June 2008 - The Olympics are here and Mums deserve gold medals

[ThePenguinProject]

Thought I'd start a new thread before we ran out of space! Couldn't remember the exact name suggestion so have paraphrased, the sentiment is still the same though...

Ernest, I have 6 stone to lose (I know, hideous isn't it! !).

Before any faints on the floor at the idea of losing so much weight so quickly, I do a diet called Lighter Life. It's the only diet that's ever worked for me as I have real issues around food and this is a total abstince diet. It's what I did 3 years ago before I started IVF (a year before) and I kept the weight off until the pg. I didn't do the management part of the programme so never really resolved my issues and did alot of comfort eating during my pg. I determined not to put it all on again if I'm lucky enough to get pg 2nd time round.

Thanks for the thoughts on nappies too.

allnew, thank you. Love your question on sex - yes, we have, but only once! (And it didn't hurt!)

BDQ, I also hate the environmental impact which is why I wanted to use reuseables, but they seem such a hassle . Will have a re-think.

Might phone my GP re smear then.

Right, Alex is in the middle of creating a poonami so I'm off!

poonami. lve it

sponge I'm crap at replying to people, I know! Apologies to everyone. But I wanted to say that I felt like a crap mum for the first six months with DS1 because my standards were so high. Then I saw how well he thrived because he was loved and I'm much more confident. I'm sure you'll feel the same way in a while. But I'm definitely not using reusable nappies. I tried with DS1 and hated it so gave it up very quickly. I use the nature baby ones as a compromise and am environmentally friendly in other ways.

penguin re: "post baby virginity taken by a metal wrench" that's the best line on this thread!

josey not slummy mummy at all, good for you for coping. That would have me in tears. And DS1 had a great time at your place - he'd be over every day if we let him. Fraser is copying Olivia's head lift now (we put them side by side and watched, O is definitely a week or so ahead of F on gross motor skills - shame that the health prof. are so negative since my HV thinks F is doing great).

Sponge - I did LL too two years ago - lost 3 stone in 3 month, but had put 2 of it back on again by time I got pregnant with Ryder. I can't remember if you're bf-ing or not, but altho I considered doing it again I can't for that reason and also because despite the so called "counselling", it didn't resolve anything for me either. On the weight loss threads people do the Cambridge Diet instead of LL - same thing from same manufacturer, but more flavours and no pretend NLP.

Ryder had his 8 week check this morning and all is fine (head, height and weight in the 50th percentile). He cried when he had his jabs, but had stopped by the time we left the gp and has been ok since. I bought some calpol on the way home just in case tho. Also popped into M&S (still got some good baby stuff in the sale) and Sainsburys (25% off all clothing incl baby stuff and up to 75% off toys)

Re: The smear test, not as bad as feared - my gp surgery actually now uses a disposable plastic thing, so much better than the metal wrench! I also took a couple of paracetomals before hand. Well, I do it for a bikini wax, so why not for a smear? My GP hadn't booked me in tho, apparently it's not automatic after a baby, just normal check up times fine (but lots of us may have missed our routine one whilst pregnant).

Essie - So many people around me are getting pregnant (close friend, SIL, work colleague and now nephew)....it's great! Ryder will have so many little friends his age in years to come and more importantly, other people will understand that socialising is a little more difficult than before.

sponge some argue that cloth nappies have their own environmental impact with all the washing/drying. I have to say I'm not sure I'd even consider cloth without a tumble drier but the nappies I have take ages to dry.

Would recommend thenappylady if you're thinking about cloth nappies. You do a questionnaire about your own situation (e.g. no tumble drier, how often you'd be able to wash nappies etc) and they recommend a nappy system for you (no obligation).

Having said all of that, I've still to convince S to use his cloth nappies - fingers crossed for our next attempt next week.

Incidentally, does anyone use fleece liners in their ncloth nappies?

Can I ask those of you that have had your check ups your opinion - I felt that my gp 'forgot' me at the 8 week check today. We concentrated on Ryder instead. She wasn't my normal gp and whilst very nice she just went thru a check list and I was too flustered/tired/dis organised to bring some things up, specifically:

• She didn't physically check me at all, not the tear, uterus size or c section scar, is that normal?
• She didn't sign me off to exercise again - does that mean I can just do it?
• I wasn't asked to complete the PND questionnaire.
• I forgot to bring up the birth trauma.

Are these things that I should discuss with my HV - when she gets back from holiday - or should I make another appointment?

The 6-8 week check is just for the baby they do do a cursory check on you but not much although mine did check my section scar.

Thanks 5gomad - I so don't know what to expect with this baby lark!

PP I had my check-up at the hospital, and none of these things were covered. Actually I came out wondering some of the same things. I had to ask to have my blood taken , as I was put on iron tablets after the birth and they've run out. Turns out my bloodcount is fine, but it was up to me to ask. Also I forgot to ask about the ovarian cyst they saw at an antenatal scan which was supposed to be followed up afterwards. I think they hurry the PN checks - wish I'd brought a list with me. I'd say if you want these things checked because you're concerned, then make another appointment

What a S*t day it is pi*ing down I had to go down the street and im wet through to me knickers. On a good note Olivia screamed all the way in the car and round the shops.

Oh AH you know me a bit of a shrug the shoulders lol what is puke between me and my sleep Glad DS had fun. My HV also thinks she is doing fantastically though humming about her weight now she is 12lb4oz.

Had a good laugh at the hairdresser and the post virginity comment.

Well my DH is getting home tomorrow, TF but I had better pull my finger out as he is a clean freak lol the house is inside out and upside down.

Sponge Im using disposables, I was going to wait till after she was born to get some(I always get a big sum of money from my gran so thought I would use that) Anyhoo as Im likely to be changing nappies for the rest of my days im struggling with the idea of washing them that long, plus I wont get them when she is past 3 if I have my own catch 22, I may decide later on to change my mind but not just now.

OK FFing mummies help me please? bottles can you put them in the dishwasher? I have just orderd screw lids as I obviously dont need teats and im fed up with sink loads of bottles on top of all the syringes-i didnt have a dishwasher with the other 2 altogether now AHHHH

Ernest hope they manage to sort something out for you DS3 wait till you see he will be the one of the 3 of them that will end up 6ft5" and packed with muscle...despite all the comments how do you feel about having a girl now I know you were a bit

Ok I have to brave going to the garage for the tumble dryer hope my knickers dont get wet again!!

josey F is only 11 lbs 13 oz! Seriously O is a super star and is developing extremely well considering the amount of medication she's been on. My DH is supposed to get home tomorrow too - am cleaning the kitchen this afternoon!

And yes, I am 99% sure you can put bottles in the dishwasher and then that counts as sterilized too. Anyone heard different?

I think I read somewhere that you can use the dishwasher to sterilise stuff

So am I the only one who's not yet had sex since birth (the baby's birth that is, not mine obviously!)? My excuses so far are exhaustion and fear, but I should probably make an effort fairly soon

Thanks not too worried if they still have to be bunged in steriliser after its just I have so much to wash along with the syringes that I always seem to have a minging sink full!!!

AH thanks I think she is a star but why wouldnt I.

Allnew sorry im affraid I already have jumped the hurdle, its not as bad as you will expect, try a mid avo sesh when LO is having a nap that way you might not fall asleep when the head hits the pillow Its almost the weekend give it a go. On the bleeding that happend to me for 2 years after DC1 they eventually put me on a course of ostrogen which fixed it.

At my 6 weeks i scared the crap out of the gp so the only thing he did was check my BP and chuck me out the door

bdq wed 3rd would be fine for me, shall look forward to comparing gory details... and not using liners, but most of mine are bumbles which have a built in fleece layer.

whinegums lol at screamy macscreamer, C also has this alterego, although in our house it's called having the screaming willies, not sure why! no advice, but a problem shared and all that!

sponge using reuseables for both your reasons, have a tumble dryer, but so far despite the weather have been drying on the line or airers inside. i also recommend the nappy lady.

allnew nope you're not my excuses are not yet completely healed episiotomy and being one of the last on here to deliver, so only 6 and a half weeks...

Allnew - I think your LO was a July baby, so there's no rush - not that there's any rush anyway. I have friends who took 6 months or more to have sex again.

Ryder's DOB is 23/06/2008 and DH and I only managed to complete the deed 2 weeks ago. Prior to that we had lots of fun practising for a few weeks as I was still a bit sore. Not 100% healed now, but ok if take it slow (c section and tear).

I'd really suggest just "fooling around" for a while to take any pressure off yourself - and because it was like we were first dating again. Haven't just snogged for hours for years - it's great, esp if you're feeling self concious about your body....

Ernest, have to give the credit to Essie for introducing the word poonami to the thread!

AH, thanks for that - I do set myself ridiculously high standards hence the constant fretting. Will try to relax a little more!

PP, I have tried The Cambridge Diet without success . I really have only ever lost weight with LL. It's hideously expensive but compared to the possibility of a failed IVF cycle cos I'm still overweight it's a small price to pay. Know what you mean about the NLP though - it so depends on your counsellor.

5gomad, that's interesting what you say about the 6 week check mainly being for the baby - I was told exactly the opposite by my GP, 20 mins for me and 10 mins for LO! Having said that he didn't cover very much either - and the PND check is definitely done by HV. We have ours done at 3mths cos the 6 week check picks up too many people who are just tired not depressed! He didn't mention exercise or check my stitches, but then I hadn't had a CS so less to worry about I suppose.

josey, in the States they use dishwashers as sterilisers so, yes, definitely fine to put bottles in.

Thanks for all the comments on nappies. I will have a chat with the nappy lady. I think this crap weather has put me off!

SBSP - have you tried the GI diet as it I am finding it good and easy and satisfying, I am losing weight, DH is enjoying it and really don't feel I have sacrificed anything.

5gomad, I've tried everything . With so much weight to lose I need fast results or I'm just not going to stay motivated. Plus I need to not eat food at all for the time I'm dieting or I always fall off the wagon very fast. I tried to lose for eight years before I discovered LL .

Good you're finding it easy and satisfying though. I'm very of anyone who can lose weight on conventional diets - believe me it's no fun not eating for 5 months! But the results are so worth it (in my case not just a great figure but also an LO!).

Just a quick one - I'm trying to do work! But reusables: I'm now a bit of an expert!

I have a tumble drier but try not to use it (actually it's a washer dryer - space issues). What I do is make sure I have enough nappies - 20 - so that I can wash and dry. But it's gone a bit wrong this week admittedly! For me, it was the cost factor with reusables, but I am quite green too. I think my main downfall is that I have no airing cupboard; my nappies dry overnight on a clothes horse, but definitely need to be finished in an airing cupboard.

Actually, I'm going to be selling my reusables shortly, in case someone's interested. This is why...

1. they're Modern Baby ones (dead cute!) and v. successful, but size 1 only, up to 20lb. MB have changed their style, and you can buy size 2 at a discount from them.
2. However, I'm taking part in a trial for the company of the new style nappies. (They're birth to potty.)
3. I'm selling the nappies now because of the trial, but also whilst they're still in mint condition!

So if you want some bargain nappies, either to try out, or to use until your DC grows out (and then reconsider!) let me know! They are in mint cond., and they work well - they're shaped (so like Pampers), with a wrap to keep the child dry, and they work very well. They're gingham in pretty colours (no pink though!).

Salesperson Essie logging out...

Hello again, Glasgow meet up on the 3rd is fine for me. I've also been summoned for B's jabs on the 1st and was going to try and change it - mostly because it's 9.15am!!!! Is this deliberately cruel - I'll have to go to bed fully dressed to be there on time!

Allnew and others - no shagarama chez Whinegums yet either - mostly due to being absolutely knackered and scared of getting pregnant again! It is my birthday next week tho, and we are going to be staying in nice posh hotel, so I have high hopes of at least a decent fumble.

Josey, I've read the same about sterilising in a dishwasher too, there is a thread somewhere on mn about it. Just wanted to say that I think you're doing a fantastic job, and you and Olivia are often in my thoughts.

B hasn't had his check yet, I've been told it will be at 8 weeks, but the HVs seem to talk bllcks anyway. At my check GP had a chat, asked me how I was feeling, and did internal to check everything was in order.

Diets - only thing that ever worked for me was WeightWatchers... and getting pregnant! I lost quite a lot of weight in the first 2 trimesters. I'm still a big lass but am happy at the moment - have persevered with bf as for the first time in my life I can eat what I like and not put on weight! I haven't lost any more in the last few weeks, but I feel healthy and happy, and that's what matters (to me anyway).

Laura, B definitely has the screaming willies too! He had a rather large dose of them this afternoon, only to fall asleep on the drive home - the magic of a diesel engine and Radio 3! - and is now all chirpy and cheery. He is wide awake and has barely slept all day - maybe he (and I) will have a really good kip tonight - cross your fingers!!!!

I bought acidophilus capsules today, and have broken one open and given him a tiny bit - I'll report back.

Hope everyone else is having a nice evening - it is finally nice and sunny here!

I've got Mia's jags on the 3rd BDQ but otherwise I can do any day!

Man you guys are so together with all your chat about weight loss- I haven't even thought about it, although in my defence I have been waiting to be signed off by the physio who has been seeing me post-birth. TBH my 8 week check was fairly pointless as it didn't happen until 12 weeks (surgery backlog) by which point I had been to the doctor twice with an infection and once after HV diagnosed PND. Still, at least they tried....

I'm utterly knackered today- left babycakes for six whole hours to go to.....work! vYes- I had a 'keeping in touch' day. And I can honestly say I'm not sure I ever want to do another one again!!!

Josey- I too have read that your dishwasher sterilises. You need to use the hottest programme and you are good to go. O sounds edible!

....forgot who asked about reusables. I didn't use mine unti recently now that we are into a routine and they are getting much easier to use. I have two friends from NCT who have used them from quite early on and really find it no hassle. I think if you can adequately seal off the smell of those waiting to be washed, they are worth it! We all use Bambino Mio/Cotton Bottoms. But I am thinking of switching Essie!!

Hello there, it was sunny here today!! Hooray! It makes all the difference to my mood i must say.
Katyjo, the m & p buggy i have isnt the one like a buggaboo, I know which one you mean. I went for the 3 wheel off roader. Having said how much i love it, had to take it to the bike shop today to have the back wheel repaired, it was wobbling and squeaking, v annoying. I walk on average 2hours each day so it needs to work well!
Sponge, hope your feeling better today. I have had many low days since LO's arrival, I think tiredness plays a huge part, plus stupid hormones. I think you've done so well to go through the whole IVF process(without sounding patronising) It took me 3 years to conceive second time round, i didnt have to go down the assisted help route in the end, but was just about to. I know how hard it was for me just waiting without the actual process. You've done it now and have a beautiful child so Im sure it'll make it easier knowing end result when you come to do it again. When are you thinking of starting?
BDQ, think it was you who was helping me with FF advice...Im still having real trouble stretching the feeds to any sort of pattern. What does everyone else do FF? 4 hours seems a long time. I wish I could make it that tho. I know she is capable of it at night.
Needahand, hope packing up and moving going ok...am i right in thinking you have another kiddie as well? Looking forward to our meet up in a few weeks....we should try and arrange something soon with GF so we have a date.
Went to look at a nursery today for when Isla is around 9 months so that I can go back to work 2 days. It was actually v nice. Ive looked at some that i wouldnt send a dog too
GF, are you planning on returning to work in Bath? What did you do? Are you looking at childcare in Bath? Maybe our LO's will end up at the same nursery!
Well, DP hope for long bank holiday weekend at 2pm tomorrow! Superb, cant wait. Am planning to fit in a couple of swims and a bit of social time with freinds for the first time at our house since Isla's arrival. Cooking a roast for 6 adults 4 kids Sunday.
Whats everyone got planned??