CARE Fertility Bulletin Board

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

Don't blame you for keeping the date secret Anne, that's your you and your OH to know and for us to find out when you announce the birth of your baby!! Will keep everything crossed for you, all v exciting Smile

I had a bit of a scare yesterday, when I wiped after a wee (sorry for TMI) there was bright red blood on the paper, nothing on the liner so must've only just started but gave me quite a surprise. I phoned the hospital and they asked me to go in to get checked. My DH wanted to come with me so I had to grab him out of work (he's only been back since Tuesday!) and we went to the 'delivery assessment room'. Thankfully all was fine, the baby's heartbeat was strong and there were no contractions/signs of early labour. Had an internal check too & was told all was normal. They think it was probably a burst blood vessel, but it gave me such a wobble & I got a bit teary on the way to the hospital despite telling myself this happens all the time. I couldn't stop myself worrying that something was going wrong just when I feel so close to having the LO in our lives. Ultimately though, phew!!!! And the midwives were so lovely and reassuring and it's made me feel much more confident about heading over there when the time comes!

LO is wriggling about today, is reassuring. They have said to let them know if the baby's movements reduce or change pattern but does anyone else think this is quite difficult to know? She is different every day & sometimes doesn't move for long periods and at other times she hardly stops!!

Anyway, hope you're all well. Not long for any of us now!!! Smile

SB
Xx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Morning all Smile

I understand how you feel Anne, I mainly wanted to wish you all the best. There's nothing worse than feeling under pressure to deliver on time Smile

SB - Glad to hear it was a false alarm. I've found that our LO tends to be more active in the evening or after sugary snacks or caffeine. My book says if you feel less than 10 movements in an hour then have a sugary snack then lie down an see how many you get in the next hour.

We went for our hospital tour last Friday which was really good as it was taken by the midwife who's been doing the antenatal classes as so DH got a mini labour/pain relief class and it seemed to be acknowledged more from her than what I'd told him so that was good. He doesn't like hospitals so it was really good for him to see the wards, delivery rooms and neo-natal unit - his eyes lit up when he saw he would be able to adjust the bed - I have a funny feeling I'll be going up and down like a fairground ride if I sit on it! Laughing

Has anyone thought about how they'll cope with visitors after the birth? Except CGW and Caz of course Wink

in which case - how've you coped with them?

I want the first 2-3 days at home on our own (as I plan to leave afer 6 hour check if all's ok) but have an awful feeling DH isn't taking me seriously about this. I did mention it to my Mum when we left after Christmas though so although she wasn't pleased I hope she'll respect it. I'm thinking about sending an email in a few weeks but wonder if this could cause more offense and maybe we should just wait and see how we feel at the time.

Anyway, I'd better go and sort the spare room out - have a chest of drawers to move as soon as DH is up and about.

Love to all,
Lx

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

Afternoon Lottie!

I do find that generally our LO is most active first thing in the morning and when I go to bed at night, but apart from that it is pretty random. I quite often don't feel any movements for an hour during the day, so if I followed the book's advice I'd be at the hospital every day full of worry I reckon! She quite often responds to meals but not always to snacks. I just think that it's difficult to be sure of a definite pattern, but I know there's no point being an over worrier about it - that must just be the way my LO is!

I found the hospital tour really useful too, and ours was also done by the midwife who had done the antenatal classes. I definitely think it's a good idea for us and the Dads to have a look around and be able to picture ourselves there when the time comes! Haha, sounds like if you are there for a while he will be entertaining himself by launching the bed (and you) all over the place!! Smile

I am going to wait and see how I feel about visitors. Part of me thinks I will want certain people (like my Mum and my DH's parents and kids) to meet the baby asap but I do want to have a chance to get to grips with her before people come for proper (longer) visits. Thankfully DH's family all live very close by and I have family all around that my Mum can stay with so that they can just pop over quickly and won't feel the need to move in to help! I wouldn't send an email personally, but maybe when you announce the birth of your LO you can say something like "we'll look forward to you all meeting her in a few days when we're ready for visitors!"? Also you might feel different at the time and want to show her off to everybody!!

Good luck with the spare room sorting. Think we're getting paint for the nursery this weekend, and DH has spotted a couple of nice kiddy type decorations to put up too Smile

Hope everyone else is OK!
Take care
SB
xx

anniejohn · 29 May 2007

Hi ladies

Spacebadger - sorry to hear about your scare but glad all is okay ! My little ones movement doesn't follow any particular patten really but he is certainly active, more then I thought he would be at this stage with the lack of room Smile

he had hiccups when I was in being monitored last tuesday night - my stomach was jumping all over the place - lol !!

Lottie - I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if this is your first baby, you are unlikely to get a 6 hour discharge ! Most hospitals want you in overnight with the first baby & like to have bf established if that's what you are doing before you leave so I wouldn't bank on being home that quickly ! As for sending an email, I agree with SB and wouldn't do it- you could end up causing bad feeling or upset at a time when you really don't need it ! Maybe just send an email or text to announce the arrival & say you look forward to seeing everyone once you are settled ! Me personally, I really wanted my mum & DH parents to see Lily ASAP & they were a fantastic help & support in the early days by I did need extra help afte my section. Friends and other family members all sent messages but to be honest left it to us to let them know when it was convenient for them to visit - am sure most of your friends and family will be the same!

Afm - had my pre-op assessment and appointment with the anaesthetist today, had to sign all the consent forms & obviously they explained all the possible risks etc ! Makes it all scarily real now that my little one will be here v soon ! Only reason we have decided to keep the date to ourselves (other than our parents & sisters) is because everyone knows we are having a boy & we just wanted something to be a surprise for everyone - most of our friends know our due date but know we have a section booked earlier !!

Hope caz & cgw are doing well with there little ones

Take care ladies, we are all getting so close now Smile

Anne xx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Thanks for your opinions about the email, I think it's probably best not sent too the more I think about it. And I think what you're both saying about putting something on the announcement text is a good idea. The main problem is my folks are a 3hour drive away so have to stay somewhere to visit, but DH's are just over an hour so dont need to stay. We don't have many friends up here so I'm not worried about having a house full.

Anne - I think policy varies from place to place wrt discharge after birth. My Sis in Norfolk was out after 4 hours check with her first and second and the midwife says as long as baby's had 2 feeds if BF and everything is ok then we can go after 6 hours - belive me, I intend to be out as soon as possible Smile

I think they do more home visits if you're out quicker though.

SB - Your nursery sounds much nicer than our spare room which isn't even getting a coat of paint - mainly cos I'd have to remove the wall paper first. The drawers didn't fit through the gap yesterday so I'm off to argos later to pick up something that will. It's a real bind but we're getting there - I have to have it clear for family to stay as miine live so far away.

Just between you all and me, I'm worrying that we won't get to bring our LO home - I've had real problems packing it's hospital bag (started yesterday finally) and geting excited. I'm hoping this is normal and not some kind of awful premonition. It's like I can't accept it until I'm actually holding it. Maybe it's just a mental block so I don't have to think about the actual labour which is the bit I'm dreading.

Oh well, enough of the self-pity, I'd best to get ready for swimming and baby care antenatl class,

Take care
Lx

anniejohn · 29 May 2007

Lottie
Personally, I think 4/6 hr discharge with a first baby is much too quick - nobody likes being in hosp but it is so different when it's a second or subsequent baby as you do have more of an idea of what you are doing and what to expect afterwards etc. am not saying that you won't have a clue obviously & it is ultimately down to you to decide if your hosp offers the ability to do that but it is a very daunting feeling bringing that baby home for the first time, mixed with so many other emotions too- I would play it by ear & see how you feel & take the advice of those around you when you are there. Some hosp are too quick to shove you back out the door again afterwards, this happened to a friend of mine & she & baby ended up back in again the following day - I won't go into detail as it was quite scary but it certainly wasn't nice & could have been avoided if she had been kept in for just a few hours more but a combination of the hosp wanting the bed and her wanting a quick discharge ended up with her back in for 10 days !

It is normal to get anxious running up to the birth - I had awful dreams last time and really dark thoughts and when I asked the midwife she did say that it can be quite normal as its all the hormones and other things going on in your head and body etc - you & baby will be fine I am sure of it - just try to relax as much as possible.

I must admit that I am rally panicing now about my section, I hate the thought of having another major op and being away from Lily for 2 nights - plus recovery etc !!! I had an awful time last time & I know it will be nothin like that this time but I am still nervous as hell about it - all feels really real now & in under 2 wks my little man will def be here - scary stuff Smile

Anyway, better go, lily wants entertaining and mum has just arrived to help me with a few bits round the house

Anne xx

CGW1972 · 27 Jan 2009

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I've been quiet, it's been all go here! On my iPhone again so personals are difficult.
Wanted to say love to all and Happy New Year.
Wishing you all the best of luck with your births and I can't wait to hear news as you all become Mummies.

We have lovely news that we can go home tomorrow after a long 6 weeks!! I feel very happy, excited and slightly apprehensive! DP has just over 3 weeks booked off which is great.
Hopefully I'll be able to get on the laptop more regularly in a few weeks to keep an eye on you all

Sending al my love to you all and hoping you aren't too uncomfortable in your last few weeks. Make the most of it, your labour and the moment you hold your Lo's for the first time. It may sound silly but it still upsets me when I think of what I missed out on with what happened.....but I did get to meet Amber super early and I have no stretch marks either so very cloud!!! Smile

Take care all.

Xxx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Hey All,
Just having a break from the DIY - baby doesn't mind the drill it turns out Wink

Anne - Thanks for the advice - on all accounts! I will definitely take the advice of the midwives on board and will have to see how I feel at the time, we don't have family close by to help out so I guess that'll factor in as well. And after I read your Tuesday message I went and bought a nightshirt and pyjama trousers for hospital just in case Smile

I can understand you being nervous about your section too, esp as you have a date which is getting ever closer.

CGW - Lovely to hear from you, am so pleased to hear you're allowed to bring Amber home - enjoy your Christmas Very Happy

From what I've read in my books, women who give birth early/in unsual circumstances often feel cheated, but as you say, you got to meet Amber super early so I would focus on the positives. If you want, I'll send you a detailed commentary of my labour and you'll see you didn't miss anything at all Laughing

AFM - Finally get to pick DH's car up from the garage today - it's been there a week today! I have to give back the new golf I've been driving which is the only shame Smile

I've been swimming everytime I've been into town but will give it a miss today as I only went yesterday and have been busy this morning doing some DIY, hopefully by the end of tomorrow I should be able to fit a double airbed back in the spare room in preparation for family to stay once LO arrives.

Right, well I'd best go sort out some lunch before I head to the garage,
Take care everyone,
Lx

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

BUMP!! We had dropped to halfway down the second page, it's almost as if lots of us have our babies to keep us busy already Wink

Anne - hope all is OK with you, and that you're not worrying too much about things. Looking forward to hearing about your LO being here! Still thinking of you for the big day, all the best.

CGW - SO pleased you have been able to go home, it must be lovely bringing your LO home for the first time. Hope you're all settled in now and not too exhausted! Do we get a pic of Amber to coo over soon?? Smile

Lottie - you are so good to be swimming so often. I must admit my swimming has tailed off since Xmas, and now I'm finding it enough to just get through work and then I need to crash out on the sofa! Very lazy and I'm sure not helping my stamina for childbirth!!

Keep meaning to ask - should we be taking a changing mat to the hospital? I haven't put one in my bag but now I'm wondering whether I should. Obviously they have facilities for baby changing, or we could just use a towel or something (assuming we're only there for a relatively short time) but not sure what to do for the best.

Anyone watching One Born Every Minute??! I am, even though I'm sure it's not recommended viewing for pregnant ladies!

My DH started painting the baby's room last night, v exciting.

Take care all
SB
xx

anniejohn · 29 May 2007

Hey ladies,
Still here, less than a week to go now & really starting to feel the nerves set in now Shocked

CGW- fantastic news that you have got to take your little one home with you, must be a great feeling to know that you can start settling in as a family now Smile

Lottie - glad that my advice could be of some help - would recommend taking a nightie or pjs in regardless as even if you do get a quick discharge, it may be nice to have something loose and comfortable to change into after delivery & you have had a shower etc Smile

Hope the DIY is going well & you are also taking some time to relax too - fair play to you re the swimming, I actually can't fit in my maternity swimming costume anymore Shocked

Spacebadger - when do you finish work ? Can't be long now, I know I was exhausted towards the end and can't imagine having to go now !!! Re changing mat, not sure what facilities your hosp has for baby changing, I just changed lily in her cot or on the bed and used one of those disposable changing mats just in case of accidents Wink

I would take something just in case, doesn't hurt to Smile

Yes, I'm watching one born every minute - DH says be doesn't know how I can & he won't watch so I record and watch it when he's not around. I get all emotional when the babies are born - I do find it hard to watch if someone has a really difficult time, especially if it ends in a section (there have been a couple in previous series) as it reminds me of my own experience but it still hasn't stopped me watching Smile

Well am all packed for hosp apart from a few toiletries & a couple of things I will put in the night before ! All stuff is organised at home too - all first sized washed and in drawers & 0-3 months stuff is organised for when we need it too - nursery is all decorated & everything in, cleaned etc & pushchair in garage assembled & ready to go !!! All feels so real now and am actually really looking forward to meeting our little man now - I will keep you all posted Smile

Love to you all

Anne xxx

Claire_G · 12 Aug 2006

Just gatecrashing ladies....

Anne, wanted to wish you well for when baby comes! I can not believe how fast your pregnancy has gone, probably doesn't feel like that for you!

Not long to go, cant wait to read your news xx

Love

Claire G x

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Hey everyone Smile

SB - I have used my free Pampers/Boots Changing bag as the baby's hospital bag so that has a folding change mat in it and I have put in an old terrys nappy to stop baby getting cold when placed on it - both sets of parents found old terry's nappies in their lofts so now I have loads! Very Happy

As for watching One Born.. I won't. Never have though. I would only end up scaring myself and worrying unnessarily but have watched a bit of Desperate Midwives and the American one on Really, but only so I have some vague idea of what the room would be like etc. Haven't watched any since our hospital tour. I've only been swimming so much as I've not been working since December - I doubt that I'd be as enthusiastic if I was still working like you - when are you starting your Mat leave?

Anne - I just have a little lock to fit today (more drilling!) and the spare room is ready to accomodate visiting relatives, it felt so good to finally get the furniture moved yesterday. I have been relaxing too but find for me that mainly means doing stuff sitting down like ironing and clearing backlogs of paper - oldest piece found was 2008 I think! And pj's are now packed Smile

AFM - I've not been so good at swimming this week as haven't had to go into town and as I have no money I'm conserving petrol for necessary trips, but I have a membership so I try to use it as I'm paying for it anyway and don't want to cancel as prices have now gone up and I want to do baby swimming etc once LO arrives. Baby's bag is packed, mine is nearly too now - just need to go through SB's list and check everything off - we bought cereal bars for DH yesterday on advice of the midwives as they said that most men faint from lack of food and the heat more than anything else!
And I've also been applying for jobs to stick to my jobseekers agreement. It all seems so stupid but Mat Allowance Claim takes 3-4 weeks to process so should just about come through at time of EDD so I have to sign on up until then! Am still waiting to hear about my JSA claim, redundancy and Credit card insurance claim too. Hopefully everything will be backdated.

Well I'd better go and get the drill and finish this little bit of DIY off - then it's a toss up between ironing or sorting through my final box of stuff - stuff is the nice word for it Laughing

Take care everyone, not long now at all!
Lx

Caz1234 · 02 Jun 2011

Hi all
Just wanted to wish the ladies who are still waiting for the arrival of their babies luck!
I keep checking on here for news
Best Wishes
xx

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

Hi everyone

Caz - Thanks for the wishes but alas no news from me yet! They have started a sweepstake at work as to when the baby will be born and what her weight will be - the heaviest so far is 9lb 2 and the earliest is 7th Feb! I am still hoping she'll be long rather than big Wink

How is Charlie getting on? How are his calcium levels? Has his sleeping improved or are you still wiped out?

Lottie - good point, I have used that bag too. Maybe it's already in there and that's why I didn't put one in?? Hmmm I think I will have to blame this one on baby brain Smile

I am scheduled to start mat leave on Friday 10th Feb with the due date two days later!! But this obviously depends if she hangs in there til then. I know they say you're normally late with your first one but my Mum had all of us a week early, I wonder if that is an inherited thing?! I'm the same with the swimming, it seems silly to be paying every month and not using it but then I want to be able to use it when the baby is here. Have you heard any more about your claims? Hope you got your 'stuff' sorted!!

Anne - well I guess it has all happened for you by now as it was less than a week on the 17th! Really hope all has gone to plan and that you and the little guy are well. Thinking of you, take care and look forward to hearing all (well maybe not ALL!!) about it.

AFM - I am analysing every twinge and on the look out for signs of labour at all times! She is definitely getting stronger, I am being prodded in places I didn't know I had!!! I have a good friend who is training to be a midwife and she said that yesterday someone came to the ward and they found she was already fully dilated and the baby (her first) arrived within two hours of her being admitted to the hospital - that's the way to do it!!

Take care all and good luck
SB
xx

anniejohn · 29 May 2007

Hey ladies,
Just a quick one from me but to let you know that Ethan James was born on Monday 23rd January at 11.57 weighing a healthy 8 lb 2oz. Section went well & was so so different to last time & am feeling so much better than I did at this stage last time.
We came home this afternoon & are both doing well & big sister Lily is totally besotted as are we all with our little man!

Will post more when I get a chance but wanted to let you know Smile

Love Anne xx

Squeeza · 23 May 2007

Congratulations Anne!
2nd c section is so much easier than the first isn't it? So glad you re feeling well, and fab name. Wow - you were one of the first people I spoke to on these boards and now we both have our children. What difference 4 and a half years make!

Much love to you all x x x x x

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Congratulations Anne, glad to hear all went well too Smile

Welcome to the world Ethan James Very Happy

SB - Know how you feel about the movements! It's the limbs that poke out at the side that are most painful I find ... LO is often being told to put them back in Smile

Gosh, you are working right up until the end aren't you? I'd be tempted to take into account what happended during your Mums pregnancies and any sisters if you have them - I've been fully briefed about the delights I can look forward to! Smile

My claims are progressing - public sector is faster than private! Mat Allowance takes 3-4 weeks to process while credit card insurance claims are 6-8 weeks! Still if I can get some of the cc balance paid off it'll be worth it - esp as I'm buying some re-usabe nappies and bits off ebay which has so far saved us Â£50.

AFM - baby is definitely moving down as I can now eat more and have to sit with my legs apaprt! DH wants to watch the England vs Scotland 6 Nations on 6th Feb so I'm betting that for delivery! Laughing

We collected pushchair yesterday and crib mattress yesterday so are now ready, not that anything else has been unpacked yet - we've got it, and I've had a play with a soft toy and the car seat so I know how that works but we just can't bring ourselves to unpack everything yet and probably won't until the baby comes home! I know that might seem odd but we have our reasons - I just don't want to share them.

So is that only me and SB still to deliver? I'll post the list again I think.

Take care one and all,
Lx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Another birth update Very Happy

Lottie - 8-2-12 - Going for a surprise
Spacebadger - 12-2-12 - It's a girl
Caz1234 - Charlie Edward born at 32wk+4
Anniejohn - Ethan James born 23/01/12
CGW1972 - Amber born at 30wk+6

Helagba - 21-1-12 - It's a girl
Blueberry - 8-2-12
Crisi - 3-2-12

Caz & CGW - I could do with DOBs for your LO's when you're next on here Smile

Lx

Caz1234 · 02 Jun 2011

Hi
Congatulations Annie John......Glad it all went well, just got the sleepless nights lol!
Charlie was born 10.12.11!!
Come on Lottie and Spacebadger
xx

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

Congratulations Anne! And hi to little Ethan James Smile

SO glad all went well and that you're feeling better than last time. Take care and enjoy!

Lottie - yeah I am going right to the wire with work (in theory, obviously if she arrives sooner then I won't be!) and have even been working my other football job until now too (last match on Saturday then giving that up because it's too tiring now) but I work just around the corner from the hospital and as my maternity pay period isn't that great I am really trying to maximise the time I have with my LO afterwards rather than taking it now. I am very much looking forward to stopping work though, it's getting more difficult to keep going every day. But luckily they are all very supportive here and I can work from home at least once a week too so it's not too bad. 11 days (max) to go! Glad your claims are making progress though, even though 6-8 weeks seems like a lifetime away given how much will change for us in that time!! Excellent money saving too Smile

We've got a claim in for DH's redundancy because the company changed name a year ago and so the 4 years he worked there before then weren't covered in his redundancy pay this time, hoping he will get about a month's pay out of it maybe. Will be useful cos I think he'll have to take unpaid leave to spend time with LO and I when she's born.

Anyway, will stop blathering on now Smile

Good luck Lottie just in case!! Thanks for the support Caz!!

SB
xx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Lottie - 8-2-12 - Going for a surprise
Spacebadger - 12-2-12 - It's a girl
Caz1234 - Charlie Edward born 10/12/11
Anniejohn - Ethan James born 23/01/12
CGW1972 - Amber born at 30wk+6

Helagba - 21-1-12 - It's a girl
Blueberry - 8-2-12
Crisi - 3-2-12

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Hey everyone,

How's life with the new arrivals?

SB - Does the State pay paternity leave like maternity allowance if DH's employer can't? I understand you wanting to have as much time at home with LO after she arrives though and at least it's possible for you to work from home occasionally. How did you get on with the job you went for? I've been applying for jobs too but that's because I have to more than want to! Laughing

AFM - Thought it had all started on Saturday night as had waves of stomach cramps, had an urge to clean the floors then diarrhoea like the midwife said we could have, but then I was sick as well and decided in the morning that it must've been a dodgy prawn in my pathia so no more of those! Was kinda gutted as I'm getting impatient to meet our LO now. Been bidding like mad on re-uasble nappies & wipes on ebay so am finally getting there with what we need - we have 2 packs of disposables for immediate use, but I want to use muslins as nappies so need wraps and nappy nippas etc too. Tesco are selling muslins off half price at the mo so DH will be getting me 4 more packs this week as they work out at 38p each!

Right, I'd best go get ready for my walk - trying to exercise more as midwife said that would help get it started
Love n hugs to all,
Lx

anniejohn · 29 May 2007

Hi ladies
Just checking to see if any more baby news Smile

All well here, Ethan is lovely - starting to settle in at home now all be it with a few sleepless nights in there but he is oh do worth it Smile

Hope you are all well and will check in again soon
Anne xxx

LottieH · 23 Mar 2009

Snow - check, Car parked half way up hill - check, Signs of labour - NONE - YAY!!!

Sorry Anne, no sign of this baby yet, we were certain that it would appear as soon as we couldn't get the car out. However we have friends with a 4X4 that are ready to rescue us if need be so maybe that's why Laughing

How are you doing SB???? Is the quietness a good sign?

I know our LO is very low cos the silly midwife couldn't tell which way up it was last week so sent me for a scan and the midwife who examined me wrote that only 2/5ths of the head were palpable - I knew the baby hadn't suddenly spun round from the scan at 37 weeks! I'm expecting to be late like my Sister was and possibly induced and as I've been given the date that'd happen we're quite pleased as it's one of the rest weekends during the 6 Nations Rugby.

I'd best go before DH eats my bacon sarnie,

Take care everyone,
Lx

spacebadger · 12 May 2011

Morning all,

No news here either I'm afraid!! Had midwife appt last Wednesday and she said that 4/5 of the head was engaged so she is right down and ready to go but other than a few Braxton Hicks I have nothing to report. Am analysing every twinge though, and if I don't reply to text messages immediately all my friends and family go into overdrive!!!

No snow here at all, but it's very cold so I don't blame the LO for staying in!

Love that you are happy that the baby will possibly arrive in between the rugby matches Lottie, I am hoping ours avoids the Man United v Liverpool match on Saturday! We have already got her a little LFC vest & babygrow, she will be branded from the off poor thing Wink

Hope you enjoyed your bacon sarnie, you've made me want one now!

How are all the Mummy's getting on? Are we going to get any baby pics???!!!

Take care all, especially Lottie Smile

SB
xx