Due October 2019 Thread 2 💙💖 babies are coming x

[HJWT]

Thread 2

Last night I was excited enough to get up and check/re-pack my bag as I was convinced the cramps were going to turn into something - but nothing came of it, although actually I slept better afterwards than I have for weeks.
We still haven’t settled on a name, I am waiting to see who we have and what they look like, but the shortlist keeps changing.
I’ve also got lots of pressure - although it feels like the baby is moving up and down and I’m moving between intense pelvic pressure and then not being able to breathe. Fun!
Hope you’ve all had a lovely Sunday - I have work to do, but am contemplating a nap!!

@SunshineSophia it is hard isn’t it? DH is finding it difficult too, we’re in his BIL’s old room surrounded by his BIL’s stuff and photographs, and PILs keep trying to step in and tell us/him what to do and generally act like he’s still a kid, which I fear will only get worse once the baby’s here...

@SRK16 @cattaxi I do know the code but the alarm starts the second you swing your leg out onto the top step so it would probably wake them up by the time I get down there and turn it off! DH said if we ask them not to set it they’d just worry about it, we might ask them not to when baby’s here though.
The hospital I’m delivering in is a good long drive away so we’re planning on setting off as soon as labour starts. If I get there too early some friends of ours who live closer have said we can go to theirs and I’ll just dilate in their house for a while before we go back!

I get on and off low down pressure, but I think it's baby bobbing up and down position wise. I didn't feel dd engage either though so I don't think my body takes much notice of standard labour ideas.

@AngeloMysterioso I'm only 30 mins from my delivery option, but I'm very unsure when to set off. Last time we only got there 50 mins before dd appeared. As things can happen faster second time, plus we have dd that we need to get looked after, I don't know if I go early, but get turned away, or risk it and stay home as long as I can. I don't want to be turned away and I think being in the pool will make the contractions easier (as will the gas and air) as last time I was already 6cm when we got there so I could've gone earlier had I known I was in labour. But I do worry ill give birth in the car park if I leave it too late.

@carysred we haven't settled on a boys name yet, but think we have our girls name picked. We only decided a few weeks ago though and that was yet another change from what we had previously decided.
Boys names have been an issue, which is why I think it will be a boy, as we will have to actually pick a name.
It's weird as we had 2 boys names and 2 girls names set by around 30 weeks last time and we didn't change our mind on any of them. This time, it's been a real struggle as we just haven't been able to agree at all.

I've just enjoyed some Pepsi after sending dh out to get something fizzy. Couldn't remember how much I'd felt movement today as it all fades into each other and didn't fancy eating any chocolate so needed some fizz.
It's done the job and baby has done some jiggling around.
I've been quite constipated the past day or 2 which is rubbish. Makes me think I'm far away from labour as there'll be too much poop inside me blocking the pathway 😂 (sorry for tmi)
Either that or I'll do the biggest poo when I give birth! (was impressed that I didn't poo last time)
At least it gave me a chance to practice my hypnobirthing down breathing which did work so that's a positive.

@CarysRed sounds very promising. Good luck, hope it happens soon!

@cattaxi I’m with you when it comes to getting excited about dinners etc. All this waiting around makes you feel like you have achieved something useful even just having dinner organised lol.

I’m absolutely obsessed with cleaning just now. I get so happy putting a washing on because I adore the smell of the fabric conditioner and can’t leave the mop alone.

Does anyone have restless legs? I seem to have got into a routine of going for a hot bath when my DD goes for a nap as it’s the only thing that soothes mine.

How is everyone getting on with their hospital bags? Mine is pretty much ready I’ve stolen an idea from someone in the FB group and put everything in Ikea food bags and labelled them with a sharpie, and they’re coloured coded so mine are turquoise or white and the baby’s are yellow. I’ve also pre-packed some outfits for the baby, so every yellow outfit bag has a vest, babygrow and hat. That way DH can just pull out a complete set without having to make a mess rummage around and we know that if something is not in a bag that means it isn’t clean.
I’ve packed-

For Me

Clothes
Button down nightshirt x 2
Bikini
Button down pyjamas
Dressing gown
Loose, comfy clothes for travelling home
Big black knickers x 5
Nursing bras x 2
Warm socks x 4
Flip flops
Slippers
Wide head band x2
Black towel x 2

Toiletries
Contact lenses/solution
Flannel
Deodorant
Shampoo
Shower gel
Shower puff
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Lip balm
Epaderm
Hand sanitiser
Hand cream
Moist toilet wipes
Bag for dirty clothes

Washbag
Make up bag
Make up brushes
Cleansers
Day cream & serum
Night cream & serum
Lip Balm
Hairbrush
Comb
Hairbands/grips
(this is all stuff I use every day so it’s not in my hospital bag yet, but I’ve started keeping it all in my washbag and just taking that to the bathroom in the morning/evening so that when I need to I can just chuck it in and go)

Medicines
Thyroxine
Deflatine
Ranitidine
Loratadine
Lactulose
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen

Other
Maternity Notes
Glasses
Breast pads
Maternity pads
Nipple cream
Nipple shields
Maternity mats (for the car)
Pillow
Earplugs
Sleep mask
Anker powerbank & cables (fully charged)
iPad & charger
Snacks & drinks
Bendy straws

For Baby
Sleepsuit outfit for daytime (vest, sleepsuit, hat) x 4
Plain white sleepsuit & vest for nighttime x 5
Cuddly toy
Going home outfit
Muslins
Blanket
Nappies
Water Wipes
Nappy bags
Sudocrem
Nail scissors/nail clippers
Hairbrush

Also got my Tens machine & spare batteries, not in the bag as I’ll probably need it in the car! It looks like a crazy long list but all my stuff fits into a little cabin suitcase, baby’s stuff is in a large Le Pliage bag.

What do you think?

Thank you everyone!. I’ll catch up later with everyone, sorry!!. We’ve had a bit of an argument with MIL and SIL as I didn’t want to drive up in the rain to see SIL off for her first day back to uni. It’s an hour drive, plus bad weather and the cramps. But they’re saying I was thoughtless. DP is on the phone atm.

We’ve narrowed it down to Lucan, Thomas and Eli so I think we’re just waiting to see what he will look like.

@AngeloMysterioso that's sounds good. It seems to have all the essentials and anything else you might want to make your stay comfortable (I don't do makeup/creams/serums etc so that saves me a load of space ☺)

I don't think my hospital has enough space for more than 1 bag so I have to make sure it all fits in a single bag. Last time there was literally a little bedside cabinet with a shelf under it (like you get at a hotel) and everything had to fit there as they didn't like things around the bed causing access issues. It might have changed by now though.

Tbh, I'm only packing for 1 night at the moment and if I need more dh can go and get it and bring it in.
If I go way over and induction is planned then I'll probably pack a secondary bag for me with extras to keep in the car.
I like the coloured and labelled bag idea, although it don't have any I could use so mine is basic separation wise! You have reminded me to pack a plastic bag for the destroyed clothing though!

Wowzers @AngeIoMysterioso - that is some organisation! Last night (when I was having some cramps) I thought I ought to bung some stuff in a bag, so here is my (hastily packed and definitely not labelled!) list:
For me:
Feeding Nightgown
5 X pants
Warm socks
2 x nursing bra
1 x sports bra (to wear in the pool)
Comfy going home outfit
Breast pads
Maternity pads
Toothbrush, body wash, hair bands
Towel
Paracetamol / ibuprofen
Lip balm
Drinks and snacks
For baby:
10 x nappies
Wipes
5 x sleepsuits (in different sizes)
4 x vests
Cardigan
2 huge muslin / swaddles
Blanket
Hat
Scratch mits
Boots
I’ll send DH home for more stuff if we need to stay in longer. It all fits into a small cabin bag sized case.
What have I forgotten??

Well my "induction" hasn't gone to plan. My appointment was supposed to be at 9:30am this morning. Half an hour before leaving for the hospital they rang and said there's no beds so to come in at 2pm. Got here at 2 to be told there's still no beds so I'm currently on a random ward for women who have already given birth and they can't start my induction until there's a bed on the ward I'm supposed to be on. So I feel like it's so pointless me being here (I'm next though apparently) but have been told it'll be more likely that I'm induced tomorrow because of how busy it is 😩

@newbabyyy2019 oh god sorry to hear that. Not very nice to be sitting round all the new mothers when you will be desperate to get your little bundle of joy in your arms. You’ve come this far, I imagine it will be a long wait for you but at least you know your next to go good luck

@CarysRed so you are being thoughtless by not driving an hour away... I imagine miles away from maternity unit? Whilst having cramps? Some people are nuts lol take no notice of them, you are doing the right thing

@CarysRed they sound thoughtless! Think you’ve done the right thing not going, take it easy x

@newbabyyy2019 that sounds very frustrating. Hope things get going for you soon.

Re bags- have packed for ELCS after being told I’ll be in at least 2 nights. Aside from toiletries...
2x button down nighties
5x huge pants
Slippers
Flip flops for shower
Comfy leggings
2x nursing tops
Nursing bra
Lanisol (sp?) nipple cream
Nipple pads
Maternity pads
Water bottle with straw
Charger/iPad

For baby:
4x vests in up to one month
2x vest 0-3 months
4x bodysuits up to one month
2x vest 0-3 months
Cardigan
Hat
Scratch mits
Nappies
Nappy cream
Cotton wool
2x small muslins
1x XL muslin

Have got the baby bits in freezer bags with labels to help find what I’m searching for!

@Slinkyreptile the dinner was worth the wait! My mums on holiday, so my dad came over as well. It’s nice to have a full table of appreciative diners 🙂

Good that you’ve a back up plan for the hospital @AngeIoMysterioso. We are an hour away from our “local” hospital. I’m hoping I won’t go into labour before my section date, but if I do I’ll be heading there ASAP.
Your bags look great & super organised! I’m impressed you’ve got so much stuff in there.

@CarysRed lovely names! I can’t believe they are angry with you for not going when you are this pregnant and having cramps. That’s crazy!

Oh gosh @newbabyyy2019. That sounds really frustrating. Maybe that Ward is better though. I fell over at 38 weeks with ds & had to spend the night on the ward with the women in early labour. Some of them got quite far overnight & listening to them frightened the life out of me! I do wonder if that’s why ds did everything he could to avoid coming out 😂

Your list looks great too @Figuringitout. I really need to sort by bags out this week.

@srk16 - ds was very, very pukey after my c-section. Apparently this can be caused by mucous that would usually be squeezed out during a vaginal delivery! We got through loads of babygro’s in the first 24 hours thanks to it. I was very glad of the back up bag we had in the car. Might be worth having one in case your baby is the same.

I hope everyone is having a nice evening. My baby seems to have gone a bit lower, which is helping with the heartburn, but causing me to have no control over my farts! So glam!

@newbabyyy2019 oh god that must be frustrating! But fingers crossed it isn’t long for you now!.

Thanks everyone, I knew I was right. They’ve got over it now I think, but said DP could’ve got in the car with them and left me at home. But he wanted a day off as he’s been busy all weeks, and with the cramps that I’ve got he didn’t want to go just in case anything happened

@newbabyyy2019 oh that sucks. Just try and keep in mind that it will soon be over.
Hopefully you manage an OK sleep tonight and you are first one in the morning. Soon enough you will have the cutest, squigiest baby in your arms along with lots of crying and poop. Ahh parenting!

I never understand hospitals and how they arrange people bed wise. When I had dd, I was next to a woman (in a ward of 4 of us) whose baby was in NICU. All the rest of us on the ward had our baby's next to us and she didn't. Seemed an awful decision to have her in the same ward when she didn't have her baby.

@cattaxi Im still suffering with my acid reflux although it only appears in the evenings. Baby has been hiccuping tonight and I can feel those right down low so Im assuming that's where the head is.
It's good that baby has moved enough to give you some relief from the heartburn. I think at this point there is no glam left. It's just preparing us for labour. Best bit of advice my sister ever gave me was "when you go to give birth, leave all your pride at the door on the way in"

Anyone know if baby's can still spin around and turn as I'm still never sure what I feel when there's a lumpy bit. I assume it's bum but sometimes where it is makes me think baby isn't head down as I can't figure out how it's contorted itself to be head down, but bum where the hard lump is.

@figuringitout and @srk16 both lists seem good to me. I always think it feels so real when the bag is done. Luckily the hospital isn't far from Asda so I'll have easy back up if I've missed things.
Last time I had a spinal block for my tear surgery so spent pretty much the whole time in my nightie as I couldn't feel my legs. I was only in for 24hrs and couldn't be arsed "looking good" I'm pretty sure I looked like a tramp on the way in and on the way out 😂
It was really nice not having to get up to pee though. After months of constant toilet trips, a catheter for 12 hours was like a break.

BIL popped over tonight with his partner to collect some carpet we had in the loft. They told us that should we have any issues with PIL getting dd or anything then let them know and they are happy to help which is nice. They live on the other side of our town, so only about 5-10 mins away.
PIL are about 20 mins away but if it's fast I won't be waiting at home for them to come to get dd and it's a slight diversion away from the hospital so if its when dd isn't at school and we are rushing we are going to meet at the hospital to hand her over. No way am I risking a detour.

Everyone else wishing there was a crystal ball to at least give you a heads up to plan for?! I'm sat bouncing on my ball as the swaying helps my hips. Still no signs of anything though. Oh my god, I'm going to have had a meltdown by 41 weeks. No idea how there is space in my skin to get any bigger either.

I have missed so much after being away for two days!

😍at babies being born or about to be born!

Setting my place at the wide awake club early tonight. The last couple of days have been a whirlwind with packing and moving and NCT. I made the mistake of falling asleep at 7pm for an hour and now wide awake. My mum has the cleaner coming at 8am tomorrow so no chance of a lie in 😫

I’m awake too - trying to sleep but baby feels like it is trying to tunnel out and I am hotter than the sun. Urgh! I keep thinking that in a few days (weeks? Hopefully not) I will be awake anyway feeding a newborn so this is good practice!

I didn’t have any long periods of being awake last night. Was up every hour for a wee, but went back to sleep each time.
I hope I do the same tonight, I’ve got to get my van to the garage by 8am. Which means I need to be up at 6, as the van lives at my parents house. They have more space than us and it’s huge.
I was having back pain and some cramps again last night, but quiet again now. So I assume she’s just practicing.

@newbabyyy2019 keeping my fingers crossed you have a baby today! Or tomorrow at the latest 😁

@Frizzy1986 Iv started with a bit of heartburn again TMI but it makes me bring a bit of sick up to, Also I think we are giving birth at the same hospital!

@cattaxi I am with you on the farts 😳 DH thinks its hilarious!!

@CarysRed I am glad your in laws have calmed down, some people are just selfish unfortunately xx

I got transferred to the labour ward last night after all the messing about and was able to be examined and have the propess inserted. I woke up a few times with cramping and have cramping this morning aswell but don't feel like much else has happened. They said the next step would be to break my waters but there's loads of people who have been waiting for days for that so I'm not getting my hopes up on anything happening soon 😩

I’m with you, with the uncontrolled wind. My nieces think it’s hilarious.
@newbabyyy2019 hopefully they don’t let you continue waiting around for the next step.
I do know this is the busiest time for maternity units. 9 months after Christmas and New Year.

@HJWT I think we are too ☺ I'm hoping I can use the birth centre as it wasn't open when dd was born but I had her at the stand alone. Was gutted they've had to close it to be honest as it's easier for us to get to and less busy birth wise. It's one of my worries, that I'll get kicked out after birth and moved to the postnatal ward as all the rooms are needed. I didn't like the postnatal ward last time when I was transferred as it was Xmas Day and they failed to tell me they had extended visiting times. All these families arrived early Xmas morning and dh had no idea he could come before 11am so he was visiting his gran. I think it just brings back emotional memories more than it actually being a bad ward though.
I had some "almost sick" incidents last week too. Not pleasant at all, but they've disappeared again now.

@Em39ma finally a half decent night for you, well as decent as it seems to get at this stage. I don't want to make people jealous but I didn't wee between 11pm and 6am. I did wake up a few times but went back to sleep. I'm a bit worried that it actually means I havent been drinking enough.
Oooo cramps and back pains. How far along are you now? I only seem to get cramps when I go to bed and lie on my right side, think it's just bump being pulled or something as when I move it goes away.
I'm hoping maybe I'll just go straight into contractions with no warning?!? My mum said yesterday when I called (we speak to each other each week as I live up North, but am from the South) that when she had me, she was making pancakes the night before having had no signs of anything so she wasn't expecting things and bam that night she was in labour and had me the next morning.
I've had pancakes this morning so maybe it will be a family tradition that they set you off! Haha.

I have a day of nothing planned today. Well school run, then school pick up and taking dd to rainbows. That's it. I'm going to wash up and collect the bins to give me something to do but can't think of anything else.

@figuringitout yes definitely good practice, although it's nothing like you can ever imagine or prepare for.
Best thing in the world, but my god I found it a real shock to the system. Dd refused to sleep at all during the night unless she was lying on someone for about a week. I'd sit up in bed with her asleep on me for 3hrs, then dh would do a 2hr stint and so on. It was rough, but then dd did turn into a horrific sleeper anyway. I think this time will work better as a) baby will have to fit in with our life with dd and b) having 1 child makes you realise that you winged it last time and they turned out alright so I won't stress about if I'm doing the right thing or not, I'll just do what works at the time and not worry about it.
It's always my one piece of advice to first timers, whatever you do, your kid will be OK. As long as you feed them, change them, love them and keep them safe, how they sleep, how you play with them, how you feed them, what you do when they cry, none of it makes a difference when they are a 5 year old. Just do what makes you feel most comfortable and works for you and your baby.

@Frizzy1986 I had DD on delivery suite due to diabetes, also have to go there this time because of the haemorrhage! Birthing suite is lovely though my friend had her son there and I was at the birth was really relaxed! I remember DH being allowed in before 11 so maybe they have made visiting earlier on the ward (that was 3 years ago) x

@HJWT hopefully. I think a lot has changed since I had dd almost 6 years ago. They've invested a fair bit in the whole unit and it's nice that you can have water births on delivery suite too with an inflatable pool. When I had dd if the static pool room was already taken, that was it you couldn't have one.
Just hope when the time comes, the motorway isn't backed up as traffic through the city would be a nightmare. That stretch and the city in general has had some quite bad incidents and queues over the past few weeks.

@Frizzy1986 I know it can be quite bad trying to get through to the hospital specially on a weekend!