May 2010: Final call for May babies - please exit the waiting lounge & head for the arrivals desk!

[cupcakefairy]

New thread to welcome some more new babies! Let's have a flurry this weekend please!

Hi all

Sorry for no personals, but thought I would let you know that we all came home at lunch time today . Can't believe she has been discharged so early, but she is pooing well and feeding constantly. Really proud of myself for breast feeding, but I've got loads of incentive knowing its the best for her bowel.

Hope everyone is well

Good luck for your sweep tomorrow cupcakefairy!

I just bumped into an old friend at the park who told me she didn't think my bump looked big enought to be ready and thought I looked like I had another month to go - the thought made me go cold!

Argh, Ali! you want to avoid ds2's birthday but not by THAT much!

Thanks so much carikube...if only we could know exactly when babies were going to show up! Course we all have to stick together (at least I hope we're not out of the gang for not achieving a May birth ) after all, we have April babies on here too

holly great news that you're home with Grace and congrats on the breastfeeding sure she will go from strength to strength now.

V quiet today...everyone enjoying a lovely bank holiday?

Hello all

Much more settled today, DS went 3 hours between day feeds!!! Brilliant, meant DD got some quality mummy time. Admittedly each feed then took an hour but I prefer that as its the time between the feeds where you can get out to the park etc etc.

He started fretting an hour earlier today, 5pm and I panicked and left my parents where we had been aiming to eat tea at 6pm feels a bit rude now but I just feel I handle the fretful hours better in our own house with just DH around and DD of course. I dont mind feeding in front of everyone all day but just find those evening feeds more stressful, I am sure my mum thinks I have gone mad!!!! We just said cant stay after all, sorry, and left!! To be fair my DH had cooked the tea.

Rachel- at Eric being official, we have to wait till next week for the first appointment.

First1- Congratulations on the birth of Chloe

Angel- Thanks for sharing your story. Just shows how different each labour can be doesnt it. Glad shes settling into the family well

Carikube- I know what you mean about feeling broody. I always said just 2 but now Im in two minds again!- Ask me again this time next year!

Mustbemad- Glad your better after the mastitis. How typical you were all ill when DH was off. Hope your all recovered now.

MDM- Glad you had a good weekend with the wedding and the cousins meeting

Ali- Hope Baby is listetning and arrives either before or after thursday!

Hollyoaks- Glad your home now and that Grace is doing well. love the FB pics

Moggmum Cupcake Alimouse booboomonster and anyone else ive missed...
Few hours of May left... you may just squeeze in May in your quick
Seriously though.. I know how annoying it is as I was +12 days with DD1 and it was a killer and wouldnt wish it on anyone.. Thinking if you all and sending labour vibes

DH has been busy trying to organise our hideously messy brick sheds (we have two) and has put up shelves and a worktop. Ive been in my eliment with storage boxes and labelling everything in sight! Also had a huge clearout of my wardrobes as they were bursting at the seams and have a huge bag of clothes for the charity shop.
Went to a local farm today. DD loved the animals, we had a lovely lunch in the cafe and stocked up with yummy foods from farm shop.- Looks like ill need the next size up clothes to fill the wardrobes now!

Thanks pigleychez but I think it's unlikely I'll pop him out in the next couple of hours!

Sounds like you have had a constructive weekend - I gave my DH lots of jobs to do and watched him from the confort of my sofa. He's in a terrible mood now - locked himself out of his new van and had to pay £125 to get back in. Not the only one with preggers brain!

Got a day at home with DS2 tomorrow - going to savour it as it will probably be the last for a long time (with any luck!)

Hope there are some new little folk around tomorrow!

quick post..been hectic as DH at work this weekend and today..so much to do..

my friend who had her little boy by emergency section has been told he has downs.he is gorgeous and as such a special little boy couldnt have wanted for a more special mummy..there will be challenges to face but Im sure they will be fine..

hope all those overdue do not have to wait much longer...my first daughter was due in June and I was most unimpressed when 30th came and she wasnt born..she arrived on 1st July

pigley could you get your DH to have a word with mine please about getting things done? He got upset with me this evening when I didn't thank him for 'doing all the chores'. Until I pointed out that he'd only done half of each job and I'd had to go round behind him finishing them all off...it's going to be a long week if I have to thank him for every little thing...

morning ladies, have been awake since 3.30am now, done my usual heartburn/hungry/throwing up routine. watched bbc news til ive seen it all twice. i am so fed up i could (and do) cry! i am now 40+12 and everybody around is being very supportive. most evenings i get braxton hicks and whilst they are getting stronger, they are not becoming REAL iykwim. baby has been fully engaged for at least 2 weeks now so walking is near impossible other than round the house, if i sit for too long my pelvis seems to seize up and in boredom i measured my widest part today and it is 135cm! i have done all i can to make sure that i am not going to be pressured into induction before i (or baby) am ready.
i am starting to feel desperate now though as nothing seems to be happening. so, i thought i would ask you all for your thoughts please. my mw has given me a number to call anytime i am ready to have someone come to my house to perform a sweep. despite this being my 4th baby i have never had this procedure before and fear of the unknown is worrying. i would value all opinions/experiences, should i call and ask for one today? or call and ask for one tomorrow? or not at all? i could possibly force myself to go for a long(ish) walk today but would that make me too exhausted to labour well? i am due to go to hospital for monitoring on thursday and dont want them to start the induction nagging yet as i feel fairly confident that baby is still happy, just me that is not
very sorry for the long and a little selfish post
hope everyone is well

I know exactly how you feel homebirthmummy. I'm 40+16 today and absolutely no sign that baby is coming! Can't believe it's June and I'm still pregnant

With regard to sweep - personally I didn't find it too bad but then my cervix wasn't ready so perhaps that's why. Not convinced they work but it's worth a go, especially if your body is ready.

I'm off for a scan this morning - feeling bit scared now that either induction or c-section are imminent

Sorry to all those still pregnant Hope something happens soon for you all.

MoggMum - good luck with your scan today.

Homebirthmummy4 - sorry you're struggling FWIW, I don't find sweeps that bad - they don't seem to hurt too much if you can relax and if nothing else they might be able to find out if you're close (if your cervix is ready).

Everything seems OK here, Corin still feeding really well which is great - he had a bit of a growth spurt last week so was feeding constantly but has quietened down a bit now.

My PIL have just moved to a house 5 minutes away which was OK until MIL just let herself into the house last week

Loving all the names of LOs

Happy June ladies

moggmum and homebirthmum - really feel for you both, going overdue is horrendous especially when you go into the second week. I was so terrified of it I asked for an induction (that and the SPD). A sweep isn't that bad, bit uncomfortable that's all.

I am loving all the pics of gorgeous newborns on FB too, must add some more of Jacob as he has changed so much.

Bad night here last night he was up for 2 hours between 2 and 4 nothing would settle him, in the end I just left him to cry beside me for a bit and he dropped off and has been sleeping since. I still have this sore throat/cough/headache thing going on as well so feel utterly miserable today but at least it is inservice so no school/nursery runs.

Morning all.. It's June and it's pouring down here.. good start!

Homebirthmummy re the question about sweeps, I had one on Sunday, was like a smear, not painful but more uncomfortable. Midwife was able to feel baby's head which he complained about with lots of kicking and wriggling. Have felt like I've had low level period pain discomfort since then and slight (sorry TMI) brown tinged discharge but no sign of anything else (am 40 + 9 today). I have another sweep in an hour, booked in for induction on Friday morning. Only you can decide whether you have one or not, it's tricky isn't it? My midwife said they work in 60% of cases if things are "favourable". In the more "earth mothery" type books I've read about labour, sweeps are not considered to be invasive and often suggested as a gentle way to get things going. Good luck whatever you decide to do, am thinking of you.

Also, good luck to Moggmum, hope your appointment goes well today and Booboo thinking of you too!

Alimouse and Cupcakefairy yes, it's bloody annoying the MLU and the hospital being so far apart where I live. Makes me much more likely to go with the induction on Friday.

We decided yesterday to go to the beach then on the way home (about 10 miles from where we live) we went to a beautiful lake that only "locals" know about, it's 3 miles down a REALLY potholed track and peaceful, no mobile phone signal etc, thought I'd be tempting fate. I couldn't believe it when another car turned up and who was in it? My midwife and her husband. She was very surprised to see anyone, let alone me, telling me the last time they'd been there 15 years ago... funny eh?!

Anyway, good to hear all the stories from the new mums. Hope you are all alright too.

Morning Ladies!

CONGRATULATIONS to First1!

Homebirthmummy I really understand what you're saying about being fed up, I felt that way with DS1 when he went 2 weeks overdue. And I can definitely relate to feeling massive! I was about your size (I was 51 inches at 39 weeks) right before having DS2 and couldn't walk very well, was pretty much housebound for the last 2 weeks! I had a sweep 10 hours before labour started, like the others have said, it was just uncomfortable but not painful. I was glad to hear the MW say that my cervix was soft and stretchy even though I wasn't dilated yet. It gave me hope! Also, I had curry for dinner and DH and I DTD (did the deed!) to give me the best chance I could without having to walk cos that was just out of the question!

Cupcake I know it's hard not to feel like you should have some control over this because it's your body, but you're really not to blame for going overdue! When I was overdue with DS1, we did the ultimate naive stupid thing. We planned to move to a different town 3 weeks after my due date!!! So, I went 2 weeks overdue - then had to stay in hospital for 5 days, so ended up moving the day after being discharged. THAT was bad planning! So go easy on yourself, I'm sure people understand!

Moggmum good luck with your scan!!!

OK, I have to admit this ... I'm feeling broody again. I know it's just nature's way of making sure we have lots of babies, but I really am not going to have any more. I just feel so sad that Eric is already changing so much and that I won't have another newborn again. I love this "babymoon" time, it is such a high to have a new little one and to feel great about my birth experience, it was such a success in contrast to my first. It's so nice to get attention for having a very young baby and I love when people ask how old he is and I can say he's 11 days - not weeks, still so young we're counting in days. Sigh! I don't want it to end! But, I also am reminding myself about how fun all the upcoming stages are and how exciting it will be to see Eric grow and develop. There is loads to look forward to. I'm just hormonal!

We had a pretty good night last night, fed Eric at about 11:30 and then he slept until 3:30 and I fed him again, then he slept until 6:30 and I fed him half asleep lying down (have sore nipple as a consequence now though!) Didn't manage to get him in the moses basket at all last night, he just slept in the bed with me and DH, but I feel like I got more sleep than I have been getting so not too bad.

I'm off to buy supplies to make DS1 a train birthday cake for Thursday! I hope that all of those with LOs are having an ok time, and to all those waiting I am regularly checking in and sending out good labour vibes to you!

Raquel at least you'd have been alright if the potholes had set you off!

moggmum and homebirthmum I feel exactly the same. I'm so restless I'm climbing the walls but I'm so large I'm physically incapable of burning it off. All the things I'd normally do to shake it off are a no-no - can't go for a run, drink wine or have a really grrr shag. And I'm worried that if I don't conserve my energy I'll be too exhausted to get the baby out by myself. I hate that this (what now seems) arbitrary EDD has had such a depressing effect on my mental preparation - I'm sure that was 80% what got me through my VBAC with DS2 and now I'm doubting my own body. And I'm having some really disturbing dreams when I do actually sleep.

It's crap, boring and people are starting to drive me absolutely nuts. And I'm only 6 days overdue! How are you doing booboomonster? Any signs yet?

I'm going to ask for a sweep on Monday if nothing has happened over the weekend.

Ah rachelfruitloop that's so sweet what you said about Eric and has helped me think about the baby I'm going to be holding soon and all the joy he will bring. Thanks for that! I was feeling very weirdly detached from the baby, the bump and the immenant birth to be honest.

I love the newborn bit too - it's just the toddler bit I have an issue with! And older boys are absolutely brilliant too. The conversations I have with my 10 year old are so bizarre: 'mum, who d'you reckon would win a fight out of godzilla and a giant spider?', or my favourite, 'mum, have you ever smoked mad vagina? (Marijuana)'. You have lots to look forward to!

My friend loved newborns so much she ended up having 7 kids and has the loveliest, maddest, coolest family ever. If you can afford it, go for it!

thanks everyone for positive comments.
rachelfruitloop, i remember when my firstborn was about 24 hours old crying that a day had passed so fast she would be leaving home before i knew it.....and unbelievably she is now heading for 16! some times (like 4.30am when she refused to stay in bed at age 4 or 5, or when she was 7 and had a near fatal accident at a friends house and i stayed awake 24/7 for a week just to hear her breathe ) seemed to last forever, but looking back it really has flown...take MASSES of photographs! and have as many kids as you can afford and care for, some people are just destined to be mummies.
alimouse, you are right, i was hoping to be able to start LIVING again by now, you know, walking without waddling, being able to at least CUDDLE my dh without our feet being 3 feet apart, but alas no. i also understand about being detached, even though i am almost as round as i am tall (5'2") i have not yet really started to imagine that this is going to end with a real BABY!

CONGRATULATIONS first

My first day alone with DS, DH back to work. I felt quite scared but we are doing ok.

DD is at nursery and has decided this afternoon that she wont wear nappies anymore!!! (bad timing selfishly for me!!) she only had one accident (wee) all bank holiday weekend. Very proud of her. Am sure on Thurs with just me, her and DS it could all go belly up. Bless her. She takes heself off to the toilet, wipes herself (if wee), flushes and washes her hands!! Where has my baby girl gone?!!

I think we have decided not to have any more children, have written down about how tired I am in case I forget!!

Hi ladies

Well, second sweep not much of a success. Crvix still really posterior and baby's head still presenting at odd angle despite all the walking we did midwife said 'prepare yourself because I don't think this is going to be a quick or easy labour' absolutely gutted to hear that. Not that I thought it would be a walk in the park or anything but I at least wanted minimum complications

I am now going to hospital this afternoon for scan and CTG then will discuss induction options (how long to wait etc) feel really really miserable and quite absurdly upset with baby for not co operating even though I've done everything I could to get it moving

My fellow overdueys, you really do have my sympathy! This is hell on earth!
homebirthmum I would say go for the sweep. It's uncomfortable but not painful and as others said, a good indication of where things are at (I just wish mine had resulted in 'cervix is ready you'll be having this baby any minute!')

rachel I love what you said about Eric too that is so lovely and makes me more excited about finally getting to hold my baby. Thanks for the encouragement too. I just hope my second birth experience will make up for this horrible ordeal like yours has! You sound really chipper

pamela well done to your dd! And to you for tackling the first day alone

Congratulations First! sorry I think I missed you out before.

homebirthmummy read your post first thing on my mobile and really feel for you. It?s awful if you are feeling too big to move as well as the general frustration of being overdue. I can relate to your concerns about the sweep - I am booked in for one tomorrow, and am not keen - mainly because it all kicked off naturally first time around and I?d rather do that again if possible. Having said that - as someone else said - it?s not unnatural, it?s just a way of checking what?s going on and maybe helping a bit. So I am going ahead. not looking forward to it though! Have got my pregnant SIL to look after DD so at least I don?t have to worry about that. SIL is due mid June - at this rate she might beat me!

Mogg good luck this morning - honestly you are doing so well at 40+16 - I am ten days behind you and feeling the stress? hope something happens, and whatever route you get there, it looks like you will be holding you baby soon!

Heffa oops MIL behaviour sounds a bit odd! How come she had a key to your house? Was it a legitimate reason? Have you said anything? I would be a bit annoyed myself?

SK sorry you are feeling rubbish - it?s hard enough coping with the sleepless nights of a new born without getting a cold! Specially in Summer (or what is supposed to be!) hope you start to feel a bit better soon.

Raquel good to hear about your sweep experience - glad it wasn?t too painful. Pouring down here too - the weather really is reflecting my mood?. That is hilarious that you bumped into your midwife down a remote track! You will obviously have to go farther afield if you really want to tempt fate!! (but probably not a good idea!)

Rachel sounds like you are getting on great with Eric. And having the energy to make a train cake is pretty impressive!

Ali yes I am still here! I know what you mean about doubting your own body - first time around I did yoga, drank the required amount of raspberry leaf tea, did lots of walking, and resting etc etc and she was born on the due date, but this time with DD to look after I just haven?t done it - so it?s so easy to blame yourself? Also I am a bit older (36) now so I wonder if my body just isn?t as efficient as it was. And then there are the worries that something is wrong with the baby?. oh there is just too much time to think about it!! I can?t believe how lucky I was to be spared this last time - I will definately be more sympathetic to overdues in future. And the texts and emails have begun?. some people are really stupid with their ?have you had the baby yet? texts - I really feel like saying ?yes? and just leaving it at that. homebirthmummy you are right about Living - you just feel in limbo being overdue - don?t want to plan too much, go too far, can?t be normal, are still tired?. argh!

pamelat It makes me feel slightly better at how tired you are - I am trying to focus on the positive, and the fact that I still have sleep available to me, as I know once LO is born that?ll be the end of that for a while? but I do sympathise! It?s great that DD is potty training - we started about 6 weeks ago and I have to say it?s great not having to change nappies all the time.

Anyway, trying to do house bound chores today as it?s so wet outside. Had a busy, and really nice, weekend with lots of walking so am trying not to feel bad about sitting down (still a bit worried about baby?s position being back to back). Surely one of us overdue ladies must produce a baby soon!? Good luck everyone!

Hi all - much love to the overdue bunch. Can't still believe I'm not with you after 2 late ones. Like a lot of pregnancy woes we do forget when we get our hands on our babies. As you all may remember I was very down a lot of this pregnancy bordering on depressed and drugged up due to hyperemesis. But Molly is so great I am seriously thinking we should do this again!! Not for a few years mind and only if DH stays well and I lose enough weight to be allowed on the MLU next time. Molly is now 8 lb 8 oz the wee guzzler and feeding is going very well - she does feed for hours at times - not the classic evening cluster feeds - it can be any time of the day or night but I am ok with that as DD1 did the same and it settled by about 8 weeks. Still struggling with DD1's jealousy but otherwise we're great.

Happy June, everyone!
Sorry I've not been around much recently - soooo busy with baby! She's feeding like mad and is growing really well.

Like Rachel I'm already broody! So sad that she's my last - I just can't do another pregnancy again and DP and I took so long to conceive last time, too - and I'm no spring chicken!

But I cried and cried when DD, at two weeks old, already wouldn't fit into newborn clothes! She's already over 10lb and although I know that I have years of joy ahead, I'm already mourning never having a newborn again : (

So sorry to those still waiting for their babies. I was only 3 days over with this baby; a week with my last and I know how horrible it can be. But it won't be forever - the end is in sight and soon the fun bit will start!

I'll keep popping in when I can - sorry for no personals... Just don't have any spare time at the mo!

x

cupcake crossed posts with you - really bad luck about your sweep - what a pain! I know what you mean too about feeling irrationally upset with baby for not wanting to come out? It?s good that you are getting a scan so they will be able to see if everything is ok with baby. Then, I suppose they will present you will as many options as possible depending on how scan is. Just try not to feel like a failure - whether it?s an induction, painful labour or caesarian - there are painkillers available, and these are the times to take them! And it still might not be any of these. Just focus on the very positive fact that you will meet your baby soon. In the future you won?t care how LO arrived - just the fact that you have him/ her! Loads of luck - thinking about you, and try not to be too despondent or stressed if you can - as that might pass onto the baby. Just think you?ll be holding your baby soon an this will all be over. Keep us posted if you can. Thinking of you!

molly and hobnob great you are getting on so well with the babies. Gives all us waiting ladies something to look forward to!

first day alone and ds been awake since 9am! feeding mainly.

he normally sleeps in the am!! no dh to get him to sleep and waiting it for midwife so cant do walk or car. sling on me seems to drive him crazy for milk!!