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

Blimey greensnail - she's young to be pooing in a potty isn't she?! Are you actually full on potty training, or was it just 'one of those things'?

Welcome coco .

NGUE - you don't really need a specific change bag, but any excuse for a new bag eh ? If you are getting one, then I find lots of compartments helpful, wash/wipeable on the inside at least, and handles/straps so that you can carry it comfortably in a range of ways (in hand in case you have baby in a sling on your front, over shoulder, across body, over handle(s) of buggy etc).
I've been using a great handbag with lots of compartments for the last year or so, but since I'll need to carry about nappies in 2 different sizes for my younger 2, as well as drinks cups for the older 2 initially, and all 3 after a few months, plus snacks for my hungry monsters, and all the usual handbag stuff, size matters, so I've gone for a whopper .

Had my scan today and it sounds like I've got a tiddler compared to everyone else! I'm 37+2 and she estimated that the baby is about 5lb 6oz. Does anyone know how much babies grow in the last few weeks?

My fridge is full of food with a use-by date that is AFTER my due date! Scary.

madamefreckle i'd say your baby is a lovely size

Have had terrible D&V this week,stomach cramps were so bad i really thought i was having contractions eek! Went to see Midwife yesterday and my sample was full of ketones and protein,not good at all but purely down to the nasty bug,feeling much better today though thank goodness

I really wanted a 'yummy mummy' changing bag,but just couldnt justify spending the £70 on it,have finally found a perfectly gorgeous one in TK Maxx for £12 I think i am actually addicted to that shop! I'm off to see my friends 6 day old little girl today i cant wait,also looks like the weather is going to be good this weekend too so hopefully bump and i will mostly be lazing in the garden hope everyone has a nice relaxing weekend,unless any babies decide to arrive of course

Hi all

Welcome to the new ladies!

I'm on my first morning of maternity leave - I plan to get some final bits for the hospital bag, maybe pop to the pram supplier to see about repairs to our second hand buggy, and then have a little kip in the afternoon. All too aware that these are the last few weeks in my life (at least for a few years) that I will have this luxury of time and solitude, so am making the most of it!

Hosted an NCT bra and beer evening last night at ours - the girls get fitted for bras, the boys go to the pub - which was lots of fun. DH has a bit of a fuzzy head this morning though!

Have lovely weekends all

freckle - my baby was estimated at more than that at 30 weeks .

CSWS, no we're definitely not full on potty training - I think there's far too much going on at the moment to be worrying with that. Its just that she takes a huge interest in all toilet related matters and is keen to sit on the potty so we're just going with it without really expecting anything from her at all. Seems to be working quite well so far

madame freckle - I agree your baby sounds a lovely site, they do grown quite a bit in the last few weeks I think, my mw did tell me how much on average but I've forgotten - sorry!

georgee - the bra & beer evening sounds a good idea.

little robbo - glad you have got over your bug, sounds a nasty one.

Is anyone elses's husband/partner being a bit of an arse at the moment, mine is. We are behind in preparations for this baby, but nothing major just some clearing out & sorting out to be done to make room for the crib & then the cot in dd's room. I have done all that I can but the heavy lifting etc I do need a bit of help. He's in an absolute foul mood at the moment& seems to think I'm asking too much for him to do anything to help. He often leaves for work early & is home after dd is in bed but at the moment works relatively short days so is in a position to be more helpful even if it's just spending time with dd. All week, he's come in from work, had tea & then disappeared onto the computer for hours on end, not chatted to dd, or done a story. He seems to think these last few weeks are for him to make the most of doing exactly what he likes. Dd has gone all clingy & overly attatched to me as she's worried about me being away so really could do with him spending more time with her so she'll be at least used to seeing him. Grr - anyway moan over - sorry ladies .

morning All,

hope everyone is feeling ok. esplittle robbo

had a scan last week at 32 weeks and baby's estimated weight is 4lb12oz at the moment and i think between 32 and 40 weeks weight doubles so im not looking forward to an over 9 and a half lb baby again

hope everyone is enjoying or looking forward to mat leave.

Im still trying to get organised for new baby but ive way too much going on with hospital appointments etc......

I've 2 appointments, dh has exams and ds1 has an entrance exam for new school and now ds1's GP'S(ex-IL's) want to visit him too all in the one week....can i just hide please for the next 6/7 weeks
and I've a christening(Dh is godfather) and friends surprise party on same day this week.

Starting to feel quite overwhelmed by it all and new baby seems to be last on the list
Dont think i'll every be ready!

Good morning all,

Georgee - I think your beer and bra evening sounds fantastic too. What a great idea!!

Thanks for the advice on the changing bag, a trip to tk maxx it is then for a wipeable, many compartmented bag

Whats everyone got planned for this weekend then? I'm going wedding dress shopping with my lovely lovely sister this afternoon then off to see Peter Kay tomorrow night. It's the most i've had planned in ages so am looking forward to it so much. Defo beats sitting in all weekend which has seemed to be the pattern of the last few months xx

I recently got a lovely OiOi bag on ebay for £7.50. It's secondhand but immaculate

I have been looking on ebay for either a cath kidston or an orla kiely changing bag, no luck yet. Might try for an oioi one now, thanks for the tip RnB.

roundabout1 I understand. My dh not being an arse, but not really seeing the need for speed! I am getting frustrated as I am on top of the things that I can do, but we still have painting to finish and a very messy bedroom to sort out.He's working v hard to get this month's work finished before his paternity leave, so I am cutting him some slack. However, the suggestion that his useless dad comes to see us on Sunday was given short shrift by me, as we have too much to do. He will just sit there, expect to be waited on and not help with the kids so screw that! Plus we have not seen him since xmas day, and he will no doubt be lingering like a bad smell after the birth so think he can flipping well wait!

Went for an attractive nursing bra yesterday, dare I tell you what size I had to get?!

Hello freckle I had a sonogram yesterday at 36 + 3, and the sonographer estimated 5lb 3oz at the moment, then said that probably means around 7lb at 40 weeks.

roundabout1 my DH is exactly the same. He did this with previous 2 pregnancies as well. In the final weeks, he seems to think that he won't be able to get out to do as much for himself initially when the baby first arrives, so he feels justified in cramming it all in. He disappears onto the computer, goes for drinks after work without letting me know and is just generally a bit absent at the moment. It does annoy me, because as you say, the other little ones pick up on it and become more clingy, making my final weeks tougher. I've had to let it go and just get on with things myself - otherwise I find that my personality lets things brew and really gets me down - which is not fair on the little ones at the moment.

saucepanman good on you for putting the nix on FIL visit. I'm starting to put my foot down about these things too - we certainly don't need any extra work at the moment.

Ooo - beer and bra evening. Sounds great. Although probably would be a bit wierd in our house as Hubby is the one who likes picking out bras (for me!!!!) and I like beer....

Just got the OK from the consultant to have a home birth. Yay! [insert cartwheeling smiley here] well... assuming everything stays within range of course. Although dipstick test suggests I've got a suspected UTI to clear up in the meantime. Phooee.

Hello all,

I'm totally on edge here for reasons I shan't bore you with, but DD has picked up on it and just done a super screaming match at nap time, which I could have done without. She seems to have gone down now though. Phew....

Changing bags - what you need is BIG. I got a Mothercare one on ebay which was new but with a zip tag missing as it matches my puschair well. It's huge and I love it. A friend just got bought a super-lux Wallaboo one for her new DS and it's simply too small and she's pretty fed up with it.

I managed to get a Baby Bjorn bouncer on ebay and it's been delivered today. It's immaculate and now I really want to have a baby to put in it. Actually, scratch that. With the way things are right now, if he can stay in my tummy safe and warm for a few more weeks it's the best place for him.

My DH is being fabulous. We're really under pressure, so things aren't easy but I can't fault him at all.

Still pursuing my Baby Jogger Double....

I've finally caught up on the last few days (welcome to all the newbies!) but my brain is still in total meltdown so of course now I can't remember much....

NGUE and CSWS - I'm a huge fan of oioi bags - I dithered for absolutely ages before getting one after ds was born and eventually bought the messenger style one (smaller than the one CSWS has invested in) for about £50, 4.5 years ago. I still totally love it and am delighted it will now be used for dc #3 - it still looks amazingly nice considering how hard its been used Since I only need emergecny rations, clean knickers and some crayons/paper for the older dcs, the smaller bag is plenty big enough. But even though I love it, I definitely don't think a 'proper' changing bag is essential - any wipe-clean decent sized bag with some internal compartments would be fine. Don't forget that Boots still have their parenting club offer which gives you a changing bag and load of other stuff (including changing mat) for free if you purchase 1 small pack of pampers or something. So you could get that and use the bits to stock up a nice looking handbag

Another uncomfortable grumpy person here...also been up frequently with dd the last few nights who has had a cold and temp....still working and absolutely desperate to finish now. Just one more week to go, and only 3 actual working days from today (off next Weds and Thurs) but it still feels too long. At least my manager has finally got his arse slightly in gear, and we have my maternity cover role signed off...interviewing someone next Tuesday, hopefully they'll be alright but if not, then its his problem....

Still not packed hospital bag or sorted out baby stuff or cleaned out nursery or done any of the other getting ready type things we should be getting on with. Even dh is beginning to get a little concerned about the general lack of readiness . I've got a list though, which is a good start . I plan to clear the nursery this weekend, then get it cleaned next week, and will then sort out baby clothes and bag the following week when 38 weeks and finally off work

For those worrying about dcs whilst off giving birth - try not to! They will cope (just sell it as a big adventure) and you'll be home soon enough. DS spent 3 nights with my parents when I had DD, which was a lot longer than he had before, and had a lovely time. And by 6 months down the line he could no longer remember a time without DD, so they acclimatise really quickly

Really sick of being kicked in the ribs by flump now...and still freaking out about delivering another big one vaginally. Trying very very hard not to think about it too much....

Hope you all have lovely weekends

Hi all, sorry not to have been around much lately.

Sunshineday congratulations on the birth of Faye. Hope you are ok and have lots of support and will be able to bring her home soon.

Welcome to all the newcomers and returners.

Started maternity leave last Friday after a full-on month at work culminating in organising a do for 500 people last Tuesday so have been absolutely shattered this week and feeling v weepy and just sort of out of control and panicked by the impending arrival. Went straight into baby mode on Monday morning in John Lewis with my mother and I think the baby was just as shocked as me to be standing in front of the changing mats and top and tail bowls because it had a massive growth spurt and has been kicking non stop all night in the ribs and down below every since. Had a complete meltdown on Wednesday night because there is so much still to do in the house and my DH does not seem to realise there are only three more usable weekends to go. How can men still just turn over and go straight to sleep when their wife is a weeping, shouting mess in bed? We're also now in a dispute with our neighbours over damp coming through from their stinking pit of a house which has rendered the nursery completely uninhabitable so have been on the phone to lawyers and building surveyors. Feel as if have made some headway today so am a bit calmer and have been nice to DH which has made me feel better!

Playftseforme I am in South London too so would be happy to meet up but maybe we will have to wait until after the births.

Georgee love the sound of beers and bras - how do you go about getting someone/company to come to your house to do the fittings?

Sorry for the me, me post.

Hi Sunworshipper - the bra fitters are NCT ladies. Not every branch of NCT has a fitter - the nearest I could find to South London was Beckenham - here's a link!

www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/beckenhamandborders/pregnancy/Brafitting

Was lots of fun, I would recommend it. I bought three bras I really liked too! The boys had a WHALE of a time and DH benefited from being with loads of other guys who are going through the same thing ... he's had a little worried expression recently and that seems to have sorted it for now!

After I posted this morning I suddenly got quite tired and went back to bed, which wasn't the plan! However, have now been to Next, Boots, M&S, Mamas and Papas and Sainsbury's and feel much more prepared for everything ... ooh got a changing bag at TK Maxx too. Thanks for the tip off - reduced from £34 to £17.

Anyway, better get on, have a house to clean before my sister arrives with her boyfriend ...

Ooh forgot to say a big congrats Sunshineday - Faye is indeed a lovely name, in fact it's in our top three!! But without the 'e' (as that's how DH's mum spells it ...). I hope she's home with you soon.

Have lovely weekends all!

Ok, I need this baby to come soon, before I end up buying too much stuff that I don't need. I bought myself a gorgeous hotmilk nursing bra this afternoon. Got tempted into lingerie shop in town this afternoon by a sign outside advertising free matching knickers with any hotmilk bra. I just couldn't resist, even though I already have a whole drawer full of bras that are perfectly adequate. Anyway, its really pretty and the lady put it in a really posh looking bag for me so I really felt as though I'd treated myself. And I was quite good really, as I managed to stop myself buying the really pretty pink spotty one they also had.

I can't get anything from hotmilk, as they don't do a big enough cup size for me .
Phew for you not potty training yet - I would have def advised against it at this point!

for your neighbours sunsworshipper - building hassle is really the last thing you need right now.

My bag arrived today . It's plenty big enough for me to use as my labour bag too. Ideally I'd have a few more compartments in it, but I will prob just keep some stuff in separate bags within it to help keep me organised. I was somewhat amused by kiddicare's email to tell me that I should expect my delivery between 13:39 and 14:39 this afternoon - never known anywhere to be quite so precise, but it did indeed turn up within that time slot!

ooh greensnail a bit of retail therapy does you good girl! Good for you! I love the hotmilk pjs too. Good choice :-)

I spent my £190 maternity grant on some BooB nursing tops and dress. I used to love wearing dresses, on their own, over leggings or jeans etc, before DD was born and then BF for a year meant no dresses. So was thrilled to spot a really lovely maxi-dress with nursing flaps! hoorah! (Now laughing at thought of ever looking glam again - ho ho. Will be a leaky, milky mess for next year at least!)

I am having supper sans DH as he set off at 5am this morning to drive down to the South of France (not on holiday I might add, but to pay the builder who has been doing up our little hovel down there). Am praying I don't go into early labour whilst he is away as it is a 14-hour drive back. DD has her molars coming through and was howling at 4:30am in pain but thankfully the day got better. It is getting increasingly difficult carrying a 2.5 stone toddler around when I'm already carrying 3.5 extra weight.

To those worried about giving birth to larger babies, don't. Often it's as much the position that makes for an easier birth rather than the actual weight. And long, skinny babies are easier than compact ones with broad shoulders and big heads!
My school chum gave birth this week to a 10lb 5oz baby boy vaginally, without any instruments. First timer too. No cut, small tear.

roundabout sympathise re. your DH. Why is it always about them? It's not like being PG whilst caring for other DC's is a walk in the park.

Still unorganised here but packed a basic hospital bag suitcase as am a bit nervous about DH being away for 4 nights. Missing some essentials (Percy Pigs, baby hat/mits) but got most of it in there I think.

Hope you all have lovely weekends x

Some maternity bras just mamke me laugh - like the Elle MAcPherson: it goes up to a 'D' cup. I was an 'F' before getting pg! No chance.

Good to treat yourself. I know at least oneof my nursing bras will be an Emma Jane one which I hate but I have a voucher for it. Ugh. They are comfy but they do the 'mono-boob' thing. I think I'll try an Anita underwire for the other/s. I'm not wearing wires during pg and am fed up of looking 'flatchested' even though I'm not.

Anyone know where Mampam disappeared to? She's usually on a lot.

Hi everyone,
Cant believe how soon some people are having their babies now. I am 38 weeks 2mo but am presuming the baby will be late. Been having a very sore pelvis recently, lots of stabbing pains. Struggling with still working cos its so uncomfortable to sit on an office chair for long but sadly I have no choice as I must get my work finished before I leave and then next week have to train my maternity cover. The joys of working in a small family business. I wont actually be finished until 28th and am due on 30th!

Got a couple of maternity bras from M&S, and they seem fine, nice helpful fitting lady anyway. Do I need to buy clothes/nighties especially for nursing or not as they seem very expensive, even on ebay?
Have seem quite nice nursing/maternity nighties/pj on la redoute (www.laredoute.co.uk/style/REDOUTE-CREATION-Maternity-and-Nursing-Nightdress.aspx?ProductId=3 24167293&DocumentId=210010&CompanyId=R&Path=17512716/17513516&source=#) They have quite a few to choose from but sometimes their delivery is slow so I am reluctant to order anything at this late stage.

My lovely DH bought me this changing bag from boots which I really like (www.boots.com/en/Koto-Leatherette-Changing-Bag-Brown_1022162/) Sorry I do not know how to do links properly.
I have had dodgy stomach/diahorea thing for last couple of days. Got quite excited when I googled it as apparently it is common in the week before labour starts! Think its probably common for lots of other reasons in pregnancy too though.
Hope everyone else is feeling better and has a lovely weekend. Looks like the weather may even be half decent.

Hi all

Though not a regular on here I am a 'lurker' and hope to get some advice really as I know that there are lots of second timers on here. I have also posted this in pregnancy.

Basically....Saw MW this week and my fundal height measured 29cm at 35w, I have measured this for the last 6 weeks. I knew she was going to say it had not changed as I do not feel that I have grown and also seem to have lost a couple of lbs.

We have a scan 1st thing Monday morning so pleased about that.

Baby is very active, heart beat is still nice and strong, the only other thing is my BP has gone up a little (usually 90/60 now 100/70).

I really don't know what it means and I know that the best thing is to wait till Monday...but feeling a little (lot) panicky.

So anyone going through similar or know anything about fundal height? Should I be so worried or is this something of a not exact science?

Ooo and another stupid question - when you have a scan so late on is it hard to avoid seeing what sex it is as we really want a surprise?

summerhols please try not to worry. Fundal height is a very innacurate measurement, lots of areas don't even bother with it anymore. I was measured twice on tuesday by different people and they got measurements 4cm different from each other. I'm certain I hadn't grown 4 cm between the two measurement . I was also losing weight a few weeks back, but i've been having scans every 2 weeks and I look set for a big baby according to them.

The fact that baby is active and heartbeat is good are good indicators that all is well. A slight increase in already low bp is really nothing to worry about.

I'm also having a surprise and haven't seen anything definite on any scans to indicate what we're having. I'm not sure whether this means I'm having a girl, or whether I just haven't seen. You can always mention to the sonographer that you don't want to know then they can do their best to gloss over anything too obvious.

I hope all is well on monday, the chances are it will be so try not to worry all weekend and just think of it as a nice chance to get another peek at the baby.

goodname You don't really need any special clothes for breastfeeding. If you want to wear nighties then its best to get one that opens at the front so for feeding, but if you're wearing pjs then you can just lift the top up.

I did have a few breastfeeding tops last time around that I used in the early weeks. I found using they helped me to gain confidence in feeding in public, but after a few weeks I didn't need them anymore and was able to feed dicretely by just lifting my top up. If you don't want to spend money on a specific breastfeeding top you can create the same sort of effect by wearing a vest top under your normal top - you can then just lift your top up and pull the top of the vest down so you're all covered apart from what's in the baby's mouth!

Georgee thanks for the bra fitting link in my area - much appreciated.

Goodname feel for you working right up to the last minute. Are you able to work from home at all during this time? I found a couple of long tshirts in H&M last week which have poppers down the front. They're 100% cotton too unlike a lot of the breastfeeding nighties I have seen. They are about a fiver.

Summerhols I'm sorry you've got this worry at this stage and to get through the weekend until Monday. My measurements seem to be all over the place depending on who is doing it and what position the baby is in. Hope you get some reassurance on Monday.

What do people think about the Widgey nursing pillows? Worth it or are v shaped pillows just as ok?