Due in August Thread Part 4

[ishopthereforeiam]

Hey ladies, as we hurtle towards 1000 posts and our third trimiester I'm setting up the part 4 thread.

Pull up a pew and or small with some

I did a super long post but it seems to have disapeered!

RE hypnobirthing, it is not so much that I am not enjoying it ham, more that I feel a bit of a dunce at it. I really struggle to turn off and relax and, when we are doing all the affirmations and rainbow relaxation, I find myself thinking about other things!

I am naturally a very organised, sorter type person and ironically feel happiest and most relaxed when I have a task to do and am under pressure. I love list making and planning and thinking so imagining myself in a cloud of mist or a scarf flowing over my body is just a bit of a struggle! The woman who runs the course (who is lovely) commented that I just didn't seem to be able to get into a deep relaxation state and that I should picture myself in a field under a blue sky. But when I do that I focus on it for a minute and then find myself planning dinner that night or listing things I need to tick off at work.

After Sunday (when I came out and promptly burst into tears), DH suggested that maybe the key to hypnobirthing is merely distraction so, instead of focusing on breathing and calming images, I should focus on things that make me feel good be it reciting the alphabet or naming the cast of Happy Days in the right order. But I am not sure if that is really how it works!

I am going to keep going and practising. I really hope it will click into place as the ethos of hypnobirthing really makes sense to me but I do struggle with the visualisations and some of the language!

I suppose ultimately, I just want a birthing experience that is as positive as possible and to go into it not being frightened or scared, knowing that my body can and will do it. But at the same time I don't really want to be absolute and put pressure on myself to have a 'perfect' birth. I want to keep an open mind and do what I need to do. Does that make sense?

How is everyone feeling about birth plans etc...?

glitter I have also been going to a hypnobirthing class and am pretty convinced of the positive effects now. The name makes it sound really hippy and wishy-washy but it has a sound physiological and psychological basis. I work in research so like to see what the evidence is and I found this paper bja.oxfordjournals.org/content/93/4/505.long
so maybe you can show your mum it has been proven to be effective!

I would recommend it to anyone because definitely feeling a lot more cam now (which has to be a bonus). Listening to the CD really helps me to relax and get to sleep and previously had been suffering really bad insomnia.

Just thought I'd share incase anyone else thinking about it...

Hello hello,

Am at your NCT/Lazy Daisy classes Pan and Ham. The Borders is so crap for this. Felt quite down about it all last night as feel bit unsupported re antenatal care down here (MW said that the women round here are really closed about this sort tof thing). There's really bugger all available unless I go up to Edinburgh which is an hour's drive away, so not the relaxing experience I'd like. I know I'm a bit spoilt having moved back up from London lat year, but there is a huge gap. But we'll muddle on through and see what we can sort out.

Gorgeous weather here today. Took DDog out for nice long walk by the river, but she's so funny, as she doesn't really like swimming and when she goes in, is like an old lady trying not to get her hair wet! Bless her.

I've got all my bloods tomorrow morning and I'm also fasting from midnight. If in doubt, Vino, fast, as it's more accurate that way apparently (which makes sense).

Once I get some spare time when the kids at school are out of the way and I have access to my washing line, I'm going to finish off my washing too. Can't wait! Am a bit obsessed with hanging it all outside.

Off to do bookshelves again and possibly some sorting of DH's stuff...

Have a good afternoon everyone x

Hi everyone, lovely weather here on the south coast - yeah!

Dragonleo, ham and all, what CD / book did you get? my mw suggested getting one from amazon but didn't specify which one. I looked and thought this one was good judging by reviews but would love your suggestion please.
Maybe good for you too MrsMiggins ? as I might not go to classes. Although it's dawning on me that I feel totally un-empowered and unprepared and need to take things into perspective and sort myself out for the birth (I'm someone who is terrified of a smear and so this will be a new thing to try and get my head around... have learnt a lot about pregnancy hormones and how natural birth is from my degree that I've just been doing and so I feel empowered in that sense, plus I am a bit of a hippy anyway :)!
Wondering about travelling to Brighton to do a class or two there...
It sounds as though you're going to get the hypnobirthing glitter and hope you get more support from those around you!

Ooo yes, insomnia here big time!
Slept until 2 last night and then lay there and nothing, no sleep just awake. So got up and sat on the sofa with my maternity pillow and a duvet and managed about another 30 minutes. Pants! Perhaps mother nature's payback for years of contented sleep.

LO also quiet today too and she was yesterday but I think all is okay as I feel a little nudge now and again. Quite nice to get some time off the kicking and prodding, I think she's turned and is facing either up or down and inwards towards my back and so not complaining.

Vino I have my blood test on Thursday and haven't been told to fast and as it's at 11.20am, I can't survive without food because I get bad morning sickness if I don't eat. If a problem, they'll have to take it another time and get me in a lot earlier.

Hope all is going well Welsh

marmite I was given one at the course but you can buy it online/download from the website too. It is the blue one. You can also get the book which explains what to do and how to prepare. I don't have experience of any other so can't really offer specific advice.

www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk/cds-and-downloads.html

I think I will see how I feel Thursday morning as to whether I fast or not because some mornings I'm nearly passing out if I haven't eaten anything. It's a good excuse to have a pig out afterwards though ;) She certainly didn't say to fast, just to drink 275ml plain lucozade. .

I'm so excited because I get to collect the car seat this week and the pram has also arrived in the shop! I am really resisting the urge to collect the pram as I don't really have anywhere to put it and dd will probably think it's great fun to use as a dolls pram - er no!
It's coming round so quickly :)

I'm another for the insomnia btw :( and as for having to wee in the night! I got up 9 times Sunday night!!

Thanks for hypno stuff Love. Am going to have a look later, as need to get my head round all of it really, esp as looking v likely that I'll be going in for a VB after all.

Haven't done bookshelves as is too nice here plus have had curtains crisis . Turns out, is going to cost a fortune to get my beloved Cath Kidston ones made for a house that isn't ours and we're not in forever, so am going to make do with some dull cream JL ones we already have and tart them up with said CK fabric for bunting tiebacks instead. Will still look nice, am sure, just a bit gutted that it's £100+ just for fabric without blackout/making them/ etc etc. Hey ho, onwards and upwards.

Loving this weather...might actually get to wear some of my nice maternity stuff after all and not DH's padded coat...

Thanks dragon for the link, will check it out!

MrsMiggins your curtains sound pretty!
I think we'll be going for the White company light blue check ones - £80 for black outs too but I think that's single only and so two will be needed... hmmm... but it beats the JL fabric of Winnie the Pooh we fell in love with, but cost sooo much a metre and then need making with black outs etc I think we worked it out to being about £280 just on the Pooh fabric - gulp! So unless a rich relative buys that for us, that's an easy decision. I bet LO wouldn't like them and would want pepper pig as soon as she can say 'pink'!!! I think DH and I dread the 'pink' wants of a girl as it's soo drummed into all shop marketing out there!

Oooo I hope I can sleep tonight... maybe lettuce soup, relaxing bath, smelly oils may help... or I'll go crazy.

Hope everyone is having a good day x

vino I'M 28 weeks but her head and belly measure 31.5 I have the GTT test for diabetes on Thurs so will find out if that is the cause then, I am also 40 so age may play a part I am not sure.

I like those White Company ones too Vino (clearly great minds ) so will see what DH thinks and if they're on Ebay. I really REALLY wanted the CK planes ones, but just can't afford so much on having them made etc. But cream plus bunting etc tiebacks will also look cute and are a good compromise I think.

mrsmamma (27) DC1 due 27/7/12
ishopthereforeiam (32) DC2 due 27/7/12 in UCLH, London, England
Loupee (26) DC1 due 28/7/12 in Royal Infirmary Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland
GwenGotLost (26) DC? due 31/8/12, Swansea, Wales
farmerswifey (30) DC1 GIRL due 31/7/12 in Aberystwyth, Wales
aflycup (24) DC1 due 30/7/12
dragonleo (29) DC1 GIRL due 3/8/12 in Whittington Hospital, London, England
margarethamilton (?) DC1 due 3/8/12
Tubtoes (31) DC1 due 3/8/12
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Whiteangel (?) DC? BOY due 2/8/12
missjemima (?) DC2 BOY due 3/8/12
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babbashouse (?) DC? due 4/8/12
PoppySeed34 (34) DC1 BOY due 4/8/12 in Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, England
danielou (?) DC3 due 4/8/12 in Worcestershire Royal Hospital, England
lynniegooner (43) DC2 due 5/8/12
halfdoneharris (28) DC1 due 5/8/12
Littlelamb1980 (31) DC1 BOY due 6/8/12 in St. Thomas Hospital, London, England
JParkson (28) DC3 due 6/8/12 in Swindon, England
Gnomi (29) DC1 BOY due 7/8/12
panpipe (26) DC1 due 7/8/12
McBaby (31) DC1 7/8/12 in Barnet, Herts, England
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Alizzle (24) DC1 due 8/8/12
Huia (?) DC? due 8/8/12
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Robsbaby77 (?) DC? BOY due 10/8/12
lovemarmite (38) DC1 GIRL due 11/8/12 in Eastbourne, England
ByeBabyBatshit (35) DC1 11/8/12 TWINS!
The3Bears (24) DC2 BOY due 11/8/12
Stinyminkymoo (35) DC1 due 11/8/12
hamncheese (24) DC1 due 11/8/12 in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland
vinolover (29) DC3 BOY due 11/8/12 in RSCH, Brighton, England
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HopefulPositive (31) DC1 due 13/8/12 TWINS!
Glittershoes (27) DC1 BOY due 14/8/12 in Hull Women?s and Children?s Hospital, England
capecath (29) DC2 due 15/8/12 in Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland
MrsMigginslovespies (35) DC1 BOY due 15/8/12 in Borders & General Hospital, Scottish Borders
thatboysmum (?) DC2 due 16/8/12 in Medway Maritime Hospital, England
ArtyJennie (31) DC2 due 17/8/12 in Croydon Uni Hospital, England
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tashaw28 (36) DC3 due 19/8/12 in Barnet Hospital, Herts, England
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pintofmilk (35) DC3 GIRL due 19/8/12
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sc0ttishlass (34) DC1 due 20/8/12 in Princess Royal, Glasgow, Scotland
firstfroggy (34) DC1 due 20/8/12
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vanimal (37) DC3 due 22/8/12
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Loislane78 (34) DC1 GIRL due 24/8/12 in Cambridge, England
danmoore00 (39) DC3 due 25/8/12 in Darrent Valley, Kent, England
nearlymumofone (34) DC2 due 25/8/12
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theressomethingaboutmarie (35) DC2 BOY due 30/8/12
Jods1 (?) DC? due 30/8/12
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kellzi (?) DC? due 31/8/12 in Woodford, Essex, England
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justine09x (25) DC3 GIRL due 31/8/12

Oh at NCT last night the woman who ran it was talking about how for some people hypnotherapy isn't the right thing as they need distractions, not more head time. She said for them things like music or someone talking/reading to them would work better to get through the pain. Don't know if that is helpful or not glitter. On the other hand though I am totally like you when it comes to planning and doing and never stopping thinking! When I first started hypnotherapy cds (way before pregnancy for panic attacks) I couldn't relax either and my brain would just be thinking but now I am a lot better at it so keep trying. Also even if your brain is doing other things, if your body is physically relaxed you will surely still reap the benefits in labour from not being tense, so maybe you can focus on body relaxation first, even if your brain is doing other things, and move to brain relaxing gradually. Also if you count breaths in your head like "in 2 3, out 2 3" that shuts the brain up and helps with the relaxing.

marmite I have this book loaned from a friend hypnobirthing and the corresponding cd... nothing to compare it to but it's good so far

YES curtains are SO expensive!! We looked to buy some ages ago for our flat which has very high ceilings, was going to cost hundreds of pounds!! So just went to ikea and got plain white fabric blinds and then I made "curtains" which don't move, just hang at the side from material. You can also buy fake curtains for side decoration from ikea too.

Sadly it makes me feel better that a lot of us are on the same boat with the insomnia. Does anyone think this is associated to this part of the pregnancy, like this is just the latest joy? I've been all spotty on my chest and thinking of that the foggy brain and up and down mood makes me reckon there has been a recent upsurge in hormones again. Really hoping it's that which is giving me insomnia, and not my own brain :( my own mental health scares me!! Really looking forward to getting my body and brain back to normal post-pregnancy... even if I am swapping it for a lot of tiredness anyway!

Oh well, going to go off to bed armed with my new supply of things to do in the wee hours which include books, sudoku, hypnobirthing on ipod, and games on DS. Sleep well all who can!!

MrsMiggins If I remember rightly Cath Kidston sells wall stickers too, not sure if they do the airplanes though but worth a look. For DS2's bedroom I got a few samples of her car wallpaper and framed them in old frames I had, and painted them blue, got 3 pictures for free!
Ham I'm so ditzy at the mo that I sent my friend a birthday card this week and her birthday's in Feb!!! I've also broken 4 things so far, plate, bowl, kids bowl and mixing bowl! Can't help it, just so clumsy!
27+2

thanks ham! Glad I managed to put it up.

anyone-else finding the wriggly movements of the baby a bit uncomfortable now? starting to feel like sharp jabs here!

thanks for all the wishes everyone :) I am finally out of the scary labour emergency room. Feels like I've been in solitary confinement for 4 days :o

Was monitored constantly for 48 hours, lost over a pint of blood, but baby is still doing fine atm, and I'm through the worst, so have been transferred back to normal antenatal ward. Honestly, what a sodding weekend :(

I am really not sure I am strong enough to go through this again. I really just want to get back to normal, whatever that is..!

Been so busy on here, just catching up on all the posts as only had phone internet in labour ward.

Aww poor cats :( very sad to read about your cat, too, westcountry. My friend had to have her cat put down recently. marmite how are you doing?

MRsM/Faint how did consultant go?

Needles poo to the hyperemesis :( I hope it stops soon for you

Ishop that picture is really good - how exciting!!

susie glad boiler is fixed :o

Welsh :( sorry to hear that, hope the docs can sort you out and you feel a bit better

congrats on your nephew Alison

Good luck to everyone doing their GTT tests :) I had my retake this morning, which involved fasting from midnight, blood test, 300mls of horrid solution, hour wait, another blood test. Get results tomorrow I think.

They have said my abnormal reading might be down to the steroids I had to have at week 27, so will have to wait and see.

Sorry for those feeling down and unprepared. If it makes anyone feel any better there's a chance i may not be back out before I deliver, we're mid house purchase, need to move, and we have bought one newborn babygrow set - that's it..! :o Basically, we're screwed.

I hope better moods come around very soon, especially as I'm told the weather is nice outside (I'm not in a bed by a window now so can't see out :(). Although it is about a million degrees in here and the aircon has broken, but the heating hasn't!! :o

For those of who've had your 28 wk appt and glucose test can you explain what happens pls as a bit confused :( Am I supposed to fast (appt at 13.30) and whats with drinking the lucozade? I know that's to see how quickly you balance your sugar but surely the appt doesn't take all afternoon? Maybe it does....

TIA and happy sunny Weds!!! :)

loislane78 my test involved a 12 hour fast. 1,blood test fpillowed by the sweet drink then a 2 hour wait for the second test. There is a non fasting version that can be done before the fasting GTT so it might be worth ringing to see which one your due to have.

Glad to hear that you are out of the labour ward poppy you are being so tough, I bet the baby will be thanking you extra for keeping it so safe :) In terms of preparedness could you do online shopping if it comes to be the case you won't get out before baby comes? Would be a good thing to pass the time too when in the hospital! At NCT we did a thing where you had to write everything you could think a newborn baby would need and then score off anything not 100% essential. I think we came to the conclusion the only things were some clothing, nappies, blankets and a cot, though even then the woman who runs it mentioned co-sleeping! Also a car seat if you are going home by car or taxi, but could be borrowed. So don't worry too much about that if you don't want to I guess! Here's hoping you will get back to yourself very soon and be back out again before baby comes

Haha tashaw the birthday card! Luckily my fog seems mostly to relate to saying stupid things not doing at the moment though I'm sure it's about to change. Bounty emailled me a pregnancy update for week 29 and it had baby brain on it so maybe it's something associated with this stage specifically.

Feeling positive today as managed to get to sleep by 12 last night and slept fine til this morning, has made a big difference like I CAN DO IT! So going to celebrate by more baby clothes washing and ironing haha as well as some time out in the garden. Also have forced my parents into hosting a bbq for us on saturday (obviously, how often can you depend on good weather, have to make the most of it!) and going swimming with DH tonight before he buggars off to london for some award ceremony thing his company is up for. He had to get a formal suit thing which I keep calling a tux but isn't but does have satin pockets and such anyway if it was up to me men, or just him, would ALWAYS be in formal dress be it suit or kilts... mmm kilts you couldn't make a man look bad in one of them!

28+4

Salut!

Glad you're out of the ward, Poppy! Sitting here drinking a so I'm sending you one too.

I am pleased to report that I haven't reached the insomnia stage of pregnancy, woohoo! I remember it from DS's pregnancy, not fondly! At least this is coming into the summer so the weather is nice in the early hours, get to watch the dawn. Last time it was the dead of winter, so I was sitting watching the snow and the pitch black sky.

Does anyone here have SPD or had it in previous pregnancy?? I didn't have it last time round, and I don't think I have it now (am praying I don't get it!) but I woke up this morning with a terrible feeling in my pubic bone, almost like it was being pushed or forced apart. Is worse when I'm standing up or walking, but even sitting here is a bit sore. :( Meh.

(26+5)

Great to hear you're out of the emergency ward Poppy, hope you're doing well too.
Great idea for online shopping, I've been doing most of mine that way and coming up with a few discounts here and there.

All is okay here thanks x
We're looking at putting in a garden office in July which will mean we're doing our usual to get as much stress as possible before a big event. It means garden clearance, building and adding to the mortgage. DH almost having a heart attack with the costs but I think he also likes madness. We figured our house isn't quite big enough for working at home and the August stork arrival (I am still convinced that a stork is coming!), DH's job wouldn't exactly be easy if LO is in close proximity, and rather than moving to another house, we're relegating him out into a posh shed! I think this project is helping divert our attention away from everything else at the moment.

I think my test is a non fasting blood test tomorrow as my mw said that she thinks I'm fine (?!) but I am having a thyroid test too. Tbh I feel I'm going from pillar to post a little as the hospital was going to do the 28 week appointment and then asked my mw and she asked the mw's in the health centre to do it as she does home visits only. I can't believe I would be having a fasting one if not told and also as it's booked for after 11am?!

I am suffering from very low blood pressure at the moment and going upstairs is making me breathless, heart racing and legs hurting. Hmm hope this isn't a problem as almost passed out from walking up a tiny hill a few days ago. Must mention it to the mw!

Totally agree ham that hypno- stuff might not be for everyone. I remember through trying to learn meditation that some people are better at more stimulant exercises and others are better at quiet reflection and so I guess this must be the same sort of idea. Thanks for the amazon link - will check that it out too.

Managed to get a better night sleep too - yippee! Only woke up 3 times and fell asleep again fairly quickly. Had the window open and heard the birds at 5 this morning and although loud, was a really happy sound.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Marmite I'm suffering with low blood pressure too - 80/50 at last appt. MW keeps advising me not to fall over!

Poppy welcome back to sort of real life; I've been wondering how you are since we didn't hear from you for a while. You're a trooper! Is there anyone you can send out shopping for you?

I had the first part of my GTT this morning completely unnecessarily as it turned out. Got called in as blood glucose was low, so I fasted, had the first test and drank my Lucozade only for the MW taking the test to come back and say "sorry you shouldn't have been called, you only need to have this test if your blood sugar is too high". Oh well, got a lie in out of it this morning which is a bonus I guess!

Have a lovely sunny day all

Yay poppy glad things are looking up, been thinking of you.

needles ouch sounds painful! I've had stabbing pains down there( lightening) but no pushing bones apart although could be your body preparing for labour / making space?

The insomnia here continues but it's such a beautiful day I just don't care!

Afternoon everyone, thanks for all your lovely messages. I appreciate them so much, this thread has honestly been such a great thing to read while in here and trying to pass the hours by... it's great to read what everyone has been up too as well.

ham pleased to read about the sleep - hope it contiues! :)

needles fingers crossed it's not SPD :(

Marmite How are you doing? Sounds like you'll have a busy few weeks ahead. Good luck with the plans..

panpipe wow! that is low blood pressure!! Take care, rubbish about your GTT but at least they checked again for you (and you got a lie in :o)