October 2004 - Moose massive, part 3

[beansprout]

Does anyone want to come and play here? There's loads of space!

Ostepaths tend to treat aches, pains, strains, usually the back, but they work with the whole body. They use a mixture of localised massage and manipulation. They will ask you lots of questions and then do a "treatment", i.e. some work on your bod. They train for 4 years and don't need to specialise in preg related stuff as it's part of the training.

You can just ring and ask to make an appointment, perhaps ask to see them about preg related back ache and posture? They really are ideal for this stuff though. Good luck B.

PS Head massage should be fine if your preg is healthy. Preg does not contraindicate massage in anyway, in fact head massage would be a good one as you can sit comfortably while it is being done. Enjoy!!

Bibiboo, I used to go to an osteopath last autumn before I was pg, and it was a combination of massage and manipulation. Hearing things clicking was a bit alarming, but I went about 3 times and felt loads better. He told me that it is safe when you are pg. Just tell them you are pg and where your aches and pains are.
Re the Indian head massage - I am pretty sure this is also safe, and it is meant to make you feel great. As far as I know, it's only reflexology that you have to avoid during most of a pregnancy because some people think it can induce labour. Didn't work for me when I had it done at 8 1/2 months last time!

HTH!

Sounds perfect, going to call in after work as they are open quite late and ask for some more info. Would be lovely to have someone make my back better. Can i request an armchair at my desk instead of this awful piece of "furniture" I have now.

Bibiboo,
can also agree on the Indian head massage - perfect for now. BTW the Bugaboo is a cool new pram/buggy/travel system. Looks weird but supposed to be fab (self-confessed buggy addict here!)

Toots, love the bottle fairy idea - how did you get on? We gave DD's bottles to Santa Claus this year and it worked a treat apart from the fact that she never again drank milk (other than in cereal) - weird. Will be trying the same trick with DS this year!

I see an osteopath, especially for Symphysis Pubis Disfunction (or SPD) - she is a specialist in pregnancy. The only thing is she won't do a full manipulation of my sacroiliac joints until I am at least 34 weeks because there are known instances of women going into premature labour after a proper manipulation, and just in case the two are related, she would rather be safe. I feel much better after her treatments though and can recommend it.

On an entirely differnet note, DS has been successfully potty trained in just 2 weeks! Hurray, no more nappies (except at night) until late October! Little man looks so cute in his jockeys...no bum!

Have you had a risk assessment for your "workstation" B? Your needs can change through preg so you are entitled to request another one. It could help a lot - not good for you to have to spend money at the osteopath when simple adjustments could be made.

Btw, you have to undress to your underwear at the osteopath, so they can fully assess your posture etc. It's ok for most people, but of course, not for everyone. Just so you know!

Nice one miffy! Will be coming to you for tips (in due course)!!

OK, I'm going to make a move on all the info given here and suggest, rather boldly, that we meet on Tuesday September 14th. Perhaps we could plan to meet at 11.30 allowing for lunch and the possibility of getting home for afternoon naps.

Will say no more about it for now, we can thrash out the location nearer the time. Suffice to say seated round a table gets my vote!

The bottle thing worked a treat. She didn't even seem to be expecting the presents. She didn't want a Matey bath though - told me the bottle had cream and/or mayonnaise in. Was not happy initially not to be getting a bottle this morning, then was fine.

I've been at the hospital having a glucose tolerance blood test today. They want to rule out gestational diabetes as dd was 9lb 6oz. It was quite vile. Up at 7, in at 8 and couldn't eat till 11.30. Feel sure that it will be negative. Hope so anyway.

my fellow mooses have been busy today. Bibi thanks for asking all the questions I was also thinking. Now I need to find a good osteopath

You could order a bugaboo from John Lewis and they also have a website bubaboo.nl - they have suggested day trips in London, Edinburgh, Brighton and so on - maybe even Wales

Miffy well done on potty training in two weeks!! I have heard boys are harder than girls - has anyone else found that?

Geoteach -you are very lucky! I know the time is coming that we have to face the facts but it still frightens the crap out of me. Did anyone see that programme last night on channel 4 The Practice? If so why did they have to induce labour? I didn't see it from the beginning. When she did finally go into labour and was in the final stage of pushing, she was crying in agony and I started bawling. I find it very difficult to watch that on tv now without crying myself. Does that mean I am just a big chicken?

Awww Toots I am sure it will be fine, having a mini GTT on friday myself, only need to drink a bottle of Lucazade an hour before blood test. That's what I was told anyway, there wasn't mention of fasting? hmm maybe I should ring m/w and check?

I am sorry but 9lbs 6oz - ahem but didn't that hurt? Talk about a bouncing baby

Meeting up on the 14th sounds terrific, I guess we will all be on the home straight by then

Fab Toots - it's in my diary!! Location nearer the time but perhaps near a mainline station somewhere and then if anyone is a bit out of town but feeling brave, perhaps they could join too?

Turtle - I would feel the same, and so far have managed to avoid any birth viewing. They do make us watch one in one of the classes though... yikes!

Oh by the way roundtable gets my vote too with very comfortable seats!!

Bean I know, I know, I am dreading watching that video cause I know I am gonna start crying again and everyone will think "that woman is complete wimp"

I haven't met an honest pregnant woman yet who was not terrified of the birth. Of course we are - all we ever see are portrayals of terrified women, screaming in agony! What's not to be scared of?! I just keep telling myself "it will all be over at some point and it will all be worth it".....

Unfortunately I can't make that time as DS needs to be picked up from nursery at 12. However any time Monday should be OK - or a pm/evening meet up somewhere? I'm at work Wed-Friday, and in some ways a post-work meet-up (after 5pm) would be easier - no DS to deal with, and I can make most central London locations.

BTW I am on orders not to eat anything from 11.30 this morning until I have my blood test this pm between 1.30 and 2.30pm - I think this is the glucose test but not sure? I will find out.

Florence - no worries, we can sort out a good time for all of us.
Good luck to you all with these tests. My midwife said I don't have to have this - should I be relieved or worried?!

Potty training tip for boys - this worked on my younger brother. My gran put a painted ping pong ball down the loo (too light to flush away) and my brother used it as a "target" when he was being a big boy and using the grown up potty. No girl alternatives I'm afriad, but I shall be trying this one if my Boo comes out a boy.

Bean thanks for the encouraging words, it's so good knowing I am not the only one in this frame of mind.

The Glucose testing is done every where. I wouldn't be worried about it if I were you but I am sure you could ask for it.

Would love to meet up too. If daytime meet, Monday or Friday would suit me (would be with DS) or any evenings, even better, when DH can babysit.

Have been a bit erratic in my MN postings as I'm delighted to say I've been having long lunches in celebration of my last day at work this coming Friday! I'm so relieved, but also nervous as it makes things even more real... (which bit of this enormous watermelon I've been carrying doesn't make it real, I'm not sure!).

Am v. impressed with your DS's potty training Miffy - well done to you both! My DS still seems a long way off but might give it a try soon, if he shows willing.

In very good mood today as am off tomorrow for a day spa thing at the Sanctuary (my birthday treat from DH) with a spot of theatre to follow! I AM the birthday weeble!

I know what you mean Sooz. I have a bump, am being checked, kicked, am buying stuff... but mention my last day at work (another 7 full weeks for me) and it all feels a bit real!!

Woohoo to Birthday weebles though - have a fab time!

Thanks Bean!

Happy birthday Ms Sooz, enjoy every fragrant moment - you deserve it.

Far too excited about meet-a-moose not to carry on nudging forward the details - would 6.00/6.30 suit most people? I have already told dp to put 14th September in his diary.

Can't tell you all how much the prospect of our date turns the next couple of months into a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end, rather than just a slog into early autumn.

Same here Toots!! Anytime would be fine with me, so just consider me in. Those long few weeks of mat. leave, waiting for the big day feel just that bit easier now! I was entertaining visions of leaving work/civilisation and sitting at home, unable to get up, obsessed with whether or not I was in labour or not. Now I realise that life will continue!

I told dp about our "meece-up" last night, and he did look a little scared, have to say....