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!

congrats firstbump and newmomma

Alimouse - that's really helpful - thank you for taking the time to explain it all!

You've really got me thinking. We're taking Felix to Canada for two weeks when he's 10 weeks old, for DH's brother's wedding. Which is bound to cause havoc with the time zone changes. I'm not sure whether it would be better to try to get into a routine before we go, or wait until we get back. I suspect there might be less potential for frustration if we wait, but on the other hand, having a routine before we go could help to adjust him to the time change. I think I'll just wait and see how things go for the time being!

p.s. Alle01 - that's fantastic news on having your first bottle-free day, hooray !

MarquiseDeMerteuil gosh you're brave, what a lovely adventure with a newborn - you'll always remember that! Hopefully he'll sleep on the plane - get him on the boob for take off and landing so his little ears pop as he swallows. As for the routine - follow your instincts! He'll be the centre of attention there I'm sure.

I've had increasingly bad lower back pain since about 4pm and everything is feeling very sore and tight. Hoping it's the start of something but could just be my old bones! Hope all the other overdueys are making progress!

MDM if you want a flexible routine I have heard lots of recommendations for the Baby Whisperer. I've bought the concise version of her book to give it a bit of a try (top tips from the Baby Whisperer: secrets to calm, connect and communicate with your baby) she does a cyclical routine that is very adaptable to different kinds of babies apparently. This small version of the book is really cheap too so worth a look.

Lol ali I just love cupcakes

Congrats myfirstbump! What a gorgeous name too!

Just been for a brisk walk with dh despite my poor swollen feet. I might climb up and down our stairs later come on baby! (Although I'm not sure I want to go in on a full moon if it's going to be busier! I want my birthing pool!)

I have been trying to get to laptop since yesterday to do a proper non me post and my birth story but not happening. Today has been tough. Molly fed for four hours straight this am and I am so tired. Boobs the size of watermelons and I get really anxious when they're really hard until she feeds. Blardy hormones. Feeding is going well though and no nipple trauma. Latch on left a bit less good though - same problem with DD1 (so weird saying that as now I have a DD2). DD2 is being very hard work - she adores Molly but is also very jealous and resentful of my relationship with her and said that Molly has stolen her thunder (her exact words) as she isn't the wee, cute one anymore. Also me being pregnant and so sick has meant I'm not the best mummy in the world any more Hard to hear that at the same time as the blardy blues.

mollybob that does sound tough to hear that from your dd1 glad she adores the baby too though and hopefully it will just be a phase. You are a good mummy!

Oh and happy anniversary MDM

THE NEW ARRIVALS

11 April LuckyC, GIRL MATILDA, 14.47
15 April ForcesSweetheart, GIRL, MOLLY, 10.27, 7lbs 6ozs
16 April Littleowls, BOY JOEL, 14.40, 4lb 8oz
16 April Memorylapse, GIRL, OLIVIA GRACE, 6.17pm, 6lbs 11.5ozs
23 April Sophie2008, BOY, COREY DREW 7lbs 2.5oz and GIRL, MIRIAM ELIZABETH 7lbs 4oz
27 April Brightredballoon, GIRL, 10am, 7lb 12oz
27 April Pagen, BOY, JACK JOHN, 7.30am, 9lbs 2ozs
29 April littleonemum, GIRL, LUX EMILIE, 9.40pm, 7lbs 7 ozs
04 May fiveisanawfullybignumber, GIRL, FLORENCE MARGARET GRACE, 6.14pm,
04 May hormonalmum, GIRL
05 May sweetkitty, BOY, JACOB DAVID JOHN, 4.52am, 8lbs 5ozs
05 May Mustbemadno3 GIRL, LILLIA VICTORIA SOFIA, 05.05am 6lbs 8ozs
06 May Alle, BOY, OSCAR, 12.20pm 6lbs 8ozs
06 May alexw, GIRL, JULIA MAUD, 7lbs2oz
07 May TwentiethCenturyHeffa, BOY, CORIN, 7lbs1oz
07 May sheepgomeep, GIRL, JESSICA, 9lbs 12.5oz
08 May Lizzie9442, GIRL, LOUISE, 9.01pm, 10lbs
10 May Hobnobfanatic, GIRL
11 May 30ish, BOY, OLIVER JAMES, 10:05am, 9lbs 7oz.
12 May kateyjane, BOY, THOMAS EDWARD, 11.29am, 7lbs 12ozs
13 May MarquiseDeMerteuil, BOY, FELIX BENJAMIN, 5lbs 15oz
14 May itshappenedagain, GIRL, FLORENCE ELEANOR, 5.22am, 8lb 6oz
14 May TomlinTowers, GIRL, SOPHIE MAE, 8.43am, 9lbs 7oz
15 May pigleychez, GIRL, LUCY OLIVIA, 9.30am 7lbs 12oz
15 May slipperthief, BOY, DANIEL HENRY, 7.28pm, 8lbs 4oz
16 May Wibblela, GIRL, REFAELLA, 12.22am, 8lbs 4oz
17 May pamelat, BOY, ALEXANDER, 12.14pm, 7lbs 8oz
17 May Morph2, BOY, JACOB ANTHONY, 7.50pm, 6lbs 11ozs
18 May squirtsmum, GIRL, REBECCA LOUISE, 1.37am, 9lbs 14.5oz
18 May MinnieMummy, GIRL, 8.31am, 10lbs 11oz
18 May KatnKankles, GIRL, AVA ROSE, 8lbs 14oz
19 May Sweetpeasmum, GIRL, SOPHIE ELIZABETH, 6.38am
20 May Sassles, BOY, SAMUEL, 9lbs 4oz
20 May KaffaCakes, BOY, ALBERT STANLEY, 1.09am, 7lbs 8.5oz
20 May Den26, BOY, RIAN ALEXANDER, 7lbs 13oz
21 May Carikube, GIRL, ALICE JANE, 2.17am, 8lbs 5oz
21 May peakyispreggers, BOY, FINN, 2.47am, 7lbs 12oz
21 May Gils, GIRL, MELISSA ANNE, 3.38am, 8lbs 10oz
21 May Rachelfruitloop, BOY, ERIC DAVID, 3.48am, 11lbs 2oz
23 May newmomma, GIRL, 6.34am, 8lbs 12.5oz
24 May Mollybob, GIRL, MOLLY LETITIA ROSE, 2.24am, 8lbs 3oz
24 May LuckyMiller, BOY, IRA JACOB, 8lbs 2oz
25 May Hollyoaks, GIRL, GRACE ANNABEL
25 May Nimk, GIRL, 6lbs 8oz
27 May myfirstbump, GIRL, DARCEY ELIZABETH, 2.18pm 8lbs 15oz

THE WAITING LOUNGE

06 May - DorotheaPlenticlew, 35, #2, GIRL, Edinburgh
08 May - Asparagusaddict, ? , #1
12 May - Haribolicious 36, #2, BOY
12 May - LivsHannah 27, #2, BOY
13 May - Cith, 30, #1
13 May - TinyVeins, 29, #1
13 May - Mummymunchkins, 40, #3, BOY
14 May - JamesAndTheGiantBanana, 28, #2 GIRL
14 May - CornishSAMum, 33, #1, ?, Cornwall
16 May - MoggMum, 38, #1
16 May - schipo 40, #1, BOY
16 May - Vicky204, 34, #1
17 May - first1, 22, #1, GIRL, Surrey
19 May - cupcakefairy, 25, #1
20 May - LolaAnn, 22, #1, BOY
20 May - Aim, ?, #2, BOY
20 May - homebirthmummy4, #4
21 May - Suey2, 39, no2, GIRL
21 May - Mumofeag, 34, #3 BOY
23 May - RacquelWelsh, 38,#1 BOY
24 May - AnAngelWithin #5
24 May - Yorky, 31, #3
26 May - booboomonster, 35, #2 GIRL, SW London
26 May - AliMouse, 40, #3 BOY
26 May - Glastocchick, 34, #1
31 May - ande, #4
31 May - thegauntlet, #1

MDM you're brave with your trip - we thought we were quite brave going to NZ when DD1 was 7 months old. Although we were in a loose routine at home the time difference did take it out of her so we had quite a few sleepless nights for a good few nights. At least as we had a vague routine we had some idea of when she might want to sleep/feed etc when we arrived.

Mollybob I know exactly what you mean - I'm having real trouble remembering to write DD1 and DD2 after all the time of just writing DD . Also with you on the boobs situation; I got through 3 different tops in bed last night and ended up sleeping on a towel as DD2 went for longer between feeds than she had the previous nights.

Also a bit as saw on SIL's FB status that she and my brother had bought their nephew (on her side) a birthday present whereas they haven't even acknowledged DD2's birth (not even a message through FB or anything which is normally the only way they communicate with me). I shouldn't be surprised as although I think I got an email when DD1 arrived, they've never sent her a birthday/Christmas card etc but I just feel sad that my DDs are being ignored....

Right Jacob sleeping on his Dad so am going to write a message tonight.

congratulations to hollyoaks newmomma myfirstbump mollybob nimk and anyone else I have forgotten

carikube - about your SIL, I kind of thought that maybe my Mother would have tried to mend some bridges with Jacob being born but no so that's that so to speak.

mollybob - don't worry too much I think the whole family goes through a transition period when a new baby is born, I think we all feel spilt once we are Mum to more than one that you feel thin on the ground and obviously the baby needs you more. Things will settle down soon.

Alimouse - hope it is the start of things for you and all the other overdues, with DD2 I was second last off the thread and everyone else had gone to the "other side" it was so depressing

Alle01 - yey well done no bottles

MDM - happy anniversary, I think your trip will be just fine, little babies are easily portable, I agree with whoever said feed on take off and landing and Felix will be happy being cuddled on your knee

pamelat - you have my sympathies I think all newborns sort of go through a mad little period where they are very fretful, I think it must be them working out night and day and trying to get on top of feeding, I know I was beginning to be at my wits end with Jacob but he seems to be settling a bit now (she hopes)

rachel - your poor stomach muscles, early days though hopefully they will sort themselves out. I think the feeding them up during the day is a good plan although sometimes with other ones about it is easier just to leave them if they are contect to sleep means you can get things done

pigley - you are not a failure, breastfeeding may be natural but it is bloody hard at the start. Babies are designed to lose weight after birth that's why they have extra fat stores so you are not starving her. I found getting them weighed too much was a cause of stress, Jacob has been weighed only twice since he was born, I cannot be doing with this "oh he has gained 2 ozs in 2 days, he only gained a ozs etc" I can see him filling out, can see his pees and poos in his nappies so I am fine about it. The BFing cafe will be fine go and try it and see, I went to our local "boob group" on Tues, they have a fully staffed creche that DD3 went in and loved (first time away from me) and they make you tea and toast. I felt a bit of a fraud though once they realised I was on no4 but it was nice talking to people and I knew about 5 of them there but still nice.

cupcake - all of mine have slept in with me, I cannot get them to sleep in a basket either so gave up. A tip I was given is a hot water bottle not too hot obviously but with enough water to make it warm not hot, wrap it in a old t-shirt or something you have worn recently and stick that in the basket. Worth a try. None of mine took a dummy either! Jacob has been spitting on out with such a look of disgust on his face. Oh just realised alimouse said that too

angel - I hope you have a new baby in your arms by now

kateyjane - wanted to say don't beat yourself up about not BFing, even one feed of colostrum is beneficial. BFing is such a tiny part of being a good Mum and you must have done something right your DC are gorgeous

Raquel - hope the sweep works for you

MoggMum - oh poor you I hope the sweep does something and I know you don't want a CSection but if you end up with one don't beat yourself up at least you will have a gorgeous baby at the end of it

kaffa - my tip for "THE POO" from bitter experience is dried fruit, especially apricots for some reason they always give me the runs, still had to hold a pad over my stitches though as you feel like you are going to spilt open again but once the first one is out the way they get better. First week was rough for me felt very bruised but now 3 weeks in I am feeling almost normal again. Still bleeding a little but not much, am definitely waiting 6 weeks before DTD again, actually think we haven't DTD this year what with the SPD poor DP and here was me moaning at him about a vasectomy

Good night last night well once he stopped fussing he slept from 11pm to 4.40am was up for 20 mins and went back to sleep until 8am, slept from 8 to 12.30pm, then has cat napped and fussed a bit and is now asleep on DP. Have bought a Moby sling tonight as he likes being close to me and hopefully will free up my hands. Will report back on how I get on with it.

Better go sorry about mammoth post, hope the full moon makes the overdues go into labour

Carikube that is so unfair about your SIL - your brother ought to see to that and sort her out! One of the downsides of facebook is that it can leave you a bit exposed (the reason I deleted my account). She knows you will see that she has bought a present for her nephew. Try to ignore it - she obviously has issues. How the protective mother tigress comes out in us!!

My very own sister has sent me one text in the last 6 weeks - just "well?" and then went on holiday on my due date until the 5th June - therefore deliberately missing the birth and my DS2's birthday next week. It's her birthday on the 7th. She is 38 and isn't likely to be having babies and I think she is stuggling with me having a 3rd. I'm just letting her get on with it. Relatives! Can't choose 'em...

Just a quickie to say congrats to myfirstbump ! Lovely name.

Also - Ali totally relate to your post - yes just the one day overdue and I am fed up, imagining induction and all that. Feel I can't plan anything. Tho did try to book tickets to sex and the city for tomorrow but it didn't work... Trying to tempt fate. Plus had a row with DH - I think he is blaming me for going overdue... Or he's just in a bad mood - being totally mean saying I was lazy for putting my feet up. Out of character for him but I am still mad....

pamelat my sympathies re lack of sleep - it is so hard in the early days. It can only get better! Hope it does, soon.

molly sorry your DD is not happy with your mothering - try not to take it to heart, it's a big adjustment for everyone. And I am sure you are a fab mummy!

Sorry I am sure I had other personals to wrote but a bit shattered and off to bed now. Ali did the twinges come to anything? Good luck cupcake and others - whoever posted the full moon stuff, hope you are right !

Hello folks, sorry haven't caught up on posts so congratulations to everyone who has popped since I last posted.

I finally had my baby on tuesday at 40+11, hooray! She's tiny and beautiful and I'm sleep deprived but over the moon with her.

Here's the rather epic birth story if anyone wants it!

Posted on the overdue thread at about 11.30pm monday saying I was dreading having to fight off induction simply because I was 40+10, then went to bed and dtd as a bit of a last resort. 5 mins later had a contraction, we laughed saying it would all be a bit too convenient. 3 mins later had another, and another and another! Dp fell asleep and I thought they were bh so tried to sleep between them, they kept coming every 3 min.

By 3.30am they were hurting enough to have to concentrate through so I got dp up and called dsis who was looking after ds. We got to the hospital at about 5am, I was really worried that it wasn't real labour, and made the mistake of asking the mw about induction, then got really anxious and contractions stopped! She finally examined me and I was 2-3cm, so she gave me gas n air and I had a very painful sweep (probably because I was so tense) and went for a long walk round the hospital grounds to get things going.

Was scared of going back to labour ward because they were talking about breaking my waters to get things going, and saying the anaesthetists were busy so I wouldn't be able to have an epidural for a few hours. Anyway got back and thankfully the staff were all busy, so someone ran me a hot bath, I got in and did nipple stimulation which was really effective and the contractions started to get painful enough to need gas and air.

At this point I started to get a bit insistant about getting the epidural in case it took a while to arrive, but suddenly the anaesthetist appeared - yay! unfortunately he spent over 20 minutes trying to site an IV cannula at various points in both arms, ended up with massive bruising but he finally managed it (not really his fault, my veins are rubbish)

Then they started to bring more and more machines into the room, and it got a bit comical - they didn't want to do intermittent monitoring and the stomach monitor wasn't giving a constant trace in any upright position, so kept nagging me to agree to a scalp monitor which would have meant labouring lying down anyway, which I said I wouldn't do til I'd had an epidural. As every single intermittent trace came back normal and baby was happy I refused, so had intermittent monitoring. Then the automatic blood pressure machine wouldn't work so she had to do that manually too which meant I didn't have to labour strapped to umpteen machines.

Then they started the epidural, which was nothing like as painful as having the IV's done. I was labouring really hard by now and was chanting in my head "It's just a contraction, it's fine. I'll get through this one, then I can have the epidural" - they were getting all consuming - I probably should have noticed I was getting sweaty and shaky...

After a bit the anaesthetist asked if I felt any different, numb legs etc, I said no, should I? It hadn't worked. He tried to re-site it, but as I was sitting on the edge of the bed I could feel her coming down, feel a tiny involuntary push. I realised with horror that it was too late, and after everything, had to tell him to leave it. Spent the last few mins of labour having a bit of a rant to no-one in particular, did my best Victor Meldrew impression, cried my eyes out, asked weakly for diamorphine even though I knew it was too late.

Felt something coming down but didn't really think it could be her as even though it stung it didn't hurt "enough" to be a baby's head - distantly heard the midwife going on about pushing out her head, barely pushed then felt a pop, then a slither, and suddenly she was on my tummy! It was shocking but wonderful, just had a little graze, no stitches this time.

She was 7lb, tiny and covered in lanugo, so bollocks to their pressure about her needing induction for being overdue, I really don't think she is and I'm so glad I didn't cave in to pressure to be induced.

Hope you're all doing ok, will try to catch up on your news tomorrow. xxx

Just to say massive Congratulations to all the new arrivals. Some more beautiful names

Cupcake - Sorry about your itchy bump. For me the itching was concentrated on my arms and legs. However these are some things that helped (a bit!) Baths with oilatum, using normal aquaeus cream as a soap replacement. Someone on here suggested bathing with oats, and although I didn't like the feeling of bits in the water, it did help. I had aquaeus cream with menthol from the doctor, don't know if you can buy it, but that really helped. Sorry I know none of these solve the problem, but might just take the edge off! Hope you get some relief soon.

MDM - Thank you for for your lovely comments about BFing. I have sent you a friend request on FB. Happy anniversary

Pigley - I want your garden! Sorry that you are feeling down about BFing. It sounds to me like you are doing really well, and Lucy is happy and putting on weight. Even though it hasn't worked out for me, I did go to the Bfing cafe last week (despite not really wanting to) and it was really good. I got lots of good and practical advice. Hope you feel happier soon

Rachel - Your picture of your two boys on FB is gorgeous!

alle - well done on mastering BFing

SK - Thank you for your lovely comment. Very glad that Jacob is settling now, hope he remains happy and likes his new sling I can relate to feeling stretched - it's so hard trying to give all your DCs equal attention when you have a newborn.I am constantly in a state of guilt at the moment. Hope you have a lovely weekend

Good luck to everyone who is in labour, wishing you speedy, painless vibes.

For those who are overdue it really won't be long now. Take care

Hello everyone,
The full moon didn't work for me! I'm still very pregnant. It's our 5th wedding anniversary today so I'm just ignoring the whole 'when will he come' issue. MIL is havig DS2 for an hour after gym club this afternoon and I'm going to go for a swim.

JamesAndTheGiantBanana Congratulations!! It certainly doesn't sound like she was overdue or needed to be induced. A huge well done to you for refusing that trace and getting by so well without the epi. Hurrah for chanting! I so so hope I have a birth like yours...

booboomonster I'm sure your DH didn't mean it - if he is like mine, he won't have a clue how to articulate how he's feeling, or actually even be able to work out how he's feeling becuase it's all a bit scary. Sounds like he's just sounding off - still grossly unfair on you mind! Get him to DTD by way of an apology - you never know, it' might do the trick like it did for James!

Good luck all others waiting and labouring, I'll be thinking of you!

Congrats to James and all the other new Mums. There can't be many of us left in the waiting room now.

Thanks to all who've posted their birth stories. I've also been reading all the new baby sleeping/feeding stories with great interest too & picking up lots of tips from you all for when my LO finally arrives

40+12 here today so yesterday's reflexology, sex & full moon didn't work for me!

Should have been having an induction today but I've managed to hold them off until after the Band Holiday weekend. This means I'll be 40+16 by then!

Please let this baby come before the end of May

Same here Alimouse and Moggmum.. full moon theory out the window as still no baby. Another day of cleaning and weeding the garden then. There's only so much cleaning a sane person can do!

Congratulations to James.. good for you not caving into pressure to be induced.

Congratulations James - finally you get to meet your LO. Well done for coping without the epi - sounds like you did a great job.

Ali thanks for reassurance re DH, I am sure you are right and he didn't mean it. We are having a little stand off right now as I want him to suffer a little before we make up. I did actually ask him to DTD yesterday (before the row) but he was tired. But hearing about James' experience has spurred me on, so might try again at the weekend (once we've made up...)

Racquel/Mogg/Ali Didn't someone say about the full moon that it can work 3 days either side? (or is this wishful thinking on my part...) maybe there is hope for us yet....

I'm off for another long walk before going to see Sex and the city at lunch time - it's kind of hard to plan stuff when you are overdue isn't it? But I am trying to keep busy so I don't get frustrated.

Good luck Mogg at 40+12 you must be imminent! I really can't complain at 40+2. Well done for being so patient! I hope I can be strong enough to resist induction as long as you - it seems like a good idea, specially hearing how James' LO was covered in vernix and quite possibly not overdue at all....

Willing all the remaining babies out...

ooh meant to say MDM we didn't manage to establish a routine until 6 months - but I think it does depend on the baby. But also I found that because I was breastfeeding on demand and my DD was a snacker she never seemed to be that satisfied after a feed - not enough for me to be confident she didn't need any more until the next scheduled feed. So I just gave her the boob whenever. However, once she reached 6/7 months she totally settled into her own routine (not disimilar to the standard one that Gina Ford sells back to mums!)
I found that friends who were formula feeding were more confident to leave their babies longer as they knew that they had consumed x amount of ounces from the measurements on the bottles. Sadly you can't measure how much milk is going from your boobs.... at least I never figured out how to do that!
anyway, that's probably not much help - but thought I'd throw my experience in! good luck!

Hi girls...no full moon delivery for me either. 40+9 and so miserable. Lay awake crying from about 5am cos I'm just so frustrated! I want my body to just do what it's supposed to. My brother and SIL, parents and dh's parents all want to come next week (they're not local) & now I'm so stressed by the fact I'll have a couple of days old baby & won't have a clue what I'm doing... they'll be visiting just as baby blues hit too so I'll just look like an incompetent mum

Sorry, me rant over... just desperately want this baby to come now. moggmum you're a hero at 40+12.

James so glad you have finally met your girl and weren't induced! I know it wasn't the birth you wanted with the epi not working but massive pat on the back to you, you did it without! And sounds like the pushing stage was so quick! Congratulations. Does dd have a name?

katey thanks so much for the itching tips! Didn't realise yours hadn't been your actual bump. I have a tea tree exfoliating scrub that seems to be helping along with stretch mark cream but does drive me insane during the night!

booboo about the row with dh. Things are very tense in our house too; no rows but I'm just really despondent & he doesn't quite know what to do with me...this waiting game sucks! I hope things get cleared up between you so you can try dtd again! We have been trying that all week...v that it worked for you james! SK thanks but wasn't me with the moses basket problem - if only I had a baby!! think it was carikube

Can't believe it's nearly the end of May! I want a May baby not a June baby! COME OOOOON.

hi 40 + 8 today, so full moon not worked here either ( but i read somewhere that'Nichols Rule' dates pregnancy completely differently, adding several days for caucasian women, length of cycle etc, and this rule sets tomorrow as my edd, took it on board so as not to get too frustrated but hospital wont acknowledge this system when it comes to induction etc). just completed a wonderful reflexology session and have decided that as today is the last day before half term hols i fully intend to make the most of what i HOPE will be my last day all on my lonesome for several years (i cant possible still be pregnant when they go back to school in 10 days can i?). so my plan is to paint my nails and maybe even do a little baking.

congratulations james! delighted for you.

homebirthmummy I'd never heard of Nichols rule... just looked it up and it makes mine 30th May, Sunday. That has made me feel a tiny smidge better so thanks
(But I'd still like baby to come now!)

hi all - it's the poster formerly known as mollybob here

attempting to use laptop and feed Molls - been relying on iphone before this since her arrival - apologies for typos then and now!

congrats firstbump newmomma james lukymiller and any new arrivals I've missed

labour inducing vibes for ali mogg cupcake racquel and booboo and anyone I've forgotten. I can't quite believe I'm not waiting impatiently with you as ds was +13 and dd was +10 but Molly was only +2. Totally remember how it feels. booboo it might be a good sign that you and DH are fighting. I had a major row with DS the day Molls arrived - in hindsight I blame it on my hormones getting ready for the struggle of labour!!!

MDM - the thing about routines is to set one up that suits the whole family and the life you want to live over next few months. We're not really routine people so I would hate a routine that meant we couldn't spontaneously decide to go out because of the baby's schedule. I bf DD on demand and just went with it and we had no difficulty fitting her into our plans.

kateyjane don't feel bad about the bf - I couldn't feed DS and got really upset about it but now he's a strapping lad of 12 and nearly as tall as me it is so irrelevant. I think we all get so focussed on the pregnancy, birth, feeding etc that we forget the job is actually to grow healthy, happy people and breast feeding is not vital in that process at all. You'll probably be tons better at the teenage bit than me! (zero patience emoticon needed)

Agree with you SK re weighing babes obsessively - one sure fire way to send yourself crazy - I must avoid that this time! Hope things going ok pigley - try to be good to yourself at all times

Sounds scary rachel and what stupid midwives (I am trying not to dwell on what a dozy twonk mine was but honestly yours takes the biscuit!) Healing thoughts winging to you. The big thing I kept being told about being fat and pg and not allowed on MLU was the risk of shoulder dystocia and as a result when I was pushing out the shoulders I overdid it really and that's why I got a graze. Think the professionals get so obsessed trying to control and predict a natural, uncontrollable, unpredictable process that they often get it wrong. (Speaking as a health care professional...)

SK and cupcake I'm cosleeping too - did with DD1 as well - beginning to wonder why I bought a moses basket actually!

kudos ML re donating milk

Love to all - can't quite believe we're here already!

cupcake fairy...glad to have helped make you feel a bit better. i'd like mine to be born today too though, i am dreading getting to that awful awful day when my may baby becomes a june baby

Congratulations james! Am so pleased for you. Sorry you didn't get the epidural you wanted but it sounds like you're more than happy with the end result to make up for it

cupcake I know it's not what your relatives want to hear but if the thought of them coming is stressing you out, you need to tell them to wait a bit longer before visiting. Babyblues really do kick in without warning (or they certainly did with me for DD1 - I was happy in the morning, took one look at the MW who turned up at lunchtime and promptly burst in to tears with no idea where that came from ). Also you do need those first days to get to know your LO. I've had people here since DD2 was born and they haven't seen much of her or me as I have been feeding her upstairs out of sight as I really don't want to feel that I am being watched/judged - maybe that's something else you can do if they do come round?

sweetkitty yes it was me talking about moses baskets. I've just put DD2 in it again while I had my shower and she has screamed the place down (even though there is a breast pad in there as well as a comforter that DH and I have been sleeping with for a couple of weeks). I've now put her on our bed on my V-pillow on her side and she's spark out. The dummy didn't work at all last night - for some reason my finger is way better which is a bit of a pain as I can't find a way to get comfy in bed to be able to sleep whilst she's sucking away....

oh and alimouse I'd love for my DB to sort out SIL but unfortunately he's as bad as she is - he phoned me on my 18th birthday and I got all excited as he was always useless at remembering birthdays and I was so chuffed he'd made the effort, only to find out that he was only calling to ask to borrow money and hadn't even registered it was my birthday . No, I'm not one to carry a grudge [18 years later you'd have thought I'd let it go emoticon]