Due March 2023 - Thread 7

[TeddyBeans]

Lucky number 7! We were so chatty last thread that no babies arrived! Though we do have 3 on the FB group!

Role call

23/2 - @botleybump💓
24/2 -
25/2 -
26/2 - @TeddyBeans💓
27/2 - @Ubbee💙
28/2 - @BabyNumber3OnTheWay💙
1/3 - @Clarps84 💙
2/3 - @BethBeef 💙, @Cams50 💙
3/3 - @LittleAcorn20💛, @LaForza101 💙, @SammyJay5 💓, @pamplemousse19 💓, @Lauren11x 💙, @Whatsforpud 💛
4/3 - @EastyBaby19 💙, @Cdoc💙, @Katdemar 💙
5/3 - @Babynum2 💙, @hopingforarainbow27 💓
6/3 - @allthingssparkly, @Thirdtimesacharm3 💙
7/3 - @GreenIsle 💓, @Noodle20, @Pickles23 💛
8/3 - @Splashh, @June628 💓, @BabyLimey 💛
9/3 - @Penelope_2023, @91mana
10/3 - @iratepirate 💛, @PeonyPops 💓
11/3 - @Chloe1896
12/3 - @Katlouise24 💓
13/3 - @ToffeeEl 💓, @Franklin321 💓, @paulinesmithson 💓
14/3 - @beatingheartbaby 💓, @rainbowbaby233 💙
15/3 - @Hrf1503 💓, @TTC24 💙
16/3 -
17/3 - @Room4onemore 💓, @Cuppasoupmonster 💙, @broomfig 💙
18/3 - @XjustagirlX 💛, @CristinaNov182 💓, @Shep21 💓
19/3 - @Dreamingof3 💓, @alotoftutus 💙, @AK93 💙, @hellosunshineagainxxx 💙, @Allthegirls3 💓
20/3 -
21/3 - @FirstTimeTryer93, @LifeOfRiley1 💛, @Rose429 💓
22/3 - @mrshenny 💓
23/3 - @Choc2022 💛
24/3 - @whydotheyallhaverubbishwheels 💙, @Charlothevet88 💛, @Mrs2022 💛, @Blocklynn 💛
25/3 - @Whywhwhy 💙, @Missy95 💛
26/3 - @purplerain555
27/3 - @Cats23 💓, @firstlittleone 💓, @dmb91 💛, @AGirlsNameIsAryaStark 💛, @hol92 💙, @Amy1303 💛, @Bobduncan 💛, @OonMP 💛
28/3 -
29/3 - @Perexi 💙, @SenecaFalls1848 💛
30/3 - @ChristmasJumpers 💓, @Moonlighting 💙
31/3 - @Baby2iscooking 💛
1/4 - @diamondbutterfly 💓

@havanamama you seem to be missing off the list!? I'm so sorry I missed you 😱

I figured I'd tag everyone this time so noone gets lost 😊 I'm really sorry if I missed you!

For baby I've got a changing bag....nappies x 12, wipes, ready to use formula, 2 X newborn vest sleepsuit and hat and 2 X up to 1 month vest, sleepsuits and hat, few muslins and a light blanket, cardigan.

For me, small cabin case, lots of big pants 😂, nightie, PJ's, loose dress and leggings, socks, mini shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, toothpaste and brush, hair brush and bands, lip balm, flip flops, maternity pads, comfy bras.

Then an overnight bag in the car that will have extra underwear, pads and clothes for me. Extra outfits, nappies and milk for the baby - so that if we need to stay in longer it's all in one place and I'm not relying on my partner to find stuff

Yes 34 weeks here but haven’t packed bags yet. Just moved house so way more pressing things to get done 😂

I am however just using a gym bag for my stuff. I used to work on labour ward and people bringing loads of stuff was ridiculous as space is so limited in bed bays..so it used to get so messy and cluttered and no one could ever find anything was quite overwhelming.

As long as change of clothes, toiletries and baby clothes nappies etc. Anything else can be sorted.

I think I’ll do the same as you and keep an extra bag of stuff in the car so my partner can get it if needed so we aren’t bringing loads into the hospital, great idea xx

I just took a small overnight bag with the essentials in for me and baby.

This is my 3rd baby and I like to keep things simple. I've had two previous normal deliveries and in and out the same day so I pack my back according to that, it's easy for dp to lift more things from home if needs be the hospital is only 20 minutes away.

We bring one big rucksacks which dp lifts of course. I always have an outfit ironed and set aside for wearing to hospital in labour such as leggings and baggy top, each time I'm had more than enough time to get a bath and quick shave before going in (it helps me feel prepared plus the waiting on contractions building up).

Me

• button up night dress for labour
• 3 pairs of pants
• leggings and going home top
• one pair pyjamas just incase however I've been sent home same day and I've never needed them.
• maternity pads
• two pairs socks
• I wear the same shoes home as I came in
• shower gel and lip balm

Baby

• 2 newborn baby gro and vests with hats
• 2 size up to 1 month baby gro vests and hats.
• newborn cardigan
• blanket
• half pack nappies and wipes
• two bibs

Some water and snacks

That's it, I don't think you need to bring the whole house with you because it's easy to grab more things from home if needed.

Baby's are super sleepy the first day or two so I don't find you need to change them much because they aren't eating a lot or doing anything else.

I've packed a small cabin suitcase for me and will be packing the baby's changing bag with her things. Very similar lists to PPs but my suitcase is full to bursting as I've included a blanket 😳 potentially a bit "extra" of me but I'm guaranteed a 24 hour stay due to my GD so want a bit of home comfort

I just packed mine and babies stuff in a gym bag it has everything I need for 24 hours in. I then have a backpack at home with extra stuff for extra stay that DP will bring up if needed.

@Thirdtimesacharm3 Sorry only just seen your comment.

Thank you, I'm definitely keeping a close eye but at the moment they seem to have stopped, I can imagine like you say I could have these cramps on and off for days. It just puts me more on edge this time round because I haven't gone into labour spontaneously before.

Hey @TeddyBeans The cramping has eased, but I'm literally at the point now where I'm waddling around like a penguin. I have lots of pressure when I'm walking, I'm sure baby has moved positions and that's what is causing this feeling.

@allthingssparkly I reckon you've started dilating at least 😁 baby must have engaged if you're doing the penguin waddle!!

I don't know what's happening but I'm uncomfortable in so many positions apart from being on all fours, sat up swaying or stood up 🙈 baby is keeping me on my toes that's for sure!

Will see how this evening goes. I'm not in pain or anythi, I'm just uncomfortable and having to breathe through the cramps when they occur.

Question for those living in a house -
What are you planning to use for baby sleeping downstairs in the daytime?

Dockatot type stuff seems easy and light to move around, but it's not safe for sleeping if you don't constantly look at the baby.
Therefore we are looking to just use the pram bassinet downstairs.

Has anyone done that? Did you just put the bassinet on the floor or buy a stand?

@havanamama we use a Moses basket for downstairs.

But Moses baskets are only till 3-4 months, no?

@havanamama I have a moses basket on stand downstairs and then a crib upstairs I also have a swing that lays flat and a dockatot. Just depends on how big baby is to how long these things last baby 1 didn't use her moses basket long she grew out of it about 5 months and then baby 2 was in his until 9 months he was very small.

I’m not using a Moses basket this time, I’ve bought the Hauck Dreamer which I will use as a Jack of all trades until it’s time to move into the cot (which is currently converted into a toddler bed for DD). When he’s about 6 months we’ll put the big cot up and buy DD a small double for ease if one of us needs to sleep in with her.

Feeling very big and tired now 🥵 31 weeks on Friday and I really feel it going up the stairs, doing any kind of lifting etc. My back is in shreds! Currently sleeping with a complicated set up of 4 pillows which is the only comfortable position!

Have you all chosen baby’s coming home outfit? 🥰

We have a Moses basket for downstairs, but with my son mostly used the pram (I remember having to push it around the kitchen to get him to sleep) or the swing! I started introducing cot naps upstairs in the day about 3/4 months although they were hit and miss…sometimes napped on me or in the sling as well! Basically wherever he would sleep for a while 😅

@ChristmasJumpers do you know if the staying 24hr thing is for everyone with GD or is it trust specific?

@havanamama we have a moses basket and stand and a dockatot. Few friends swear by dockatot so see no harm maybe when we're watching TV etc.

@Dreamingof3 stupid question but what do you mean by 'big pants'. I've bought a packet of standard knickers from Primark in my 'usual' size - should I size up or get something different? Was planning to wear these with maternity pads.

Should I be taking water wipes AND cotton wool is hospital bag?

How many breast pads and maternity pads should I take? Im thinking one pack of maternity pads and about 8 breast pads? For some reason I've bought 60!

@Choc2022 I would just take water wipes as that's what they use in the NICU anyway so must be ok. I would take 1 pack pads and maybe 8-10 breast pads.

i have just been woken up by a very sharp constant pain in my left side of stomach and back I think it may be round ligament pain and its taken my breathe away. Just a reality check of the fact I'm a massive baby when it comes to pain and have to go through contractions again soon!

@havanamama I have bought a 2nd hand moses basket for downstairs (bought a brand new mattress for it) then we've also got the clever mamma baby nest and munchkin baby swing 🤍

snuzpod 4 we have up in our bedroom for evenings/bedtime 😴

Ive always just used moses basket downstairs on stand for the first 6 weeks, then taken it back upstairs at bedtime- mine are usually 4-5months coming out of it, then straight to cot.
Ive always just used a baby chair then dowbstairs

Morning ladies! I’ve missed so much on this thread. Nice to see your updates.

Some great packing tips! Over 36 weeks now and still haven’t done mine 😬 any tips for good snacks to take in? I remember last time I didn’t get any food for ages!

@havanamama ive got a dock a tot from last time and a new Moses basket for downstairs now as we were in a flat before. And a bedside cot for upstairs. Just hoping this baby will be put down at all and I can use at least one of them within the first 8 weeks!

@Choc2022 I saw someone else mention it (I can't remember if it was this thread or an IVF one I'm in) so I asked my midwife. It's standard practice by the sounds of it as they need to establish baby's blood sugars aren't crashing and ensure they're feeding well before letting you go home

@Choc2022 yeh I think it's pretty standard now to keep an eye on baby's blood sugar levels. I'd prepare for that as a minimum and if for some reason you're allowed to leave earlier it'll be a bonus

I have a Moses basket for downstairs and a next to me for upstairs, both borrowed but have bought new mattresses for both. Then a cot set up in babies room for when they can go in there.

We have a cot upstairs and one of those soft nest things for downstairs naps when they’re tiny.
Once that’s outgrown we have a swing or a bouncy chair which will be used when they’re not napping in the sling.