Mums-to-be (2)

[Enid]

Joe1, Tetley, Ouch and the other October Mums to be, how are you all?

Joe1 - well done on winning the baby carrier!!

Joe1, be careful you don't want to end up with worse hip pain believe me. Try not to twist in the middle, keep your knees together when getting in and out of car and off bed and i have also been wearing my old maternity belt which helps according to physio, so if you've got one I recommend it.

Oh, the joy of maternity belts. I'm sadly, horribly wedded to a particularly supportive pair of big knickers at the moment (37wks). Will ritually burn them when baby eventually emerges. Strangely, have found that recently have put on a peculiar spurt of unaccustomed energy recently - yomped up a Very Steep Hill on Saturday, three mile blackberry-picking walk yesterday, and have started about six zillion small craft projects, many of which (defn the knitting) I suspect are eventually doomed to a life in a bin bag in the loft. Anyone else feeling like this? During first pregnancy, at this stage I seemed to sleep all the time. Or could it be down to all the puddings (blimey, I'm even cooking proper puddings - dh nearly fell down in shock when presented with a steamed pud. Usually it's yoghurt with maybe some raisins if he's lucky).

Thanks for the tips Enid, dont have a belt dont know if its worth getting one for what could be a few days but will be very careful re turning over etc. Though when on the settee tend not to move.

FrancesJ I have had a spurt of energy this last week, I think I did with ds, lots of walking, house stuff and yes starting little projects that wont get finished. The only difference this time is that after walking I feel like someone has given me an almighty kick between the legs, not nice.

I am also feeling rather sprightly and energetic, god knows why as I have just had a nasty ear infection and should be laid low.

It could be the adrenaline produced after leaving dd at nursery for the first time this morning...poor little white-faced thing. Hopefully I won't be posting on the nursery school traumas thread...

Blimey Enid your not having a very good time are you, Im not going to moan about my little annoying problems anymore .

Let us know how your dd goes on her first day, what a big girl. I have another year until ds goes. What are you doing with yourself, not resting I bet.

Good luck with the day nursery, Enid. Hope she gets on beautifully. Mine isn't starting at the local one until after Christmas, because she's just under the age limit now - and hits 2.5 just as baby is due, so I felt I'd better wait a bit longer so she doesn't feel like 'wham, new baby, and you've got to go to nursery now, too'. Don't know if it's a wise decision though. Am in quandry about it, since I could find her a place now at a different nursery that takes younger children. Do please let us know how you both get on. Any advice on my own quandry welcome. Dd is soooo ready fo the social side of nursery , but doesn't speak very well at all yet, so I'm dithering.

Just wanted to add that for preggy back problems, I found one of those wheat-filled bags that you heat in the microwave really comforting. Cross fingers though I haven't suffered too much this time around (It's got to be the big knickers, sad though it sounds. Am becoming a one-woman foundation garment fanclub)

Yes I've had a rough couple of weeks, caught terrible cold from MIL which ended up as an ear infection- I've never had one before and it was SO PAINFUL. Had to get antibiotics from the docs even though I hate them, and they've worked but I am still quite deaf - feels as though I've got wet cotton wool in my ears. Also having to wear strapping around my hips and pelvis as the pain in my joints got so bad. Everyone's saying that I look really well though so thats something I suppose!

But still! Feeling excited about the baby and dd's first day at nursery went really well, we'll see how tomorrow goes. She looked so skinny and grown up in her little leggings with no nappy underneath and her tiny backpack with her precious bits in. Bless her. Hopefully she'll settle in properly by the time the baby's born.

I wasn't sure whether to send her now or in Jan, FrancesJ, but felt she was ready to go now. She'll be 3 in December. My advice would be to go for the nursery you think will be the best in the long run. I must say I am treasuring the idea of 3 mornings a week with just the baby, I hope dd doesn't find it all too much...worry worry again, I'm NOT going to do that now, its too late!

FrancesJ - Meant to add that dd's best friend is 3 and he hardly speaks at all, but he's also going to her nursery and was fine today.

Thanks for the advice, Enid. Glad to hear that your dd had a lovely time - you must be mega-proud of her! But poor you - the ear thing, and the hip thing. Hope you're eating lots of chocolate to compensate yourself. I reckon what I'm going to do with mine own dd is try to find something exciting and nice that dh can do with her on his own on saturday mornings so that she gets a bit of time to socialise without Mummy (who has a nasty habit of translating for her, not making the communication thing any better) until I've found somewhere that I'm entirely happy about her going to at this age. Local playgroup is good, but aimed at older tots, and so it could be a case of waiting until I've passed my driving test, as I've an eye on a lovely looking place based on a farm, where the toddlers go and collect eggs and all that sort of thing - I know she'd love that. Eek, though, at full-time stroppy toddler and new baby. I'm veering from really looking forward to the birth, and wondering how on earth I'll keep things even vaguely under control. I don't think I'll be getting any work done, for a start (meant to be working from home!). Nice to hear of another toddler that doesn't like talking, anyway. Mine communicates beautifully, but it's mainly in mime actions, bless. Understands everything, though, so there aren't any hearing/comprehension worries, which is one thing.

Went to midwife today, baby engaged, although she did add that second babies can pop back up. Hoping it will be sooner rather than later, getting very tired now.

Hope everyone is feeling ok.

Oooh, thats exciting Joe1 - have you packed your bag??? Whats in it??? I have bought a pack of newborn nappies and some mega Kotex - can't for the life of me think of what else I need to take. I have a few bits and pieces for the baby to wear and thats about it.

Ooh, I've remembered, I'm going to buy some arnica pills today for the bruising.

Mine is still engaged, but my bump is tiny especially in comparison with what I was like with dd at this stage. Also havent put on any weight in the last 3 weeks - was a bit concerned about this as I thought the baby should grow at least a pound a week. My midwife told me to stop worrying and eat more puddings

I like the sound of your midwife, Enid! I just seem to be eating more puddings anyway - the only thing that appeals most of the time. I hope your ears are feeling better. I picked up a cold off ds this week, & that's been bad enough -can't imagine how horrible an ear infection would be.

I too think that time has gone very quickly this time round - although I must admit I've had enough now, and quite like the idea of the baby arriving early - I'm 36 weeks on Sunday so suppose I should hope it waits another couple of weeks yet before putting in an appearance.

I've been seeing an osteopath for the last few weeks for back pain - and she's done no end of good - I rarely have pain now, which is fantastic.Still being sick though

Never mind - the end is in sight.......

Yep bag packed. Got nappies, baby grows, vests, wipes, cotton wool, nice shower gel, towel, towel for baby, camera, moisturiser, disposable nickers, maternity and super towels (dont like maternity pads cant walk but thought I would use for first ones), breast pads, face mist, shampoo, still to go in, toothbrush and paste, some music and my essential oils and I will be getting arnica tomorrow and some glucose tablets and drink. Oh and birthing plan and notes to throw in. Looks like Im going for a week. Oh also some little cuddly toys, one ds picked out for the baby. Better take some clothes to come home in incase they chuck me out straight away. Cant think of anything else right now.

It is exciting now, but not feeling on top of the world today, not sure if I did too much yesterday, walked to docs and back plus toddler group. Finding that kicked between the legs feeling very uncomfortable today. Having twinges, similar to the week build up to ds being born.

I agreed that dh could buy babies first baby grow as he dresses baby when born and I had delivered today a Liverpool fc babygrow. What do you think, should I let him put it on a boy for nearly breaking his hand again?

Enid your midwife sounds like mine, she told me not to have it over the weekend as she isnt on duty, Wednesday would suit her better. As it happens Wednesday is 18th, my first date so who knows.

Two people yesterday thought I had atleast a couple of months to go not anytime. I havnt put on as much weight as last time round and everyone says I have a neat bump and I have never been weighed. Im going to have more puddings.

Joe1 your posting was v. useful. I've now got to go add some more things to my bag. I, too, am knackered. Yesterday especially--almost felt like I was getting ill again. Today I'm better after a reasonable night's sleep. I think we must all force ourselves to take it easy, no matter how much there is that needs to be done. I, too, am not as big as last time. Must not be unusual.

What are you mums-to-be taking your new babies home in--i.e. what kind of clothes? Just a blanket over babygro etc? Something heavier? Last time my mother and I misunderstood each other and neither of us remembered to pack clothes for ds. My mother had, however, bought him a snowsuit. So ds went home in a nappy and a snowsuit. I'd like to get this one off to a better start. Any suggestions?

Glad I could be of help. I will probably take more as I am very much a 'take it just in case' person. But I suppose you never know how things will go.

As for going home outfit thats dh department. After baby is born he will go out and buy something for it to come home in, no Liverpool stuff. Ds had a nice little white suit, trousers and top and I even think he had a jacket on poor thing, he must have been boiling being a warm September. But this time I think it will just be a blanket over outfit. If its a girl I expect something very girlie and pretty. He is a very excited daddy.

How far on are you ExpatKat?

Thanks for that list Joe1, very helpful, cant believe I had forgotten breast pads and knickers - will buy pack of cheapy 'real' ones that I can chuck as there is NO WAY I am wearing disposable ones. I'm adding Bach Rescue Remedy to the 'bag' list as I had loads last time and it seemed to help.

New dd/ds will be coming home in a 'grobag' - I bought it from Gap for dd last time, its a very sweet thick cotton jersey sort of 'dress' with an open bottom that you can drawstring closed. Its white with grey stars on it and little fold back hand covers - its very sweet. Bodysuit underneath, warm socks (where can I buy nice baby socks????), hat and lovely 100% cotton fleece blanket. Bless.

You are all inspiring me....although i've got 2 weeks to go, i'm sure this baby is coming early (though she's not allowed to show up before my mother who arrives on the 19th). I'm no where near packing my bag. I think I'm being a bit cavalier as I was in labor for 40 hours first time around, so had plenty of time to get things together. Not to mention ending with a c-section that left me in hospital for 3 days, so hubby could go home and get everything we needed to bring ds home in. Of course this time i'm sure it will be completely different. But the hospital is only 5 min. from the house.

Don't forget to pack slippers for the hospital. I also found a sports bottle is very handy for drinking water while lying down or upside etc. when in labor or afterwards when bfing.

And a hat for the baby.

Enid, H&M usually have really cute stripey socks. But the only ones that truly stay on their feet for more than 30 secs of wriggling are the gap ones (no stripes but nice bright colors at least).

Dont like those knickers much either but they were just easy. I was going to add slippers and dressing gown.

Sofia, I also feel thinks are imminent, but little one will probably prove me wrong. And be careful, my midwife keeps reminding me that things will probably go alot quicker this time. Someone else mentioned to me about a sports bottle, keeping it in the fridge so it was cold and you could grab it on the way out, good idea.

Enid, that little grobag sounds lovely, I think I have seen them but never got one. Those little towelling socks are nice and stay on, think I have got some from Marks before, but cant quite remember. I have some Rescue remedy, think Ill chuck that in my bag too, didnt think of that.

If anybody can think of anything else to go in the bag let me know I still have a little bit of room left.

Enid, I'm 37+ weeks. Ds came 2 wks early, so I'm prepared for early. I attended a refresher antenatal class at my local library a few days ago and started to feel some pains just as we were discussing signs of the onset of labour. I'm so suggestible it isn't funny. But the pains didn't last long, and there's been nothing since.

Thanks for the varied ideas on what to bring new baby home in. I rather like the idea, Joe1, of leaving it to dh. In my case, though, that's risky. . .

Are most of you more or less worried about the approaching birth this time around? I didn't have time to get worried last time with ds being early; but this time, as I'm prepared for early, I have been getting worried. I guess I don't feel comforted by the fact that I've been through this before, because I keep hearing that every pregnancy and birth is different. But. . .my doctor had the reassuring news that 2nd pregnancies/births are statistically the lowest risk.

Wow - you're all so organised. I'd better get cracking on the packing, too. My main worry is getting the rock-a-tot down from the loft, though, since dh is too heavy for the loft ladder, and I really, really don't fancy burrowing around up there to get it. Love the idea of the baby gro-bags. Went to Next this morning to look for nice all in one cosy suits, and couldn't find anything I liked at all. No idea about socks that stay on, though. Used to put scratch mitts on dd's feet when desperate last time around - they seemed to stay on better. Got some funny looks though.

Have to say that I'm feeling worried about birth this time around. Partly because of having the emergency c-section last time, and wanting to avoid that happening again, I think. The good news for me is that the hospital are letting me go over my due date now, which they said that they wouldn't recommend earlier, but hopefully something will happen before then, anyway. Have no idea what a so-called 'normal' labour is like, though, so much went wrong the first time. Feeling horribly guilty about dd, too - worrying about if I'm kept in hospital again, and how I'll balance having two children around. Just feeling generally worrisome at the moment, anyway, and nauseous, which is rare for me. Hopefully things will all seem more exciting, and less worrisome tomorrow.

My bump has expanded overnight and is now feeling very huge. Braxton Hicks have increased A LOT and are really sore now and I've still four weeks to go - have no hope of baby coming early, not something that ever seems to happen in my family, although I was only 2 days over with dd if that means anything.

FrancesJ - when we finally got the car seat out of the attic it had been nibbled by mice! So have splashed out on nice new Rock A Tot (about the only new thing we actually have bought for the poor hard-done by second baby).

Oh dear, about mice nibbling car seats. I'd better get up there into that loft rather than putting it off until my sainted mother arrives. I hadn't thought of mice, although we've got them in the garage (hence everything being in loft). We've bought poor baby2 (so far) a rattle and a beautiful new baby sling, but not sure baby sling counts. Am making it a nice fleecy beanbag this afternoon if I've time though. Am wondering if I can make a gro-bag thing, too, since we're penny-pinched at the moment, and getting a buggyboard/hitchiker seat is the priority. Ack - makes me feel so mean. We still haven't really decided on any names, and I'm 38wks Tuesday. Eek!

Bump getting bigger here, too. Went to local nature reserve this am, and heffalumped around it. Dd had massive strop because she couldn't climb into the water, and wanted to be carried around by Mummy. Oh dear. Think I'm having Braxton Hicks but not entirely sure - are they the period-like pains? Oh, and head is, according to midwife, 2/5 engaged, which I assume is sort of half-way. I want to wear normal clothes again!!!!

Oooo everybody is getting so close. I have had a crap couple of days, not sure it it is because things are very close, had lots of twinges too, or just over done it due to ds birthday party yesterday and birthday today. We will soon see as one due date Wednesday. Baby feels like it is doing a headstand on my pelvis.

FrancesJ I too am feeling alittle unsure of birth as I know what to expect but also know that each are very different. I dont like the idea of leaving ds but fingers crossed all goes well and am out next day, or they may send me home same day if born early hours and all ok.

How did ds birthday go Joe1, was it fun, did he enjoy it? What did you get him? sounds like you need a bit of rest now.

I've pretty much given up on eating as my indigestion has got so bad, I permanently feel as though I've got a lump of food stuck in my tummy (pleasant!).

I am going to balloon in weight once I have had this baby as I'll be able to stuff myself without having to wash everything down with Gaviscon...roll on those days...

Having a lovely birthday thanks Enid. Expecting dh home anytime so ds will open pressies from us in a while. Had a party yesterday at PlayZone and would recommend to anybody, they all had a great time and I felt good value for money. Expecting grandparents and my sister around this afternoon so his birthday really will be all day. Cake turned out just fine so was pleased.

Know what you mean about food, I just pick yet most things leave a horrible taste in my mouth. Ice creams and milk are still going strong. Heartburn not very regular so kept off that horrible stuff this time round yuk. Not long for us now. What are the odds of having 2 babies on their due dates? Im hoping 18th is correct one.