Pregnant (IVF) Worriers/ Warriors Part 5

[MrsHY1]

Hello ladies! Come and find me!

She'll grow into her legs Gin. Like a puppy :-). That is long! M was 54,5 at 5 weeks.

I think they need to be 9or 10lb gin. s is 57.5cm at 8 weeks. ginster is tall! well done on the weight gain, so pleased. my mum is coming again next week. she is fab. though at the start she said you can't spoil a baby and now is saying leave her to cry a bit for naps to get used to the cot... mrsh sorry yours was so unhelpful. at least you've had a haircut. often I don't even brush mine.

that article said 'it's like living with a Hollywood starlet having a nervous breakdown' so true. it must all be done their way, and NOW!!!

we had longest ever stretch of sleep, 4.5 hours of course I still woke up in the middle, it's prob hangover from jabs, and the rest of the night was harder than usual but

crisps glad you're all hanging in there. go, nancy1, go!!

noks at the mucous... you could still make that waterbirth today. if not, just savour the peace and quiet and doing what tf you want. I'd say nipper will be here by Saturday night, hey?

dildals am tempted by formula for some reasons. but apart from anything else it's so good for soothing!

buzzy my cat is being super affectionate. I think she feels second best so has to be extra cute. she likes to sit on the changing mats... is currently on my lap while baby on chest. stretched out claws dangerously close to her bum. hope you're ok

expat we used the baby bjorn from when P was 8lbs (which is what is indicated on it). What is the "m" position? I hope I haven't crippled her for life! :-)

gin those long slim legs will be her pride and joy one day.

keep congrats on the 4.5 hours!

I loved Breaking Bad, nothing on telly compares to it IMHO.

Our cat moved next door for a while after P was born. She has come back now but is a lot more distant than she used to be. She mostly ignores P, although she sometimes sniffs her with a puzzled expression, "It smells like a human but it's so small..."

I don't really understand why breastfeeding or bottlefeeding are so controversial in this country that it is the source of endless debate and vitriol. Probably in part due to a very active, opinionated media that loves to stir up controversy. I rather wish it was a more obscure topic to be honest, then women might feel more relaxed about their own approach.

fairy I think the M position is the shape of their legs when you hold them against you in cuddle position. Like little frog legs.

I think Breaking Bad is also on Netflix.

onion did you start that Fred on Ringlet's sleeping? I am interested to see what people are saying.

Netflix isn't available in Belgium, boo.

In the end M slept for a stonking 12 hours last night. I feel brilliant today.
She napped a fair amount today so doubt it will be repeated tonight. Also it could have been because of the vaccination the previous day. I know lots of things could derail nighttime such as teething, starting crèche etc, but the odd sleep like that will keep us ticking along nicely.

ExPat amazing sleep result, well done M. I am not surprised you feel like a new woman. Long may it continue.

Keep well done to S too on extended sleep, I hope you get another good night tonight.

Dils I have heard a lot of good thing about Breaking Bad so not surprised B didn't want to miss out on the action. We always seem behind the curve on these box sets, we haven't seen Sopranos or 24 both of which are supposed to be excellent. We do watch Homelands though which is really good.

Gin F has grown too long for the Tiny Baby size babygros as his legs are so long and very skinny. E is a very different shape, more chunky, so still in the smaller babygros for now. They weigh very similar but it is distributed differently, not sure if this is a boy/girl thing.

Fairy I intend going to the local sling library to try out a few different slings to see which suits us best. I think you can actually borrow them for a weeks or so to proper road test them. I will report back when I have been.

Shazza a twin Mum has given me the Wonder Weeks book too. I think I will get the app as a reminder but it is as everything of this nature just a guideline. I am so clueless anything helps me feel more comfortable with what I should be doing and what is normal.

Onions the valium, 2mg every 4 hours if needed, is managing my anxiety at the moment. The GP did prescribe citralpram but it made me feel worse so I stopped taking it as I don't really want to be on something long term. My eye sight does seem to be slowly improving so will have to wait the 6 weeks before I ask to be referred as I am sure they will just say wait the 6 weeks for things to settle down post birth. The things birth does is very strange and differs so much for everyone.

I have been shopping for none maternity clothes today. Very exciting, got a few bargain Mum clothes. I am surprised to be a stone less in weight now than when I got pregnant. I know I didn't gain much during my pregnancy but am shocked how much the twins parasites have taken from me in 38 weeks. I am not complaining but wouldn't suggest it as a good way to lose weight!!!

Noks go warrior go - just is case anything exciting is happening.

Argh too much to read and remember.

Hello Crisps. Sorry about shit relatives.

Noks I had a missing heartbeat when I was about 30 odd weeks that resulted in an emergency scan. I was hysterical but had DD1 with me so had to act calm. Sorry it was only mucus though. If you are induced definitely get the epidural at the same time, it's too fierce without it. Good luck though.

I plan to watch Breaking Bad but will probably take me about five years to get round to it. We watched all 80 episodes of the Sopranos over a year, it was magnificant. The Wire was pretty marvellous too.

M is the shape of their legs, exactly like a frogs. Ringlet does it still in her sleeping bag. I had a mei tai sling but only until she was 12 weeks. It was useful but still a bit of a faff to put on.

Dildals, DD1 seemingly terrorizes Ringlet but she loves it. She has a quiet day until 3.30 then all hell breaks loose. It can't be good for her.

Sweetie fair enough if it's short term, I didn't think it a good solution generally but like you say, things should settle. An SSRI needn't be that long term though - might be worth trying a different one if things don't settle. You won't have time these days but have you tried CBT or mindfulness? Bits of both have really helped me. (And self medicating with booze!)

I've tried to upload a new Ringlet photo but the site won't allow it. She's crawling very confidently and starting to pull up and cruise round furniture. I must join FB but never get chance.

I did start a thread dildals but it fizzled out, even I couldn't be arsed with it. I'm still pondering my next move about getting her into her cot.

shazza just use normal bottles to express into. No you haven't missed the boat for bottle feeding, she'll either take it or refuse, if so try again later. I think your DP has to bite the bullet and try, he'll find his own way of managing her (and you'll have to bite your tongue!)

I wish breast and formula feeding weren't so controversial. Having tried both I'm quite enthusiastic about both! I'll read that article in a minute but I can't stand Zoe Williams, she can't write for toffee.

Back later...

I can't stand her either Onion. I think she's only there for the clicks.

Hmm, I have previously worked in the academic wing of public health and seen the way that really quite complicated research evidence gets distilled down into slogans. It is never as simple as the message that eventually gets promoted by health professionals and breast feeding is no different. It does tap into a whole raft of other spheres though but I can't get excited about it. As I've said previously, feeding your baby is the most important thing. Infant mortality decreased significantly due to the development of formula as all women have not always been able to easily feed, have always tried to wean early and inappropriately (usually as they were poor and needed to be out working) so to me it's a marvellous thing that we have this option.

Sweetie, I'm glad your anxiety is being managed. It leaves you able to concentrate on what is important.

Shaz, I think that for men having a baby is academic while we're pregnant so they have a very steep learning curve when they're born. Also because we're so connected breast feeding and being with the baby all day we can seem far more knowledgable than we actually are. My dh is fine left alone with m but isn't good at the here comes captain calamari to say hello can you see yourself in the mirror hold on tight or you'll drop it whoopsie, here it is what's the matter oh you want dusty ahhh dusty is giving you a kiss on the cheek isn't she soft shall we change your stinky nappy yada yada yada blah blah'. Most of the time when I come home they're sitting in deathly silence, or he's playing some improving classical music for baby. However he'll be great at mooching around the forest finding every twig and worm fascinating and teaching m how to ride a bike etc. your dp is only 7 weeks in. X

I've just got back online for the first time this week - the computer has been packed up while we re-organised and painted to make space for the baby. Feeling knackered but a bit more prepared now :-) So much to catch up with just in a week, I will have a proper read and post tomorrow.

crisps I'm sorry Nancy is still so poorly but it's wonderful to hear you are all hanging in there. I've been bulk cooking microwaveable meals for the freezer today and just wish there was some way to send you some. Thinking of you all.

noks very best of luck for tomorrow and meeting the nipper rascal.

I still have an unengaged breech baby at 38 weeks tomorrow - clearly I have no maternal authority whatsoever over this child (nothing like starting as you mean to go on...) I am having a planned C-section in less than a fortnight. Aargh! Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for the advertised "lightening" and relief from heartburn which is supposed to happen when the baby engages. The baby still being so high is sabotaging my maternity leave maize-based snacking and so my husband is still managing to beat me to most of the junk food coming into the house :-)

Gosh ceara you're getting close now!!

Zoe is only in it for the clicks? Should that not be spelled with a d?

It's funny how men interact with their babies. I think you also need to let them do their own thing (although I did draw the line at dh putting her to sleep on her front. Idiot.) Otherwise they'll never get confident. My dh does do a lot of mindless chattering (there doesn't even need to be a baby present). He describes her impressive nappy contents to her, compliments her on her outfit choices and whether her bum looks big in this nappy. He put lights up in the tree in the garden for her, our garden now looks like vegas meets porgy and bess, she spent half an hour looking at the lights this evening, bless her cotton socks. It took him quite a while to get used to the crying though, how to soothe her etc. The only thing he still doesn't get is that when you change her you REALLY need to put a new nappy under her when you take the old one away. Seriously ...

Captain Calamari? :-)

Awww, the lights in the tree is a gorgeous idea.
We went a bit nuts with Christmas lights and now they've been rearranged around the house. M loves looking at them too. It's lovely seeing her face full of wonder.

I have to say dh is a champion nappy changer- even the ones that have me dreaming of a g&t as a reward for tackling them.

all eyes on noks induction...

ceara!! any day now. hope your little boy turns. are you doing OK?

managed a couple of 25 min naps in the basket yesterday after putting her down once asleep. if on me though they might have been 90 mins. progress though, I guess. am currently snuggling with her for her morning nap. scrummy.

*ceara- go little and often on the maize snacks... you can do it!

Pics please of all the snuggling babies. I love their droopy faces.

Thinking of Noks here.

keep half the time I don't put ringlet down is because I know she'll wake after 20 mins but have 2 hours on me. Frustrating innit?

Al they all seem to be entranced by lights. Dd1 loved staring at the fluorescent lights in Asda.

Captain Calimari is a toy right?

dildals love the sound of the lights. You're right though, my DH is great at everything (except cleaning up vomit, or actually just cleaning up) but it's only all come with plenty of practice though as he was clueless and scared of DD1 when she was born. This is why you have to push them to take responsibility as they will find their feet quite quickly.

ceara I think you're up next lady! It's a lot less stressful waiting for a section than for labour to start spontaneously. Good work on the cooking. I think lightening is a myth.

Hello to everyone else!

iif you continued putting her down and just having 20 mins wouldn't she eventually get so knackered she'd sleep for longer?

that's exactly what I'm trying now al... must. be. strong.

Keep, I was directing that to Onion but all power to you. Stay strong!
Can I send you supplies to get through this? Brandy?

www.amazon.co.uk/Lamaze-Captain-Calamari-Octopus-Pirate/dp/B002VWZU7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389367045&sr=8-1&keywords=captain+calamari

Hello Girls

A very poorly and feeling sorry for herself Shazza here. Dragging myself around today. Shazlett and I are still in our pj's.

Crisps I'm so pleased that Nancy is stable. Fingers crossed that there will be progress soon. I'm sorry that don't feel supported by some of your family. Maybe they just don't know what to do or say? I think of you often. Yesterday we had to take Shazlett for a scan at the hospital because they thought she might have a clicky hip. She is fine and it was so minor but just seeing her crying on the table being held down for a scan made my heart leap. God knows how awful it must be to see your gorgeous baby so seriously ill. My thoughts are with you.

Keep it isnt harsh at all. But I fear that I have misrepresented DP. He is great with Shazlett and has actually carved a little niche for himself as chief cleaner of pooey clothes with vanish and master of swaddling and bedtime shhing. Yesterday he did have her for an hour on his own while I went to the shops. TBH I felt really nervous but of course he was fine. I just don't think he is quite confident enough to look after her all day without me. But again maybe I'm not doing him justice. It's not that I know any more than him but I guess, as you say, I've had to get on with it and right or wrongly, I've naturally taken the lead in baby care. And part of his journey is my starting to express and relinquishing some responsibility. Well done for persevering with the napping. I did try in the basket and Shazlett lasted 20 mins but I have given up and she has napped twice in the sling today. That's where she is now. At least I have 2 hands free to catch up.

Re fenugreek. I don't think I have supply issues. But how would I know? Maybe I should get some in prep for growth spurts. On that subject how will I know that a growth spurt is occurring? Maybe I need to get this Wonder Weeks app?

Dildals How frustrating that the sling library has moved. I'm not sure how to get to Beckenham or if it would even be worth going that far (it sounds far even though I don't actually know where it is!). By the way, apparently you can wee in the birth pool, should you want/need to. My MW told us that it was ok because urine is sterile. Bit gross though. Funnily enough I was given some bandanas from Sainsburys for Christmas. Or rather Shazlett was. I dont need dribble bandanas. Well not yet anyway . I've never seen Breaking Bad by the way. Love the image of your DH lighting up the garden for Bella. So sweet.

Gin it was so nice to meet Ginster and your mum. Both were completely lovely. Aren't you like your mum? i'm so glad that bfing is going better for you. Beverley at the Milkspot is the best. How have you measured Ginster? I realised yesterday that Shazlett needs to go up a babygro size. Now I've put her in 0-3 months instead of newborn and suddenly she looks so much longer. I think that I'd unwittingly kept her abit snug . I also told Noks to go for the epidural straight away. And I was all for the no drugs, woowoo approach! Ha ha at the post birth Beastie Boys. I also don't think that the Baby Bjorn is suitable for newborn. Their need to be supported as Expat said in the 'm' position.

mrsH I'm sorry that you didn't find your mum helpful. It is so hard when those close to us offer advice that goes against our instincts. Trust your own judgement. You know MissyH better than anyone. Talking of Ginster's long legs, I meant to ask you about Missy's legs. Didn't she have a fab pair of pins on the scan?

Fairy its funny you say that the sling was uncomfortable and you like the Baby Bjorn. I've heard the opposite said also. Goes to show that it is personal preference. Which makes sense as everyone's body and baby is different.

Expat woohoo on 12 hours. No wonder you feel great. Was minial super hungry when she woke up? Thanks for the reassuring words re DP. Funnily enough he is brilliant at playtime. he is super creative and makes up stories and songs. I hear him singing to her about changing her nappy. The best I can manage is my musical theatre repetoire! I'm more practical and find the chatter harder. Mentioning this in passing to the HV has resulted in me being referred for pnd.

Sweets I've never watched the Sopranos or 24. Or Westwing or Homelands or Mad Men or The Wire or.......! I'm very behind on cult viewing. I'm glad your eyesight seems to be improving. Are you feeling less anxious? Have you been referred for any talking therapy as well? I've got someone coming next week for an assessment following the referral by the HV. I'm feeling much better but the GP advised me to keep the appt otherwise it might look suspicious and they could investigate further. Very exciting to go out for normal clothes. Amazing that you are a whole stone lighter then pre pregnancy. Well done you!

Onion Please join the Warriors on FB. I want to see pics of Ringlett. Do you have the stairgates up now? You are so right about biting my tongue with DP. Yesterday when he had her while I went out. he asked how i felt about it. I couldn't say anxious!

Ceara so close. Yippee! at least you are ready for the arrival. Have you packed your hospital bag yet?

Buzzy how are you getting on? It's nearly time for Minibee to make an appearance.

I hope that everyone else is ok. What about all the newbies? I hope that you aren't all suffering and mentalling in silence.

Shazlett has started sucking her thumb on one hand whilst twiddling her hair with the other. (It was going to happen sooner or later. There is no way she could have all that hair and not discover it!). But now I'm worried she will end up goofy with bald patches.

Blimey my head is going to explode. I'm rarely ill so this is particularly annoying. I hope that Shazlett doesn't get it.

Has the Nipper arrived yet......?