Catching up with TTC #1, thread 8!

[MrsEG]

Getting a new one started before we are full! I’ll go back now and add people - answering everyone’s last posts here!!

@MrsR16 Nesting sounds like a good idea! Our house is such a mess at the moment mid-decorating and I cant wait for it all to be done so I can tidy!!

@BabySquid Fabulous bump! Glad you had such a brilliant time. I’m starting to think that pain sleeping is all just part and parcel of being pregnant now! At my yoga class everyone complains of it!

@Tropicana1 I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about!

@purplefig Yeah it was amazing to hear! Apparently IVF twins are more likely to be small but she never explained why. But yeah, induction is less likely for growth - it could still be needed for other reasons but it’s nice to have one of them off the list! How are you feeling, sleeping any better?

@ELW85 I did sleep a little bit better! I still woke up about 4:30 but slept all the way from 10 til then which is amazing! I feel like I’m slowly getting used to just being tired now! Glad you managed a better sleep!

@PippaPug Glad you got the radiator sorted! Yeah I’m amazed at how care changes from place to place but I think the main thing is as long as someone is seeing us at least once a month then that’s great!! How have you been feeling? I’m 24+4 today and really starting to feel uncomfortable now. My bump measured approx 32 weeks yesterday!! 32!!! She thinks they must be lying all at the front.

@cupcakesandglitter From doing some googling I think at the 28 week appt they’ll more start telling me what I can and can’t do in the birth - like start laying out all of my options? So I’m not gonna worry too much and wait to see what they say! My only ‘preference’ is everyone arrives happy and healthy and all are safe and well! I love the bong haha - how are you feeling today?

@purplefig it's nice having a bit of Christmas up and about already! 😂

@LokiCat yay for halfway!! Now for the longest half 😂 I'm so glad you've tried to deal with your anxiety - sounds like you're smashing it! Hope you enjoyed your dinner at the pub last night 😊

@MrsH497 oh lovely I'm sorry to hear you're still struggling with sickness! But I am happy to read that you're putting you and baby first!

@BabySquid wow, 30 weeks? Just crazy! It really won't be long before you meet your baby!

@MrsEG I have absolutely no idea what he'll be like! I think he'll push off out the way if baby cries too much! 😂 but I hope the two of them get on and the dog is protective without being too much... yay for babies doing well! But not so much for them both being breech! So awkward for you! There is still time though lovely 😊

38 weeks today... I am so ready to meet this baby it's unreal! It had a quiet day yesterday, but is back on the movements again today, which is wonderful but it's now so big that it's really uncomfortable! DH keeps saying that I just need to concentrate on growing our baby rather than doing anything else bless him 😊

@MrsEG yeah the GD is absolutely fine, I've not really changed much in my diet and my blood prick tests are well within normal range so I'm going to demand a retest on Friday when I'm there for a check up as I think it was timing of the original test with being jet lagged and not eating since 11/12 o'clock the previous day!
Glad you had a great time at your class, and that is a bit scary about the other couple but glad they're all well.
@MrsR16 38 weeks goodness! How sweet of your DH, don't they just melt you when they're like that?!
I think I've finally caught up on everyone. Far too much to comment on though so I'm just glad that everyone is doing well enough, except @MrsH497 sorry to hear you're struggling so much with sickness, I really hope it gets better soon for you lovely.

I took a bump pic on Monday which was 30 weeks while at my mums... posted 😁 also just ordered my baby shower cake 🎂 for January

@BabySquid I honestly don't know what I'd do without him sometimes 😍 and you are looking incredible!! Gorgeous bump 😊

@BabySquid you look beautiful!

I'm doing ok. Frustrated because it had been so much better but yesterday was just awful (topped off by getting home and realising my IV site was bleeding quite a bit!) but nice shower and a relaxing day on the sofa snoozing and asos browsing for clothes xx

@PippaPug what a lovely bump! I'm doing ok thanks. Had a few very busy weeks at work so a bit tired. Looking forward to 6 days off over Christmas! Glad everything ok after your trip to hospital. They're wee rascals sometimes with the worry they cause us!

@ELW85 I was worried about DVT too. Just drink plenty, do loads of leg exercises while sitting and get up for a wander every so often - you'll have to if you drink lots. I've started taking a large empty water bottle with me, as long as it's empty you be though security fine and then can fill up at water fountains at duty free/gates. What did you think of the Baby has Landed?

@LokiCat happy 20 weeks! Make sure you get your compressions stockings, drink plenty and move about lots - there will be plenty trips to the loo! Sorry to hear about your motion sickness, I can't read on trains/buses/cars but always been ok on planes

@MrsR16 38 weeks! So exciting! Sorry you're so uncomfortable now, not much longer though until your wee one is here.

@BabySquid lovely bump, you're looking fab too.

@MrsH497 sorry you're having such a rough time of it. Hopefully you'll soon be entering the next phase, and be feeling lots better.

Hope everyone is well. It's my only day off this week and was planning on doing stuff for work but I just can't be bothered today so I've been extremely lazy! 26+5, can't believe I'm nearing third trimester. I need it to slow down a bit, I've genuinely bought nothing for baby so far! 😂😂

Afternoon all!

I’m officially back to being exhausted. Keep waking up at 3/4am and not getting back to sleep.
Had my midwife appointment today; he was lying with his back to my left rib and his head down, bless him! Strong heartbeat though which was lovely to hear 😀

@purplefig - your tree sounds great! We’ve gone for a combo of white baubles with pale gold, and a dark red.
We ditched the silver and blue of last year, as a change was needed!
I can’t believe you’re over 30 weeks. That’s crazy!! How are you feeling? Is there much left to do?

@PippaPug @MrsEG @MrsR16 @LokiCat - I seriously can’t wait for NYC now, especially if it’s snowing!!
I’ve been loads before but it always feels really magical this time of year and bizarrely enough, it’s only the second part of annual leave I’ve had this year so no wonder I’m exhausted!
Can’t wait to have some NYC pizza and forget all about work 😀

@LikeTheFruit - thanks for the flying tip. The midwife basically said what you’ve said today, so no doubt I’ll be guzzling the water and walking around hourly. Anything it takes to avoid DVT basically!

@BabySquid - lovely bump! I hope you’re well.

@MrsH497 - sorry you’re so poorly, everything crossed it gets better soon!

@LikeTheFruit @MrsEG - honestly not sure of how I felt about The Baby Has Landed. I think they’re just trying to cover so many diverse family angles it was a little hard to relate but I’ll probably watch the second episode?

@MrsR16 - wow, 38 weeks!! Really not long to go. I’d be a mix of terrified and excited, which I’m sure is probably normal! Do you have any energy back yet?

@LokiCat Congrats on hitting 20 weeks - halfway is a big milestone! How're you feeling? The musical sounds like great fun. I heartily recommend finding a good baby sale near you if you don't want to spend loads on new stuff - we've stocked up on loads of baby clothes for 50p - £1.50, as well as picked up bigger items like a sling, baby bath, play gym and bouncer. NCT sometimes run them, but I found ours on Facebook.

@MrsH497 sorry to hear yesterday was pants. How're you doing today? Have you discussed with work?

@MrsEG Glad to hear you enjoyed your NCT twin session, it sounds like it was really informative. Great news the boys are measuring well too. Just need to flip up now...must be so much trickier for them when there's another body in there!

@MrsR16 38 weeks - oh my goodness! So not long to go now (I bet you're sick of hearing that)!

@BabySquid great bump due date twin!

@ELW85 glad your midwife appointment went well, though the 3am/4am sleep disturbance isn't ideal. Your tree sounds lovely! I know...time really is flying. Uhhh I don't think we've got too much left to do now - we've got the pram, we know which car seat we're getting (that was the biggest stress!), got some basic unisex clothes to cover us for up to 3 months. I'm getting the last of my birth bag bits this weekend and then packing that, as we're away over Christmas so I want to bring it with me just in case. DH has also insisted on stocking the changing table, despite me reminding him we're just having a baby not moving to Outer Mongolia...

Have a lovely evening everyone! x

Hi all! Happy hump day 😊

@MrsH497 oh no, I'm so sorry you've been having such a rough time! You and baby are definitely what's most important. I hope you feel better soon!

@MrsEG scan is on Monday! Definitely most excited to find out what we're having and of course get a chance to see baby again. I know a lot of you have said that the 20 week scan is really detailed as well, so can't wait to see :)
Oh that's great that you don't have to worry about doing the test!
Great to hear the boys are doing well and a win in my eyes that you basically get to eat more 😊

@MrsR16 wow 38 weeks! I'm sure you're just itching for baby to arrive now. How lovely of your DH! It is brilliant when they're so understanding about it all.
Dinner was lovely last night thank you. Can't beat pub food 🙊

@BabySquid happy 30 weeks!! You look so fab and what a gorgeous bump.
Yay for cake! I can't wait to start planning the baby shower with my friends and mum 😁

@LikeTheFruit thank you! 😁
midwife's advice was the exact same as yours, so will definitely be doing that thank you :) I'm really hoping when I turn up at the airport they'll upgrade us when they see the bump (wishful thinking 😁).
Definitely make the most of your only day off! Don't blame you for being lazy, you've been working like crazy. Can't believe you're almost in the third trimester!

@ELW85 glad to hear your appointment went well and the little one sounds like he's doing well. Hearing the heartbeat can never get old :)
DH has already put me on duty to find the best pizza place in NYC 😂
Sorry to hear you're not sleeping well though. Do you think it's the stress from work? This holiday clearly is coming at the best time for you :)

@purplefig thank you! I'm doing really well. A lot better than I was early on in pregnancy. The sickness has stopped and I'm enjoying being pregnant now; can't stop staring at my bump either - just amazed at how it's popped out of nowhere! Just counting down the days till my scan on Monday so we can see the baby again :)
How are you doing? How far along are you now?
Oh that does sound great! We're trying to save money where we can, so clearly a baby sale is the way to go. We're going to start getting everything from January onwards I think (plus take advantage of the Boxing Day sales whilst we're in NYC 😊).

I hope you all have a brilliant evening x

@LokiCat - scan on Monday? How exciting!! Do you have any feelings either way if you’re having a boy or girl?
Cannot wait for this holiday. Work is definitely a factor. I’m kind of looking forward to forgetting it all for a while!

Oh I seem to have a good few days posting and then I lose all track of time!

@MrsEG - you and I are completely worrying about the same things, I know it doesn’t make you feel any better - but your not alone! Wow the boys are doing fab being on the 50th percentile - exactly where you want them! I am very jealous of you bro having to do the GTT test - I have got to do it again and I was so so sick last time, it lasted all day and I have it on Tuesday 😭

@MrsR16 - I know - but you always feel a bit silly about it don’t you when there is nothing wrong! How are you? Am I correct in thinking your next?!

@purplefig - can’t believe that they are already keeping me on my toes the little monkeys!! Your right about social conditioning - not quite the same angle - but as a nanny, I see a lot of parents not letting their boys play with dolls, being told that crying is for girls 🙄 and they are acting little little girls 🤨 the girls get called stroppy/bossy and demanding - but when the boys do it - it’s ok?! The mind boggles sometimes - also the whole girl and boy toys situation 🙄 I listened to that podcast this morning, it was really interesting so thank you! How are you?

@LokiCat - so so glad that Pip and Pop are all well, the stress they cause! Haha I bet you can’t wait till your scan! Is your partner going with you? Will you find out the sex? (Sorry if you have said before!)
I totally hear you about living out of a suitcase, have done it for so long with jobs but I just want to be settled and I’m sure you do too!

@MrsH497 - my goodness you poor poor thing, how are you feeling? Please take it easy and look after yourself 💐 isn’t there no way work will budge and let you work from home? Glad your signed off sick right now, you need to concentrate on you and little one 💐

@BabySquid - what a beautiful bump! Not long to go now!

@LikeTheFruit - only one day off this week - yes you really really need to rest! When does your app say you hit the third trimester? I hope you have put your feet up all day!

@ELW85 - your New York trip sounds fabulous, I’m sure your have a wonderful trip away and appreciate it even more as you haven’t had much holiday this year!

Think I have caught up with everyone and not missed anyone out!

Finished my first day at work, and come 5.30 my back is starting to seize like normal 🙄 off for a hot shower to help it, so fingers crossed!

@LikeTheFruit I am very excited to meet little one now!

@ELW85 I'm getting better I think - I'm not as exhausted today which is wonderful! Although I have a midwife appt tomorrow, and I know going out exhausts me! But we shall see 😊

@purplefig I'm desperately hoping it's not long to go! Although the thought that I could still be pregnant in 4 weeks' time is just horrendous... 😂 don't get me wrong, I love being pregnant, but oh god I am so ready to meet this one now!

@LokiCat pub food is definitely amazing 😂 I can't wait to tuck into pub food together with a cider again! You must be super excited to find out what you're having!

@PippaPug i know what you mean, but I've always been told (my mum/sisters) that guy instinct is more important than anything else! I think I must be next! I don't think anyone else is due in the next couple of weeks! I'm doing ok, just desperate for baby to be here now! I've washed all the teeny tiny things and scratch mitts/blankets/etc so they're ready to go! Just need to choose a couple of outfits/sleep suits to go in baby's bag and I'm all good to go! Then need to persuade DH to pack some things for him... I don't think he realises that we could be at hospital a fairly lengthy time! 🙈

@PippaPug thank you. I'm ok very tired and drained after yesterday. I don't think work will budge, I was fine until I went back to work and the sickness started again so I'm reluctant To go back too soon this time.

16 week appointment tomorrow! Anyone tell me what happens at this appointment?! DH wants to come think just to keep an eye on me.

@ELW85 I think it's going to be a girl, as do most people (apart from DH who said he had a dream that it's going to be a boy and is now convinced 😂); we'll both be happy either way though :)
I bet! It sounds like it's been so hectic for you at work, so this will be great. How long are you away for?

@PippaPug yeah DH thankfully has a night shift that day so he'll be there. We will be finding out the sex (I'm too impatient to wait haha).
Yeah it definitely takes quite a toll on you! How long do you think you'll be working with the family for? I hope your hot shower helped your back!

@MrsR16 I was just telling my colleagues today that I'm missing steak the most right now 😂
We are so excited! Hoping to do a lot more shopping and make a start on the nursery once we've had the scan as well :)
Hope your midwife appointment goes well tomorrow.

@MrsH497 I was hoping to hear the baby's heartbeat at mine but they don't do that until 25 weeks at my hospital. So it was just a standard check up with the midwife. She checked my blood pressure, took a urine sample and then booked in my GTT. I went in with a list of questions to ask her about different things, so that probably extended the appointment but I was out in about 20-25 minutes.

@MrsH497 forgot to say I hope the appointment goes well for you! 😊

@LokiCat glad you're doing well - it's amazing when you get a proper bump isn't it?! So not long until your scan - will you find out if you're having a boy or a girl? I'm really good too, thanks. I'm 30 weeks now if you can believe it! Re: saving money I've found baby sales great for clothes and little baby bits, our local ones also seem to always have loads of toys and books. I've also used Facebook marketplace for things like furniture and a carry cot for our pushchair etc. And yes, I imagine the Boxing Day sales will be really useful too.

@PippaPug I think your experiences as a nanny are 100% the same thing and undoubtedly contribute to the wider issue. It gets dismissed as a 'feminist issue' or people making a big deal out of nothing, but these little things all add up to create the culture that we live in. And the really sad thing is, it doesn't do any of us any favours. E.g. telling little boys that crying (i.e. expressing emotion) is for girls is basically grooming them to repress their emotions - and then we wonder why the biggest killer of men under 40 is suicide? And yes, the girls and boys toy situation would almost be hilarious if it wasn't so depressing. Hope the shower helps your back - that's been the one niggling issue in my pregnancy, a pretty consistently sore back. Have you tried a hot water bottle / heat bad on it? I find that or a bath to be really soothing too.

@MrsR16 yeah the prospect of a month must seem like forever when you're at your stage! Do babies in your family have a habit of coming later or early? I think I read average first time mum goes into labour 40+5, which doesn't seem too bad.

@MrsH497 all the best at your 16 week appointment. Some places will listen to the heartbeat, others won't as it's still quite early. I went in with no expectations, but they did and it was lovely! Other than that not much happened - usual urine sample and blood pressure check.

I hope everyone's Thursdays are going well so far? Any nice plans for the weekend?

We've got 2 hours of NCT on Friday night, then Saturday we're popping into town to get the last few bits for my hospital bag. My Liquid Yoga room spray arrived today and my god it smells good! Nearly didn't order it as it's quite expensive, but managed to get a mini one for £3.75, which will be more than enough. x

@MrsH497 Oh bless you it’s so rotten being ill and having to try and function! When is your 20-week scan? I know, time is really flying now - I remember getting my BFP and panicking like mad - still remember that early scan where they told me there were two in there as well - feels like a lifetime ago now! My 16-week appt I heard the heartbeats but they don’t do it everywhere - other than that it was just urine and BP check!

@MrsR16 Ha I’m sure pooch will love it - I’m so excited for all the dog walks with the babies! Your DH is so right - get your feet up and relax now while you can! Enjoy these last few weeks of having no one else to worry about!

@BabySquid Oh that’s great your GD is all fine, I hope they do a retest for you - you’re right, I bet having that test right off a long haul flight wasn’t the best timing!! Your bump looks fabulous :)

@LikeTheFruit You’ve loads of time to do your baby shopping and it’s the perfect time of year for it too - sales galore!

@ELW85 Glad your midwife appt went well! You’ll be on that plane to NYC before you know it!

@purplefig Ugh I know. Please flip babies, please!! I’ve been doing the stuff on the spinning babies website, and also NCT teacher told me never to sit lay back and sit upright so doing that too! You’re doing so well with the hospital bag shopping! I have some massive socks and Tena knickers so far and that’s it!!

@PippaPug Yeah I’m really pleased with 50th centile and they’re growing at the exact same rate too! Just need them to start packing on the pounds now!! Oh poor you, hope a good shower helped - I find a nice bath is fab for the back too! Have you got a hot water bottle?

Happy Thursday! Had our ‘normal’ NCT class last night, 8 couples and all so lovely. I’m the only twin mum there! There were many jokes when she discussed the second stage of labour, after saying ‘And then baby will be out, and the hard work is done! Well, except for Emma...’
Had an Endocrinologist appt today too to check my thyroid and he’s so happy with it he’s discharged me (wahoooo) so one less appt to keep attending!
Really, really struggling with heartburn at the moment though, I feel dreadful - it bloody hurts like crap! Can’t get through Gaviscon quick enough. Anyone have any remedies?!

Have fab days all!

@MrsEG Massive socks and Tena pants is a good (and practical) start! I've been too busy pissing around with frivolities like essential oil sprays and pondering my favourite snacks...need to get serious and stock up on gigantic pads etc. Great news you have been discharged from the endocrinologist appointments. What is your NCT teacher like out of interest?! I like ours, but she's quite out there. Sorry about the heartburn -is there anything in particular that sets it off? Or do you think it's just a physical thing? DH get it with too much bread and he swears by chewing on polo mints.

What's everyone post-birth visitor plans?

Other than my parents, most of my family live 4+ hours away. They're all very excited for the baby to arrive as it's the first grandchild / great grandchild on both sides. As such, they've all already started saying they'll come down to visit when the baby is here.

On the one hand, it's lovely that they are so enthusiastic, but on the other I want to bond / get used to having a baby / establish breastfeeding etc. before the floodgates open. What are you guys planning to do?

Heard baby's heartbeat 💓 it was a pickle and kept kicking the Doppler which we could hear. Midwife showed me where baby was and how to feel it. She's happy I'm keeping fluids down now gave me some tips which helped her. Think I have felt twitches and bubbles in my tummy which she thinks is probably baby. Lovely appointment and now for a treat of nails being done.

Hope everyone is having a fab day

@purplefig She’s lovely! She’s also a hypnobirth teacher and a doula so she’s a very calming type! She kinda let us all get on with it a bit to bond, was very calm and kind with all questions, etc. Seems super, super knowledgeable! At this point literally just eating sets it off - food alone is a trigger! I’ve tried changing my breakfasts and snacks and stuff but it’s just always there. I’ll try polos!
Visitors - we are setting serious boundaries. I am totally the same as you that me and DH need bonding and settling time and don’t want to be bombarded. My family are all very close but for them we’ve said no visits for our first 48 hours at home and then we’ll take it from there - and no one staying longer than an hour in the first few weeks. It sounds so strict but I think we need to set our own little routine and people just being in the house all the time wanting to hold the babies will ruin all of that! Mum was a bit put out, but everyone else is fine with it (particularly my sister who wishes she’d done the same!) DH family are a plane ride away, so they won’t be coming over until Easter.

@MrsH497 Ah lovely, glad it went well!

@MrsR16 - I agree that normally listening to your gut is a good way to go, I am also conscious that I don’t want to be seen as “one of those anxious mother to be’s” and Be there constantly however going meant me and DH actually slept that night and not worried so for me that’s a good enough reason!
Yes a mini hospital bag for him too! My DH is having to do one, but will just fit with my stuff (hopefully) going to start packing my bag over Christmas as I still need my suitcase for work 😂 wont be long till baby is here! Have you chosen some “coming home from hospital outfits”?

@MrsH497 - I’m sorry work won’t change their mind, just look after yourself and baby! Hope your midwife apt went well and you got to hear the heartbeat, I did but only one which worried me 🙄 hope your DH was able to go with you too ☺️

@LokiCat - do you have a idea which one it could be? I’m going to say boy (based on nothing 😂) but I have been right for the last few of my friends!
I think on this group we have more boys then girls?
I’m working till the week before Christmas (3 days a week) Mum wants me to come in Jan but I’m not sure but I have said I want to finish by mid jan latest....just need to send the email now.

@Purplefig - honestly it’s so frustrating, I have looked after little boys who get cold legs but they aren’t allowed to have tights under their trousers but the girls are, why?!
I do think sadly it’s a bigger issue and one of the reasons like you say suicide is so high in males.
I don’t know the sex of the twins and I have generally got them cute white little outfits as I love baby’s in white, but I bought this from John Lewis a few months ago:

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-baby-organic-cotton-bunny-bundler-white-0-3-months/p1713650

And it’s a nightie/nightgown - so when your changing them during the night, you don’t need to worry about the poppers - they are so handy for newborns as you just pop their legs back in it - I showed my friend these and she said would you put them in it if they are boys? Because it’s a nightgown! I was a bit 🤨🤨🙄 about it! But yes I would! (Also m and S are doing these - but 2 of them for £10 which works out cheaper but found them quicker with John Lewis 😂)
Shower semi helped not much - I don’t have a bath at work or at home sadly (and I think I would struggle to get out of it 😂) I often use a deep heat patch on a Friday night once I’m home and the relief it gives me!

Just saw your message about visitors - I guess it’s slightly different for me as we don’t know if we will have a extended stay in hospital 😬 but we are planning to literally see how we get on, and taking it from me and seeing how they are (if they are in NICU no family can visit them anyway) ideally if they are with me - we may have close family members visit but depending on how I feel and we have made it pretty clear that we will tell them when we are ready. Like you first grandchild on both sides so very excitable grandparents to be - but we been explaining boundaries to them....and saying we need to see how the twins are and then me, and they have mostly 🙄 been understanding. Will you be telling them when your in hospital?

@MrsEG - Do you know how heavy they are now (roughly) it’s gojng to fly by now! Glad your NCT course went well, that’s good news, I have our first one in a couple of weeks which shall be good :)

Wayfair are delivering again - with 4.5 hours notice....I’m in London and DH is in Leeds 🙄🙄 luckily we have wonderful neighbours and wayfair have assured me that this delivery (5th one!) is correct 🤨🤨🤨 will let you know know it goes when DH opens the box tonight 😂

@pippapug 2lb 11 and 2lb 10 at 28+3! So not huge but a nice size :) I have growth scans every two weeks now to check they keep putting on weight and need to keep eating! Which isn’t the easiest with heartburn haha!
Visitors yep, we’ve also mentioned that if the twins are in NICU no one can visit and my mum actually said ‘couldn’t we come and just look through the glass’ - yep, because that’s what parents of poorly babies need, an audience of grandparents!!! I’m totally the same as you - setting boundaries now and will be making sure I put me and twins first when they arrive! I don’t get this obsession with seeing babies within minutes of their arrival - surely a few weeks isn’t much to wait!

@purplefig with regards visitors I'd personally love to ban everyone for at least two weeks (including parents, although I'll probs want my mum after like a day!) unless I'm kept in for more than a day I really don't want anyone to visit the hospital but I know my mum and mil will be waiting in the car park! Going to say other than very close friends and family, people can wait till I feel ready, who knows when that'll be, might be a few days might be two/three weeks! It's also first grandchild on both sides for us but I feel my mum will want to take over a bit and I really want to get my confidence with baby first before she's like 'do it this way' 'hold em like this' is did this and that'!!

@PippaPug I really hope your delivery goes well and there's no need for more contact with them!

@MrsEG totally with you on not understanding the need to see babies within minutes... they literally do nothing!! A picture is fine for me, surely it can be fine for parents until we deem fit??!!

How's everyone's Thursday going?? Mine is dragging balls!! Sat here at my desk with nothing to do! (Other than watch my bump make the strangest shapes!)

@MrsH497 ahhh chuffed it went well for you - I got quite emotional the first time I heard the heartbeat. What am I saying...I do every time. I am such a sap these days. Enjoy getting your nails done! What are you going for?

@MrsEG ahh she sounds fab, so nice she gave you all time to bond but was also super knowledgeable too. Mine is also my yoga teacher and she very cleverly got all the six couples working with different couples over the course of the session so by the end everyone knew everyone and there wasn't a 'clique'! Urgh I can't imagine what a pain daily heartburn is...must be so frustrating when you're hungry too.

Will you have your immediate family coming into the hospital or is everyone going to wait 48 hours? My mum is one of my birth partners, so I don't feel like I can fairly keep my dad out for too long. But equally, I don't really want him coming in while I've got my boobs out trying to establish breastfeeding! I like your 48 hour rule though, that seems clear and fair.

@PippaPug LOLOLOLOLOLOL it's just madness when you zoom out and actually think about it isn't it? They are BABIES and that is a practical night time clothing solution. Same with the tights for the boys with cold legs. It's just societal norms and they are so prone to change...e.g. I found out the other day Victorian-era babies/toddlers/children frequently all wore dresses, regardless of their sex! Oh jesus...come on Wayfair, you've got to get it right this time....I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Re: visitors, I do like your approach of waiting to see how you feel. I think this is probably the route I'll go down, but I just worry in that vulnerable post-birth state I won't have the heart to say no to anyone (hello people pleasing...and we come full circle). I'll stop ranting now, promise

Have a great evening everyone! I've finished work a bit early today, so I'm off to run some errands. I've got my follow-up blood appointment tomorrow and then will find out at my midwife appointment next week if I am anemic or not. x

@BabySquid cross post! Yes in my initial postpartum planning haze I thought about doing that '40 day' rest period they do elsewhere around the planet, but I don't think it's practical . Like you, I'd rather not have any hospital visitors but my mum is one of my birth partners, so not sure I can ban my dad?! And then both gparents will want to be down, but it's a 4+ hr drive for them. I might just say to my parents I don't want to tell the grandparents when I go into labour and I'll let them know once the baby is here and we're home. But my family are just super closer and I don't know if realistically I can see that happening. Totally get you on wanting to work things out for yourself too. Corrrr it's such a minefield isn't it!? On weird baby shapes at the office...my bump has starting kicking the desk now if I get too closer

@purplefig Nope, no one is coming to the hospital - just DH as birth partner, and then immediate family will have to wait until they arrive as to whether we can even have visitors or not (eg if they are in NICU). Even so, we’ve decided that say I have babies at 2pm and all if well, we won’t let mum and dad in til the following day, and enjoy that afternoon together. Then once at home the 48-hour rule will kick in (TAMBA recommenced this to us!) so we can just get ourselves settled, and from there, scheduled visits only. My biggest thing is going to be not having people just turn up - everyone has told me it can ruin an entire day (waking baby up, arriving while BF’ing is in full flow, etc) - so honestly, forget people pleasing. Nows the time to put your foot down! I’d say 95% of people i mention this to tell me I’m a genius for implementing it, and friends who had PND blamed being overwhelmed with people at home as a huge factor.

@BabySquid Completely agree! My mum will probably be circling the car park too - FYI, my midwife has told me that all midwives with you can act as bouncers (her words!) so if anyone just turns up, they’ll be turned away. She said they are very pragmatic about it (‘I’m afraid they’re not ready for visitors just yet’) to give you the time to have a shower, eat some toast, give feeding a whirl, before everyone shows up!