June is approaching, the end is in sight, time to sort our lady gardens so the midwives don't get a fright - Due June 2010

[ConservativesShouldWinSurely]

30/05 GoodName, 31, #1 BOY
31/05 RnB, 31, #3
31/05 dinosaurinmybelly (DIMB), 37, #3 GIRL
31/05 - mampam, 30 #3
31/05 - minimoonumbertwo, 33, #2, BOY
1st - Appu, #1 Girl
1st - ELM, 29, #2
1st - whenwillisleepagain, 42 #2
1st - PogueMahone, 36, #3 SURPRISE
1st - madamefreckle, 34,#2 GIRL
2nd - meggymegmegs, 31, #1 SURPRISE
2nd - Justbeme , 41 #3
2nd - AlwaysHopeful, 35, #2 SURPRISE
2nd - roundabout1, no 2,
3rd - nickytwotimes, 35, #2
3rd - Jenba, ?, #3
3rd - Flossysmum, #4
3rd - marmiteaddict, 31, #1 SURPRISE
7th - MrsC09, 29 #1 SURPRISE
7th - perkster, no 1, SURPRISE
7th - Zeel, #1
8th - LittleRobbo, 35, #3 GIRL
8th - Saucepanman, 31, #4
8th - MrsAlwaysRight 31, #2
9th - greensnail, 28, #2 SURPRISE
9th - Boobz, 30, #2 SURPRISE
9th - Petitfilou, ?, 1
11th - shipsladyg GIRL
11th - woofie, 33, # 2 BOY
12th - Georgee, 38, #1 GIRL
12th - Elena67, 43 #1
13th - sobloodystupid, 34, #3
13th - WaiteH, no 1
14th - Fillybuster, 36, #3 - NOT TELLING!
15th - Ponymum, 41, # 2
15th - Millymollymoo, ?, #4 BOY
16th - NizzyNoodles, 35, #3 BOY
16th - Flossie69, 40,#2
17th - Bluesnowfalcon 28 #1 BOY
17th - Summerhols, 31, #1
17th - Barbeasty, 31, #1 GIRL
17th - chestnut100,30 #1 GIRL
17th - LateforWork,#1, SURPRISE
17th - Plum100, #3, SURPRISE
18th - Virgo1979, SURPRISE
18th - theperfectbaguette 34 #1
21st - Gizmo, 40, #3 GIRL
21st - Bubs1,?,SURPRISE
21st - Sunworshipper, 36, #1
22nd - gaelicsheep, 33, #2 - NOT TELLING
23rd - Bobolana, 29 #1 GIRL
24th - GibberingGinger 34 #2+3 BOYS
24th - lifeinthesun #2 BOY
25th - Ilovemyterrier, 38 #1 BOY
26th - herewegrow 31 #2 GIRL
26th - imkeepingmum, #1, SURPRISE
27th - muchchocolate, #2
28th - Wheredidmyfeetgo 32 #3
29th - CantSleepWontSleep, 36, #3, SURPRISE
29th - MrsDmamee #3
29th - playftseforme, 36, #2+3 BOYS
30th - MonkeyMargot, 36, #2+3 SURPRISE
30th - LaTrucha, 36, #2 BOY
30th - NotGrownUpEnough, 29, # 1, SURPRISE
30th - EssieM, 37, #1, SURPRISE
30th - Monthlymayhem, No.2, BOY

Welcome to Alice Rose and Constance Ella Reed and thank you for 2 very uplifting and positive birth stories

No action here, but lots of very low down groin pain which keeps causing me to catch my breath and swear rudely . Getting the dcs to bed tonight was...interesting.... Fingers crossed it wont be too long now - dh is still at work so I'm off to find some food before the pains come back!

Well done on the baking Summerhols, makes me feel a bit that I've not done anything householdy today On the other hand, I've typed up and sent out 3 sets of coaching notes, harrassed the council about some outstanding stuff, returned a load of stuff to next and lakeland and started trying to sort out ds' birthday party for august/sept (we need to send out invites before the end of term), so not a total waste of space...!

Best thing about today was pedi/manicure with my mum -I went for purple toenails and gold fingers in the end...its about 5 years since I last had anything on my fingers and I'm a bit every time I see my hands, but I feel so frumpy its nice that my fingers, toes and hair are now all tidy. Just the lady garden to deal with, although I'm not so fussed about that since I really can't see it, even in the mirror

Here I am!!
Im now the proud Mummy to a lovely Baby Boy - born on Friday 11th - 12 days overdue , weighing 8lb 9oz!.

Basically I had contractions on and off since the wednesday. On friday they had been getting regular for 3hours and then stopped half an hour before I was due to be seen at the hospital for a scan and monitoring. I called the HB midwife, who said I should go in to be monitored. Once in hospital, I just knew they wouldn't let me out and typically after an examination, they said I was 3-4 cm and my waters were bulging and if I went home, it was against medical advice as I had too much liquor and I could get a cord prolapse. We phoned the HB Midwife, (who was on holiday) and she came into delivery suite at 1400. Labour was put down as about 6 hrs, I managed with Hypnobirthing techniques until I think 7 or 8cm and then it got too much so asked for gas and air. I still tried visualisations etc, but there is no way this was a pain free birth and I would not have been able to "Nudge" the baby down!!!! Put it this way, I was as High as a Kite in the end and all I could see was bright white lights.....but, he is beautiful and at the moment still "Nobody" according to DD2, as we haven't even got round to discussing a name yet. I don't know where the time is going.....

Massive congratulations to littlerobbo, alwayshopeful, mrsC, poguemahone, mrsalwaysright and boobz* on the arrival of your little ones! Hope I haven't missed anyone. Great to read so many positive stories.

mampam - so pleased that bf is getting easier, and I l know what you mean about pregnancy already feeling ages ago.

So here's the tale of Laurie's arrival - another good one...

Dh and I went to the wedding in the Lakes on Sat 5th, had a lovely time catching up with old friends and made it home over the pennines without waters breaking. After that I suddenly felt ready and had an inkling that it wouldn't be long. I had loads of braxton hicks on sunday, and just felt noticeably slowed down and in my own world. We took ds1 out for lunch in a nice cafe and talked about how next time we went out there would be a new member of the family... Anyway, I digress. Went to bed about midnight that night and, sure enough, was awoken about half an hour later by fairly strong continuous period like cramps. I was sure things were beginning, knew I should be getting some sleep, but couldn't, so went downstairs, leant over my gym ball and watched Chicago By 4ish was having discerni le contractions every 7 mins or so. I woke up dh and, given that MLU is an hoir's drive away, we decided to call MiL and set off. On the journey they intensified a bit and were coming every 5-6 mins, but I could still breathe through them easily. On examination, I was 2cm dilated and mostly effaced, which I thought was pretty good going by my standards . I had a lavender bath, which tho lovely, seemed to slow things down, so we went for a walk round the hospital grounds, but again the contractions slowed down. On consultation with the midwives, we decided to go back home (tho they wouldn't have chucked us out). In the car, they'd slowed right down to every 15-20 mins but were more painful. Managed to doze for a couple of hours at home, then went over for tea at inlaws'. Ds1 was delighted to see us, but a bit put out that we hadn't brought his baby brother home too... He was fab- I'd leave the room and get on all 4s to deal with the contractions, but each time he'd come out to me and rub my back Someone at preschool must have told him about that as he told dh "if the baby pops out, just rub mummy's back". Anyway, put him to bed, went back home and got in the bath. This time the contractions started getting more frequent and took my full attention to breathe thro. they were coming every 5 mins again when I got out at 9pm, and it felt like things were starting in earnest, so we schlepped back over to Hull. Still only 4cms on arrival, but fully effaced. I used the tens machine for an hour or so, which was more of a distraction that relief from the pain, then got into the birthing pool at about 11. I was beginning to struggle with the pain by then, so they offered me g&a, which I now see the point of! Last time I started it far too early on, leaving me nowhere to go, but this time it made me feel pleasantly stoned and really the edge off! In fact my jaw is still slightly sorefrom chomping down so hard on the mouthpiece.. Dh was brilliant- gently encouraging when I was swearing that I couldn't do it any more etc without making me want to scatch his eyes out. After a stint on all 4s on the bed, got back into the pool shortly after 1am and soon felt the urge to push. Completely missed this first time round due to being numb from the waist down... It was really bloody hard work and not particularly quick, but Laurie's head began to crown about 75 mins later, and then with the last couple of pushes, he pirhouettwd his way out and went for a swim across the pool. Had skin to skin straight away and a quick feed. Placenta was delivered by injection, and I had a few stitches for a second degree tear, which have given no bother. So all in all, it was a really good experience, and a vast improvement on no1.

As I've already gushed on about, the aftercare in the MLU was outstanding, allowing me 5 days to gaze at Laurie uninterrupted and have all my questions on bf answered. He's really lovely- quite a peaceful little chap and so far an amazingly good sleeper (no doubt just jinxed myself) and we're all pretty besotted, ESP ds1 who is handling it all really well so far, especially given that we moved house yesterday. Bf is mainly going better than last time, tho latch can still be painful and I still worry a bit abou my supply. But he'd only dropped 5oz after 5 days, which again is much better than with ds1, so hopefully we're on the right track.

Apologies for the mammoth post. Off to try to upload some pics of Laurie. Hope it happens for those of you waiting really soon, especially RnB and madamefreckle

God, I've just seen the length of that post- was typing on iPhone so didn't notice- sorry!

Woofie - Fantastic story - so pleased for you that it was such an improvement on last time!

justbeme, MrsAlwaysRight and Boobz - Congratulations! Great stories. The names are fab too - I totally love Constance and Alice is a favourite too! Look forward to hearing what you decide to call justbemebabyboy!

Suzy your sweep sounds much like mine - such a pain and disappointment after you gear yourself up for something more! When the time comes, you will cope I've no doubt. And if it hurts like hell, well, it's only a day or so (maximum) in the bigger picture of your life! (Yep, these positive affirmations are an effort to help myself too!)

Better get some sleep in case they decide that I'm not allowed to delay induction tomorrow!!

Congratulations on arrivals of Alice Rose and Constance Ella Reed and justbeme your baby boy. The positive birth stories must be encouraging for everyone still in waiting room.

saucepanmam let us know how you and Gabriel got on, wishing you well.

I am so envious of those back in your old clothes. No chance here - I really lost it on the comfort eating front while pg with Alice.Uh oh!

All fine here today. I was going to post over weekend begging for advice on how to deal with our 3.5yr old DS, whose insecure and very wearing behaviour at bedtimes and during the night, reached a peak on Sat. Sun we took action - won't bore you with details but being really firm and consistent has paid off so far. I think we were going too far before Alice was born to try and make him feel secure, losing a few previously firm boundaries. Not surprisingly mayhem followed.

Off to baby clinic for weighing this pm - not going to go as often as I did with DS, but will show willing and pitch up today.

Congratulations on the new arrivals and on the lovely birth stories.

just went along to my 40 wk midwife app; as luck would have it, my waters broke unceremoniously in the waiting room! lots of terrified looking women whilst I called for a midwife! So, had my show and a horrif ammount of water, all in one go! Just had to walk home looking like i had severely peed myself!

No contractions as yet, so have to just wait and see what happens. If nothing starts, have to go in at 9 tonight. Watch this space....

Can anyone help me out? What do you use a birthing ball for? Someone has just dropped one round! I know it's supposed to be good for positioning, or muscles or something!

Latrucha there's some ideas on this website. I have been using mine throughout pregnancy for watching TV, working at computer at home, and for encouraging baby to get into good position as recommended by my midwife (kneel on floor and lean over ball then rock backwards and forwards).

Congratulations to the new arrivals. The birth stories were great to read. I hope mine will be just as good when the time comes!

Due tomorrow and after a week of twinges absolutely nothing today! Just seen the midwife and the baby isn't engaged so not looking like anything will happen soon. I've arranged for a sweep on Thursday so that might encourage things to happen - I'm sure it did last time. Also have appointment at the hospital for 28th June to discuss induction/options if nothing has happened before then - I'm hoping that I'm not going to need it!

Congratulations on all the new baby arrivals. So happy to hear most people are have positive birth stories. And hang on in there ladies who are still waiting, babies will come when they are good and ready - I would try and focus on the last possible arrival date and think of anything earlier as a bonus

Things here are going ok. Can't say its easy juggling a 2 year old and the twins. James's eating is still rubbish and feeding him is a bit of a task. Douglas is a little angel. Though he also has his moments! D was awake from 11 - 1 last night, and then J from 1-2 when I fed them both, then J was freting til after 4.30, when DH fed them both, and then they slept from then til 7 when they were due their next feed. So DH reckons he got a total of 2.5 hours sleep! I got about 4 as I slept through the 4 am feed (the joys of bottle feeding means its a shared task!)

Off to stick them both in the pram and go for a walk. Need to work off the jelly belly

Congrats to all the new mummies.

Wow GibberingGinger that sounds like hard work.

NizzyNoodles I'm due tomorrow as well but doesn't feel like things are ready iykwim. DH has taken holiday this week so we're just chilling and telling each other how not-nervous we are etc! Who are we trying to kid?!

Good luck everyone - here's to babies, brie and booze in the near future...

Oooh lots more arrivals and lovely positive birth stories,well done mama's!! {grin]

Honestly,i don't know where the days are going,we are having a lovely babymoon but its going so fast,and DH and i are soooo knackered,its beyond belief,but no complaints Summer is feeding great and has actually put 2oz on which is fab as they normally lose a bit dont they,she is just perfect to us and i really am totally besotted!

Good luck and positive vibes to all in waiting

Massive twinges 'down there' but still no action......

I've now borrowed a birthing ball from a friend so am off to bounce in front of the tv

And I've done all the shopping I can think of (even did a massive 'cleaning things' shop in Tesco this afternoon as all our cleaning products were all nearly finished....bought about 3 of everything as they were all on offer!)....so am pretty much nested-out (or is that nested-up?). I might make jam tomorrow, but only because that's all finished too. Or I might do bugger all and try to get them to give me a sweep.

God I want this baby to come now!!

Just popping in to say congratulations to those who are now enjoying their babies - good to see some lovely positive birth stories to counteract my gloomy contribution. And hang on in there for those still waiting!

Saucepanman sorry to hear about Gabriel's problems, when all you must want to do is curl up at home and nest with him. Please remember that in 2 month's time this will all feel like a bad dream; I'm sure you will be able to get this sorted.

Life with three is one long exercise in spinning plates, as far as I can see. Hester is also still jaundiced, so I have a referral to an outpatient clinic tomorrow, but she's only seriously dopey during the day and has been awake enough all night to eat voraciously (a lb a week weight gain at present) which I guess is a good sign .

Congrats to all the new arrivals!! Some really fantastic birth stories - well done you ladies!
Just a quickie from me to say good luck to all those in waiting. Enjoy those last days and bank as much sleep as poss.
I am off to hospital tomorrow to be induced (38 weeks is pretty much as far as they will let you go with twins) so hopefully if labour isn't too slow, might have some baby news tomorrow! x

Good luck MonkeyMargot!

Hi All

Not had a chance to read thread, but just to let you know that although I was last in the list baby Hayden was born yesterday morning (on my birthday ) 2 weeks early . 7lb exactly and so far so good.

Very quick birth story, after feeling a bit crampy on Sunday afternoon, went to bed at midnight with a few light contractions. Fell asleep and woke up at 2am with my waters going. After a couple of contractions 5 or 6 mins apart, they went to 2 mins apart, and we got to hospital at 3am by which point I was 5cm dilated. Got into the birthing pool at 3.45am and baby was born at 4.15am. All in all a 2 hour labour with just gas and air, and the help of the water. No stitches, and I got out of hospital at lunchtime the same day .

If anyone else has also popped over the last few days - congratulations!

Congratulations monthlymahem!

Good luck for tomorrow MonkeyMargot.

Someone else is being induced tomorrow as well aren't they? MadameFreckle? RnB?

CONGRATS to all new mummies and welcome to all the new babies

im 38 weeks now and hope all goes well for myself and the rest of us waitng in the next 2-3 weeks........ not long now

I was due to be induced today but got them to delay it...but only until tomorrow - they gave me a scan which showed v. low fluid levels around the baby (3rd centile) and strongly advised being induced asap. I had been hanging around in the hospital all day and just wanted to start tomorrow with a fresh head. So I asked for yet another sweep attempt as a final ditch attempt to bring it on tonight. Again, midwife couldn't really get to the cervix properly and so I don't think it's had any effect. Bricking it about tomorrow!!

Best of Good luck Monkeymargot! RnB, Suzy (are you tomorrow too) and any others. I will be thinking of you all and I am sure it's going to help me get through it

I was due to be induced today but got them to delay it...but only until tomorrow - they gave me a scan which showed v. low fluid levels around the baby (3rd centile) and strongly advised being induced asap. I had been hanging around in the hospital all day and just wanted to start tomorrow with a fresh head. So I asked for yet another sweep attempt as a final ditch attempt to bring it on tonight. Again, midwife couldn't really get to the cervix properly and so I don't think it's had any effect. Bricking it about tomorrow!!

Best of Good luck Monkeymargot! RnB, Suzy (are you tomorrow too) and any others. I will be thinking of you all and I am sure it's going to help me get through it

Best wishes to all the ladies being induced today!

MM you've done brilliantly to get the twins this far. I wonder if playftse has had her twins yet, I hope all is ok with her