🍼👶🏼👣 MAMAS DUE OCTOBER 2021 👣👶🏼🍼

[MyGrassIsBrowner]

Hey ladies, thought I'd start a thread for all us mamas due October 2021! Whether you're on your first or your tenth child, let's share our journey together!

My due date is officially 8th October and this is my second baby girl 💜 My DD is 15 months old so I'm gonna have two under two.. god help me 🙉
I'm actually booked in for an elective section this time (reason being is that I have low grade rectocele prolapse and I'm petrified that another vaginal birth will make it worse) my first labour was 4.5 hours from start of initial contractions to birthing her - textbook waterbirth on paper pretty much. I am however starting to reconsider my decision and go for my original plan of a homebirth. DH has just landed a new job only 15 mins away so it changes a lot. Any other ladies looking to try for a homebirth? I know for me personally it takes a lot of the strain off finding childcare, given how quickly I laboured first time round!

Cant wait to hear your stories and share these last few months of our pregnancies with each other! ❤

Thank you all for the welcome!

@MeadowHay 14 of everything sounds like a good aim - I have bought some clothing bits already but mostly things like vests/sleepsuits etc, have managed to avoid the temptation to buy too many little outfits as wasn't sure how much use baby would actually get out of them while tiny! Although my mum has gone knitting mad so baby will probably have enough knitted clothes to last him until he's a toddler! Sorry to hear that your DD has had a difficult day at nursery - fingers crossed things settle for her soon as she gets more used to it

@MyGrassIsBrowner I'm not feeling too bad at the minute thankfully (after an absolutely awful 1st trimester) but my hips and pelvis are in tatters today after I spent yesterday afternoon scrubbing the house in preparation for the health visitor antenatal visit this morning - typically she wasn't here long and only sat in the living room haha. Definately trying to go into it all with an open mind - finding it difficult with things like birth plans and being asked if I have any questions...very hard to plan for something I haven't experienced before! I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions once baby is here though. Great idea about asking for wipes and nappies for the baby shower - I can't imagine how many you go through in the first few months! How is your PGP pain today? I've been doing the forward leaning inversion from spinning babies - it was a bit difficult to get used to at first though and you would definately want someone to help you back up afterwards to stop it aggravating your PGP. Feel today like baby has shifted a bit - hope midwife can confirm at my appt this afternoon.

Hi @mooloop @Juicytoot287 @NW2021 - we're all very close in due dates with our first babies My sister and sister in law have finished having their babies (3 each!) and I don't have any pregnant friends at the minute so it's nice to chat to ladies in a similar situation! How are you all getting on with the preparations? We put the cot up last weekend but mostly so that we could see what space we would have left in the bedroom/move furniture around. It definately feels more real with it set up now though! Have bought quite a few bits now and most of the big items (cot, travel system etc) but holding back now until after our baby shower in a few weeks.

@summerhillgang House hunting, planning a wedding and preparing for a home birth sounds like a full time job in itself - hope it's all going well! I'm so glad baby will be out well before Christmas so I can indulge in enormous amounts of soft cheese, pate and amaretto Seconding everyone who's said hot baths...and eventual return of some kind of sex life

@Peacefulspirit baby no.5 you absolute powerhouse!!!! Holy shit woman how are you doing? Me and DP have said this is our final baby, I couldn't mentally or physically go through pregnancy again and my DP said he cannot bare to see me in this state again.
I'm gonna go straight on the implant then he said he'll consider getting the snip but I'm not pressuring him, kind of want to leave the option there.. JUUUUUUST in case we change our minds in a few years 😆🙈

@HedgerowRobin
It's so difficult to make a birthing plan when it's your first, and you do right going into it all with an open mind. Do you have access to a midwife led unit at your hospital? If you're low risk and want to try for a natural (as possible) birth then it'd be worth seeing if your local MLU will give you a tour (if they have one that is)

If any of you ladies have questions about birth/pain relief etc I am happy to answer, I gave birth on an MLU with my DD. Also if you have any questions aboutt post-partum issues too then go for it. I am happy to share my honest experience x

Would you recommend a MLU? Considering that at the moment..

Is anyone else extra emotional? I'm one of those people who cries easily anyway but it gets even worse during pregnancy. It was so hard not to cry when DD was screaming for me at nursery drop off again and having to just hand her over to staff as she was grabbing me . I'm glad DH is doing drop-off tomorrow...

Had my antenatal contact with the HV today, she seemed nice but it just felt like a waste of time tbh and it was over the phone too. She said I might have a different HV anyway by the time baby is born as they're rearranging the service so who knows.

@MyGrassIsBrowner I doubt we will have any more either but will keep an open mind because if we do it won't be for longer this time as I'm planning to start my training to be a solicitor in September 2022 and that's a long process that would take a few years so I'd need to be settled in a secure job before we could consider it and that wouldn't be until like early 2026 really. And I reckon by then we might just be like nah don't fancy going back to nappies and sleepless nights when both of ours will be well past that by then.

@Peacefulspirit ah I didn't know you were on number 5, I love the idea of a larger family but I don't think my body could cope with the pregnancies sadly. But also we wouldn't be able to afford it anyway, 2 is going to be a stretch atm tbh.

@Juicytoot287 I'd definitely recommend an MLU. You dont have access to an epidural though so if you're in a lot of pain during the initial stages of your labour and you want an epidural, you then have to go onto the ward so bare that in mind.
You have access to a pool usually, gas & air (which personally I loved) and also pethidine. Pethidine is an opioid so it makes you feel drowsy and high at the same time, I had it but wish I didn't as it make me completely out of it at one point and I found it quite scary.
But on an MLU you can take your time, listen to your body and just be so much more in tune with it.

@MeadowHay I honestly cannot imagine how difficult it is dropping your DD off to nursery when she doesn't want to go 😭 I hope she starts to settle in soon lovely.
I'm super emotional too! Wowza good luck with your training that sounds amazing!!

Can I join?

Im due my second, a little girl, at the end of October.

Is there a Facebook group?

@worrybutterfly Welcome!
No Facebook group here hun as some of us dont use it, hence why we've created this thread 🙂

Awww @HedgerowRobin I bet it's crazy seeing the cot up! Ours is due to be dispatched on the 1st September, can't wait for it to arrive we're still trying to get the nursery decorated though so won't be ready to set it up straight away.

I've signed up to a free breastfeeding course on Monday morning - oh how bank holidays have changed

@mooloop gosh wait til you see what they're like when the baby is actually here

Ah I rang the nursery around 1ish and they said she was having a much better day, actually recovered quickly and ate breakfast this morning and had been a lot happier today. She talked about some nice things she did at dinner too instead of just talking about crying as well so that's reassuring so she seems to be settling in to the new room phew. She's in again tomorrow but DH does Thursday drop-offs then she's not back in again until the Tuesday.

Packed some baby things for the hospital bag, I can't remember how many clothes and nappies I took last time any ideas? I think in hindsight we probably didn't really take enough last time but on the other hand we have a car now so would be easy for DH to drop stuff off if I did have to stay in. Also feel like I'm tempting fate if I pack loads because I am so desperate to be discharged straight out instead of going to the ward this time.

Hi @worrybutterfly! How old is DC1?

@MeadowHay haha you have a good point! Glad your DD had a better day bless her, it must be so tough to leave her when she's upset it's good that the nursery are honest with you about how she's been though rather than just saying oh she's fine, and kids are so adaptable, she'll soon settle into the new room!

@MeadowHay Aww I'm glad the little love is settling in a bit more! Give it time she wont want to be leaving soon I'm sure!

I'm seeing the MW tomorrow and hoping I can get some stronger pain relief and preparing myself for being told that bubs is still in an awkward position. My bump is super high and all my kicks or movements are in my left hip or right under my ribs.
Anyone else suffering god awful heartburn? I'm going through antacid tablets like sweets. I probably should get some gaviscon tbh and neck it out the bottle 😭

My mums giving me a small suitcase this weekend for the hospital so I'll start packing soon. I'm frantically searching for a hospital bag checklist for section mamas as I wanna make sure I've got everything I need just in case I need a prolonged stay. They told me I'll probably be discharged the next day though should it all go to plan.

I am struggling with heart burn in night, wakes me up burning so chomping through rennies!

Dog had to go the vet today, just not what we needed! lol

@Juicytoot287 Oh me too! To be honest probably didn't help that I had copious amounts of Taco Bell last night.. lmfao.

Oh no, what's the problem?? Hope the love is okay! We don't have our greyhound insured yet as pet insurance is so expensive these days. We just spent nearly £100 on all his booster shots. Bloody ludicrous isn't it.

@MyGrassIsBrowner Yes, I wish i had taco bell though near us. We got tempted to drive 45 mins for one the other week as no mexican chains near me somehow?! Missing a trick..

She has a tummy bug apparently. Been hoping it would clear but it just wasnt so had to bite the bullet. We use the vets at pets at home and they are so friendly and good! They took her because she is 35kg and they could tell she was scared and I was pregnant and said they didn't want to risk me at all - very considerate! She is insured so will get some of the money back but a 95 quid excess anyway! We do keep her insured because she is family and my first baby so wouldn't want money to ever be an obstacle for her which lets face it, it can be! She is a young labrador and golden retriever cross and costs us about £18 a month 🙈
Bloody dogs...

@Juicytoot287 The Quesadillas are the shit. I had two cause you know, I've got two mouths to feed! 🤷🏻‍♀️ They only seem to be up North at the moment, was shocked when one popped up on the retail park round the corner from us!
We got churros too but they forgot to send the Dulce de leche sauce with them so I got that angry I made out other bits of our order was missing and we got £10 credit on our Just Eat order haha. It just pisses me off that they missed putting an item in that comes as part of the fricking item anyway!

Aww bless her, well I hope she's over it quickly! My greyhound is 38kgs, he's a big big lad but the only saving grace is that he never raced. His father however is a big multiple winner in Ireland but he's a big wuss and was scared of the tracks. Greys can be fairly expensive to insure as a lot of them end up with leg and hip issues so the quotes we've been getting are mad.
We have a dog walker so that's costing us £24 a week atm. I can barely walk as it is and running round after my DD and DP being at work we just dont have time to take him for a long walk. But dog walkers come at a cost 🙄 sick of worrying about money all the time.. argh!

@MyGrassIsBrowner Oh don't! I do this with mcdonalds and have had vouchers through too, not hard!! And yeah they have them in the midlands but not by me unfortunately..
Oh I do love greyhounds, so loyal! But yeah insurance can be high, if we had a walker we would be the same position but fortunately we are coping. It is my only outside time! My DP holds her incase she pulls and I go for the outside time and exercise otherwise I wouldn't get any steps in my day. Perks to not having a child already I suppose is having this time so I imagine would be very different if this were my second!! Cant wait to see what she is like when we bring a baby home - have played baby cries and she doesnt seem arsed at all haha

@Juicytoot287 and maccys are having issues with milkshakes atm as well.... devestating! 😭

Golden retrievers/labradors are just fab dogs all round though, I bet she'll be like a nanny when you bring bubs home!
My greyhound is so laid back, not much phases him at all and him and my DD are thick as thieves. He's quite happy just roaching on the sofa most days (they are incredibly lazy dogs) I always laugh when people approach me and say, gosh I bet he needs lots of exercise. I'm like you're joking aren't you? He loves his sleep 😆 thing with greys they have short burst of energy so he's go absolutely mad for 10 minutes then that's him done for the rest of the day.

I'm so jealous as I wish I was still able to get out and about but I'm literally in bits. All I keep focusing on is how light I'm going to feel once baby is out 😆

Any one started getting their hospital bag ready?
I’m sorting stuff in the nursery out this weekend and thought might as well start chucking stuff in a suitcase.
Any advice on what you recommend taking? I’ve just bought some travel toiletries, breast pads & massive black knickers! 😂
Any recommendation on which maternity pads to go for? I went to boots and couldn’t find any that were specifically for after having a baby?

My hospital back is about half packed now @NW2021 ! My fave mat pads from last time were the huge Lil Lets ones. I used them until the bleeding calmed down then switched to a thinner style one. I tried a few different brands and those ginormous Lil Lets were my fave for the initial heavy bleeding, I've bought them again this time. They're soft and very absorbent and I didn't have any leaks with them at all. They are massive though just to warn you . I'm taking disposable knickers again but I know not everyone gets on with them. I liked being able to just bin the first few pairs and not worry about leaking (although I didn't leak in the end anyway as I say). I would recommend taking Lansinoh too. Lots of snacks for you and your birth partner. Possibly flip flops if you might need to stay on a ward without an ensuite bathroom afterwards. Some comfy PJs that you don't mind if they get ruined with blood stains.

Hey @NW2021 and anyone else who may find this useful, here's what my midwife send me to include in hospital bag x

You should take your notes with you when you are away from home for any reason. When you are at home, keep them with your grab bag.
Two bags are usually best, one for you & one for baby. This means less rummaging around.
Packing cubes or clear plastic ziplock bags help to keep things tidy and make it easier for someone else to find things you want.
For you
Any regular medicines you take- just enough for a couple of days
Phone charger lead and plug – check you have room on the memory for all the photos! Tie a label to the bag saying “phone”!
Notebook and pen
A book or magazine.
Snacks/drinks (remember sports- top bottles and straws).
Cash for the vending machines (parking/chocolate etc) and extra snacks
Slippers – I suggest throw-away ones
Warm socks – your feet get cold in labour
Dressing gown
2 nighties/nightshirts (easier than PJs). Front opening for easy breastfeeding access. Dark colour.
Eye mask and earplugs
Big knickers, loose fitting & big enough to pull up over a c/section wound. Disposable net ones, cheap supermarket ones or old ones ready to be thrown away/ Dark colours are best.
Maternity pads and/or disposable incontinence knickers
Soft sports bra or sleep bra. You are unlikely to need a feeding bra or breast pads while in hospital.
Wash bag, toothbrush & paste, hair brush & hairbands. Tissues. Wetwipes.
Lip salve
Wash cloth/ flannel for washing “down below”. Dark colour.
Flipflops if you wish to wear these in shared shower areas.
A plastic carrier bag for dirty clothes needing washing
There is no need to take towels, the hospital will supply these
For baby
2 packs each containing a nappy, wipes, vest and babygrow
Knitted hat for immediately after birth
Extra nappies & wipes (disposable are much easier for use in hospital even if you plan to use washables)
Cotton wool balls or little flannels for wiping baby’s face
2 muslins
Scratch mits if babygrow hasn’t got fold-over cuffs
A blanket to put over you & baby while having skin to skin time.
If you plan to bottle feed – premixed formula and bottles/teats. Hospital will provide a steriliser for you to use. If you plan to breastfeed I do not advise having formula “just in case”. In the rare event that there is a major problem establishing breast feeding the hospital can supply formula.
If you have expressed colostrum, tie a label to your bag saying “colostrum and icepacks in freezer” to remind you to take it with you. You need a cool bag ready with the grab bag.
You do not need to take nappy cream, baby bath products, towels or bedding
Baby seat, a baby blanket, cardigan or snowsuit & hat according to the weather, money for parking and fuel should all be in the car ready. Do you want an incontinence pad to protect the seat?
For your partner
A top suitable to enable skin to skin contact with baby
I suggest you have a separate bag containing extra clothes for you and baby (useful if you stay in or to come home in). That can stay in the car unless you need it.

Extra items to have at home:
A pile of towels, old or dark colours, including a couple that you are happy for baby to be dried with or wrapped in.
A fan and a heater – whatever the time of year!
Pool & accessories (sieve, pump. liner) if wanted – check the hose fits your tap
Waterproof covers for floor/sofa /bed etc.
Candles, fairy lights, aromatherapy oils, massage oil, TENS machine, pads & spare batteries.

For after the birth
Peppermint water can be very helpful for wind pains (after a c/section)
Fybogel sachets are good for constipation. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

@MyGrassIsBrowner love greyhounds, they are so gentle.

So upset about maccies milkshakes too, they had run out of chocolate when I tried to order the other day. Also - had no idea Taco Bell was in the UK. I'd be all over that if there was one close by. I am also plagued with heart burn, especially at night when I lay down, but I am not surprised as having four meals a day right now. I call myself 'the dustbin'.

@Juicytoot287 actually been to the vets today too, getting some extra strength wormer and my dog has been classified as a 'scavenger' by the vet, and don't want her passing anything onto the baby. I hope your fur baby is feeling better soon.

I went for a walk with a woman on my NCT course today, so nice to actually to speak to another mum to be face to face. My mouth hurt from talking afterwards. Feel lighter from having someone to chat to actually, as we moved here just a few months ago and don't know too many people.

Xx

@summerhillgang Lovely and thorough list there! I think I will sort my bag next week before I return to work. I will only be 31 and a half weeks but would rather know in an emergency I have it ready than be flapping to do it on top of work so going to use your list to go shopping with. Bit nervous because I haven't gone shopping at all now I am in 3rd trimester.. covid has made me so anxious. Thought of returning to work fills me with dread as still waiting to know what the plan is..

Also I am so upset I was told not to have milkshakes when all you ladies seem to and be fine! If there is a next time, I will not be as easily influenced by outside opinion!

@summerhillgang Absolutely brilliant hospital bag list there, I have screen shotted it! 😬

Yeah Greys are super gentle and loyal. My boy doesn't leave my side!
Oh the heartburn is just awful isn't it 😩 but LOL @ 'the dustbin' 😂 I can relate!
It's lovely when you have someone to talk to IRL. I bet it was lovely!

@Juicytoot287
Can't believe you've been denying yourself milkshakes! I've heard all manner of bullcrap advice the best one being don't have mcflurries because the machines aren't cleaned properly. I've had mcflurries in both my pregnancies and no issues yet haha!

Oooh @summerhillgang I'm definitely stealing that hospital bag list! Thank you for sharing! When does everyone recommend packing the hospital bag? Clueless FTM here.

I too haven't avoided milkshakes or mcflurries whilst pregnant. I just can't stop eating basically

Had a leaky boob last night again - it's always the same one! I wonder why one is a keen bean leaking already and the other is just like "nah" 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

@mooloop Start packing it now. Honestly, better to be prepared than not lol! she says even though she hasn't even packed her own yet lol.

With you on the leaky boob front except both of mine go and I'm now waking up with dried colostrum on our bedding. Thankfully DP doesn't bat an eyelid as he's used to it now lol.