Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Post-natal clubs

Join our Postnatal Clubs forum to find parenting advice for newborns.

March 2010- Group Therapy on the cheap

984 replies

ValiumtheConqueror · 08/06/2010 08:34

And cupcakes

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
SmacsGonePotty · 28/07/2010 10:04

Yay for sleep IWCAS
Right Rebecca I'm great at nagging. Please make an appointment for a smear today. I have had 3. The first was the worst but that was old style speculum thing and I have a retroverted uterus so in the end they suggested I made a fist and propped myself up by sticking my fist under my bum.
Second time was with the new style wee brush thing and was over in no time at all.
Third time I was conscious that I should have a test between having DD1 and conceiving again. It really was no big deal at all, as it happens I was pg before my results came through and all was fine but I really wanted to know before IYKWIM as if anything was dodgy you are stuck worrying until the baby comes and you can get treated so let that be an incentive for you.
I also think of poor Jade Goody and that is another incentive to get checked out.
(BTW I never got round to saying WOW on training to be a doula and I love your website!)
I'm going to look at this sophie giraffe thing I keep hearing about it - is it a must have ?
On the sleep front I fed DD2 at 11.30ish popped her in the cot in her 'new' room and didn't hear a squeak out of her til 0615. The only reason I went to check on her then was that DD1 got up a little too early and our day started then. I popped her dummy back in and she was okay for another 15 minutes then realised that infact she was hungry (and my RHS boob was inclined to agree) so thumbs up for the first night in the cot in her own room and although I didn't have a long sleep it was a good sleep as DH was on night shift I had the whole bed to myself and didn't wake up to little snuffles and leg thumping.
sariska have you tried ebay? All sorts come up there. I found a spare comforter there for DD1 which I have in the cupboard (identical to one of her favourites) and I also found a replacement for a friend who lost 'green dog' in Mexico and her wee boy was distraught. Certainly worth a look and to keep checking back there.
Thinking of you Sarah. I would love DH to have the snip but it's not going to happen. Just remember your husband is being very considerate although I know you are feeling emotional about it all.

hecklephone · 28/07/2010 10:47

Right, quick post before I disappear off into town.

IWCAS I'm glad R is sleeping a bit better and YANBU for letting him lie while you eat breakfast and MN - if he's happy just let him be and enjoy a few minutes to yourself - you know it won't last long anyway! And at least he's watching the news - proper training for the future PM methinks {grin]

Oh yes, and I second what melk says about sleep, she speaks the truth.

sophie have not heard of this toy, must check it out. And siamese how do you not spend a fortune at the M&P factory shop?!

Rebecca Go. Now! It's not as bad as you think.

Gotta go, DD2 is telling me my time has run out. Laters

PixieOnaLeaf · 28/07/2010 12:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

BlueyDragon · 28/07/2010 14:10

IWCAS, boo to bad sleeping and yay for improvement. You're doing such a fab job and if I was in your shoes I'm sure I'd have lost it before now. And I may be only saying this to make myself feel better as DD watches way too much telly mostly whilst I'm feeding Alex, but I wouldn't worry about him watching the news. At least it's not Spartacus . I should add I do not let DD watch Spartacus. Although she did accuse one of the girls at nursery of being "an insurgent woman" the other day, which just goes to show what too much Radio 4 does for you. When asked what she meant she said that an insurgent woman was someone who had the TV remote [bad mummy emoticon]!

Pixie, your poor DD. She will grow out of it I'm sure and there are loads of famous people including athletes who suffer - Paula Radcliffe's asthmatic. It's terrifying and upsetting for you and for her though.

rebecca, go and have a smear. As soon as they'll let you. I'll do you a deal, I need to have one too so we could have synchronised tests. (Ahhhh!)

donttry and Sariska, at the career breaks. Not an option in the Dragon cave and if DH took one he'd probably just use it to play golf. donttry are you planning to do anything specific over and above family time?

Welcome back MummyElk and Dizzi.

Sarah, you are truly bonkers with your partying and dinner parties. How do you do it? I barely have enough energy to cook for DH!

We need to start thinking of a name for the next thread, don't we? How about "The one where they start eating" (with all respect to those who've already taken that challenge)?

Gotta go and pack, we're off to Cornwall tonight for respite care at the in laws and Alex's Christening on Saturday. They do have the internet in Cornwall but I'm probably not going to be anywhere near it so my posting will be even less frequent. Have lovely weekends everyone and may your babes be kind to you.

DizziDoll · 28/07/2010 15:30

Grrrr. Just spent 10 minutes writing a long post and the stupid page decides to refresh. Here I go again:

Pixie How horrid for your DD. Good that she is breathing better though. I will keep fingers crossed that 6 weeks will suffice.
We are booked into the Elveden Forest CenterParcs now. It's bleeming expensive but it will be our first wedding anniversary and I really need to get out of the house. It took a lot of tears time to convince DH though.

Siamese labyrinthitis, although I find my symptoms are more like this. Have you seen a doctor about this yet?

IWCAS Hooray for the longer sleep. Any idea what helped?

Rebecca Get yourself to the doctor for that smear test pronto lady, or does the nurse do them? I wouldn?t really know as I haven?t been in years and years . I shall put it on my to-do list too.
Oh, and hats off to the Doula training. Good for you.

Solids DS pulled a ?Yuk? face at the steamed carrot he was clenching yesterday. We shall wait a few more weeks me thinks.

Sophie Check, though DH made the baby cry hysterically with excessive squeaking.

Sleep, or lack thereof. DS has been up every 2-3 hours. Add to that excessive dribbling and whole fists in mouth ? I think he is teething. Sigh

I am planning on changing my career, though I am yet to work out what I want to do. I know I don?t want to go back to the full-time job I thoroughly disliked with 2 kids to pick up from school/childminder? I will think about it a little more one day soon.

A friend of mine gave birth to her little boy at 26 weeks about a month ago. I just can?t imagine what she is going through and each time she posts an update on Facebook I really want to say something encouraging, but I have no idea what? If I lived a little closer I would offer to look after her older DD, but she lives 2 hours away. Any suggestions on what might be appreciated? Sending her a food basket, flowers?

itwascertainlyasurprise · 28/07/2010 15:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

PixieOnaLeaf · 28/07/2010 15:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

sunshinesarahandco · 28/07/2010 17:00

will post again later but wanted to come and tell u my dh has been snipped! i am gutted its so final i am never going to carry one of his babies again!!!!!!

FlipFantasia · 28/07/2010 17:47

Quick post from me - I got the vomiting bug (urgh) so have had a pretty horrible day. Luckily DH is right as rain today and "worked from home" ie took care of DS (and me) so not as bad as it could have been. Now just hoping the last bout of puking will be the last...

Sarah glad to hear your DH's op went OK! Hope he recovers well.

Melk love your post - makes such sense about the sleeping. I'm just glad I'm taking a year's maternity leave. The prospect of going back to work in a month or so would be impossible with DS still waking so much...also glad I'm not the only one at the lack of waterbabies in North London. I'd take on a franchise but I'd be rubbish at it! I'm currently trying to convince a friend to give sewing lessons that you can bring your baby to - so both social but also riding the make your own trend...if I had any needle skills I'd organise it myself!

Have read everything else, honest, but my burst of energy that's taken me on to the laptop is dissipating. Shall be back as soon as I feel normal again.

PS Rebecca please do book a smear - I had one a few weeks ago and just had the result back (normal) a few weeks ago. Tis a really fast and painless thing and the results come through quickly. I fully understand how little things like this become "Things" but hopefully the combined nagging of us all will do the trick

FlipFantasia · 28/07/2010 17:50

PS Mad4MaineCoons if you're lurking - I saw a maine coon on telly last night (on Bionic Vet - a far more compelling programme than I thought it would be when it came on as I was too lazy to change the channel). Such a gorgeous cat it was...it gave a blood transfusion to another kitty.

Right off to lie on the couch again...

Sariska · 28/07/2010 20:48

Siamese, if you can find a replacement for my DD's missing toy in the M&P factory shop then I would be absolutely delighted - and would owe you big time! It's the purple lion from their Jumbles range. You can see it here I think.

I have been stalking ebay avidly but it hasn't come up there, at least not since SUnday pm. Am a bit of an ebay addict at the moment. Going down to SMP forced me to reassess my shopping habits and I've been amazed by how much really good quality kids' clothing (much of it brand new) is available there. Probably I am preaching to the converted but anyway.....

Flip, I hope you feel better soon. Vomming bugs are just the grimmest.

Pixie, your poor DD2. It's such a lot for her to deal with at such a young age.

Sarah, I hope you're ok. Whilst I am very impressed by any example of a man stepping up bto the plate on the contraception front, it must be hard to deal with if you're not totally convinced of the need for something so irrevocable.

Sure there was more I wanted to say but baby is grizzling and dinner is nearly ready.

ValiumtheConqueror · 28/07/2010 21:49

I'm sitting here watching "Ouch! Sextuplets" and it makes me think I should stop complaining about my life!!

I have been following all that's been going down on the thread but haven't commented because i totally lack the scintillating vocabulary at the moment......

But I would be grateful if the Swedeish amongst you http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas/1011473-Swedish-summer-home?rnd=1280349927958 have any advice to offer

OP posts:
itwascertainlyasurprise · 28/07/2010 21:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

siamesecatwoman · 28/07/2010 21:59

sariska I will go and have a look tomorrow and report back.

heckle i avoid going to the factory shop except for special occasions- birthdays, sisters pregnancy, someone loses a toy.. thursdays etc. It is still very expensive even when half price, compared to ebay. My whole nursery is second hand m&p and homemade stuff, and i think it looks lovely, for about £300.(I was adding items up in my head at 4am!)

rebecca when is your appointment please?

flip lots and lots of chocolate fluids I think Pacific would recommend.

bluey hope cornwall is sunnier than here I feel like we might float away soon..

dizzi my symptoms arent as dramatic - just dizzy alot, and HOT HOT HOT even when it's chilly and Dh has a jumper on. The nurse said something about hormones but at nearly 20 wks pp I dont think so. Hope you get better soon.

pixie you have inspired me to order a centre parcs brochure

good news in that DH's contract has been extended and so he will still be working nearby and not having to live away during the week, which he has done for the last 4 years pre Charlotte. He does get under my feet though!

Looking at getting a Quinny Zapp for hols - can you check buggies in for free?

SmacsGonePotty · 28/07/2010 22:10

I have a zapp which I love but it's major downside is that it doesn't recline. It's fine for a toddler but the 6m recommendation is a bit early IMO. I've been using the wheels for DD2 using the maxicosi carseat for quick trips and it's very nippy, tight turning circle etc. You do need two hands to open it up which can be annoying. It does fold very small and the carry bag makes it excellent for airtravel and yes most airlines let you check in a buggy for free.
The Petite Star Zia is very similar but does recline. I don't think it looks as nice IMHO but my friend did get one for holidays as it reclines.
Oh and you have to be very careful what you put on the handles - you are supposed to put nothing on it as it will tip easily but a few light things are okay.
I've been over on pushchairs today for a nosey and there seems to be a lot of Maclaren fans but I just don't like them. Have used SILs a couple of times on holiday and it's okay, does all the essentials but I don't find them a comfortable push and I don't like the 'look'
I got my zapp on ebay, there are always ones listed there and as they are fairly light (as buggies go) not too much for postage/courier.

SmacsGonePotty · 29/07/2010 00:22

I am losing the plot - I'm sure I posted again tonight but it's disappeared!
Anyway it was a link for IWCAS here in reference to the comforter thing I was on about the other night.... time for bed I think

Arcadie · 29/07/2010 08:54

Hi all. Much read-y not much post-y.....

Going to be the voice of dissent Rebecca. Book a smear but not until 6 months post natal. We were all told to wait at our surgery because there's a reasonable chance the smear will come back inconclusive and you'll have to redo it ( which no one wants). You might already BE 6 months PN - I know I'm the baby of the group at not even 4 months.

SmacsGonePotty · 29/07/2010 09:43

oooh I'd been told you should wait 12 weeks however some GPs seem to pin you down guilt you into it at your 6 week post natal check up. I've not experienced this but have heard of others and I sigh when I hear it as at 6 weeks you don't need poking down there again and like you say arcadie the results can be false....
How is the poo situation arcadie ? DD1 is still requesting a nappy for poos. I did catch one in the potty the other day and we celebrated and made out she had actually managed one in the potty but we aren't making much progress. Wees are pretty good though so it's not all bad. My chocolate button addiction is pretty bad though!

BusyMissIzzy · 29/07/2010 10:56

Arcadie trust you to be contrary That's interesting though, and I agree with Smac that I would not have wanted anyone poking around down there 6 weeks pp.

Glad to hear you had a better night iwcas, has it continued to improve? Love the giggling though. Isobel's laughing more and more these days too. And all of us MMMers know you're plenty funny, maybe R just needs to hone his sense of humour

Pixie I'm glad the reassessment of your DD's meds has made a difference. Is she getting used to the syringe driver? It must be awful if she's finding it distressing, but if she gets used to it now she will, with any luck, have absolutely no fear of needles when she's older. I'm a dreadful needlephobic, but DH had to have a lot of blood tests when he was young, and isn't bothered at all by them now.

Smac yay for DD sleeping in her own room!

Dizzi/BelgianMummy welcome back! Career change sounds exciting, what would you enjoy doing? Hope your friend and her baby are doing well, it must be such a scary thing to go through.

Flip hope you're feeling better, and glad DH had recovered enough to look after you.

siamese good news about DH's contract.

evitas hope you're recovering from your hospital visit.

Melk lovely news about your friend. Thinking about teeny tiny newborns makes me a bit broody.. And your post about sleeping made a lot of sense. Your point about not "counting" sleep reminded me of when we were all pregnant and approaching/going over our due dates, and all you can think about is the birth, and if you're dilated or having BHs, and how much longer?? It's big stuff at the time, but in a few months you look back and it doesn't seem nearly as important, when you're no longer in the middle of it. Sorry, that's very rambly, I hope it makes some kind of sense.

Isobel is being alternately very smiley and giggly, and incredibly grumpy. I think her teeth might be bothering her, as she is drooling loads and has started rubbing her ears a bit. She's getting close to being able to sit unsupported, and really doesn't like to be on her back anymore. In her bouncy chair, or her bath, or carseat, she strains to sit up. So I've bought her a Bumbo! It arrived today, I'm looking forward to trying it out. It will be nice if I can leave her in it for short periods while I get on with other things. I can leave her on her mat, but she rolls onto the front now, and is inevitably sick after about a minute. And then usually manages to roll around in the sick

We're driving to Belgium next week to visit the in-laws before their move to Montenegro. The Eurostar would have been quicker, but this way we can load the car up with all the crap stuff we need. I'm a bit nervous about it anyway, but with any luck she'll sleep in the car for at least part of the journey. DH doesn't drive, so that's all down to me.

SmacsGonePotty · 29/07/2010 10:59

Hi siamese I've just realised there is a new Quinny Zapp Xtra which can recline and can be parent facing. I'm not sure if it is available yet, some sites are saying pre-order for August and others September. It looks good though. I am seriously tempted.
There is a picture on this link showing how it reclines here

siamesecatwoman · 29/07/2010 16:17

Smac thanks for all your advice ( looks like Ive unleashed your monster ) I think actually now Ill go for a petite star zia as you are right, the reclining is a much better option. Looks like about £50 on ebay with all the stuff or cheapest £100 new but no accessories.

Sariska no luck in the factory shop and I didnt get to ask the useless idiots who staff the place as they were busy (school hols..) however, will keep looking for you!

DD has long stood with help, and demands it most of the time. Today I propped her against the sofa and she stood, with support for ages, even doing it one handed for a picture! This is scaring me into trying to finish doing the hallway up ASAP before she decides the saws etc look interesting..

Ah! She squeaks ! Back soon!

evitas · 29/07/2010 18:32

Thanks everyone. I'm still bloated, but otherwise I'm ok..
These have been difficult days, Ds seems to have lost any kind of routine. He's just exhausted and grumpy, crying all the time. DH thinks that we should let him cry, but it's so hard for me! My heart just gets so so small everything he cries/screams to sleep.
I haven't had much time to read everything, but I'll try to catch up

Hope everyone is well.

PixieOnaLeaf · 29/07/2010 23:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

scooby26 · 30/07/2010 10:21

Morning all. Been lurking but never time to post. Thinking of you all and dreaming of having time to 'chat' again! X

Arcadie · 30/07/2010 23:16

hey y'all - up to CArlisle area for the next week on our young peoples' summer camp. Anyone nearby? We're just up the A7 from Carlisle Might be able to access whilst there but it's a mobile blackspot. Some people have managed to get wireless internet.