September 2021 Babies - Thread 8 The final stretch....

[Bubbles1st]

So here we have it, the last thread before babies start arriving.....

Can't wait to start up dating this list with arrivals and names.

Good luck Mommas, we've got this!

@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 💛
@Newmum110 -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 💛
@Suma2021 - 21st 💙
@Jay3004 - 22nd 💙
@SP2Bx - 22nd 💛
@Geegee20 - 22nd 💙
@Holly91 - 22nd 💛
@Rach921 - 23rd 💙
@LittleCatDog - 23rd 💖
@SproutingSprout2021 - 24th 💛
@LittleAurora -24th 💙
@RadDarwazeh - 25th 💛
@crobo87 - 25th 💙
@d0nut - 25th 💖
@GummyBear91 - 25th 💖
@AdriannaP - 25th 💛
@MrsTD88 -27th 💖
@MrsBrett20 - 27th 💛
@marshmallowmode -27th 💙
@Kat1112025 - 27th 💙
@Mrssernalewis - 28th 💛
@ams92 - 30th 💖

Is anyone considering/aiming for a home birth?

I saw one of my midwives yesterday and she mentioned that I'd be a good candidate for home birth. I had a straightforward first birth, however the midwives on the labour ward didn't think I was in established labour until I went through transition and started the pushing phase at home (I knew my body was ramping up the contractions, but they were never 'consistent' in the way that the midwives wanted, my body just did it's own thing)... I therefore had a stressful build up and a hideous journey to hospital, which I'd like to avoid this time! It was suggested that I should call an ambulance and have an "unplanned home birth" if I started pushing at home again... the thought of an unplanned home birth doesn't actually phase me, so I wonder why I shouldn't go for a more relaxed and planned home birth and use midwives rather than paramedics?!

The only reason I hadn't considered home birth before is because my mother will be looking after my toddler and she's against the idea of a home birth so her negativity would stress me out. However upon reflection I think that's actually a rubbish reason not to aim for the birth I want when I truly think about it...

The only catch with all this is that baby is currently breech, so the idea of home birth seems very hypothetical (given that it won't happen unless baby turns)! Fingers crossed baby turns for me...

I had my 34 week check this morning... my usual midwife is on holiday, so I got a community midwife.
All very perfunctory - urine fine, measurements good, baby floating around a bit, but still head down and heartbeat sounded good.
I mentioned that I'm quite swollen down below and got pain etc, but she was like "yes, that happens... it'll hopefully go after baby is born." I think I already knew that was the answer, so I wasn't too surprised.

I popped into Aldi on my way home - no silicone breast pumps, but I did grab a new smelly poo bin (angelcare nappy bin) for £7.99 with a free pack of nappies. It's pretty flimsy, so if you're thinking of getting one, don't pay full price! ;-)

My maternity cover has accepted the role the today, so at least I can relax knowing there will be cover. We'll have 1 week handover and probably virtually, which will be weird. I'm hoping we will be allowed to do some of it face to face as it will be so much easier!
3 weeks of work left... time is flying by!

How many clothes in what sizes have people got? Would 15 sleepsuits and body suits in first size be mouth? Maybe more in 0-3?

The whole sizing thing is a minefield

We sorted our cot and stuff out a bit ago, it's still got the plastic cover on it but wanted babys room to be as ready as possible. OH will have time to get rid of the plastic and bring the crib into our room when she's here before we come home. We live in pretty much the next street to the hospital so if there's anything I need he can bring it over too, really helpful. Here in Germany I don't need anything for baby, everything is provided by the hospital, nappies, milk if i can't breastfeed, clothes etc, which is a huge weight off, I had a small mountain of different sized clothes ready to pack cos I didn't want to be that one clueless mother who forgot something or didn't have the right things. Only thing atm is I don't know if it will be a normal birth or c section, due to the GD if she doesn't come on her own early it will be a C Sec on the due date, so I've got two piles of clothes, one with jumpsuits and dresses that won't touch the scar, and one with trackies and loose trousers incase she comes normally. Yes I over think unfortunately, I've learnt to accept it 🤦‍♀️😅

@Lumay92 it’s my 2nd and I have a feeling this one will come a few days early as my original due date was the 1st going by my last period and then it changed at the 12 week scan. As long as it doesn’t come before September I’m happy!

@Lumay92 baby will be sharing a room with our daughter (age 5) so we have swapped rooms so that they can have the bigger room. Waiting on a new bed arriving for our eldest but it keeps being delayed somewhere in transit so we've bit the bullet and are decorating this weekend. We'll just have to deal with the bed swap when the times comes.

@Mrsserenalewis we've set up the next to me already in our room but it is currently full of baby's clothes that need washing 🙈 we are using our old pram as it is like new so just need to get that out the cupboard when the time comes. We will set up the big cot once the decorating is done.

@SP2Bx ah so exciting isn't it! So glad it is Friday, in desperate need of this week off. Then the final stretch 🙌🏼 I must say I'm also really looking forward to our daughter starting school next month and having a few weeks to myself before baby arrives. These summer holidays up here in Scotland have been loooooong. (Just shy of 8 weeks by the time they go back)

I've been lurking as well but it's getting too close for that now. @Bubbles1st would you be able to add me as well please, due on the 25th with a boy :)

I'm feeling pretty behind all you super organised mums! The cot and pram were delivered this morning, I've just started stripping the paint to redecorate the nursery and I've not packed my hospital bag but I have written the list and feel that's half the battle!

Thanks @Bubbles1st

@Poppins2016 I’ve been considering a home birth but it’s my first so the fear of the unknown is putting me off a bit!

@Noodles4Me I’m also getting the itching. Went to the drs this morning and she commented how sore and swollen I was 😳 she took a swab and in the meantime has given me some cream to help soothe

@SillyBry ‘hopefully’ ?!?!?! To be fair mine keeps getting more swollen over time god help the midwives that are going to help me deliver.

@Chica1990 I may sound nuts but I don’t go by the months sizing because they vary by shop but the lb size on the label. I’m reusing all of DS1s clothes because they’re all fine and some things weren’t worn at all😭. So for sleepsuits we’ve got
1 x 5lb
5 x 7lb
4 x 9lb
5 x 10lb
And so on.. I haven’t actually washed anything past 10lb yet 😬 probably should since my fundal height is 90th centile.

Cot is up, well I didn’t take it down. Also pram is just the same one I use for DS1 so that’s ready to go as well we’ve got double adapters. Just need Dp to get me a freerider now and we’ll be all sorted.

Bag almost packed 🥲 how tiny are newborn nappies.

Whilst we're on the topic of swelling "down there"... piles, anyone? 😳 I swear the glamour is just too much right now 🤦🏼‍♀️

We've been battling with our isofix base for our car seat this afternoon. We'd installed it but couldn't see the indicators showing we'd done it right. Turned out we had to put the seat on it before it fixes properly to the floor. Learning curve, read the instructions 😂

I've got a week off now thankfully and then only one week left at work pre mat leave eeee

@Bubbles1st thanks for setting this thread up!

Hope you ladies are all well. On the home stretch now! How exciting, I for one cannot wait not to be pregnant anymore, I’m so fed up with being heavy and uncomfortable, insomnia, itchiness (did bloods and not OC) and recently my legs hurt so much when I walk, even just walking around the house is agony.

On a more positive note, my Doona car seat/buggy arrived this week and I absolutely love it!! So easy to use and I can tell will be so helpful with school runs with my older ones.

I’ve packed my hospital bag, which was meant to be minimal in a hold-all but has now progressed to an entire cabin bag suitcase. Baby cot, swings etc all done, I just need to get rid of some bits and bobs from the nursery that I’ve kept in there for storage.

I am in FULL ON nesting mode, I have emptied every drawer and cupboard in my house and organised it, got rid of loads of clutter. Last night at 11:30pm I suddenly got an urge to clear out our show cupboard. I’ve even got all my older kids school uniform and shoes sorted from now in case I go into early labour. I’m 33 weeks today and really reallllllly hoping he comes at around 38 weeks, I really want him out earlier than 40 weeks. Obviously not in my control but I’ll be jumping on my ball come 37 weeks!

@Bubbles1st I've been following the threads but not posted really. Would you mind adding me to the list next time you creat one, I'm due 24th with a little boy.

I already have a 21 month daughter and found labour quite difficult because I was induced due to suspected gestational diabetes.

I'm definitely feeling more prepared this time and had a glucose tolerance test which came back normal but now am showing I have sugar in my urine so they may suspect it again. Anyone else being treated as suspected even though there's no firm results?

I saw someone mentioned a water birth, i didn't get this last time as I was strapped to a monitor but was hoping it might be an option this time?

@mamabearwhere I'm so with you in hoping our little one comes earlier. I'm 33+2 now and just can't wait to get her out. My stomach feels so hard, and heavy, and I am struggling and out of breath constantly. I just feel so miserable all the time!

@FTEngineerM I think it's because I've basically developed varicose veins on my labia... she's like they "usually go away". I hope so because one side hangs down longer than the other now... and is lumpy and painful. It's a good thing I can't see down there under my bump as I'd get super depressed!!!

@Kirky658 I have been SO uncomfortable today... lots of time on calls and I felt so much pressure under my ribs. Belly is so heavy and so many bladder twinges/fanny daggers.

We finally moved into our new house today! Something we planned would happen months ago but the whole process has taken 6 months. It's a big project, we have painting / redecorating to do but also repairs and cosmetics, new fittings needed, mass loads of garden work, plastering and doing up the outbuilding...and an extension of the kitchen (but definitely no time for that before baby arrives). I'm almost 33 weeks now, and getting a little stressed about the amount of work that needs doing on the house ideally before our baby arrives.

I'm someone that loves to have everything ready and prepared and feel totally scatty about the fact I can't pack my hospital bags yet, or wash all the baby clothes, or buy what I need until we have everything organised.

Just in case anyone feels unprepared

At this rate I'm hoping baby WON'T be early!!

@Poppins2016 I am planning a home birth and it is my first. Have been very fortunate with an incredibly straightforward pregnancy so far (touch wood). Had to go in for reduced movements about two months ago and the entire hospital experience really put me off. I hated being treated like a patient. Just pregnant here, not ill. I have also not had the best experience with midwives. Can’t tell you of the top of my head how many routine appointments I’ve had so far but every time it was with a different person. Not too miffed about the lack of consistency of care. What does put my back up is lack of consideration. One midwife told me “you will be okay dear once the epidural starts working”. Who told her I wanted an epidural? There’ve been a lot of that kind of comments and assumptions.
To be honest, I am fully prepared to do it on my own with the support of my DH. He’s been so amazing with preparing for the birth and supporting me every step of the way. Not sure where all this confidence is coming from.. I did a lot research into pregnancy and birth and had been doing some (not much) hypnobirthing. But it is more about owning this experience for me, rather some woman whom I’ve never met before telling me “you know you won’t have access to the “good stuff” if you stay at home?! only gad & air and limited supply of it too. what?? you are not even going to use a pool?! oh well at least you are only 20 min from the hospital”

@Poppins2016 sorry forgot to say - I will keep everything crossed your little one turns in time! My colleague had two EVCs and the second one worked 🙏🏼

@Suma2021 Yay for finally moving in! We moved into our new house last month and it took over 6 months from putting our house on the market (before I even got my BFP) so I understand that stress! Ours doesn't need too much work, we actually changed which house we were buying part way through because I was getting stressed about how long it was taking and the other one needed lots of renovation before baby arrived. Having said that, our downstairs loo/utility room is currently completely ripped out and I've spent half my day today frantically trying to find a plasterer who can come before baby does! 🙈 Just remember that most jobs can wait till after baby. Focus on any critical rooms and try and make yourself one lovely finished room to hide away in with baby when renovations are going on in the future 😊

@SillyBry I had my first week of handover with my maternity cover this week, but was lucky enough that she came in for it. It was so much better than trying to show her remotely, though next week she is going to be working from home for the majority of it so will have to see how we go. Only got next week & then I've got 3 weeks holiday before my due date, can't wait as I'm tired all the time now!

This is the changing bag my friends mum has made me. Isn't it gorgeous? Completely unique & the changing mat detaches. Completely in love 😍

@gwhiteley oh wow that's beautiful 😍
@deedeebythesea how dare they assume you'll go for the drugs, you might want an all natural birth?! For me I have to say I'm against an epidural as I hate needles and the after effects don't sound fun. I'm hoping for just gas&air (appreciate it is probably totally unrealistic). Tbh I'm hanging onto other ladies with endometriosis' comments that labour was no worse than endo pains 😅

@Kirky658 Just using gas and air is more common than you think, especially if you do use a birth pool (even if you don't actually birth in there) and proper breathing techniques. It's what I'm hoping for too, so defo don't write it off as unrealistic! You got this 💪🏼

Thanks @marshmallowmode ! Yes like you say it's definitely a case of taking it one step at a time and focusing on a nicely done room I can hide away in !
Good luck finding a plasterer, do your research into them though as we've been tempted in the past to get anyone and everyone to do some work because we needed it finished urgently, you can end up with some really shoddy work done that way! Xx

@GWhiteley, what a gorgeous changing bag! That's so lovely xx