Due May 2010 - not long now ladies, is this the thread we get to have our first baby?

[sweetkitty]

Here you go ladies, waddle on over and get comfy

27 April (just brought forward a week)- Pagen, 36 #1 (unknown), G&A & water birth (I hope) Bulford, Wiltshire
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 22/4/10) Bulford, Wiltshire
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 - DorotheaPlenticlew, 35, #2, GIRL, Edinburgh
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 GIRL, SW London
26 May - kateyjane, 32, #4, Halifax, West Yorkshire
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - Hollyoaks, 28, #2

Another quick post and apologies for not responding personally to people. Still here baby keeps freaking us out by having de cels then when they repeat the ctg she is fine. They nearly started me off today then changed their minds.thank goodness I bought and parcelled up my secret stork before I came in! Dh has been left in charge of posting it but I wont say when it was or will be posted so as not to give it away. He! He! Hope everyone is ok

Afternoon all

Welcome to the new ppl and hope we're all doing grand

ML hope everything is ok with you and LO and at having a DH who could be left in charge of posting something

Schipo go for the homebirth, I would be having one if I was back home, but over here in NI they are pretty unheard of.

TCH I won a £1 bet with DP on what day the election will be held [smug] I still have to get myself registered over here in NI so I can vote but with it soooo close to due day I may either go postal or just not end up voting

36+2 today, back from MW's after having a growth scan today as I'm constantly over my 'supposed' fundal height... well surprise surprise Squirt is perfect for dates, spot on, scarily so infact lol Apparently the joys of being short and curvy and carrying a very very long baby, meaning all my measurements will be out - wish they could of told me this beforehand so I didn't spend 1.5hrs waiting for the scan getting myself worried over nothing!!!
The only worry I have now is Squirt weights 6lb5oz already and have 4 wks still to go... I really don't want a chuff like a wizard's sleeve

Maternity leave finally kicks in on Monday and it truely couldn't come sooner, ache all over, not sleeping, evil acid reflux and a huge varicose vein in my floof!!

Hope everyone is well and bumps are behaving themselves

xxxxx

fiveisanawfullybignumber erm, thank goodness you were here to read that post - thanks.

SK dettox it is. Thanks.

Anyone else with tricks for cleaning soft second-hand toys, books etc?

Very short as just realised the time and need to start dinner.

I am getting so excited for us all, can't wait for the birth announcements to start coming in and then our sleep deprived and sort bit posts! I am so glad I joined this thread to have the support no matter what and because its (semi) anonymous I feel I can post exactly how I feel etc without hesitation , that feeling of support is massive so thanks ladies for being on this journey xx

Lucky depends what the second hand toys are. For anything that can't be washed I surface wipe/wash with dettol then either tumble dry for 1 min or freeze it for 24 hours, apparently both are supposed to kill anything nasty lurking there. if it can go in the machine then I put it in there.

hi everyone, sorry not be around for ages internet has been down, found out thr dog had chewed the wire in the garden so there was no connection.

ml - can't believe you will probably have your baby this time next week, how exciting.

I ended up in hospital last wednesday night. i went to bed and there was a massive wet patch where I sleep and I panicked. They checked me over and kept me in. I then had a scan and said I still have enough water around the baby so not to worry. I have also had a few contactions on and off but nothing the last few days. I'm 36+3 today getting so close.

I'm really struggling with keeping everything tidy in the house and everytime I tidy the kids make it a mess again, drives me crazy!

Hope everyone else is doing ok and glad to be back online xx

LuckyC - unless it has batteries in, soft toys in the wash, if it has batteries or cannot go in the wash, a bowl of hot water and bio washing powder and a small scrubbing brush then out on the rope to dry.

no tips or any experience cleaning anything child-like, i'm experimenting myself here, got 90% stuff second hand.
nesting- i am 37 weeks now, home by myself most of the day, and i'm struggling just to get dressed, feed myself and do laundry, forcing dh to do full cleaning at weekends,... i really can't imagine how you guys do it with toddlers at home,...
i am not moody exactly, just a bit aggravated that i could be doing so maaaaany things these days and i can't get my bump out of the sofa,... even phone calls are a bother,... hate going places, no patience for anybody,... maybe a bit moody, yeah.

Evening all this pc is playing up finally have 2 mins to post, I am with everyone else on this sheer lack of energy, I see things I want to do and never quite get round to doing them, bag still isn't packed and there are a few things I still need to get. Haven't gotten round to buying my secret stork present I know what I want to get though, whoever is getting mine will know it is mine as it will be about 2 weeks late at this rate. At least DP is on holiday from today for a week and a day, only thing is it will be very hard when he does go back to work.

lizzie - oh no how scary for you, glad it wasn't the real thing, we need these babies to hang on for a week or so.

brightred - I know what you mean this is my fourth antenatal thread and I don't know what I would have done without them. Also had amazing support from MN when I had my mc as well.

squirtsmum - "chuff like a wizards sleeve" pmsl you know theres a few on us had a fair few births on here you watch what you are saying seriously though MWs especially can be rubbish at predicting birth weights and some babies actually slow down putting weight on in the last few weeks as they have run out of room, I feel so big and squashed cannot believe I have another 4 weeks of growing to go.

ML - cannot believe what you have been through for this LO, still she will so be worth it, hope she behaves herself until she comes out now. You rest up too x

schipo - there was a thread a wee while back about "reasons you were given not to have a homebirth" including having the wrong colour of carpet. My very honest opinion is that I would not have been brave enough to have had one for my first as you just don't know how you are going to be in labour and what will happen. As it turns out I had a pretty horrendous experience in hospital which in part made me want a HB for the next one. There's also another support thread for first time home birthers so check that out and also www.homebirth.org I think it is. It really put my mind at rest. It's completely your decision at the end of the day and as you say you can always try for a HB and go to hospital at any time if things aren't working out but you cannot do the opposite IYSWIM? I think your plan of staying at home and seeing how things go but keeping an open mind on going to hospital is a great plan.

Five - I agree Omaperazole is a heartbirn/acid reflux wonderdrug love it!! Sorry to hear about your Mum as well.

FIVE- Yeah the acid reflux would make sense. I tend to wake up with it during the night and have to sit up in bed for a while.
Form filling is soo boring!

re sleepsuits. I only intend to get a few. The 0-3 stuff look so big although I know baby will soon grow into them.
Its amazing how different the sizes are in different shops. I found the NEXT stuff massive! DD is just in 12-18mths stuff at 20mths. She even has a few 6-9 bits that still fit her!

HOBNOB- I got a small bottle of dry shampoo from Asda. They do a whole range of travel sized bits.

JAMES- I know what you mean about having an active toddler.. Can be hard work somedays.

SCHIPO- stick with the homebirth plans if thats what you really want.

ML- Glad they are looking after you and hope baby behaves herself

SQUIRT- at the wizards sleeve!

Lucky- Second everyones on the cleaning toys. Ive just stuck a load of soft toys in the wash today.

LIZZIE- Naughty doggy!
Glad everything is ok after your scare.

I scared myself and DH earlier. I suddenly got a huge sharp shooting pain in my bits. Really really hurt and I jumped off the sofa swearing. It reminded me of when my waters broke with DD so was waiting for the pop and gush! DH said hes not seen me move that fast for a very long time!
Thankfully nothing happened. Guessing baby was on a nerve or pushing against something it shouldnt!

Had a nice day with DD in the garden enjoying the sunshine. Much easier to entertain when outside
DH

Evening all!

MBM - we have got two quite long shortlists of names (one with girls' names one with boys'). We need to narrow it down a bit though. We have had a favourite name for a girl since very early days, but I'd feel a bit odd about using it now, because it turned out that it was the name of our NCT teacher, and now everyone in our NCT group will assume we've named the baby after the teacher and if we say we'd already picked the name, they'll just assume we're making that up! It's a relatively unusual name, so it will look like more than a coincidence (unusual in the sense of not particularly common, rather than completely left-field or odd!). For boys, we also had an early favourite, but not sure if it really goes with our surname. I have a new favourite but DH is taking a bit of convincing. DH's favourite and a couple of others that we like are in the top 10, so I have ruled them out!

Cupcake - quite glad you asked about the postnatal bleeding. I knew to expect it, but quite about the amount and sheer uncontrollability of it that people have reported! I think I am actually dreading that more than the labour and birth itself. Sorry if TMI but, before getting pregnant I hadn't had a period for 4 or 5 years due to the pill I was on, then got pregnant almost straight away after coming off it so only had one really light period in between. I've never in my life had heavy bleeds, and have always used tampons, not towels, so am a bit dubious about what to expect after the birth!

Tomlin, Pigley and others talking about what clothes you've got for the baby... We have got 5 or 6 white sleepsuits and 12 short-sleeve bodysuits in newborn size. I think I might need to get a handful more things maybe. This is a really dumbass question probably, but do they wear a sleepsuit over top of the short-sleeve bodysuit thing? Or do they wear the sleepsuit on its own and as an alternative the bodysuit with something else on the bottom half?

Hobnob and Heffa - I was getting election fatigue from all the radio and tv coverage over the last few months, but getting more excited now it has actually been called. Might think about getting a postal vote, although I quite enjoy going to the polling station. I also don't know who to vote for this time. I know which party I would like to win the election overall, but out of the candidates in our constituency, the one I think would make the best local MP is from a different party to the party that I would like to win the election, so I need to decide whether to vote on local or national issues.

Squirt - at your 'wizard's sleeve' comment, made my day!

BRB - I second exactly what you said about loving having this thread to chat on.

I can't remember who it was that was asking why it's so easy to sleep during the day but not at night. I know it was a bit of a rhetorical question, but I actually have a theory about that! I reckon it starts with one bad night's sleep, so the next day you're tired and fall asleep during the day. But then that night, because you've slept during the day you don't sleep so well at night, and that way it turns into a bit of a vicious circle. I've noticed it a bit on weekends, but during the week when I'm at work all day I sleep really well at night - fall asleep at about 11.30 and don't wake up until the alarm goes off at 7am (unless DH annoyingly wakes up to go to the loo 30 minutes before the alarm goes off !). I also found that the few nights that I slept with extra pillows in the bed (having read somewhere that this is what pregnant women are expected to do), I slept really badly, so I got rid of them after two disturbed nights and slept really well again. Haven't used them again since.

My bump seems to have grown loads in the last few days, and got a bit lower down. Reached a bit of a milestone in the last week too - the bump is finally sticking out further than my boobs! Will post the 8 month photo in the next couple of days when I get round to downloading it off my phone.

Off to my parents' this weekend, and DSis and BIL will be there too. Looking forward to it! DMum is going to help me make some cushion covers and a cot bumper from some fabric that I've bought. At the weekend I made a doorstop from the off-cuts from the nursery curtains. No idea where this sudden urge to do crafty stuff is coming from!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Evening everyone - once again I am behind, can't believe how many posts since I last looked!

Thanks for everyone who has posted about their hospital bags. It has really helped me, despite this lo being no.4 I can never quite remember what to put in, and nhearly always forget something important. I really wish that I had discovered MN earlier, I would have loved this kind of thread with my other DCs.

Newmomma - I have completely fallen in love with the linandleo changing bag, just working on my DH now, trying to convince him that it is necessary

ML - Thinking about you. Not long to go now and at least you are in the right place. Hope they are looking after you really well.

Squirt - Also pmsl at 'the wizard's sleeve' Have escaped relatively lighly so far, but I think no.4 might be pushing my luck!

pigley - I can sympathise with the painful 'bits'. I've developed shooting pains there this week and feel like I'm walking like John Wayne

SK - Really feel for you. Hope you are managing to get some rest inbetween everything else.

I'm sorry, I know there are lots of personal replies that I have missed. My brain is once again not working very well I am thinking about those of you who have SPD and carpal tunnel syndrome, both of which sound like a nightmare. Also those of you who have been in hospital or had scares I hope you are recovering well and getting lots of support.

I am back to the consultant tomorrow - hope they let me come home this time!

If anyone can think of any convincing reasons why I must have a very expensive leather changing bag for my 4th DC I would be most grateful

Hoorah I have an I phone and I have Internet!!! Only thing is I need glasses to see what I'm Reading!

mdm names are so difficult we had decided on Sofia and now a girl at work has had a baby and called her sofia even though she told everyone Mia! So we have a couple of reserves but now keeping my mouth tightly shut!
There's always going to b someone you know who knows or has the name you want!

Re bleeding after birth, I bled for 6 weeks after but eventually gp gave me tablets, I forgot about that til I read it on here, god the things we have to go through!

kateyjane I spent 70 quid on my bag, how awful is that.... My reason was I never or couldn't with the other 2, and what do we work for if u can't have a little luxury! It's like a cream cake naughty but nice lol x

I'm off to a health farm sat for day and night. Now I'm feeling better I'm really looking forward to it.

Can't believe how much I've missed pottering on here with no net and looking forward to the forthcoming birth stories x

Hi Ladies,

I just got in after enjoying a nice catch up with a friend I haven't seen for a while, our DSs are the same age and she's got a lovely 8 month old girl! First time I've been out at night in ages! I might regret that Coke I drank, now I feel wired! This is going to be a long post as I have the energy to get caught up for now! Maybe it's just the rush of freedom!!

MDM I didn't get stretch marks until week 38 with DS1 (he was 9 lbs 12 oz at birth), this time I have gotten more stretch marks already My mum had 4 babies ranging from 8 lbs 3 oz (me) to 10 lbs 12 oz and she didn't get stretch marks! I must take after my dad's side, should ask my granny if she got stretch marks.

Seeing all the changing bag recommendations is making me want a cute changing bag now! DS won't go for it though! (tightwad emoticon! LOL Carikube!) Kateyjane if you convince your DH, let me know what reason works!

Gils glad everything is ok, but can relate to the stress of mums and sisters. Mine are in America, but just chatting with them on the webcam really winds me up sometimes, can just imagine what it would be like to have them milling around the hospital with me! Great that you're finishing work soon!!

Dorthea so true about finding cosy napping positions but uncomfortable at night!! I'm not having any specific cravings now, just want to eat all the time! Especially ice cream!

Heffa hope you enjoyed seeing your LO on the scan yesterday, 5 lbs is good sized at 34 weeks as well! How is the head circumference looking? This one's head looks a bit smaller than my DS at this stage so I'm hoping for the best! Exciting that you have a date for the section. It's all seeming so close now! LOL about your MIL's take on genetics!

Hollyoaks Glad you're having some success with the kitchen timer and potty training! It's funny you said about my big baby's going to be a monster, that's exactly what the anaesthetist said when my DS1 was born, gave me and DH a chuckle! I was also told the same thing you were told about protein in my urine and I second that about not having an easy time catching the sample with a big bump and curious 2 year old between my legs. I always end up forgetting the sample and having to do one there, and my son is quite descriptive and vocal!

cupcakefairy I didn't bring a jug or squeezy bottle to hospital last time but I'm considering adding it to my list if I can fit one in my case this time as it does really sting like Pigley said!

ML I hope that all is going well, thinking of you lots and awaiting more news!

SK sounds like yesterday was not a great day for you, I hope you're feeling a bit better. I don't know how you do it, I really struggle with feeling low coping with my 1 LO and heartburn! I'm glad to hear that your DP was able to come home early yesterday, some days you can only take so much! Hope your consultant appointment goes well tomorrow. I am also a bit scared to have an induction, but don't really want this big boy to have much extra cooking time! Like you, I also hope if it comes to that they can just break the waters. TMI, but you are so right about that first post-birth poo, especially if you had any stitches down there. I felt like I was held poo-hostage when I had DS as they wouldn't discharge me from hospital until I had a poo! I thought about lying about it but got scared that I might go home and never poo again!

Mustbemad yes, we have the name picked out, my DS is referring to my bump by name now and I think that a lot of people are finding it weird! I think it's helping him think of the baby as a member of the family already, though. I hope you have a nice relaxing time at the health farm!

Welcome Swastayana! The newbies should feel free to add themselves to the list!

Tomlin we've not bought a lot for this LO either, though I need to get a new changing mat and we got the second-hand Quinny. My mum is sending an outfit for baby to come home in, she picked out DS's coming home outfit as well so we want to carry on the tradition!

LuckyC people are also "making way" for me on the street now! I quite enjoy this phase in a sick way! I know I look like a whale but I feel proud of myself and very fortunate that I can still go about my business for the most part, and with a toddler in tow!

Posted my secret stork gift today, but didn't keep it secret so the recipient is not going to be surprised!

Hobnob my DH hasn't actually gotten the suitcases down from the loft for me yet (tomorrow he says), my hospital bag is still bursting out of 3 shopping bags at the moment but I'm hoping it will all fit in the medium sized case out of my set of 3 cases. I got some button down the front night shirts from Primark and they seem ok. I think I prefer the quality of Matalan clothes in general though so I bet yours will be good.

James you're not alone. I can relate about feeling moody and fed up with the toddler antics and trying to keep on top of things AND nest. I find it so disheartening lately, there is so much I still need to finish before the baby arrives and my house is a wreck.

Schipo I think it is good to take a positive approach to the home birth, there's no reason to think it wouldn't go well, and like the others said, if any problems arise you can go to hospital. I still think the key thing to a good labour is to be able to relax and you have a much better chance of being relaxed at home.

Squirtsmum LOL at chuff like a wizard's sleeve! It really does feel like that right after the birth, I thought I was ruined for life, but am amazed at the resilience of the female body! Great news that your maternity leave is starting soon!

BRB the feeling is mutual, I appreciate this thread so much! It's so great to go through this journey with you all.

Lizzie glad you got back online. How scary about the leaking, I hope you're feeling ok now! Sounds like it won't be too long!

MDM I think the sleepsuit/vest layering depends on how warm it is. I know lots of mums who put vests under everything but I used my discretion. During the summer I had my DS in just vests and socks at home a lot and put some trousers and a cardie on him when we went out, or sometimes just a pram blanket over the vest and socks outfit if it was really warm.

Well I'd best stop typing before I fill the rest of this thread single-handedly! I hope everyone has a happy Friday and great weekend!

Just off to bed, very late but have been ordering some bits online and wanted to say.... anyone who fancies a breastfeeding cushion might be worth just buying a v-shape pillow. I have just ordered one from Tescos for £7.99 including a pillow case for it. Its all fully washing machine proof too. I found it fab for breastfeeding as saved me hunching over and DH liked using it to prop baby up sometimes and when the kids hold the baby its more supportive. Anyway, I mention this because I had bought a proper breastfeeding pillow from NCT for £25 but only the cover was washable and yeuch I dont want stale milk being stored in the tiny ball filling it had so I was most impressed with my bargain.

Night!

Hi guys, just checking up on everyone. Looking forward to the BAs coming in soon.
It's all so exciting!!

V jealous of those of you having scans, I haven't seen this baby since 20 weeks, I had growth issues with my other babies so had late scans but so far everything been ok with this one (not complaining).

SPD is getting pretty bad now, it's been coming on for a few weeks but now it's pretty painful to walk anywhere and is affecting my lifestyle DH taking the kids out tomorrow to a science museum but I can't really walk around so am stuck at home I am lucky my DH is great!!

Still haven't packed my hospital bag... must get that sorted!

SquirtsMum - I kept trying to bet on it with people but no-one would! Where I work is one of the polling stations so we knew that it would probably be then because they were told to keep dates free.

LuckyC - I put all soft toys in the wash generally. We found some lovely ones at the dump . They were in perfect condition and had literally just been dropped off so we nabbed them for DD but washed them very thoroughly.

Alle01 - I'm not sure how I'm getting through the days with a toddler tbh! It only happens because you just have to!

Lizzie9442 - sounds scary! Glad you're OK now, hope the LO hangs on for a bit.

Pigley - Next stuff is massive isn't it! DD still had a tshirt that was 0-3months until quite recently

MDM - Am in the same predicament really, I'd like to vote for a particular party but really like one of our local candidates (and not the others). Not sure I'll make up my mind until I'm actually filling in the forms.

Kateyjane - if this is your 4th DC then I think you deserve a lovely new changing bag! And I guess you haven't had to buy much else for DC4 so will be a nice treat for you the baby?

Rachel - the head circumference does look a little bit big as well! Which I was a bit alarmed by although the sonographer said it wasn't a problem. Bloody DH and his massive head genes

KatnKankles - sorry to hear about the SPD, it's miserable I hate being stuck at home all the time.

Lizzie was it your waters? If so did the hospital test you for groub B Strep infection? If not, get them to do it, if your waters have gone and you carry that infection (as I do), you'll need IV antibiotics in labour.
Hopefully your hospital will have been clued up enough to do this, but some aren't, and it's appauling.

As for the rest of you needing excuses for a scrummy new change bag, I used to work in a baby shop (before Mat Leave) and this is how I used to convince tightwad husbands to let their wives have a pretty/girly/expensive bag.........
When your DP/W has this baby, she will just feel like a mum for months, she'll loose sight of herself as a woman/wife for a good few months as her entire world will revolve around your little bundle. A bag that is feminine/like a posh handbag/she loves/insert relevant wording here will help her feel more like a woman/your DP/W again, and I feel is an important purchase for her sanity/welbeing.
Most of them fall for it, and the wives/partners think I'm great. Hope this helps. By the way, OiOi do some lovely big leather bags now as well, carry all and hobo sack style.

This baby girl gave me a shock yesterday, she dropped an inch or two, great in one way as it's relieved some of the pressure off my ribs for a week or two, but I now feel like I've got a football between my legs!!! All the books say 2nd & subsequent babies don't engage till much nearer labour time, well IMHO, that's absolute rot! All my previous 4 have engaged at around 35-36 weeks. So now waddling like a duck who's lost her horse here. Not sure if my pelvic floor, or what's left of it can take much more of this.

If we carry on like this, I can't see the thread lasting til the first baby! I keep getting way behind.

MDM I keep getting craft-y urges too - for some reason I want to make loads of stuff. Want to make a door stopper too to match the curtains etc, but deep down I know I'm probably just going to pinch a plastic wedge from work

ML Glad they're keeping an eye on you. Hope you're not too lonely in the hospital, but at least your feet are up.

ROFL @ squirtsmum

Changing bags - I reallyreally want a skip hop dash. Am hoping I can convince someone it will make a good pressie... Otherwise I'll just treat myself...

My secret stork pressie should be arriving today so I can get it posted straight off this afternoon! Exciting times! Apologies if it doesn't arrive this weekend. I am blaming the post in advance.

Now that the baby's room is pretty much sorted I've been going through what we still need to buy. We've been given loads of vests/sleepsuits as presents, or so I thought! We've only got about 5 of each! So I'm going to stocking up on those now.

Experienced Mummies - what do you need in the way of baby toiletries? Part of me says there's no point buying loads of bottles of Johnsons stuff, surely warm water will clean just as well - am I right??

I just keep thinking I've missed something, but I don't really think I have! Surely I can't actually be this organised?

Five I will try the changing bag speech on DH and report back! Thanks!

Myfirst I think initially you don't usually need many toiletries for baby, but I liked using a bit of something. I got some Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash and it's brilliant! It's tear-free, 96.08 percent natural, pH balanced, sulphate, paraben and phthalate free and smells heavenly! I still use it for DS now and do his bubble baths with it, too. It's a bit pricey as I think it's imported from the States (I usually stock up when I visit family) but well worth it, a little bit goes a long way. I have bought it in the UK online here. I can't recommend it enough, one of my most favourite baby products!

Myfirstbump my MW has a special interest in baby skincare and she told me when DD was born not to use anything other than cotton wool and water for the first month (and to continue using it for as long as possible). She also recommended a good website called www.tipslimited.com which tells you what brands are suitable and when. DD had very dry skin in the early days but MW told us to resist putting anything on it as her body would compensate naturally and she was spot on. Her dry wrinkly feet when she was first born looked like a 70 year olds but her skin soon went to baby soft...

I'm exhausted here as DH has had a stressful week work-wise (phone calls at 1am type stress) and then came down with a bug himself so I've been having to look after both him and DD. I did point out to him last night that when I was feeling really rubbish I still had to look after DD but that didn't really encourage him to do anything productive last night as he still felt 'too ill'. Then he wonders why I woke up with a storming headache this morning and have been absolutely crabby....

Hello folks, glad you're all doing ok, but sorry to hear about the spd, it's horrible isn't it?

ML, sorry you're stuck in hospital again but it sounds like it's the best place for you right now. Best of luck with the rest of the pregnancy and the birth, this has all been a bit of a rollercoaster for you, eh?

Whoever said they were dreading the lochia worse than the birth, really don't! it's a pain in the arse the first couple of days while it's very heavy but it will be completely eclipsed by your new baby, you'll barely think about it, trust me! Mine was completely gone in three weeks and for the last two weeks of that time it was only as heavy as a normal period, and just tapered off to nothing. Absolutely not worth worrying about.

Re Baby Clothes: we've suddenly been given so many it's unbelievable! There's about 20 newborn sleepsuits, 15 vests, loads of dresses and outfits cardis socks hats etc, then double that number for 0-3 months and double again for 3-6 months, and still several binbags of clothes for the older stages I haven't even looked in yet, cripes!

Ah well, better get dressed and have a tidy up while I'm not feeling too tired. Hope everyone has a nice day and is enjoying the sunshine xxx

hi all
i don't know about the clothing, i guess as ours are summer babies, the less the better, and so small they look cute in just the baby grows.
i have another really dumb question: do you put upper sheet in the cot, or just the fitted underneath and then the little blanket?, i find it hard to find top sheet as well, i mean under the current price of gold, ...

Five - I know what you mean. LO dropped a couple of weeks ago, and my bump has completely changed. I'm waddling like I've pooed myself and sometimes feel she's just going to fall out (I wish!). I thought it would be natural for a second to do this, so was surprised when all the books and sites said it's less common in subsequent babies. Very peculiar.

There's something quite ominous about the fact she's 'down' now. The countdown has begun!

Morning all

The sun is shining here (at last) so will be going out in the garden after lunch for some fun with dd. Got a very large foot stuck out the side of my belly today which is quite uncomfortable but very cute too as when I push it back in it sticks it back out.

Myfirst - we only used water and cotton wool balls for the first few weeks but then started to add Johnson's baby wash to the bath water which would do for her hair too (and she's always had quite a lot). Still use it now, plus you get a large free bottle in your Bounty pack which lasts for ages.

Hobnob/five - baby hasn't dropped yet, it keeps moving from head down to transverse but always hovering directly over my bladder . However, by tea time I'm normally waddling too as I start to feel so stiff and sore.

ML - hope your well

MDM - I would go with the girls name that you had already picked. We had dd's name picked out from before we were married and so pleased we used it, it was perfect. Pity we can't decide at all this time on a name for a boy or a girl.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

Five - love your convincing argument for a good change bag! I'll save it up to use on DH for something else!

Myfirstbump - we use lots of Waitrose bottom butter (actually, pretty much use it for everything - DH and I use it as a moisturiser, we use it on DD as a barrier cream and to put on any rashes etc, love the stuff). I don't use anything in the bath generally but occasionally add Waitrose baby bath because it's very gentle and DD likes the bubbles. We use some of these things for DD but only because she has such curly hair. I didn't use any shampoo at all until she was about 15 months old and had enough hair to need it. I sound like an advert for Waitrose I just like that their baby stuff is very gentle.

Carikube - sorry you're feeling rubbish. Hope your DH feels better soon and can give you a break

My LO has dropped too and it's quite uncomfortable. Apparently still not engaged though

Re lochia - I didn't find it too bad. I have very heavy periods anyway (sorry if TMI) so the flow wasn't too surprising. Mine did go on for quite a long time, but it really didn't bother me much tbh.