July 2021 (thread 4) maybe there will be more babies?

[THATbasicSNOWFLAKE]

New thread!

@foxglovesandlilacs It has definitely made it feel a bit more real now.

I know what you mean about the heat. If it gets very warm I may melt!

Just starting to pack my maternity bag - on a lot of lists it says to take formula milk and bottles - do we have to take the steriliser too? Seems an awful lot to pack/carry that we may not need! The box of formula milk is massive! Thanks

@Pinkroseuk your best bet is to check with your midwife as to what they want you to do, most people here take the starter packs which are little bottles of milk with sterile teats, you get 6 for £7-8

Thanks @THATbasicSNOWFLAKE.
Ah that's a good idea - just don't want to take loads of stuff in if I can help it :)

If you do need to take actual bottles and powdered formula in check if they have a microwave and get some sterilising bags, or you can get a one bottle cold water steriliser and milton tabs

For those that are planning to breastfeed, are you still taking formula to hospital as a contingency just in case there's any difficulties? I've heard varying opinions on this...

@Luckyelephant1 I’m planning on taking some just in case - I want the option if I’m struggling to have something to feed my baby....also if something happens to me and I’m out of it for whatever reason my partner can then at least feed the baby without stressing that he needs to get someone to bring something in. Xx

@luckyelephant1 my hospital will provide milk if needed and then DH can go out and get more of needed. Speak to your hospital and see if they provide just incase xx

@Luckyelephant1 I wasn't going to take any formula in, perhaps I'm being a little short sighted?

I do seem to remember, although this was 9 years ago, the hospital providing formula if you were struggling or needed it due to going into theatre or something.

I might ask my midwife if that's still the case at my next appointment and go from there.

Yeah so the different opinions I've heard are (not saying any are correct and they all contradict each other):

1. If you're struggling to breastfeed and midwives know you've bought formula they're more likely to try and convince you to try that as opposed to if you didn't bring any.

1. You yourself are more likely to give up if you bring in formula.

1. The hospital will provide formula if you were planning to breastfeed but are struggling, but they won't provide the formula if you intended to formula feed from the start 🤷‍♀️

I guess every hospital is different so I'll ask my midwife when I see her next week. In all likelihood I will probably take a couple of those starter packs just so I'm as prepared as can be (I'm the overpacking type who packs 5 pairs of underwear for a 2 night stay anyway lol)

I wouldnt pack formula, I can see why you might need it if something goes horribly wrong but surely in those cases the hospital would provide some until you can get your own? I think having it there would make it too easy to give up breastfeeding.

I’m not taking any in with me either. The hospital can provide it should I need it in the case it goes wrong. I know if I have it I would give up easier

I can definitely see the reasoning behind the "if you have formula you're more likely to give up breastfeeding" train of thought. I feel like that's what I'd end up doing if I'm struggling. I was so lucky with my last breastfeeding experience which was so nice and easy from the start maybe I'm underestimating how hard it might be this time.

Joining the thread I missed that a new one had started! :) due on the 9th of July with a baby girl xx

I would just double check the hospital are able to provide it if need be

@Foxglovesandlilacs has inspired me with her cupboard but i literally feel like every room in my house is chaos and clutter atm and i have no clue where to start!

@THATbasicSNOWFLAKE mine too! I was 32 weeks on Thursday and I’ve really felt my energy drop the last couple of days. I want to do the cupboard I keep all the plates and stuff in next bit I’m just going to do a little bit at a time.

Im 35 weeks tomorrow so a couple a head of you

I think my aim today might be to sort out my hospital bags, plus get on top of the laundry situation so i can actually wash my new baby clothes!

Anyone struggling with maternity clothes? 31 weeks today and I've managed fine with stuff for work but with the shift in weather fancy more than jeans, leggings and oversized t shirts to wear esp with the world opening up again! With just a couple of months to go and not wanting to spend hundred I've ended up spending hundreds and have 3 parcels to return! I ordered some cheap bits online and they were see thru, didn't cover my bottom, wouldn't go round my bump etc such poor quality. I unded up waddling round the shopping centre and spending more money in H&M just for some normal dresses that will double by the style as maternity wear!

Baby's room still full of boxes from our recent move, needs decorating no idea how, haven't even got baby clothes, nappies etc or made a start on bags. Having had 3 November babies what do we dress a summer baby? Is it still a vest and babyrow is that too many layers? I'm a pro with winter babies but this is all new territory! What about bedding also?!

@Vie8126 this might help in regards to dressing LO at night.

In the day I used to dress my DD in a short sleeve vest and a romper but then keep an eye on her temp. If she was too hot I'd just take a layer off. Having a baby in the heat is difficult.

Clothes wise I ordered a few bits from asda. Mine are also getting a bit short over my bump now but I think I'm going to be induced in the next few weeks so refuse to buy anything else! I'll just make do with what I have.

@Lullabymummy17 it does massively!! Thank you for sharing.

Oh lucky you I have until at least 39 weeks at the moment before they will do anything I have a couple of dinners with friends and work coming up I got 4 dresses which will do me a turn after his here too. Its so frustrating isn't it maternity wear used to be so easy to get (well when I had my last baby 13 years ago!) on the High Street but with no topshop etc it's been a struggle this time. Places like boohoo, PLT it's all such awful quality and not actually that cheap either!

Several of my maternity tshirts are really too small now but i am just about managing by pairing with over bump leggings. I am 100% not buying any more fat clothes now as 5 weeks to go and pretty sure they will not let me go over, could only be 3 weeks 🤞

@Vie8126 I'm having twins which is why I will be induced earlier, two weeks still sounds like such a long time at the minute 😅
There aren't many good clothing places that are reasonably priced. Considering I'd only be wearing it for 7 months I refused to spend a fortune.

@THATbasicSNOWFLAKE yes! I'm doing the same! Black t-shirt and black leggings so you can't really see the t-shirt is getting too small 😂 fingers crossed for three weeks for you 🤞

3 weeks would be lovely but also really makes me think i need to restore some order around here asap

Twins must take an extra level of planning for, do you have any dc already @Lullabymummy17

Haha! Yes that's my plan of action for today, tidy and clean... I say my plan... highly unlikely it will happen.
Yes I have a LG who is 4. Shes such a good girl so hoping for another two children as good as her 😂 one can dream!

Anyone bought a sling/soft wrap thing yet or have experience of using one? I've watched a few videos of different ones and they all seem so complex to do up lol. I don't have a sling library anywhere near me so that option is out.

Not entirely sure if I need one though? Was thinking may be good for around the house but then again I have a small house and maybe a sling will be too hot for the first few months anyway being the height of summer, not really sure!

Also another really ridiculous question as I've started packing hospital bag or at least putting stuff in a pile... Do hospitals provide towels? Not expecting hotel quality obviously but a towel does take up lots of room, just wondering what the norm is. Feel like it's a silly q to ask midwife