September 2021 - Thread 7 is here

[Bubbles1st]

Third Trimester is here or approaching now for us all.

@Noodles4Me - 26th Aug 💙
@Scotti84 - 30th Aug 💖

@Sceptre86 - 1st 💖
@primhutch - 1st 💖
@RaeRae84 - 1st 💙
@KHR1 - 1st 💙
@CherylLW - 3rd 💙
@GWhiteley - 3rd 💖
@deedeebythesea - 3rd 💙
@Allicit - 3rd 💙
@Poppins2016 - 4th 💛
@2021mumma - 5th 💙
@Squibble84 - 6th 💛
@leftitlate37 - 7th 💙
@SillyBry - 7th 💛
@LouiseJayne23 -7th 💖
@bewitchingnight - 8th 💖
@SK28 - 8th 💛
@Taralweaver - 8th 💖
@AdventuresAwait - 9th 💖
@mumof23188 - 9th 💙
@Bubbles1st - 10th 💙
@Catkin7 - 10th 💖
@FTEngineerM - 12th 💙
@CobleCloud - 13th 💙
@Maybebaby29 - 14th 💙
@Taybz - 14th 💙
@Bigdreamer9 - 14th 💙
@Eppy123 - 14th 💛
@Kirky658 - 15th 💖
@Hopefulmummie - 16th 💖
@Mamabearwhere - 17th 💙
@HollyMoore - 17th 💖
@aurora2021 - 18th 💖
@Bluespace - 18th 💙
@ErrolFinn - 19th 💖
@xsjrx - 19th 💛tbc
@unicornpower - 20th 💖
@Moominmiss - 20th 💙
@Sophieandtiger - 20th 💛
@bluemagicalsky - 21st 💙
@Clouless - 21st 💛
@Jay3004 - 22nd 💙
@SP2Bx - 22nd 💛
@Geegee20 - 22nd 💙
@Holly91 - 22nd 💛 tbc
@Rach921 - 23rd 💙
@LittleCatDog - 23rd 💖
@SproutingSprout2021 - 24th 💛
@LittleAurora -24th 💙
@RadDarwazeh - 25th 💛
@crobo87 - 25th 💙
@d0nut - 25th 💖
@GummyBear91 - 25th 💛tbc
@AdriannaP - 25th 💛
@MrsTD88 -27th 💖
@MrsBrett20 - 27th 💛
@marshmallowmode -27th 💙
@ams92 - 30th 💖

@CherLW, the midwife also told me not to use normal sanitary pads but to get maternity ones. I've got some from boots. Only used them once (as they wanted to check discharge) but they were comfy.
Re. Pants I've read to take disposables or cheap big pants (with pads) that you don't mind throwing away.

@CherLW I naturally Googled the best maternity pads and signed up to a subscription on Amazon to Abena which came out highly rated. They definitely are not the cheapest but at least on subscribing for July for a three pack I got them cheaper than they sell then in Holland and Barrett for. I'm going to buy some cheap big pants I'm happy to dispose off. In case their are any leaks.

Also on that I've bought a new waterproof mattress protector- nice and soft not rustling. In case of waters going or uncontrollable bleeding after the birth. I'd be very upset if I ruined our mattress and don't fancy rely on a towel or a puppy pad in the bed as suggested to me 🤣

@Bubbles1st which mattress protector did you go for? Someone suggested this ages ago and I think it's a great idea but thought the waterproof ones were all a bit noisy!

@RaeRae84 it was this one. I haven't slept
In it yet but in the shop they had samples of all the fabric out and it felt nice and soft without being plasticky on the underside or apparently noisy.

https://www.dunelm.com/product/staydrynights-mattress-protector-1000023523?defaultSkuId=30171749&branchCode=0380&dsc=Bedding+ProtectorssProtectors%5BGOO-LIA-PROTECTORS-MATTRESS%5D&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsqSZZNa08QIVSu7tCh1UDwaCEAQYASABEgJbGvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

@Bubbles1st ah yes a waterproof mattress protector is a great idea not just before birth but generally for a good few years after having kids. We still use one (kids are 6 and 4) as you never know when a child decides to have an accident or vomit during an illness. My younger one actually threw up a few night ago in middle of the night and I was so grateful that I had the waterproof protector on. There’s some great ones out there that are soft and silent and make on rustling.

@Bubbles1st ah perfect thank you. I nearly picked this one up a few weeks ago but there were no samples in our shop so wasn't sure how comfy!

@SP2Bx I really want flapjack and custard now after reading your comment 🤣 reminds me of high school.

@CherLW last time I used the maternity pads from Boots and massive black pants from Sainsbury's. I bought a few packs and didn't mind throwing them away. A tip for anyone having a section that hasn't had one before, make sure you stock up on pants that go over the waistline so they don't irritate your wound. Tea tree oil is great too if you have stitches.

@Bubbles1st that's a great tip as I did leak through on to our mattress last time. Luckily managed to get it out with soap powder granules, water and a scrubbing brush but will definitely be getting a mattress protector this time around to save the hassle.

Thanks for the tips @AdventuresAwait @Bubbles1st @MrsTD88 I hadn’t even thought of a waterproof mattress protector for me! I’ve seen those ‘puppy’ 😂 sheets in boots but they are for adults but look the same.

I think I’ll just get some cheap pants I don’t mind throwing out and some pads. Will definitely look into Abena and check out places like boots etc 😊

@CherLW I found any supermarket maternity pads and boots were fine - really cheap as I got through loads in the first few weeks. The midwives also recommended doubling up for the first few days for comfort. Second those who have said a waterproof mattress protector, the amount of times DD spit up tons of milk and had accidents/leaks while we were holding her on the bed for feeds was insane. We've just got a new one from asda - not sure if it's going to be a bit rustly though.

Thanks @KHR1 doubling up sounds like no fun but needs must I suppose!

Morning ladies. I hadn't even thought about a waterproof mattress protector! Good idea.
Feeling miserable this morning as a child in my class has tested positive and I have to isolate for 10 days. Urgh. Means I've cancelled a 4D scan, pram appointment and midwife appointment as well as missing my mum's 60th and ruining mine and my husbands birthdays 😭
Hope everyone else is okay x

@clouless sorry to hear about the test, hope everyone is feeling OK!

Good news got a letter with my negative GTT results. Thank god!!!! Nowhere near the borderline either which I'm so happy about. One thing less!

@Clouless oh that super sucks that so much is affected, such a shame, hope that it's all just precautionary though and you stay healthy.

@Kirky658 no one likes a show off...

From a disgruntled GD victim 😜

@bubbles1st i know, I know I'm horrendously smug 🤣 apologies.

@Clouless I’m so sorry to hear that! Hubby got pulled in yesterday and asked about where certain students were sat to find out if he was in a 2m radius of them for 15 minutes or more as he was at risk of isolating. His classes are dropping like flies at the moment, so he’s now got some software where he sits and his desk and his webcam projects him onto the whiteboard so he can stay sat down. That’s the only place in the room he’s over 2m away from every student.

We are off out for a posh dinner tonight, which is very exciting. All paid for for Xmas, but only just able to use it. Got to decide what to stuff my big belly into for the occasion 🤣

I’ve just bought a load of baby bits, which makes me feel a bit more organised.
Freezer pouches for breast milk, new bottles for my pump, a couple of tommee tippee bottles for post-6 week expressing. Plus some newborn sleeping bags/swaddles!

So we've just had a delivery of some baby stuff.... Including an over the door organiser. We've unpacked the nappies and DH just looked at me and went 'oh shit, this feels real now' god help me 😂😂😂

@sillybry oh hun have the best time ❤️ can I ask you about the breast pump you have please, and how you should actually store breast milk - can it be kept in the fridge? Would you express so you can feed it regularly from bottles or in case you want a drink etc?

Also. Is anyone buying any specific maternity knickers especially for during/ after labour? I've seen some disposable ones on jojo maman bebe which I wondered if they'd be useful....

@Kirky658 of course! They advise not to pump for the first 6 weeks so it doesn’t send you into a crazy oversupply.
I used the Medela swing pump - they have a single and a double. First time, I had a single one, which was about £120… but being mega old now, I saw they had the double at half price for £130, so I nabbed one quickly.
www.mamasandpapas.com/products/medela-swing-maxi-flex-2phase-electric-breast-pump-609401700?gbraid=0AAAAADANKJlPK3urGa8neTrQrwzefa8Ge&source=aw&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Genie+Shopping+CSS&awc=6526_1624726086_d41c351b9a500c443297a75e10a7ef06&sv_campaign_id=259955&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax3=Genie+Shopping&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=259955

I didn’t buy it first time round until I knew I was breastfeeding as it’s quite an investment!
You can store it in the fridge for 7 days I think and the freezer for 6 months. You can mix batches as long as it’s all cold before you mix it… so put today’s pump in the fridge and tomorrow add it to yesterday’s… but then it all keeps the oldest sell by date, if that makes sense.
I would pump generally in the evening so hubby could do a 10.30 feed/dream feed if baby didn’t wake up… and then if I pumped more than I’d need, I’d pour it into a freezer pouch to build up a stash. I found that super helpful when Naomi went to nursery as I didn’t have to pump heaps extra.
Lots of people preferred pumping in the morning as your supply is better, but mornings were always frantic… once she slept a few hours in the evening, it was a good time to chill out, watch the and milk 🤣
You can pretty much drink and feed - they suggest that excess alcohol might make the milk taste funny, but the alcohol doesn’t travel through the milk. They basically say as long as you’re not so drunk, you won’t drop the baby, you are ok to feed! 🤣

This website - kellymom.com/ - is a super resource when the time comes 😁

Just been catching up on this new thread... I'm with you ladies suddenly feeling very very pregnant! I swear my bump has doubled in size this week and I'm actually finding it physically awkward to move in certain positions now. Only 26 + 5 so god knows what state I'll be by the end 😂.

I've just ordered all our reusable nappy stuff. Expensive but should be a lot cheaper over all. Can't wait for it to arrive now. And I'm ordering nursery wallpaper tonight too so i can start work on the room before I become too unwieldy to move..

@sillybry that is absolutely amazing advice, thank you so so much. I've had a baby book delivered today - 'First Time Parent' and it's fantastic. I finally feel a bit like I know what to expect AFTER the pregnancy after having had a read.

2 pages of comments later and I feel like I need 2 book mark these! I'd be so lost without all this knowledge!! Haha @Kirky658 think me and hubby are both feeling like your DH!
Sorry @SillyBry defo getting confused with who has had what!!!
Am with u all on the feeling uncomfortable bit.. literally hit 28 weeks and it's like everything had changed!bending is hard...some of the kicks r proper uncomfortable and feel like they r now reaching under my ribs!
Right sounds like 2nites job are big cheap pants and waterproof mattress protector ordering!!

So sorry you are having to isolate and drop so many plans @Clouless, hope you all stay well though!
I braved the shops and bought a few baby bits but feeling like I've barely started. We have a lot of things from my DD so don't need tons but still feel very unprepared. Has anyone seen any dummies that are shaped differently for babies who are breastfeeding? I looked in boots today but couldn't see any but I was sure tommee tippee did some

@Clouless that sucks! My friend is a teacher and currently isolating due to one of her kids being a close contact, now her little boy has tested positive and her other son has a fever. It's so rubbish, I hope that you stay well

Thanks everyone! Yeah it's a bit rubbish but just hoping everyone stays healthy. My headteacher just rang and there are now 3 positive cases that we know of in my class 😬 not had my vaccine yet so just hoping I'm going to escape... Nothing I can do about it except prepare for online learning tomorrow and be grateful I can use the toilet more often 🤣

@clouless see every cloud has a silver lining 😂😂😂