Due May 2010...the final thread??....unless the thread bursts before we all do!!!!

[AnAngelWithin]

Hope you don't mind ladies, the last thread kept jamming up on me!!! We are a chatty bunch!!!

THE NEW ARRIVALS

11 April LuckyC, GIRL MATILDA, 14.47, weight?, first baby
15 April ForcesSweetheart, GIRL, MOLLY, 10.27, 7lbs 6ozs, 2nd DD
16 April Littleowls, BOY JOEL, 14.40, 4lb 8oz, first baby
16 April Memorylapse, GIRL, OLIVIA GRACE, 6.17pm, 6lbs 11.5ozs
27 April Brightredballoon, GIRL, ?, 10am, 7lb 12oz

THE WAITING LOUNGE

27 April (just brought forward a week)- Pagen, 36 #1 (unknown), G&A & water birth (I hope) Bulford, Wiltshire
03 May - hormonalmum, 33,#3
03 May - Lizzie9442, 23, #4 GIRL
04 May - Squirtsmum, 27 #1, Belfast NI
05 May - Sweetkitty, 34, #4 3DDs, BOY, Lanarkshire (nr Glasgow)
06 May - DorotheaPlenticlew, 35, #2, GIRL, Edinburgh
07 May - hobnobfanatic, 38, #2 GIRL, Wye Valley/Forest of Dean
08 May - Sassles, 31, #1, BOY, Nr Glasgow
08 May - LittleOneMum, 36, #2, GIRL, planned CS, central London
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
12 May - slipperthief 34, #2, BOY, Cambs
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 - newmomma, 31, #2 GIRL Reading, Berks
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
22 May - Mollybob, 37 #3, Gender unknown, Bangor, Northern Ireland
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

X-post Pamelat - happy due day!

Hi everyone,

It's been a while, I'm 38 weeks now - a quick scan through and I'm relieved to see everyone is about at the same place as me - huge, hormonal, tired, no patience at all with the other kids and twiddling thmumbs just waiting.

Hormnalmum - I really do sympathise! I'm so inconsistent, ratty and shouty one moment, weepy and soppy another, then fussy, dynamic and bossy another. My eldest has told me to 'stop nesting him' after I tucked his shirt collar in on the train platform in front of his friends and my 3 year old just refers to me as 'evil mum' with a twinkle in his eye when I'm delicate. They also call me Humungersaur, so I figure they deserve some of it!

I also found out my cat is pregnant - she is due in June. It actually helps and we have become kindrid spirits in a house full of men. The boys are over the moon and I figure it will be a pleasant distraction for them.

I'm doing everything I can to get this baby on the move - he is 2/3rds engaged and the right way round. Just a matter of waiting now.

Best of luck all you lovely ladies due before me!

hello ladies. I am really struggling to keep up the the thread here!!! I have hit a physical and mental barrier I think. I am just reduced to tears this morning I feel so tired all of a sudden. I can barely keep my eyes open now already. Going to throw something in the slow cooker for tea I think then have a soak in the bath before I fetch dd2 from nursery at 11.10. Sorry for lack of personals, am really not feeling great at all. Hope you are all keeping well x x x

Hi All

BRB - love the newborn chat, reminds me of things I had forgotten!

Baths - we used to top and tail DS1 in the morning and then bath at night every other night for the first 6 weeks, and then every night as part of trying to establish a bedtime routine. We would do bath, fresh nappy/babygro etc, feed quietly in nursery, wind, put down. No point for the first 6 weeks as we had no routine at all!! And if he missed a bath then we would top and tail at night as well. However, he was my PFB so didn't have to cope with other kids' bathtimes - this one might be a bit different!

Hats - DS1 always seemed to be boiling hot so I only ever used to put him a hat on when he went outside, and even then not all the time because it was a really warm May/June when he was little and we were more concerned with trying to keep him in the shade and cool. However, with weather like it is at the moment, I would just be guided by LO's body temp. I seem to remember that you could put your fingers at the back of their neck, under their clothes, to check their temps, and if they felt warm then OK, and if they felt cool then put on an extra layer/hat/etc. My DS1 hated hats (and socks and scratch mitts for that matter!) so we never really persevered!

Body lotion - I used Johnsons baby oil and we never had any problems, only used for first couple of weeks whilst DS1's skin got used to being in the air and then didn't bother. I seem to remember NCT recommending extra virgin olive oil as well - I guess as long as it is oily and doesn't have any nasties in it then it will be OK?

Angel/Squirts Mum - sorry to hear you are not feeling too great. Hope you manage to have a lovely relaxing bath Angel - I'm avoiding baths at the moment as I don't think I could get out of the bath by myself! This happened to a friend of mine - she went in the bath when her labour started (as a sort of home made birthing pool) to avoid waking her DH up until she was sure it was labour, and once she got in she couldn't get out!! Hilarious after the event, but a bit scary whilst it was happening!

Squirtsmum - you are NOT a failure - your baby may not be ready yet - remember that your due date is only on the scan, which is only on the size of the baby as measured at that particular point. When I worked out my own dates, I think I am due 18th May, but scan says 14th - the scan is not always right! And like LuckyC said, it isn't how the baby gets here, you don't have to wear a badge telling everyone how you gave birth, it's the fact that your baby gets here safely, and you stay well, that are the important factors. Only another week at most until you are holding your lovely LO in your arms!

Gils - sorry your pains came to nothing, but hopefully it is all good practice for your LO and it will pop out no problem when it all kicks off for real!

MDM - glad there are no side effects from the fall, that could have been nasty! We too are glued to the news - DH keeps ringing me from work to tell me the latest, he has some sort of live news feed set up on his desktop. I was getting regular updates all yesterday about the state of the coalition talks, and what Nick Robinson's latest thoughts were! Let's see who we get in the cabinet today - all very exciting. Am with you on the big news at work happening when I am away too - my firm is very involved with political issues and often has input into Govt policies in certain areas, so lots of campaigning etc going on last week, and I missed it all!!

Ali - great to hear from you and glad you are doing well. Congrats to your cat - any idea on the father?!

No news here from me - baby strangely quiet this morning, but probably asleep after gymnastics show it was putting on yesterday evening. Told DH yesterday that we were just going to have to grit our teeth and "do the deed" to try and get something started, and his look of horror was priceless - he actually said "can we not try curry first?!". So have bargained with him that will get to due date (Friday) and then have curry Saturday night, pineapple Sunday night, and then DTD after stretch on Monday. DH is now praying that we don't get that far....!!

Big hug angel, think i might copy you with the bath in a min, am currently watching last nights one born every min, and crying xx

Angel..Im sorry to hear you are feeling crap hun..I think youve been overdoing it..please just try and take it easy..the housework will wait..honestly

DH did the night feeds last night (I spent all day yesterday expressing!) and I had a full nights sleep..so did I spring out of bed full of the joys of spring?? Did I heck..woke up full of cold, shivery, fluey...marvellous
Expecting the HV anytime so will ask whats safe with breastfeeding..strangely Id posted a thread asking what was ok to treat blocked sinuses..now I think the blocked sinuses were the lead up to this virus..DH had it 2 weeks ago and was really poorly

DD is trying to smile..its definitely not wind..when I talk to her , her eyes go wide and her little smouth quivers

LuckyC Thank you for my secret stork! It arrived today. This will definitely be the best smelling baby in the world!

Not been online much the last couple of weeks - been hectic finishing work, plus going to a wedding a million miles from home and now, it seems, nesting like mad... Was up at 5.30am clearing out old paperwork and ironing...

So pleased to see so many new arrivals. I can't wait to meet this LO. Only a week and a half to go, and it seems pretty comfy in there, so we'll see what happens!

And loving the newborn stories and questions. It's good to know what's to come!

Am on maternity leave now so I should keep up with the thread better! Off for an antenatal appointment with the doc in a bit. Hopefully Baby has engaged a bit more. Getting really out of breath and weird feeling - anyone else get that feeling like you've just gone over a bump on a rollercoaster and left your breath and stomach behind?? I think it's probably the baby having a bit of a rummage in there, but it freaks me out!

Happy due day pamelat x

Angel hope your day gets better. I'm impressed by the bath as I haven't gone near one for months (fortunately I'm more of a shower person anyway) as I know I won't be able to get out again.

For those talking about moisturising baby's skin, edible oils are always good as it doesn't matter then if baby sticks a hand/foot in the mouth etc. We're using grapeseed oil on DD at the moment as she is very dry. We hardly bathed her in the early days as we were told not to even attempt it in the first week-10 days in roder to allow her natural skin oil to take effect and then after that we were only doing it about once a week and the rest of the time top and tailing her. Even now at 13 mo she only has 3 or so baths a week.

Went for a long walk to the swings this morning as I figured that although it might hurt (PGP still a bit painful) it might help if I was a bit active instead of permanently flobbed on the sofa. And at least it got DD out of the house as I haven't been very active with her recently. Hasn't kicked off labour mind you. We might be going for a curry tonight but I doubt it will have any effect as they say it only works if you haven't been eating hot food during pg so it won't be much use for me!

MDM- Def a Daddys girl here
Loving the Nursery too. Very sweet!

Heffa- Huge congrats
So glad you are both doing well. Fab that the Bf is going well and that DD is enjoying her new brother

Den- No chance of no eating enough here... I cant stop!!

Racquel- at your DH making beeping noises.

SK- A week already! that has gone quick.

BRB- Newborn chat is good... gives us something to look forward to whilst all moaning
I think if i remember we bathed DD about once a week. We used Olive oil in the bath as the MW advised as she had dry patches.
I did a baby massage class with DD and still have lots of oils from that to use this time. I will have to dig out the notes and do it again with this LO.

Gils- it was a false alarm... but i took mine as at least my body was doing something to prepare... Not like with DD when i had nothing at all!

Pamlet- Happy Anniversary and Happy Due date! Wouldnt it be cool to have baby today Back to bed I wish!

Ali- Yay for your cat!- Lots of newborns in your house then! Wonder who will pop first

Angel- Sorry you arent feeling great Rest up.

Tomlin- I too have decided its Curry night on Sat! Then we too may have resort to DTD!

Peaky- Enjoy your bath I had a nice long soak last night and it was bliss... Could of layed the forever

ML- Hope you feel better soon.

firstbump- yay for your maternity leave.

39 weeks for me today... (although mum would prefer it not today as shes having her roots done ) No signs of anything happening so think shes safe!
Just arranged to meet with a friend and her DD next wednesday on my due date.- Shes made me promise not to go into labour on her!
Hoping by arranging something for that day then sods law things will kick off just before!

carikube didn't know that about hot food! I've been eating loads of spicy food the whole time so it won't do me much good either then!

pigley one week for me too..eek I just want to get my bikini wax done tomorrow then lo can come

brb definitely post newborn chat here! We'll all be there soon enough and we want to know how you're getting on too.

gils sorry for the false alarm hope you're not waiting too long.

racquel at your dh... but seriously, turning over in bed is just the hardest thing ever right now isn't it! I end up grunting like an old man! haha.

MDM fingers crossed you do get to host the meet next week...though personally I think you're mad! I see myself rocking in a dark corner for the first few weeks refusing to see anyone

hello all!

well today may be the day that i havwe this baby! yeah! contractions coming thick and fast, so ive repacked my hospital bag and wrote out a list of instructions for DS to be taken care of. am hoping i can last until he has gone to school before i have to wander off to the hospital. fingers crossed.

hope all others waiting go soon too.

itshappenedagain how exciting, good luck. I feel all emotional!!

good luck itshappenedagain

thanx...im just trying to kep busy until i cant bare the pain anymore...that wa y there is less chance of getting sent home again.

itshappenedagain Good luck! How exciting, squeeee!

Any many congrats to heffa and hobnob

I am getting antsy now, not due until Monday but had a few regular (mild) pains yesterday for a good few hours, went to bed with lower back pain and awoke a couple of hours later with a stronger contraction. Had a couple more but not at regular intervals throughout the night, and nothing this morning so far. Sigh. I want to meet this baby!

MDM- so glad there is no adverse affects from your fall. Think I'll stay vertical for now!

Happy due dates everyone due today! Keep us posted.

Sorry for the lack of personals, I can't keep up with this thread! IS there a fb group or something? I am a technophobe and don't know how to find such things!

itshappenedagain - good luck

Question (TMI):

Is it possible to lose a tablespoon or two of waters without any show or contractions?

I think that may have happened to me a couple of hours ago but nothing since. No contractions. Should I call someone or just wait to see if anything else happens?

I'm sure I it wasn't just that I'd wet myself because I'd just been to loo and it didn't smell like that.

Hi Shipo,

I'd hang on til this evening and see - only as it's your first and I know from experience they might get you in only to send you off again, or give you a sweep before you are ready when it might just happen anyway.

If your waters have broken, there will be more liquid. But phone them if you are worried, that won't do you any good either. Try wearing a slim sanitry towel so you can easily see if there are any other signs.

Try not to worry! Definately call in if you lose more water though, sometimes waters seep out over a couple of days and you don't want to get infected.

Best thing is to just trust your instincts and call if you are worried! Best of luck, you'll be fine!

I'm sorry Schipo - I seem to have lost the ability to read, copy and spell!

Thanks alimouse - nothing else has happened since. I'll give it a bit longer...

itshappened how exciting - good luck!

schipo might put your mind at rest to call your midwife. Let us know how you are - could be the start of things!!

Itshappened how exciting! I hope everything goes well!!

For anyone having a baby today, 12 May is Homer Simpson's birthday! I was hoping mine would arrive today but no signs!

I would also like to recommend a fantastic book to everyone breastfeeding, as I've just gotten my copy out again and it helped me SO MUCH when I was struggling to breastfeed my DS. It's called What To Expect When You're Breast-feeding...and What If You Can't? by Clare Byam-Cook, you can find it on Amazon for £5.70 and free shipping here.

Rachel DH is going to be really upset if I don't have this baby today now as he is a huge Simpsons fan . I'm back to feeling remarkably perky, not at all grumpy and actually with a reasonable amount of energy so I think labour is getting further away, not closer

Itshappened hope it all goes well and Schipo hope that your MW can help you out with this.

Hello everyone!

Ali - congratulations on the cat! Your boys sound like they have a great sense of humour.

Angel - hope your day has improved since this morning.

Tomlin - lol at your DH's look of horror when you suggested DTD to get things moving!

ML sorry you're not feeling well. I hope it clears up soon. Are you allowed to take things like lemsip when you're breastfeeding? I was horrified when I had a really bad cold before christmas and they told me in Boots that you couldn't have lemsip when pregnant!

MFB - glad you're on maternity leave. Is anyone still working full time?

Carikube - we had a curry on Saturday night, but like you Cupcake - I have been eating hot food all along, so it probably won't have any effect.

Pigley - I went into town and met up with a uni friend for lunch on Oxford St today. Arranged it last week also hoping that Sod's law would operate! Popped into John Lewis to get measured for a maternity bra, and the woman's face was a picture when she asked how many months pregnant I was, and said that I was due yesterday! She said "what are you doing here? You should be at home!". Ended up buying a horrible flimsy one that will do for nighttime, as they didn't have anything in my new comedy size of 30G .

Ithappened - how exciting! Looking forward to hearing when it's happened!

Rachel - thanks for the book recommendation, will check it out, it sounds really useful.

Can anyone tell me how you know for sure that pains are contractions? I have been having really sharp pains below the bump today that last for about a minute or so. They are only coming every 20 minutes or so, and not with any predictable regularity, but are enough to stop me in my tracks. Could that be the start of contractions? It feels a bit like a period pain, but much sharper / more concentrated, IYSWIM. I assumed contractions would be felt all over the bump, so I have been carrying on as normal today, assuming it was just something else, but now I'm not sure. Have had mild backache in my lower back today too, but no other signs of labour. Any thoughts anyone? Haven't phoned DH at work to tell him yet, as don't want it to be a false alarm.

Hi all

Has anyone heard from kateyjane? I'm due to go into the same hospital as her tomorrow for my induction and wondered if she's still there...

I have just realised that DH and I could be holding our newborn this time tomorrow

pigley have just made the malteser cake from the recipe you gave - unfortunately I was too impatient and didn't let the mixture cool enough before I put the whole Maltesers in - their chocolate has melted! However I'm sure it'll still taste nice

I am so excited for you itshappened

Sorry that there are not more personals - brain is not up to much this evening...

MDM - I was on number 4 and was still unsure if it were BHs or the start of labour, I knew for sure when I started biting the pillow in the ward so not to wake anyone I kid you not. I would say they hurt an awful lot more than the practice ones. If they stop you in your tracks and you have to close your eyes and breathe or moan throughout them then they are probably the real thing. Also lie down and do nothing, if proper ones they won't go away.

schipo - waters have a very unique smell so probably not wee yes you can leak waters without a show. I would put a pad on and monitor carefully but looks like things might be kicking off.

Anyone else about to have a baby?

I was watching Desperate Midwives on one of those Sky channels whilst BFing Jacob today and bawled my way throughout it, damn hormones!

DD3 running about naked will return later x