Dec 08 Mums - happy new year, happy new thread and soon some happy new babies!

[sybilfaulty]

Happy new year!

Sorry for the rubbish title but wanted to get the new thread underway. Let's close the door on some of the sad events of 2011 and look forward to a better year in 2012.

Actually that reminds me of what my old pilates teacher told me. Her SIL was quite small and her DH was very big, so they actually did a sizing scan with the purpose of choosing to have a CS if the baby was over 9lb as they didn't believe she would be able to birth a large baby naturally. The birth scan said 7lb and she was 'allowed' to have the baby naturally. The birth was fine minimal tearing, and a healthy 10lb 8 baby. Is sad to think a women would be advised to have a CS based on a scan and also based on the belief that she can't possibly do something, were in this case she could. Then again if she hadn't managed to birth the baby naturally, she would have been mighty peeved with the scanner person.

I am probably not the best to ask, as I have had 3 out of the sunroof and no VBs at all, but if your body has birthed a big 'un already without too many problems, chances are you can do it again. The MLU might be a happy compromise? If it offers reassurance it could be worth it. Alternatively, could you get a growth scan at 36w to see what the weight is then.

My estimated weights at about 36 / 37w were pretty bang on with all 3 so it might be worth seeing what you are told at36w before you opt one way or t'other. Whilst I loved my CSs, I definitely wouldn't do it if the only reason for it was a scan at 29w. Get closer to your date and then decide. Huge hugs XXX

No chocolate consumed here yet. I've been out for a run and the kids have had porridge but are now fighting. Deep joy.

All I really want is to be allowed to try and do it naturally. I don't want to be induced or have a CS. If push came to shove I'd pick a CS as I've heard so many awful induction stories.

I lost a post I wrote last night to Kayz extolling the virtues of the MLU, gah, so I will start again. But first, how is married life?

If you go for the MLU, would you go to Scarborough? I know you had a crappy experience with DS1 there, but I had DD2 in the new MLU and it couldn't have been better, I'd go back like a shot. Apart from the all the facilities that you'd expect from an MLU, I liked that the MWs were mainly community MWs, and therefore are most used to home births. Although I've not had a HB, I imagine that I received the same sort of care - that is, I was pretty much left to my own devices until the final stage and I was allowed to dictate and lead on how it went, with no one trying to lead me in one direction or another

We were lucky, as it was a quiet day and there was no demand for the room after DD2 was born, so we were allowed to stay there afterwards and receive visitors, rather than move to the post natal ward. That was lovely, and made us feel at home, rather than being moved around

I sound a bit like a salesperson for the MLU! I just hope if you take this option, it is a perfectly acceptable alternative rather than second best

Indith thanks for the info on sleep terrors, really interesting reading and there's a lot of similarities between your DS and my DD. How old was DS when you tackled it? And does he still have them at all? I'm going to hunt through the sleep boards, but I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions for you. Thanks

ZJ married life is bliss thank you.

That post is fantastic, it's really what I needed. I might ask if I can go look round. DH has only heard awful things about Scarborough in general from friends and how badly his grandad was treated when he died that he's desperate for me to go to York but I think it's too far away really.

I'm sure there are pros and cons to all hospitals - and as every woman, baby and birth is different, then experiences will vary from one delivery to the next. I don't think you can look round the MLU, but they have virtual tours online. The website says there are 3 delivery rooms, 2 with pools - but I was told that they only have enough staff to support 2 women at any time, so the non pool room is only used if you request it, you won't be without a pool. This makes it sound like it is understaffed - but apparently they've never had to turn anyone away or send them over to the labour ward. Also, if you book in for Scarborough and have a problem free pregnancy, then you go onto the MLU as a matter of course, so no one will send you to the labour ward unless you request it. Like you, I liked that it was just across the corridor from labour and also SCBU, just in case

As far as I know, York hospital doesn't have an MLU, or at least none of my work mates have used it. I do know they only have 1 birth pool on the labour ward. A good friend of mine had an awful time at York, which put me off, but of course that is only one persons experience

Oh, and another pro for the MLU vs the labour ward - the rooms are all en suite and your DH can use the loo there, rather than leaving the ward and trekking down the corridor to wee. My DH was seriously u impressed when he was told he couldn't use the loo when I had DD1

The MLU sounds like a good idea. I'd second what others have said though Kayz, you can give birth, you can give birth very well! Your boy has been there before. Plus scans are not always accurate.

ZJ he was around 2, memory a little fuzzy on details! It took a few months before they all but stopped so long as we stuck to routine and nap and a few more months before he was able to without a nap. I can't remember when he last had one to be honest, probably not since he was around 3/3 and a half since that is when he stopped having naps. Now it is just run of the mill bad dreams or growing pains that get us up for him at night and he has not shown any sleepwalking type behaviour. Sometimes during a terror he would ask to be picked up and he would point from room to room, take us all over th house and check each room out then point back to bed so we were a bit worried we'd have a sleepwalker on our hands!

coupl of things on this thread. I'd forgotten about trying to shift the sleep cycle. Generally they occur in the first deep sleep phase so if you rouse them before it happens you could avoid it.

have just found myself talking about ds around when dd was born going "oh no I don't think it s terrors he is wide awake blah blah blah" no he bloody well wasn't and yes it bloody well was terrors. I should have listened to trace .

Urgh. We all have a cold. Not much snot just bunged up nose and gunky cough. Ds2 has it too. It is all feed in dribs and drabs. Scream. Fuss. Sleep for 2 seconds. Cough. Vomit. Smile at having deposited pile of goo on mummy. Sleep 2 seconds. Wake as soon as put down. Fuss. Feed. Scream. Spew.

Poor baby.

Where did I put the chocolate?

Oh and speaking of chocolate, I was perfectly happy for dcs to pig out yesterday (ds on sweets, dd on chocolate) and believe me dd did! We didn't get much but she won an egg at the village hall bonnet competition. Anyway she has a few chocolate ladybirds left and I made brownies and put the remains of the eggs in for chocolate chips. I though after yesterday it would be back to normal, the odd biscuit for snack with fruit and maybe a square of chocolate or something but no, while I have been pinned to the sofa by ds2 dh has allowed her a ladybird for morning snack, a whole brownie AND a square of chocolate for pudding after lunch and then another ladybird for afternoon snack. Men! He is off to St Albans for work tomorrow for the week so I get to play mean and evil mummy and deal with the fallout when I insist on fruit being eaten before chocolate is doled out.

Hello ladies,

I have been away for the last 9 days and have only just skimmed to catch-up so apologies if I have missed anything big.

I did see that Kayz's big day went well. Congrats Kayz! I am very pleased for you. I also saw your big baby news. I am going to try and find a link to a homebirth site I used to read which has a section on big babies. There were ladies with 12 lbers birthing at home. Most importantly remember that the estimate is only a few pincers bigger than your DS2 who you birthed without problem. Remind the doctors of that.

I also saw Bean's Dad's news which is just wonderful. How lovely Beans. And I am glad your move went well.

And before I went I saw Urbs' diagnosis of ovarian cysts. Urbs I had some big cysts in my late teens and was occasionally in agony. Once the weight of the cyst caused my Fallopian tube to twist, cutting off blood to the ovary. I had to have surgery. Anyway the good news is that the pill sorted me out. Would you consider the pill?

I must rush as I still have unpacking. How much laundry can one family if four generate in 9 days? A lot apparently! We had a lovely time though. We went to Crete and stayed in the mountains. The girls were on top form and we lucked out with the weather. Before we went I struck a deal with the girls that I would try and not shout once all holiday if they tried never to whine. We called this our holiday promises. On arrival home last night I asked DD1 what her best part of the holiday had been thinking that she'd answer pool or sea or ice cream etc. She actually answered "the fact you kept your holiday promise". I fear I need to be a better mother when at home...

Argh, we are having baby name dilemma!! We have been set on calling DD Rosalie for the past 14 weeks. But we are both feeling less than 100% sure at the minute.

The other choice is Rhiannon which we absolutely love!

It is made worse as the boys call the bump Rosalie and always talk about the baby by using it too.

HELP!!! [bugrin]

Just see what she looks like when she comes out not that this has ever led to my child being nameless for a week or so.

Lesson of the day: Never put the baby who has not done a poo all day in the bath with the big dcs.

I suppose the bathroom did need cleaning .

I agree keep the two names and decide after she is born. Do not whatever you do yell anyone else in RL. There will be people who will dislike either, or, name and will put you off one or the other or both. We had two names for DS1 & basically went with the one we were leaning towards on that day but if he'd been born another day we may have been leaning towards the other.

Hi Ladies
Just nipping on to prove I'm still here but can't stop for long....
Beans how amazing about your dad! I believe in miracles I bet there were loads of people praying for him. It's such good news!!!!! It must be hard (but good) for you all having to live with this changing time scale.
Kayz congrats on the wedding - any chance of some pics on your profile for the non Facebookers? Is it just me and JB that aren't on FB?
ZJ the bedtime thing sounds so hard for you. Wish I could help. It must be heartbreaking to inore dd2's cries. It was different for us as L was 4.5 when P was born, but like you say, there are lots of ladies on here who have given good advice and lived to tell the take, so hopefully you'll find a way through. The terrors sound tricky too. Thinking of you xxx
Kayz re names - we had Amelia Grace in our heads for dd1 but when she was born she wasn't an Amelia! She ended up as Lucy Faith, which suits her beautifully. It's odd, because it definitely wasn't her appearance that made her a Lucy - she was a tiny wrinkled hairy ulgly premmy - but somehow we knew which name was right. I'm sure you'll know what to do when she's born.
We are child free today! Took the girls over to my parents yesterday and we are getting them back tomorrow, so that we can do mega sorting of the house. It's been very constructive so far but the house and garage look like a bomb has hit! Lots of trips to the tip and charity shops today. DH is at the tip now and I'm obviously workin hard on clearing the loft
OK really must go but I'll hopefully be back later
xxx

McKayz just saw that there is a pic on your profile Gorgeous!

I can't wait until she is born as DH won't be here to help me name her. So we need a name before she is born and before he goes to work.

Oh that breaks my heart to think he won't be there to meet his baby girl as soon as she comes out. Kayz have you considered getting a Doula? I know they can be pricey but if you get a pre registration one they are much cheaper and you are helping a Doula get her stripes so to speak.

Yeah I have looked at it but we can't afford it really. They are at least £200 and there aren't many near me so the ones I contacted added extra for travel.

My Mum is hopefuly going to be my birth partner or my best friend.

Kayz I know a baby Rosabel which I think is just gorgeous.

Re scan, I had a consultant do a growth scan at 36weeks with L who said she'd be 9lb. She was 6.13!

ZJ Why not do bedtime differently? I kept DD2 in with us and fed her during stories. I know you said you wanted bedtime to be a special time just with E, but how about you do lots of stories and cuddles during naptime instead?

Back later!

What about Rosalind? Then you have all the Rose, Rosie, Rosa options as well as Lindy etc which is very pretty.

Kayz, when does DH go again? And when is he due back? I thought if you went to term he would be back. Apologies if I have got this wrong.

DDD1 had a play this am and just gone on another one. DD2 about to go to a party. looks like just me and M for the afternoon. I predic some light sorting and tidying (me) with a few rounds o Angry Birds on ipad(him). Bad mummy!

Syb DH goes about the 5th May and is due home on the 30th June. He is due home the week after I am due.

I am trying to work out what we need to buy for baby and myself. I can not remember what I need for a hospital bag, anyone would think this was my first not third.

Kayz look at this. she is local to me so only an hour or so from you, have you tried the doula access fund if you really can't afford one?

As for purchases: somewhere to sleep, nappies, some sleepsuits/rompers (perhaps more rompers since she will be summer born), a way to travel (carseat plus pushchair or sling) and some boobs.

For your stuff to have to hand/in a hospital bag: 3/4 changes for baby, nappies, cheap pants to chuck away, 2 nighties because you will get blood on one of them, maternity pads. Lots and lots of them. If you do have a natural 3rd stage this time the amount of blood might take you by surprise when compared with previous times!. nursing bra. breast pads (though you won't need them until 3/4 days. Erm...people always say book/ipod and stuff but I don't know what is useful for that as I don't do long labours!

Blame pg brain for not knowing what you need . I was the same with this one, when I had to go in for monitoring they said bring my bag just in case and I had no idea what to take!

I had a bag packed for DS2 in case I had to go in and so it was to hand if it all went well at home. I sat for about half an hour trying to remember what was in it

I was just trying out the sling I got but it's a bit small. I'm hoping it's due to large bump.

I am dreading the MW telling me that I have to be induced or have a CS. I would rather have the CS tbh as I haven't heard many good induction stories. But will have to wait and see what happens Thursday.