November 2023 babies - Thread 5

[Shaker21]

I couldn't find a new thread open as the old is now full.

Got a few of the usernames to tag, definitely missed people but hopefully they find the thread :)

@spareincoming @Pinkplantcase @leeanneD11 @LilmissCa @FlyingHighFlyingLow @Psqueak87 @spanglesj @BabyBabyBaby123 @Houseonthehills @GreenAventurine @reememberly @Cegbee @DollyGx @38andtrying @JD90 @travellingislife @mldn @sb86 @TMI2000

@JD90 They look so good! Definitely look spacious!
I just ended up picking up a bag from Primark and I'm trying to pack minimally but I am a FTM so if anyone has any suggestions on things that are must haves in their bags that would be so helpful!
I've definitely been towards the over-prepared category with mostly everything bought besides the odd thing here and there, though it is making this later stage slightly less stressful 😂

I am using a cabin bag-wheels all the way!!

@TMI2000 we had a smallish bag ready with the basics and a bigger bag with clothes etc. that DH could just grab if we needed to be in for a few days after the birth.

@GreenAventurinee i put that weight into a fetal growth calculator and it shows 37th percentile for a girl. So pretty normal I think! Put a photo of what I typed in below.

I had my first ultrasound since my 4d private one 3 months ago this week at 34+4 and my girl was 5lb 4oz! Altho the tech was calling it a “just for funsies” weight, as she said it can be wildly inaccurate! Mine was 49th percentile, I’m already terrified of pushing a 5lb 4oz baby out and still 5 weeks to go.

@Thack have you managed to fit everything into the cabin bag? That’s what I’m using too…it’s almost full and I still have more things to put in. I refuse to add an extra bag though so I may have to declutter it.

On the Facebook group I’m in some of the ladies are packing as if they’re going away on a 2 week vacation!

so far I have the following:
Baby:

• 4 sleepers
• 4 vests
• 1 mittens
• 1 socks
• 10 nappies
• pack of wipes
• 2 pack of dummies

me:

• nursing bra
• nursing pads
• slippers
• long charger cable for phone
• couple of snacks
• scrunchies
• face wipes
• travel size shampoo/conditioner/shower gel
• Small sample size moisturisers
• pajamas
• i bought the Frida mom labour post Partum kit which I have stuffed in there too, this contains:
• robe & grippy socks
• Peri bottle
• 4 pairs disposable underwear
• Instant ice maxi pads
• Perineal healing foam
• Perineal cooling pad liners
• will be adding leggings and a big jumper to go home in

anything I’m missing and anything you’d remove?

Is anyone else in pain every time they sneeze? It started about a week ago, and has gradually gotten worse to the point now that when I sneeze, I get an excruciating pain the top of my bump going round in to my back. I’m scream out like I’ve been shot it’s that painful 🙈

@Psqueak87 for baby I’d ditch the socks if your sleepsuits have feet and add in a hat. Have you a blanket that you’d like to use? I take my own in, plus an extra one for the car seat home. Some people will take a wee cardigan or something for the journey home too. Just avoid the snowsuit padded ones.
For you, more pads and pants or disposable pants. A decent water bottle and more snacks!

@Psqueak87 I wouldn’t give a newborn dummies if you’re planning to breastfeed. Muslin cloths are really useful, I’d put a handful of those in.

The perineum healing stuff I don’t know much about but I’m sure if it’s designed to be used straight away? I’d the be wary of putting anything on stitches immediately.

@Psqueak87 will there be towels where you are likely to birth? I'm going to pack a beach towel and camping towel, just to be sure.

My case is pretty full! Dressing gown, towels and snacks are either going in a small bag that can be sat on top of the case to wheel along or in a rucksack.
I've packed DH a spare toothbrush, he will sort his own clothes (spare pants, socks and a shirt, in case we're there a while, to freshen up) and a book.

Odd bits I suggest

• a spare carrier bag to segregate dirty clothes. Made it easier to exchange with DH when I was in for a few days too.

• a pen. I had to keep notes on feeding and the pens at my bedside would come and go as the midwives bodded in and out to help.

If applicable, have change ready for car park charges. I expect most places take cards but just in case (and for vending machines too!)

Brilliant bag ideas! I have started a list and will be working through it. Would you add flip flops or sliders for the shower?

Also has anyone bought a crib? I would like the baby in our room for around 6 months and don't think a cot will fit easily. Was looking at cribs with mesh sides. Don't think I want a cosleeper. Just a simple mesh crib that's bigger than a moses basket and will do for overnight sleeps. Maybe with a rock function. Has anyone bought something like this?

@Spareincoming thanks for the suggestions! All the sleepers do have the attached socks so I’ll lose the loose socks, and swap for a hat.
I’ll stick a blanket in the back seat for baby, and I also have one of those wooly car seat covers that I can put over the car seat to keep her warm. It shouldn’t be too cold in November, but you never know! It’ll likely be around 0c. Also thanks, never thought of water bottle but that’s a great idea! And I’m always down for more snacks.

@PinkPlantCase thanks, yeah maybe the spray can stay home, I’m actually not sure when it’s supposed to be used. I think it says to spray it on the pads before you use them!

@thack I think I’m gonna have to add another small backpack or something to sit on top of the case too!

@Nov2023 ive bought a bassinet for our room, it’s a halo bassinest one, it looks big enough that she should fit in it for atleast 6 months. Once she outgrows I’ll buy a crib and put her in the nursery room, although right now it’s our only other bedroom so it’s set up for family and guests!

I’ve got a next to me crib this time;
I have always used the traditional style Moses baskets and my DC all
end up in the full sized Ikea cot at about 4 months.
The problem with the Moses basket has been post section I have to contort myself to get to baby. So this time I’ve gone for a drop side next to me.

@Nov2023 I took my Birkenstock plastic sliders last time and they were great as I could loosen them right up, they were the only things that would fit on my massively swollen feet for a week after birth! Also they got blood on them and are wipe clean.

We used a next2me crib. It's useful to have the ability to drop the side even if you're not using as co-sleeper per se as it's easier to pick the baby up when you're in bed, especially if you end up having a CS and are recovering from that I imagine.

I have my covid jab today. I was on the fence about it but I’ve realised that if I get ill now I’d just have to finish work because I wouldn’t be able to power through so thought it best to get it. Equally if there’s an increase in cases over the winter I’d rather not get ill whilst my body is recovering.

I booked it through this at a pharmacy, I don’t think my GP have them in yet-

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/?wt.mc_id=Letter0001

Anyone taking pain killers? And if so, what are you taking? I ordered a belly band for my back and rib pain but it’s 2 days late already and I’m getting desperate.

I know I can’t take ibuprofen. I was taking paracetamol, but some ladies on another group linked a recent article where Tylenol brand of paracetamol are being sued for links to autism, my partner is already very untrusting of the medical world so doesn’t want me taking paracetamol now. Today I put some pain patches on my back (salonpas) brand. And I thought I’d have a quick check and apparently they aren’t safe either, so I ripped them right off.

im getting desperate. Luckily I see my OB in 2 days. But the pain is unreal.

@Cegbee @Psqueak87 @Spareincoming

Thanks for the crib suggestions. I like the look of the next to me. The drop down sides look convenient. I haven't settled on a birth plan but have just assumed I will have a CS as I have some health issues meaning growth scans for the baby but thankfully the issues seem not to be causing problems so far so it might it be a given and I really need to start reading up on other options!

I have the plastic birkenstocks too so will pack them. Again, I hadn't thought of my feet swelling because they look fine for now!

@Psqueak87 I a problem with the nerves in my neck and head and took paracetamol and codeine (prescribed) when needed in my last pregnancy. I followed the advice of taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

The problem I needed codeine for is much better than it used to be so I haven’t taken that this time, but earlier on in this pregnancy I took paracetamol fairly often. It was a choice of take paracetamol and be able to do my job and care for my toddler or stay in bed in a lot of pain just waiting for the flare up to be over which I’m sure isn’t good for the baby either when you think about all the hormones they’d be getting from me.

It sounds like you have a choice between starting maternity leave early because you’re in too much pain to sit at work or take paracetamol 🤷‍♀️

I expect your OB will say it’s fine to take the paracetamol, a physio or chiropractor may be more help practically with helping with the pain.

@Psqueak87 The basic tylenol is just the same as UK paracetamol so is approved to use in pregnancy. I’ve literally just taken 2 Tylenol as we brought a 500 capsule tub home last time we were over, it’s the same “ingredients” as the stuff I bought at Boots.

Salonpas have menthol etc in them so you’re not meant to use them - I accidentally did whilst ski-ing whilst early pregnancy with one of the DC. Can you get Thermacare wraps or the unmedicated icy-hot brand heat wraps? I’m not sure if you have London Drugs in AB but I know they sell both. I am not a good skier…

So I've had loose stools & pressure for a few days now I've got tightening every 20 mins lasting for 3-5 mins, could this be pre term labour or Braxton hicks I haven't lost any of my mucus or show . But earlier it made me cry and was breathing through it but I can breathe through these ones for now but I've got back ache and struggle to walk xx

@LeeanneD11 how are you doing?

It was still happening but settled down slowly , not as bad as they was earlier , my body was shaking and I felt sick and felt like I wa going to pass out, I spoke to MAU and she has advised me to rest and take it easy and if anything changes to go back up, but makes me think could this be pre term labour or is it Braxton hicks? I'm not sure what it is if I'm honest . But I didn't experience this is my last 2 pregnancies earlier on . I'm now thinking what should do I do xx

@LeeanneD11 I've never experienced braxton hicks with my others but I thought they had no regular pattern or severe pain.
If I was you I would take a bath if it comes back.. help ease the pain. And don't worry about getting in touch with MAU again if your worried or have questions!

For hospital bags I'd recommend a face cloth & water bottle with a straw for labour.
I had a labour bag & an overnight bag with all the extras.
Put baby first clothes, nappy, vest etc in a wee sandwich bag so easy to grab.

@BabyBabyBaby123 do you mind me asking how you went about arranging the tube tying? I am booked for a CSec and am contemplating it, I'm 42, so no more bubs for me. I just can't decide whether to broach it afterwards as it's another thing to heal. Hope alls good your end. x

I'll keep an eye on these , as they was so severe to the point I cried and struggling to breathe through them , even going for a walk made it harder , my poor kids was worried for me as they've never seen me like this , and my partner is miles away up in Retford - Nottingham, I'm just hoping it settles but they was every 20 mins lasting 3-5 mins , my belly was so hard I couldn't press on it , I'm not worried about baby movements as they are very strong and active but I'll call MAU again for advise xx

@LeeanneD11 Braxton Hicks shouldn't be that painful, you should go in and get checked if you're having to breathe through them or worse. I've had them since 17/18 weeks and they're getting uncomfortable in the evenings now but I think it's just the pressure couldn't round ligament pain and they don't last anywhere near 3-5 mins.