***** January 2015 Mummy's *****

[spallerina]

There has been a definite shift to talk about labour and hospital preparation this week hasn't there?! It's all starting to feel very real, although as one of the later January mums I've still got a way to go.

I've just whacked another load of baby clothes in the wash. Still need more, mostly sleep suits, but friends have promised us a load of stuff from their kids so hoping to get that this week and then see what we need to buy still. Got a really good age spread on the stuff we have got though, piles of clothes going up to 9-12 months, which is good as we'll be too broke to buy much once Im on maternity leave!

Slept terribly last night, back and hips playing up again. Seem to go through a cycle of a few horrific nights until I get so exhausted I sleep through the pain. Really hoping my back improves after delivery, I have always had problems although never to this extent, so worried about it not improving.

 

[ceecee22]

Nat, I think I'd prefer baby to come on due date and not early, as I'm not totally sold on the idea of a Christmas baby. January is better for me. Guess she'll come when she wants to though.

Funny how the pool put you off. I didn't really enjoy baths towards the end, but the pool felt like such a nice relief when I first got in. I think it's because it feels like it takes some of the weight off your bump so you can focus on contractions and breathing more. Helped me loads, but know it's not everyone's cup of tea.

It's hard to guage what sizes you need isn't it Chicken. My son was 6lb2oz when he was born, and dropped to 5lb11oz before regaining his birthweight, and I had him in standard newborn/up to 1 month clothes (go up to 7lb10oz I think) as that's all I had bought/packed. Had no idea he would come early. They were slightly big on him, but not ginourmous by any means.

Sorry to scare people with possible labour talk! I keep trying not to think about it, but we are suddenly so close. After a few weeks of feeling like time was dragging, suddenly it's going very quickly.

 

[BunnyN]

Chickendinner- do you have someone in the family you could leave the clothes with and give instructions for washing them depending on the size of the baby when born? I was thinking about leaving some newborn stuff with my mum because baby is supposed to be big so don't know how much newborn he will use. Thought she could wash it and dry it and bring it to me if needed. So far I've mostly bought really cheep bits and pieces on sale though so it doesn't matter if I've got some left over, will just pass it on.

I had a rotten nights sleep too. LO went to sleep early but I had really wrestless legs and didn't get to sleep until almost 2am then LO woke up just when I had gotten to sleep! Then she was wrestless the rest of the night and up early thismorning.

 

[megsmeadow]

Oh gosh girls I am feeling so hormotional today, I just cant stop crying. We've got a lot on our plate with family illness and ds due to go in to Hospital on tuesday. He's got a cold so I don't think they'll operate. I've caught his cold too but I just feel like I'm on the edge of tears for any old reason possible. I don't like it! X

 

[Jolly81]

Oh Megs so sorry you feel horrible and have so much going on- It's hard at this stage without everything else going on.

I'm so excited about labour talk!!! I've been I primark this morning and spent £130 (most I've ever spent there I think!!!) but got LoADS!!! I felt so hideous after my c section with Freddie and I was in such shock/scared/focused on Freddie being in Nicu I didn't change my clothes for a week. So I bought loads of pjs suitable for a c section- a wintry xmassy button up night shirt just in case I do go into natural labour, slippers, pants, some nursing tops (I didn't realise they did mat range) and then some Christmas bits for Freddie.

I'm so excited my bag is finished, i can't believe 5 weeks tomorrow my baby will be delivered ))) x

 

[ceecee22]

Big hugs Megs. How stressful for you at the mo xx

Jolly, I had no idea Primark did maternity either. Really want some big nightshirt style tops for after birth and haven't found any I like yet that aren't stupidly expensive. I won't wear them again as I prefer pjs so dont want to spend loads of money. Will have to have a nosey on in there

 

[Jolly81]

Tesco also does one similar for about £10- I think the primark one was £7- the nursing tops were £4 each- I honestly dread to think how much I would have spent if I'd bought it all somewhere else!

 

[BunnyN]

Megs- sorry you have such a lot to worry about. I'm not surprised you are finding it a strain. I ended up in tears this afternoon over something pretty small and that's just because I had a bad nights sleep and feeling the strain of pregnancy. Hugs and I hope things settle a bit for you soon.

Jolly-all this talk of labour had me thinking I could do with buying some night wear too. I still have things left from last time but I have been using them so would be nice to have at least a couple of new nighties. I did wash a bunch of newborn things today and have them all hung out on the line. They look so cute and tiny! Did anyone else forget how small newborns are ?

 

[CARNAT22]

Just to echo everyone else Meg, sorry you are having one of those days. Its difficult enough being heavily pregnant without all the other stuff you have on your plate so don't be too hard on yourself sweetie.

I know the anticipation about little one's op must have been playing on your mind but if they can't do it then they can't and they will reschedule for a time that suits you all?

Today just needs to be written off? Although I insist you must have chocolate and wee man cuddle

X

 

[CARNAT22]

Well our tree is up!



I am not impressed to be honest, we usually have a massive real one but in my wisdom last year I bought a fake in the sales. We can't afford to buy another one (well we can but the ones I was looking at today down the market were £60!!! which is a bit too much this time of year when we've just moved and I am heading down to SMP again)

It doesn't look that bad?

Have written all my cards today, done a load of house work [mainly laundry and cooking, OH is doing most of the other stuff bless him] and I am done in now. James had a late nap so no doubt he'll be up until silly o'clock.

MW tomorrow, must make sure I remember to take my notes. It's a middle of the day appointment - well 11am - so I am going from work boo hiss!

X

 

[Mummy2toddler]

Hope all you January mummy to be are doing well? I have been reading the posts regulary just really struggling now with my tiredness.

I'm 36 weeks tomorrow and I had my daughter at 37+3 well I was induced but it's scary that I'm only 11 days off that if baby decided to make an appearance. I'm hoping and hoping I have my baby before Xmas any time after 37 weeks I mean and not my children's birthdays and I'd like to be home for there birthdays n Xmas day lol but bad feeling I'm going go 2 weeks overdue. 29 days and counting.

Hope everyone is well x 13 days until my son is 4 and 17 days until my daughter is 1 Waaa! Ridiculous how fast it's going. Dying to know if I've got another son or daughter !!!! Xx

 

[Mummy2toddler]

Carnat your tree is lovely mine is awful it looks anorexic but it's a pencil tree lol we are supposed br getting one in the sales xx

 

[megsmeadow]

Thanks ladies. I think they will reschedule for ds, but the new year isn't going to be much easier. He needs to be well though, and I know they'll not take unnecessary risks.
I got a nap this afternoon which helped a bit. It's all so draining.
Our tree will not go up until 12 days before Christmas, I get fed up if it's up any longer. Good effort carnat!

 

[Kitty2013]

Eeeek... Mummy2toddler I'm due 6th jan. too hoping baby makes an early appearance but as its my first I doubt it ??

Tree is looking good- carnat hoping to get ours up this week

Think I def overdid it yday helping my sister have a clear out and then walking around shopping centre all evening didn't end up getting to bed til 1am woke up with such a bad back and what felt like a swollen foof!??? Anyone else get this feeling ??

Haven't finished my hospital bag must get on with it and wash baby's clothes.

Hope everyone is ok ?

Xx

 

[ceecee22]

Love your tree Nat, really pretty. Mine is wrecked already from DS!

I'm done in with this pregnancy now. WIll be so relieved when it's time to give birth. Everything is just too uncomfortable now.

 

[Taboo917]

Morning all!

Tree looks great carnat def no need to replace it this year anyway! I put ours up last weekend, bit of a keen bean but mainly as my mum and dad were up from London this weekend for a "fake Xmas" as I won't see them now until after bubs arrives. Eke!

We picked our pram and car seat up on the weekend so we pretty much have everything now just a case of sorting ourselves out a bit more!

Was going to post a separate thread with a load of questions I have but thought I might just ask the experienced January mummies instead as I'm going slightly bonkers and some of them are really idiotic!

- What temperature do I wash all the babies clothes / bedding etc. at?
- How many sleepsuits / vests should I pack in the hospital bag?
- Do I need to pack more clothes for the baby than vests, sleepsuits, hat and snowsuit? (The sleepsuits all have feet and integrated scratch mitts)
- How many maternity pads should I pack in the hospital bag?
- How many nappies should I pack? Should I pack newborn and the next size up or is newborn normally okay?
- How many nighties / pyjamas do people pack? I have a nightie / baggy t-shirt for labour and one set of pyjamas (with button down top) for after - do I need to get more?
- How many changes of clothes should I pack for me? What did people find comfy to leave the hospital in?
- Ridiculous question but I assume when you have a shower you can wash your hair? Should I pack a travel hairdryer or will it dry quickly in hospital (don't want to end up with a cold!)

I know a lot will depend on how long you end up in hospital for but I'm struggling to even know what to pack if I assume I'm only in for 1 night after the birth type thing. And it's causing me to completely avoid packing my hospital bag!!!!

I think that's all of my nonsense. Any help much appreciated! x

 

[megsmeadow]

For washing just now it's just a freshen up so I'd stick on an eco wash/30 just to get any nasty stour of packaging chemicals out. Washing liquids and powders are designed to work effectively at low temperature these days anyway.
I think I took too many clothes for me. I gave birth in what I arrived to be induced in, and then changed after a shower at 6 in the morning into a loose t shirt and jersey bottoms (it was summer), I left in those clothes too. I just towel dried my hair and used the hospital towels! You won't be able to use a hairdryer if it's not been electrically checked by the estates guys anyway. I took a pack of ten mat pads and didn't use them all. They usually have a wee supply in the toilets where I am too. I'm sure I just packed newborn nappies, again 10 and didn't use them all. They were fine for wee guy at 8lb11oz. Only other thing I had was blanket for baby but we only used that when we left.
You could always pack an essentials bag and a second extras bag to leave in the car, saves feeling like you've missed anything.
I was induced and did only stay that night, gave birth at 2.32am and home by 3pm that day.

 

[CARNAT22]

Hi ladies,

Hope you are all well?

Dare I say I actually feel OK today. Had some sleep and quite a restful weekend.

MW appointment today was underwhelming as usual.

I had a half an hour delay and then saw a MW who I couldn't understand?? He had a thick Scottish accent and I had to keep asking him to repeat himself lol.

BP a bit high, normal for me though!

Baby fine, HB nice and strong and she is still head down but head is still free. Measuring 34cm - not sure quite how he measured that as he didn't use a measuring tape???

Next appointment at 36w, although I'll actually be 36w 6d.

I also have my appointment at prolonged pregnancy clinic for 27th January so if she isn't here by then I'll get a sweep on that date! And an induction date !!!

Taboo have answered your Q's below, not sure how much I am though!!

- What temperature do I wash all the babies clothes / bedding etc. at? I'd wash at a low temp, 40c and use non bio. Stuff just needs a quick clean as it isn't dirty
- How many sleepsuits / vests should I pack in the hospital bag? I'd take a few of each as they are messy. I am going to take 5 vests, 4-5 sleepsuits. I'd rather overpack and they are only teeny
- Do I need to pack more clothes for the baby than vests, sleepsuits, hat and snowsuit? (The sleepsuits all have feet and integrated scratch mitts) Nah, unless you have a special going home outfit? I don't! I'd take muslins and a blanket though.
- How many maternity pads should I pack in the hospital bag? a Few packs *I have packs of 10 so I am going to take 20!! I know I want use them but it's better to have than not have?)
- How many nappies should I pack? Should I pack newborn and the next size up or is newborn normally okay? A small pack of newborn should be fine.
- How many nighties / pyjamas do people pack? I have a nightie / baggy t-shirt for labour and one set of pyjamas (with button down top) for after - do I need to get more? That sounds like enough, if you were to be in longer your OH could bring more from homes?
- How many changes of clothes should I pack for me? What did people find comfy to leave the hospital in? I left in what I arrived in - maternity leggings and a comfy top plus my shoes and coat.
- Ridiculous question but I assume when you have a shower you can wash your hair? Should I pack a travel hairdryer or will it dry quickly in hospital (don't want to end up with a cold!) I didn't have a shower as my hospital was a bit grimy! I was barely happy to use the loo I don't have a travel hairdryer but even if I did I personally wouldn't bother with it? The wards are warm so you aren't going to get too cold

X

 

[TS1982]

Massive congrats Sattie on your baby boy he sounds like a strong little man xxx woo hoo first January baby xxx getting a bit real now !! I've never got this far before as I had Tyler at 33 Weeks!!!

Glad your appointment went ok Nat hate when you can't fully understand drs and midwives xx

I have my GP this afternoon can't wait to see how it goes as this end is all new to me xx seen my anaesthetist last week and his only concern for an epidural should I want one is he will have to make a nick in my dolphin tattoo before they can administer it

The kicks and moves are getting really strong now and my whole stomach moves over and back and baby actually moves me when I'm lying in bed

Will try to catch up on everyone soon xxx

 

[BunnyN]

Taboo- I'd agree with the advice the other ladies have given. Personally I'd pack a spare nightie or PJs though. If you are bleading quite a bit after it is easy to leak so its nice to have a back up. If your PJs are black its not so bad. LO was 9lbs 5oz and newborn nappies were fine on her. Nappies are more flexible in size than you'd think. These days they are really well made and I find you can get away with a size bigger or smaller if you need to.