, but then do.

Writing about my SIl has reminded me of this. She is in Spain and when she went into labour, they gave her a scan to check how everything was. They saw that the baby had disengaged and had gone slightly transverse (hence the c-section). Do you think it woul dbe a good idea if we had this done here. ALl I can see would have happened here with my SIL is that she would have laboured for ages and then had a real emergnecy, which was avoided by the scan in early labour. It seems to me a genius idea. What about you guys?

Filly - I would ring and let the midwife make that decision for you. Apparently it's quite common to think you are and not, but it can also happen. I'd feel more comfortable if it were me after a chat with a MW.

So exciting that we are already talking about babies arriving! Naturally, I don't want to give birth at 31 weeks but the baby being here is definitely something I am very much looking forward to!

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words on the v-section situation, just what I needed to hear

LaT don't worry, you didn't say anything cringeworthy. You're on pg 37, a section on the period when you're just back from hospital after giving birth and say 'If your parents or in-laws want to come and stay, suggest a B&B.' which sounds like bloody good advice to me .

Phew. At least it was something I agree with!

Hi I've been taking notes again but I do apologise if I've missed anything out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY gizmo Meggy sorry you are not having the birth you wanted. Keep posting your positives about having a CS as they come to you cos I'm pretty scared at the thought of having one myself.

theperfectbaguette what a bloody nightmare for you. Do the majority of pregnant women in France have epidurals?

LaT so sorry about your dad.

filly think you really need to at least speak to a MW on the phone re your 'leaking', just to be on the safe side.

MonkeyMargot asking for money from DH's parents would be like selling our souls to the devil himself. We haven't had anything to do with them for the last 3 years but they have started to make contact now that we're having a baby . They just aren't very nice people and I'm very wary of them because of some of the unforgivable things they have done and said in the past.

CSWS I work(ed) evenings in a pub, which is hard work and tiring but fits in great with the kids as we don't need childcare. I did a registration course last year to become a childminder but after doing a health and safety assessment of our house I realised it was going to be too expensive to make it safe ie our windows and exterior doors haven't got safety glass, sofa's too close to window, we have a greenhouse that would need fencing off, steps are too high on the patio, we have an open fire, radiators don't have covers etc etc plus first aid courses, medicals you get my drift.

At the moment we are in limbo about the car, we've got it back and all fixed. This is the same thing that has gone wrong with it for the 3rd time. Just before Christmas we got the part free under warranty but apparently a years warranty starts from when you first get the part and I think it's been just over a year since it first went wrong. Garage are being helpful and trying to claim for it under warranty so we'll wait and see.

Saw MW yesterday. All ok. Bump is measuring a week ahead but I'm not really surprised as I do have BIG babies!!! Have got to go and see GP in the morning about my heart palpitations under the recommendation of the MW, although she thinks it's due to me being anaemic and has prescribed me iron tablets.

Oh forgot to say that I don't have to see MW now until I'm 39 weeks (I'm currently 35 weeks) does this sound right???? 4 weeks is a long time and I thought at this stage I would be seen every other week?

Not sure Mampam, but do you have your consultant appointment in between? Maybe you don't get a midwife appointment as you're having that one and they'll do your checks then anyway.

filly I agree with the others and think you should ring your midwife to check. Isn't there a risk of infection if you're leaking fluid already, or is that just if your waters have fully broken?

LaT so sorry about your dad

mampam sorry your DH's parents have been so unsupportive over the years. Their loss I'm sure.

meggy everyone is right when they say the important thing is the end result - a healthy baby! Whilst it's disappointing to have to throw your natural birth plans out the window, you are right to focus on the positives.

csws and filly - re. the weight gain, I should have added that DH is 6'2 and I am only 5'7 . filly I am hoping that tandem breastfeeding combined with exhaustion will get the baby weight off!
My ankles and feet are so swollen, they resemble pork chops.....nice.

gizmo why can't I see pics of you?? When I hover over your name, it doesn't link me to your profile page...I want to see a yummy 40 mummy!!

and filly yes, I agree - you should call your MW just to be sure.

filly I think there's a very easy and quick test a midwife can do to check if the leak is amniotic fluid or just copious, watery vaginal discharge which I think is quite common at this stage of pregnancy. I'm vaguely remembering something to do with test strips..?

meggy what a shame to have to give up your plans. It does sound as if you're doing a splendid job of adapting to plan B, though, and I know several people who really sing the praises of a calm, planned c-section.

mampam I'm afraid I don't have a profile another sign of my age is a residual shyness on t'internet!

Blimey, perfectbaguette, words fail me! This from the country that gave us Michel Odent! Is there any flexibility in the system that might allow for a second opinion? To be treated like a child and left feeling so insecure cannot be helpful for your labour. One wicked thought occurs to me - what is the legal position if you labour at home for a bit too long and are 'caught short' - would they have to send a midwife/doctor out to you?Of course, everyone has a different pain threshold, but my experience is that gas & air offers only an incremental benefit over the effects of a Tens machine/ good birth pool, if you're in a situation where you feel secure & things are progressing normally.

LaT - Sorry about your dad. Hope you still have some lovely times ahead and that he gets to see your little one.
Thanks for the Connecta Solarweave idea - I've had a look - Can babies be in that position on the front from birth? Do you reckon you could feed in it?
Greensnail - the Calin Bleu is a gauze wrap sling.

I don't believe you could feed in it, but I don't actually know anyone who uses a sling who does bf in it. I'm sure it can be done in some! People give up IME because of clothing having to be hoiked up underneath the sling. Easier to take the baby out.

Yes, it can be used from birth because baby's legs are up like a frog undeneath the sling. There is a strap that comes with it if you want to put their legs out which narrows the bottom of the sling to fit the crotch.

Filly I have had increased and slightly watery discharge over the past few days too (sorry if TMI ). Called my MW sister about it this morning just to check and she said that as long as there's not enough to soak a sanitary towel you have nothing to worry about. She advised to obviously keep an eye on baby's movements etc but it's a general symptom of later pregnancy for some women. Hope that's some reassurance, but of course check with your MW if you're worried.

bluesnowfalcon I am generally happy but have crying episoides probably 4 times a day . Mostly it's just over emotional nonsense because of songs on the radio/TV ads etc, but last night I had a big meltdown in bed and when DH asked what was wrong I didn't even know. I think it's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

mampam You do sound like you're having significantly less appointments than I am (currently seeing MW every other week) but could that be because this is my first baby and you're on your 3rd (if I recall correctly?).

Oh and sorry I'm only just saying it, but happy birthday gizmo .

Hi

Just to add to the number with slight leaks - I usually notice when coughing and or making a sudden movement and it's def not wee! I get it about twice/three times a week and have done for a while now. I thought it was just a pregnancy thing and wasn't worrying cos baby was moving around the same and the bump didn't seem to have gone down any! Not enough to soak through a sanitary towel but enough to feel from the other side of your pants, if you see what I mean ...

mampam I'm getting appointments only once every four weeks too.

I've been crying more than usual too - it doesn't take much to set me off. The last time was when I was giving my labour music a try-out last night. I've decided to go for something I wouldn't usually listen to that's nevertheless uplifting, so I bought the new album by the London Community Gospel Choir! Trouble is, DH came in when 'Amazing Grace' was on and was then struggling to keep it together. We'll be a complete mess in the labour suite!!

Happy birthday gizmo!

On crying episodes, I cried last night at the new John Lewis advert. DH has no idea of what to make of it (I think he's forgotten that I was much the same last time round)

What made you cry playftse? I could have creid because it made all the significant and important moments of my life last 15 seconds and I hated that!

LaT oh, it was completely irrational, I think it was because they were all so happy and it was all so lovely! Know what you mean about reducing all the significant moments of your life to a 30 sec marketing ad reel, but that was too deep a thought to have occurred to me while blubbing pathetically while a bemused and puzzled DH wonders why he didn't stay in India for longer....

I've never used a connecta sling, but have successfully breastfed in my mei tai which is the same sort of thing and has the baby in the same position. Was when DD was a bit older though, not sure how easy it would be to bf a newborn in one. Thanks madamefreckle I now have myself convinced that I need to add a calin bleu to my sling collection. DH will be pleased

I've also been completely overemotional today, must have burst into tears at least 10 times today already. Very glad I haven't seen the new John Lewis advert.

Just realised, crying at the JL ad is featured in the Discussions of the Day. So (a) I/we are not alone, and (b) I/we've got a better excuse due to hormones than everyone else.

Those other ladies should frankly get a grip