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

rachel - so sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandpa, much love and thoughts to you and your family

ML - rant ahead it's bloody hard isn't it? The lack of sleep, the constant demands, not sure about the humling hubby though, I think mine has been put off sex for about 6 months now at least thankfully

Gils - I think they should just break your waters it cannot be that good going round 6/7cms dilated, anyway hope things have kicked off for you now

angel - 9lbs I put that on in one bum cheek alone

alimouse/cupcake/kaffacake and anyone else waiting sending you all some labour vibes

peaky - I tried oral and erm conventional route of prostaglandins in the ONE DAY and still didn't work, I am sure a man came up with that one.

itshappenedagain - wow that was fast well done you, we seem to have really fast ones on this thread

Anyway best be off DP changing Jacob who hates getting his nappy changed and my right boob is going to be needed very soon, sometimes I wish I could take my boobs off and hand them to DP for a bit

Rachel sorry to hear about your grandpa and hope you don't feel too far away from your family at the moment.

ML please feel free to rant. TBH I'm in awe of those of you with more than one DC already as I'm a wreck and that's just with DD to look after! Hope you start getting some more support.

DH off to see a band tonight - I nearly went with him but as they're not on until 10.15 I figured I'd be in bed by then so he's going on his own....

Rachel so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Thinking of you.

Good to hear the birth stories - thanks for posting girls, keep em coming!

Good luck to those in early labour...

I agree with all of you who have said how exciting this thread is! I can't wait to check it every day.

Apologies that it has taken me so long to write this, but like SK and Heffa, Thomas seems to like cuddling/feeding/sucking all night, then is happy to go for up to 4 hours during the day. Again, like SK said I do not know how I will be able to combine this with school and nursery runs next week!

This is my birth story;

I was admitted to the ward at 10am on Tuesday the 11th. They said that hopefully they would just be able to break my waters and let me get on with it, however when examined my cervix was too far back so had to have propess (wouldn't even try prostin - so I wasn't very happy because it has to stay in for 24hours) Anyway at about 2.30 I started getting mild but regular (every 2 mins) contractions. They carried on all afternoon into the evening, when DH was sent home. This was the lowest point for me as I hate being on my own. The contractions were getting worse and paracetamol and codeine were't touching them, but I hadn't dilated any further.
Anyway after a sleepless night DH came back to find me a bit of an emotional wreck. I finally convinced them to re-examine me at 9.30am instead of waiting till 12.30. The MW was really kind and said she would try to break my waters and fortunately she managed!
From that point on it was fast and furious Within half an hour I needed gas and air and was 4cm, then I wanted more pain relief as I had got myself really worked up by this point - I was practically begging for an epidural, but the anaesthetist had gone into theatre so I had some pethidine. I think the midwife thought I was really fussing, but she was just about to re-examine me when I started pushing! She just had time to put on her apron when he was born 2 pushes later. I don't know who was more shocked her, me or poor old Thomas! She did say she understood why I wanted the pethidine then.
I was quite wobbly and sick afterwards because of the pethidine, then Thomas started grunting and his temperature went down to 36. He was also very blue with facial and body congestion due to the fast delivery. They decided he needed to go to SCBU in a heated cot and be tested for infection, fortunately he was stable overnight and they ruled out anything serious. At first I had to express and syringe feed him, but overnight he started to BF. We then went to the postnatal ward for the next night so he could be observed and then home the next day.
All in all on reflection it was fairly straightforward and quite quick. I only had a first degree tear (the same from each birth) so chose not to have it stitched (have always declined stitches) and already feel fine 'down below'. I really don't know why I got so worked up this time? The only bad thing was Thomas having to go to SCBU, not a nice experience being unable to hold or spend the first night with your newborn - but I know that other people have been through much worse than this, so putting it all into perspective it was not a bad experience. Reading this back I realise I sound very melodramatic - sorry I don't mean to, I think my feelings were heightened by lack of sleep and the effects of the pethidine.

Anyway that is my birth story for anyone who is isnterested It actually feels quite cathartic to have written it all down.

Thank you to everyone else who has shared their stories. I find it really interesting being able to compare our different experiences.

I can't remember who was asking about blood groups and quick labours, but I am also A+, so maybe their is some truth in it??

Sorry for the lack of personals, but it has taken me all day to write (please excuse any spelling mistakes and typos) I will catch up properly with everyone tomorrow.

Congratulations to any new arrivals and good luck to anyone in labour

Meant there not their - sorry, one of my pet hates

Also Rachel so sorry to hear about your grandpa, especially with your family being so far away. I am thinking about you.

Rachel - I'm so, so sorry to hear your news. Hope you are OK and that you are not too sad. X

Morning All!

Thanks v much for your condolences.

New babies cheer me up - I just saw on Squirtsmums FB that "Squirt" was born early this morning and she's a another big one as predicted! 9 lbs 14.5 oz! CONGRATULATIONS Squirtsmum!!!!!

Rachel - sorry to hear about your grandpa, I'm sure he's with you even though your family are so far away.

Kateyjane - wow another speedy delivery, I'm also A+ so holding onto that too.

SK - I mentioned the alternative oral induction method to dh last night who was very keen, but after it did nothing for you on #4 it's not going to budge this one.

Angel - I also saw the mw today and after the baby being 2/5th engaged for 3 weeks its now decended to 1/5th. I'm assuming like you it can't go any lower till it comes out . Hopefully that won't take too long.

Gils - any news? Fingers crossed for you.

Well, I've gone back into nesting mode again despite feeling like death really warmed up. Still full of cold and finding the hot weather we've had over the last two days hard to cope with, please bear in mind I live on the Northumberland coast so take the term hot with a pinch of salt. However, the kitchen is once again spotless, the cupboard under the stairs is tidy, I'm onto my second load of washing already and have a load to go out on the line. Only downside is I have a load of ironing to do now too. Also need to take the car to the garage as it has a baldy tyre, if they do valets too I'll book it in for that as well and dd can play in the soft play centre next door while we wait.

DD still full of cold too but calpol is doing it's job and dh came home from work feeling much better and ready for the baby to arrive.

Hope everyone else is well

Oh, x-post, congratulations Squirtsmum

Like you, Kateyjane - I can only get to the thread in snatches, so I'll start at the top and work back with each spare 5 mins I get! Baby just feeds, feeds and poos allllllll day!

Thanks for the birth story, Kateyjane _ I can imagine how traumatic it would be for baby to spend the first night in SCBU, rather than snuggled up with you. As you say, all's well that ends well, but hormones are funny things and after labour your body is just screaming to hold and love the baby. At least you're both home now - and can cuddle 24/7

OMG, Squirtsmum - massive congrats on such a whopper!

Nappy needs changing, will try to continue later!

Cont...

Rachel - so sorry to hear your sad news. Your emotions must be all over the place. Will you have enough support around you while everyone is in California for the funeral?

ML - God, you're having a rough time of it! Getting back to real life is such a shock. I'm dreading it. DP lives an hour from me - we're still househunting! - and he's going back to work fulltime next week and back to his home for most of the week. How I'll get DD1 and myself ready in the morning, and sort out baby and a menagerie of pets, I don't know!

Good luck to all those in labour - the end is in sight! Post-baby is no walk in the park - your body can be pretty battered from it all - but it's sooooooo lovely not to be pregnant any more!

To be continued.,..

Morning ladies, I have just had news that my cousin in Australia had her baby yesterday and she wasn't due til Saturday! (ie, 3 days after me) hmph, I feel like I will be pregnant forever!! Today is my due date by the scan but really can't see it happening! Again a few mild cramps but nothing that makes me stop and breathe through it or anything.

James bless you, you sound so fed up I would go and ask to be checked over if you're only 5 mins away, can't hurt.

kateyjane and itshappened wow to the birth stories!! More quick ones! And it was me who said the A+ thing, glad it's proving right so far

squirt congratulations!! Look forward to hearing details

Gils good luck, that's fab you have got to 7cms already hope the last bit is quick for you

rachel so so sorry about your grandpa but I think you're right that it's good the decision is out of your hands about going over; that would be really stressful trying to decide.

ML sorry you're having a tough time, hope your Mum helps out in some way on Thurs!

I have just planned to meet a friend for coffee on Thursday and really hoping I won't be able to make it!! Going to meet the tiny twins of one of my NCT friends today too, maybe all that oxytocin will get this one moving!

Rachel - let me add my condolences

James Gils and Kaffacakes- really hope today's the day for you

Kaffacakes - sorry you are having appointment difficulties. I've just moved GP too and can't get anywhere near the midwives connected with the surgery and I need to be registered with them for postnatal care as far as I understand. They're all booked up though I'm told. They've referred me instead to the hospital but I'm already seeing the community midwives there. Still I'm getting appointment letters though for an introductory antenatal appointment with the consultant when I'll be 41 weeks I hope you got lucky with your community midwives. Failing that I think when due date is past you could turn up at any maternity hospital and claim some sort of emergency and get things checked out?

Squirts - very happy to congratulating you at last. Isn't that the biggest birth weight we've had so far? Awe and respect to you on that

I think Moggmum might be in the middle of a birth. She's been quiet for a couple of days at least.

Kateyjane - thanks for your birth story - jealous of all you A+ types.

Still quiet here, waters stop leaking but have now definitely had a 'show' and no mistake. Feeling the odd twinge every few minutes but I reckon their frequency has more to do with baby's movements than anything else. DH has gone to work today on the assumption that it could still be days and days away. Alimouse I like the idea of invoking sods law principle - maybe I'll make myself a few more appointments...

Big congratulations to squirtsmum! Another good weight.

Rachel sorry to hear about your granddad, hopefully your new baby will give your family a reason to be cheerful again.

Alex, happy birthday for last saturday, sorry you didn't get anything, that must have been upsetting.

Cupcake, I did go to get checked out last night as the contractions were every 5 min and getting very grumbly, unfortunately as soon as I got into the hospital the blasted contractions decided to stop, and then she examined me and said nothing's happening (except 50% effaced) Felt like such a prat! They keep coming now and then since, but nothing as regular and painful as yesterday.

I told her I'd come in to be checked because I wanted to make sure I got to the hospital in time to get an epidural, and she went "we-ell, I'd be surprised if you got one. With second babies they rarely give you one after 5cm as you progress so fast, so you'd need to get there before 5cm. And they won't give you one before 4cm as it's too early" - I don't need to hear that! thinking I'm going to get an epidural is the only way I'm staying calm about going through labour again!

She did say she thought I'd go into labour naturally by the end of the week, since I was probably having pre-labour contractions. All I can say is I'm fed up and I don't want to do this any more. Is it too late to get a puppy instead?

Oh and just to add to my worries, I had a bath last night and felt baby turn back to back again. Joy.

James Puppies are WAY MORE WORK than a baby - trust me - you've made the right decision in the long run!!!

Fingers crossed for you by then end of the week, then. x

Congratulations squirtsmum

I read on FB that wibblela had a little girl on Saturday night. She ended up with a c-section. It said she should be hopefully home today, so I am sure she will fill us all in when she can.

Good luck to anyone currently in the early stages

schipo and all others that aren't blood group A + don't worry, quick labours are possible with others, too! I'm O+ and my first stage was 1 hour 10. A long pushing stage - but that's cos she was back to back and had her arm by her head etc. So take heart: quickies are possible with other blood groups! And now you've had a show, my money is on you starting today!

It'shappenedagain - I hope the solo meal went well. That'll be me next week. I keep forgetting to eat when DD is at school; it's only having to sort her out that reminds me to feed myself!

I wish schipo but absolutely NOTHING happening here - not even a sign that labour is imminent! Had a very stressful due date on Sunday as MIL causing trouble again and then DH's teenage son playing up too so no wonder this LO decided to stay put! Sounds like things might be starting for you though so good luck

James LOL re puppy - I sometimes wish the same thing but with a kitten instead!

Congrats to all the new mums (I'm finding it hard to keep up now!) and thanks for all the birth stories. Look forward to hearing more very soon.

Condolences Rachel hope you're ok.

Just discovered that work have messed up my first SMP payment leaving me over £900 short this month .

Have been keeping myself busy (and trying to de-stress!) by cleaning windows this morning and drinking rasberry leaf tea. Going to local pool for swim now to give lifeguards something to worry about!

Rachel - so sorry for your loss

Squirtsmum - congratulations

Kateyjane - thanks for your birth story, sorry to hear you have an allnighter as well! It's a bit frustrating.

Wibblela - congratulations, hope the section was OK.

Moggmum - about your work, are they going to be able to sort it out for you?

Can I just ask... Have any of you experienced vaginal pains? . It's a weird pain, sharp and dull achey at the same time. Never felt it before and it's come on very suddenly. Not unbearable by any means just uncomfortable . I'm 40+1 if that has anything to do with it.

first1 - hi (again!)

I have had the vaginal pains - its like a knitting needle...? Mine get so bad sometimes they literally make me jump out of my chair.

But I've also been having them for a couple of weeks so not sure it means anything is imminent... Sorry.

First1, is it the baby headbutting your cervix? That's a very sharp knitting needle up the bits type of pain. If it's just a random pain/cramping in the vagina then I think I've had similar too, last few days - to be honest you have all sorts of weird aches and pains at the end when everything is so stretched out and the baby is pressing on your nerves!

I can feel the period pains starting again, going to bloody ignore them today, they can bugger off after making me look daft at the hospital yesterday.

Congratulations wibblela! Hope you're recovering well from the birth.

Thanks newmomma and james - it's definitely more of a sharp pain. Kinda like I've sat on a cactus . To be honest, I'm welcoming any weird pain with open arms right now! But glad to hear others have had it too