🍼👶🏼👣 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! ❤

@Juicytoot287 awks - hope she has turned up!

@Juicytoot287 Yeah they said 24 hours but could be sooner, there was only us and one other car there it was deserted lol.

Oh my god what, that is worrying! I'm due a midwife appointment on Thursday so I'm praying my results are negative 😭

@MyGrassIsBrowner @summerhillgang She didn't turn up! Off sick apparently but didnt call in so nobody knew. Poor lady was 34 weeks and dropped so really wanted her appointment. She is off for the rest of the week so can only assume COVID to know that in advance. I have anothet midwife now running an emergency clinic for us all on wednesday. Kind of glad because Id like to see a different midwife anyhow

@Juicytoot287 God that's so unprofessional. Glad you're getting seen to though. To be honest if it wasn't for the fact that I'm going for a section this time, I'd barely have any appointments. And dont get me started on the telephone appointments, what a joke that was

Hope you are feeling OK @MyGrassIsBrowner and that some rest has helped you and your partner out! Fingers crossed results are negative

I just had the worst night since being pregnant! Couldn't sleep, keep comfy, keep cool anything. I never struggle sleeping or being too hot but last night was something else. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come lol

@Juicytoot287 Thankfully tests came back negative!! But poor DH is suffering and cant start his new job tomorrow in this state so he's gonna have to call his boss and re-arrange a new start date I think.
Oh you poor thing tbh I struggled last night too and we have a ceiling fan in the bedroom that I had on its highest setting. I've been struggling for weeks now and jesus, trying to turn over in bed... I have to do like a 483,983,982 point turn 😆😆

Amazing news ... kind of lol! I am sure his work will be understanding, health has to come first.

We have a fan and an AC unit, no reason to be warm and I never usually struggle. Thank god we aren't in a heatwave on top of that or I would be in bits! Maybe it was a one off, but I reckon its the start of the sleep issues as I have gotten bigger. I think my belly button is close tk popping now too, most of it has already came out 😂 I really hate belly buttons so that is not fun. Having a moping self care day today!

Glad to hear the results were negative! I woke up too last night because I was so hot had to stick the fan on , im dreading the last month of pregnancy now That's usually the worst part I think I'll need a crane by that point to lift me out of bed . Re the midwifes I don't even know who my midwife is I've had a different one everytime I've been to an appointment. They always seem rushed off their feet. We're off to Wales next week so I'm looking forward to that be a nice change from being home just hoping the rain stays away.

@Juicytoot287 @queenie273646 Thank you ladies!! Certainly a massive relief to say the least, I was starting to feel so crap yesterday but genuinely just think I'm exhausted and it's all catching up with me.
Oh my I'd love an air con unit! They're saying we're due another heatwave aren't they? I dont think I'll cope.
How far along are you both by the way? Forgive my ignorance! I'm 31+4 today. See my MW on Thurs for a check up and chat about my section. Was toying with a homebirth this time but genuinely dont think I have it in me to go through natural birth again. Had a really traumatic recovery after my DD and read so many positive stories about sections on here, plus this is going to be my final baby, and I'd be devestated if my pelvic floor was ruined further after another natural birth. My main worry is that my first labour was very fast and I'm conscious that this time I might not even make it to the hospital in time and end up having a VB anyway. God it's all so unpredictable and stressful 😆

I am 28+5 :) Bit behind everyone as due 28th October. I have seen lots about ELCS and everyone seems very pro! I have no clue what to expect as it stands, ignorance is bliss around birth lol.

I have scheduled onto a free online class for August as well now so should make me feel more prepped. Doing a load of baby clothes in the washing machine now whilst I have time so I can start putting them away haha

@Juicytoot287 is this your first hun? If so, all I can say is best to go in with a totally open mind. I have to think a bit more logistically about my birth with regards to childcare and DPs paternity so I do have to have some sort of plan to follow this time 😆
I'm so big this time round, at 28 weeks baby was estimated at 2lb 14oz which is definitely over the average, I am thinking I'm carrying a heffer this time 😆
I also have a load of DDs newborn stuff ready to go in the washing machine as well lol

@MyGrassIsBrowner I'm 29 weeks 3 days due the 23rd October or 26th if I go from the ivf dates hospital used their own dates I thought the ivf ones were more accurate but I suppose it's only a 3 day difference , I was also debating wether to have a home birth but I think I'm just going to end up going with the mlu as long as nothing goes wrong, going to refuse inductions unless there's a medical reason they do push for ivf births to be induced at 40 weeks and then again at 41 weeks hopefully I won't go over by too much hoping for a halloween baby, I was actually fine after my first birth abit sore but not as bad as I thought it would be and I had stitches, you'll be able to be plan really well if your having a c section the waiting around for baby is worrying me already Dh works 6 hours away and if i don't go into labor on a weekend I'm worried he will miss the birth !
@Juicytoot287 best way to be about the birth ! I wanted a relaxing no drugs water birth with my first ended up with my waters breaking and failing to progress beyond 2cm ..... ended up on the drip epidural etc she eventually came out after a 37ish hour labour and I was devastated when I couldn't have my water birth but it wasn't all bad I was really looked after had a midwife with me at all times and everyone was lovely ! I'm more go with the flow this time and I quite honestly only prefer the mlu because u and partner get to stay in there by yourself until your ready to leave I do not like being on the wards after birth I was stuck in 4 days the last time with 6 other mothers and their baby's and it was horrific for me just wanted to be home in my own space. Your dates so close to mine! I'm dying to pack my hospital bag now but resisting until end of September along with putting up the cot downstairs crib etc.

@queenie273646 Aww love I really hope you get your mlu birth this time! I had my DD on ths mlu and yeah in one sense it was amazing and totally textbook, one toot of gas and air and a 4.5 hour labour from start of contractions to delivery, took all of 2 mins for my placenta to be delivered to albiet the midwife yanking it out of me. I bled quite heavily the weeks after and I came away with 2nd degree internal tear and a low grade rectocele which is why I'm wanting a section this time (this is final baby) so I'm petrified of things getting worse downstairs. I already feel like I turn myself inside out when I go for a poo as it is 🙈

You poor thing re DH working so far away, my dp worked 40 mins away and that was stressing me out alone. His new job is only 15 min drive from us so feeling much calmer about that now. Part of me is thinking this baba isn't going to wait until my section date though (im only booked in 4 days before due date) and it would just be my luck really, LOL

@queenie273646 so close date wise! Yes the IVF surely make more sense date wise but whatever lol. We are in sinilar positions then, I am also refraining from building cot or next to me until nearer the time. We are going to paint the nursey next week and clear out old furniture so the room is a blank canvas ready to go when we do decide to build bits! Also, will be leaving hospital bag for a while now - have bough some nice maternity nighties and loungewear anyway which I want to wwear now so couldn't really pack them anyway if I wanted haha. Will start picking up bits like pads as the weeks go on as and when I am in shops just to take the edge off but won't be packing for sure.

Going to pick up my emmas diary bump pack today I think - anyone else had these and are they good? Got a notification they have a full size pampers pack which is brand new to them so thought it was worth grabbing for that alone!

@mygrassisBrowner It is my first yes! I know I want the MLU ideally as it looks nicer and is in the hospital anyway so seems a no brainer. Aside from that I think it is best to go in happy to be adaptable as realistically I just want to meet my baby happy and healthy, whatever way that looks.

@summerhillgang Haven't heard off of you in a while Hun, are you OK and resting well after your scare? x

@Juicytoot287 The Emmas Diary and Bounty packs can be good, they're worth getting though purely because they're free and we all cant say no to a freebie hehe. I got mine recently and got a sample of wipes/nappies and a little tub of sudocrem. Would highly recommend Pampers newborn nappies, yes they're more expensive and others will tell you to go for the supermarket brands but I found Pampers for us have been the most reliable from day dot. Our DD rarely had nappy rash with them either. X

@MyGrassIsBrowner oh no no wonder you want a c section this time ! I'm hoping you make it to your c section date without going into labour ! You can never plan how the birth will be can you hopefully things go smoothly for us this time , he has his own company so can just leave when it's time but it's such a long drive ! I'm trying to persuade him to go back down south (3 hours away) as it's a big difference to 6 hours away!
@Juicytoot287 I havnt saw them just having a quick look on the website and they look good especially with a full size pampers included, I loved doing my dd nursery im just having a cot in my room for the first year this time though , this house we have now is three stories and there's no way im legging it up and down the stairs during the night for when he wakes up the spare room is fine for a boys bedroom (white with grey furniture) could just put his cot in and then re build the bed when he's ready for it put some wallpaper on and some boys bedding, I have a feeling my daughter will get jealous and try to get back into my bed while he's in my room thou which will be fun ! You've reminded me I need to get some loungewear and pjs for the hospital and for after .
I'm ready to meet him now but I know how hectic it is with a new born so im also trying to enjoy the last few months of pregnancy sleeps gettin more tricky though as im getting bigger and bigger and I honestly hope this next heatwave buggars off because I can't handle that again.

@queenie273646
Yeah it's one of those things that are completely unpredictable! Lucky that he's got his own company and can get away as and when he needs but a 6 hour journey when you're in labour could be hurrendously stressful so I feel you. I know my DP will floor it home if I went into labour early but I would worry he'd end up crashing the car on route 😆 so I did say to him please dont go too mad lol.
I havent even packed my hospital bag yet I've been far too laid back atm 🙈

@MyGrassIsBrowner have you been offered a birth reflections service? It gives you a chance to look through your notes and just make a bit more sense of how and why things happened the way they did.
If it’s any consolation (and I’m sure lots of people have already told you this) second and subsequent births are INFINITELY easier, quicker and less likely to cause any physiological trauma such as tearing. Worth considering xx

Hey ladies! I'm feeling recovered from the hospital escapades. Those steroid injections seriously mess up your sleep. So like you guys, I have been sleeping weirdly and napping in the day too. Looks like we have a moderate heat wave down on south coast for next 10 days. Like 21/20c - much more manageable than last time.
We went for a walk down the beach today with the doggy, and had some fish and chips. Nice for a change of scene. Now I'm laying in the shade on the decking and feeling pretty happy to be on mat leave.
I'm supposed to be packing hospital bag but I can't really face it. I've ordered a few bits and waiting on those, plus we're going away for a couple of days this weekend so I'll basically be packing it for that anyway. We're off to Whitstable and will be going to one of our fave restaurants, prob the last thing we do before baby comes m. Slightly nervous about being away from home after the scare but I'll be prepared and packed, and have all my notes with me. It's about 90 mins away from from home.
Starting a hypnobirthing course this Saturday, exciting.
I'm 32 weeks today! Due 5 October x

@summerhillgang sounds lovely think I'll do that tomorrow with dd have a nice trip to the beach I've been exhausted today my body is telling me I just need to rest I'm counting down the hours until bedtime tonight! Only 8 weeks to go until your due date!
@MyGrassIsBrowner I think I'll order a small suitcase soon so at least I have one in for when I'm ready to pack . Lucky your dp will be close if you have fast labours and you go into it early ! My first labor was a good 37 hour one so I'm hoping it's slowish again so he'll have plenty of time to get home.
It's all getting so real now with no much longer to go ! I've felt like the past 10 weeks have dragged and now I feel like it's speeding up again going to have to prepare myself for looking after a newborn again it's been 5 year since I've done it , im thinking changing a nappy will come back to me aswell been a good 3 year since I've had to do that aswell. The workmen for the bathroom are still here and I'm ready for them to be done for the day so I can relax properly they were supposed to be finished tomorrow .... fat chance of that I'm thinking Friday/ Saturday it'll all be finished off .... I'm defiantly ready for a lie in and my house back .

@Peacefulspirit I've read about birth reflections but honestly it was such a hands off birth with regards to my midwife, she basically left me to it. I pushed at all the wrong times and the position I got myself into in the pool to push probably didn't help either. I was sort of sideways on all fours but my feet pushing against the side of the bath, and again, I think thats were all strained all my pelvis as the days after I literally couldn't walk without my DP helping me.
Horrifically DD crowned and I lost momentum and she slipped back up, that was the most painful for me of the whole birth. It could be that I go into labour early this time and end up not even making a section (knowing my luck I'll have birthed her at home before my DP gets home from work 😆

@summerhillgang glad you're feeling better now, just make sure you make time to recoop. Have a lovely time away though, it sounds lush!

@queenie273646 with that in mind then hopefully baby doesn't decide to come quickly! Bless you it'll be like starting all over again with a newborn but I bet you'll just instinctively know what to do and totally rock it.
I remember having our kitchen re-done towards the end of my pregnancy last time and it was a total nightmare. I had to live in either our bedroom or living room. I ate so many pot noodles I cant bare to think how many 🙈 and I used to have to be up at 7am for the workmen coming, and then I ended up making brews for them all day when I should have been relaxing haha!
It's certainly been hard work with a toddler this time and my body is slowly giving up. I've got really horrific PGP this time. I went for a walk around our local Asda today (its only a small one) and oh my god it's done me over! Now on the sofa feeling hurrendously sorry for myself 😆

Oh will be lovely to have a new bathroom though!

Had a nap and woke up with awful back ache and some tummy aches too, all on the side and baby is wriggling so I am sure she is just in an awkward position or it is ligament pain - doesn't stop me worrying or sulking alike aha.

I wish I lived near a beach for walks, unfortunately that is a draw back to the midlands haha althouhh we are trying to find some nice walks for DPs week off to keep active and also get some fresh air. It is a way of looking after our first baby (the dog) too 😂

starting to wish we booked a small break like some of you - looking at booking a holiday for next year now when baby will be little instead!

The workers are still here apparently won't be too much longer I was wanting to be upstairs in bed with dd by 6pm it'll be worth it when it's done but it does seem to be dragging now,
@MyGrassIsBrowner oh I'm trapped in the living room thankfully we have a downstairs loo I wouldn't even like to imagine what it's like getting a bathroom re done when it's the only toilet in the house! I don't no how your getting through the pgp if I sit on an uncomfortable chair or drive for too long my back just can't cope and I need a good day to recover that's bad enough never mind always being in pain!
@Juicytoot287 I'm jealous of your nap! Oh it's awful when they are in an awkward position and feel like your stomach is being stretched to the limits I sometimes feel like I've got a stitch when he goes on his side he is such an active baby aswell never stops moving! You could look for something in September time im stuck to the Summer holidays now to go away , my cousin got a really good deal for September for centre parcs.

@queenie273646 I am stuck to summer hols too as I am a teacher unfortunately.

So ladies, the emma's bag was actually OK. Got a fairly reasonable sample size of bepanthem, mini sudocrem, full pampers, baby wipes (full pack), maternity pads, baby shampoo travel size and some travel size bump creams too. For free I cannot really complain and you can claim a few of them!

Hi all, hope you're all ok. Was away the last few days visiting friends and going to friends' wedding which was all lovely. Our last little hol just the three of us!! Bought a Tommee Tippee bottle set whilst we were away, half price from Boots so a great deal. It seems really hard and expensive to buy Phillips Avent Natural ones now and you can buy Tommee Tippee closer to nature teats everywhere so we've gone with that this time.

Am starting a 6 week guided self-help CBT course tomorrow morning for my awful anxiety, hopefully it will help. There is a 14 week wait in my area atm to start it but because I'm pregnant Ive gone to the top of the waiting list so I only had to wait about a week which is really good phew.

We have a holiday booked for June 2022, just on a family caravan park in North Wales. We will stay in a static one and my DM and DB are also coming and staying in another one. It's a seaside location and they do activities as well on site so there should be plenty to occupy DD who will be just 4. Also only about an hour drive away too which is good. I am debating booking a cottage in the Midlands that we just stayed in for September 2022 as well to go to CBeebies Land but I dunno if that might just be quite stressful with an 11mo in tow too? Just quite want to go before DD gets too big for it and I'm not sure when that would be?

Has any of who aren't FTMs used an Elvie or a CosyTots (I think that's what it's called?) breast pump before?

I feel for you with DH who work far away, my DH's work is actually right by the hospital, it's about a 15 min walk from the hospital. It would take him about 15 minutes to drive from his work to our house to pick me up and then roughly the same again back to the hospital assuming not in rush hours.