diary of angie-bum, first time mum
- Thread starter angie-bum
- Start date
mummy2beslim
taking one day at a time
my bump is stil high as well have a bum in my ribs lol .I am glad bp has setteld and I bet you cant wait til maternity leave .i was the same last time but you soon get used to being at home and you will love it ,put your feet up for a bit x
angie-bum
Gold Member
Oooooh just a few days left at work, can't wait.
Also went to see a little midwife led cottage hospital today. It's 40 minutes drive away, but it is sooooooo different to the large acute hospital I had a miserable tour of last week.
The small unit is manned 24hours a day, there are usually only 3 ladies in the unit at a time, but have 2 midwives to cover that and a mw's help. They have a nice deep water bath that they keep at 37 degrees, that have a bed made up in the same room for you to get into what ever position you like, they have access to a birthing stool and a birthing ball and the mw there showed us how you might use them (at the acute hospital all they said is they didn't have them available but you could bring your own). The mw's there also are trained alongside the drs in advance life support.
They also showed us a 2 bedded room ensuite that the mw said either was reserved for ladies who have twins or like couples like us that have to travel further, also if you may have had little sleep because of long birth... daddy can stay over! it was just really lovely. The mw also said that instead of leaving after 2 hours that new mums should stay until they have got breast feeding established. She even said that the big acute hospital does not have time to support breastfeeding so if we did end up there for what ever reason, we could still go to the small hospital for a drop in anytime to get breast feeding lessons.
I said why don't they advertise themselves better because I wouldn't have even thought of going there until I had spoken to 2 expectant mums. She said my midwife should have offered it before now. Ah well that's not a surprise. But anyway, I really do need to know if I will be having a big baby, cos that unit don't suggest going there if you think that your baby is going to be 9.5 lbs or over.
I so hope I could go to the little unit. I know it's 40 minutes away, but they said if I can get my midwife to check me and make sure I am 4cm before I arrive and am having contractions every 5 minutes I should come in then. Anyway, have lots to think about.
As long as I don't actually have to have my own mw there I will be happy...also if I don't have to be at that hospital I will be happy =)
Also went to see a little midwife led cottage hospital today. It's 40 minutes drive away, but it is sooooooo different to the large acute hospital I had a miserable tour of last week.
The small unit is manned 24hours a day, there are usually only 3 ladies in the unit at a time, but have 2 midwives to cover that and a mw's help. They have a nice deep water bath that they keep at 37 degrees, that have a bed made up in the same room for you to get into what ever position you like, they have access to a birthing stool and a birthing ball and the mw there showed us how you might use them (at the acute hospital all they said is they didn't have them available but you could bring your own). The mw's there also are trained alongside the drs in advance life support.
They also showed us a 2 bedded room ensuite that the mw said either was reserved for ladies who have twins or like couples like us that have to travel further, also if you may have had little sleep because of long birth... daddy can stay over! it was just really lovely. The mw also said that instead of leaving after 2 hours that new mums should stay until they have got breast feeding established. She even said that the big acute hospital does not have time to support breastfeeding so if we did end up there for what ever reason, we could still go to the small hospital for a drop in anytime to get breast feeding lessons.
I said why don't they advertise themselves better because I wouldn't have even thought of going there until I had spoken to 2 expectant mums. She said my midwife should have offered it before now. Ah well that's not a surprise. But anyway, I really do need to know if I will be having a big baby, cos that unit don't suggest going there if you think that your baby is going to be 9.5 lbs or over.
I so hope I could go to the little unit. I know it's 40 minutes away, but they said if I can get my midwife to check me and make sure I am 4cm before I arrive and am having contractions every 5 minutes I should come in then. Anyway, have lots to think about.
As long as I don't actually have to have my own mw there I will be happy...also if I don't have to be at that hospital I will be happy =)
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
wow the unit sounds fantastic! I'd be happy going there for sure if I had the option!!
Could you afford a private scan for sizing baby? if you are considering the unit it'd be worth it. Though in honesty I think they'd be letting you know by now if baby is likely to be 'large' 9.5 lb is a fair old baby. lol
Could you afford a private scan for sizing baby? if you are considering the unit it'd be worth it. Though in honesty I think they'd be letting you know by now if baby is likely to be 'large' 9.5 lb is a fair old baby. lol
angie-bum
Gold Member
well I just don't know Jane, I am tall have a long & broad torso. My tummy looks very round to me and I think I look bigger than other mums to be, but I don't look out of proportion to my general size, so I haven't a clue whether baby will be 7lb or 10lb+!
I will send an email to my mw tomorrow and may even copy in my gp asking about the chances of a scan at 37 weeks....at my last check up at the hospital in the week the junior dr seemed to think I was supposed to have a scan at 37 weeks, but that isn't written in any of my notes and he just said my midwife would sort it. I will push for a scan to see if they can get a better idea about the size of babs, if I don't get a scan I will look up what my other options are.
I will send an email to my mw tomorrow and may even copy in my gp asking about the chances of a scan at 37 weeks....at my last check up at the hospital in the week the junior dr seemed to think I was supposed to have a scan at 37 weeks, but that isn't written in any of my notes and he just said my midwife would sort it. I will push for a scan to see if they can get a better idea about the size of babs, if I don't get a scan I will look up what my other options are.
angie-bum
Gold Member
no, don't have to pay for the extra scan or to give birth at the mw led unit. The unit has only been open a couple of years, they are looking to have a lot more births there and in the community & for the big hospital just to cater for emergency/complicated births. The mw at the unit said they were looking to increase the uptake of births at the mini unit by 50% and that all the midwives should be offering it as an option to their clients, I think if they get their wish then there would probably be less scope for dads to stay over, but at the mo they have the space, they get around being able to fund it having 24/7 care because they triage all the calls to maternity overnight.
As for the extra scans, I only got another at 34 weeks cos I hadn't felt babs moving and the dr thought I was carrying too much water. I think the one due at 37 may be to check weight, but may also be about how much amniotic fluid I am carrying (i have put on a stone in the last 4 weeks and it shows) I am not sure though. Need to discuss it with my mw. I know if baby is expected to be extra big they are at increased risk of getting shoulders stuck/having a cs, I would like to discuss that as it would mean that I would have to go to the acute hospital, which I would like to avoid
As for the extra scans, I only got another at 34 weeks cos I hadn't felt babs moving and the dr thought I was carrying too much water. I think the one due at 37 may be to check weight, but may also be about how much amniotic fluid I am carrying (i have put on a stone in the last 4 weeks and it shows) I am not sure though. Need to discuss it with my mw. I know if baby is expected to be extra big they are at increased risk of getting shoulders stuck/having a cs, I would like to discuss that as it would mean that I would have to go to the acute hospital, which I would like to avoid
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
Hopefully they'll respond about the scan then - not long to go now so hopefully they'll get their finger out. I'd be chasing them soon about a response though so you know what is happening. The MLU sounds fab though so hopefully you get the go ahead for there.
angie-bum
Gold Member
I have had a really full day today. Had a breast feeding class , wasthis morning... very interesting and I feel more confident in doing it now. I then went to work for my last day and was soon greated by a large leaving lunch, was lovely. Then I spent the next few hours clearing out my desk, packing up stuff in boxes and doing some shredding, sorting emails. I then came home completely knackard and was greated by ebay parcels with some more things for the nursery and my tens machine from amazon.
Feel happy, tired and ready for some rest. I know it will be a bit odd not going into work, but I am sure I will have lots to do! will have a bit of rest tomorrow, but will need to rally some strength to do the last of the nesting. Have several rooms in the house that need attention before friends, hubby's family and colleagues can visit!
and I haven't sorted anything for Christmas so may do some bulk cooking and think about prezzies.
tired tired tired!
Feel happy, tired and ready for some rest. I know it will be a bit odd not going into work, but I am sure I will have lots to do! will have a bit of rest tomorrow, but will need to rally some strength to do the last of the nesting. Have several rooms in the house that need attention before friends, hubby's family and colleagues can visit!
and I haven't sorted anything for Christmas so may do some bulk cooking and think about prezzies.
tired tired tired!
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
Ooh the breast feeding class sounds handy, who was that through? NCT?
Tiredness is a nightmare isn't it? But hopefully you'll feel a bit better for being off work now. ((Hugs))
Cooking sounds lovely! wish I had the freezer space but we only have an under counter type.
Tiredness is a nightmare isn't it? But hopefully you'll feel a bit better for being off work now. ((Hugs))
Cooking sounds lovely! wish I had the freezer space but we only have an under counter type.
angie-bum
Gold Member
Hi there Jane, no not nct, was part of the antenatal care offered by nhs at local children's centre. It was for just over an hour, run by a maternity support worker, who also did half of the parent craft session I attended last week.
The class I went to yesterday went a little like this.... myself and 2 other ladies were given a life size baby doll each, andrea the support worker went over how to hold the baby with the opposite hand/arm to the boob your using keeping the head neck and body of baby in line, supporting the neck/head but giving baby chance to move head back and do some rooting. They showed us pictures of baby getting ready to latch on (salivating, gaping, rooting and other things). She also went over the importance of skin to skin contact, how it helps stabilise baby's temperature and gets mum and babe ready and went on about how baby covers mum with vermix at the first feed to scent mark where the food is, so she suggested having the first feed and then if going for a shower, being careful to not wash the top of you in soap, but just pat dry to leave some of the vermix on (which I was unaware of).
She also talked about there being a small window of opportunity to get initial breast feeding going( I think it was the first 8-10 hour after birth). That the breast tissue needs to be stimulated within this time. She emphasised that if mum and babe couldn't get the flow going at once (if baby tired, mum needing medical procedures) that there should be a big effort for mum to at least express a little colostrum. She emphasised that it was like rocket fuel for babs so even if they only got a few drops, this would be enough in the first instance.
We were give a crocheted boob each and shown what part of the nipple needed work on to get things going! there is supposedly a ring of glands(?) around the outer edge of the nipple that feels a bit more gristley, your supposed to stimulate that bit.
Anyway she was also quite funny and made things light hearted, she said at one point that the feeding shouldn't be painful and if your nipple looks like the end of a no.7 lipstick, your doing it wrong! lol =)
it all seems about getting a few things right, skin to skin contact, mum holding baby in right position, baby latching on so nipple is pointing to the roof of the mouth and baby getting a right mouthful (not just the end of the nipple...ouch!).
I think I am more confident about doing it now, I know I can go to my small mw led unit for more help if needed and my best friend's step daughter is a breast feeding mentor and has said to call her anytime...so I feel the support is there.
I would look to see if there is breast feeding support in your area, they seem really hot on it here. I think there is quite a lot of funding/free places for mums/babies in my area, as I live on the out skirts of an area of economic deprivation which gets eu funding because of it's depressed state. There are lots of young mums about and very little in the way of work/prospects, it's an ex mining area where lots of families have never had an adult in work or education. I like it here! but I don't live in the thick of it. Anyway, it does mean there are good and well established childcare facilities in the area...that even means the primary schools have good ofsted as well. However, the secondary schools in the area suck big time, we hope to have move out of their catchment area by the time babs needs to go to one. But that's a long time off lol!
And what am I doing on my first moring off? I am up at 6.45am, been awake since 4am (as usual) had a nice cuppa and am looking at the headlines re: flooding and the 'great eu stitch up' and strong feelings about a french handball.
As it is getting later and hubby will be awake soon will pad back into the kitchen to put a cuppa on for him.
All I intend to do for the next few hours is to go back to bed. Then I will likely try and sort some more of the nursery and possibly either clear up the living room or as likely head to the shops and see what else I need to get (the only thing I know I must get is a new cot mattress)....anyway, by for now, need to put that kettle on =)
The class I went to yesterday went a little like this.... myself and 2 other ladies were given a life size baby doll each, andrea the support worker went over how to hold the baby with the opposite hand/arm to the boob your using keeping the head neck and body of baby in line, supporting the neck/head but giving baby chance to move head back and do some rooting. They showed us pictures of baby getting ready to latch on (salivating, gaping, rooting and other things). She also went over the importance of skin to skin contact, how it helps stabilise baby's temperature and gets mum and babe ready and went on about how baby covers mum with vermix at the first feed to scent mark where the food is, so she suggested having the first feed and then if going for a shower, being careful to not wash the top of you in soap, but just pat dry to leave some of the vermix on (which I was unaware of).
She also talked about there being a small window of opportunity to get initial breast feeding going( I think it was the first 8-10 hour after birth). That the breast tissue needs to be stimulated within this time. She emphasised that if mum and babe couldn't get the flow going at once (if baby tired, mum needing medical procedures) that there should be a big effort for mum to at least express a little colostrum. She emphasised that it was like rocket fuel for babs so even if they only got a few drops, this would be enough in the first instance.
We were give a crocheted boob each and shown what part of the nipple needed work on to get things going! there is supposedly a ring of glands(?) around the outer edge of the nipple that feels a bit more gristley, your supposed to stimulate that bit.
Anyway she was also quite funny and made things light hearted, she said at one point that the feeding shouldn't be painful and if your nipple looks like the end of a no.7 lipstick, your doing it wrong! lol =)
it all seems about getting a few things right, skin to skin contact, mum holding baby in right position, baby latching on so nipple is pointing to the roof of the mouth and baby getting a right mouthful (not just the end of the nipple...ouch!).
I think I am more confident about doing it now, I know I can go to my small mw led unit for more help if needed and my best friend's step daughter is a breast feeding mentor and has said to call her anytime...so I feel the support is there.
I would look to see if there is breast feeding support in your area, they seem really hot on it here. I think there is quite a lot of funding/free places for mums/babies in my area, as I live on the out skirts of an area of economic deprivation which gets eu funding because of it's depressed state. There are lots of young mums about and very little in the way of work/prospects, it's an ex mining area where lots of families have never had an adult in work or education. I like it here! but I don't live in the thick of it. Anyway, it does mean there are good and well established childcare facilities in the area...that even means the primary schools have good ofsted as well. However, the secondary schools in the area suck big time, we hope to have move out of their catchment area by the time babs needs to go to one. But that's a long time off lol!
And what am I doing on my first moring off? I am up at 6.45am, been awake since 4am (as usual) had a nice cuppa and am looking at the headlines re: flooding and the 'great eu stitch up' and strong feelings about a french handball.
As it is getting later and hubby will be awake soon will pad back into the kitchen to put a cuppa on for him.
All I intend to do for the next few hours is to go back to bed. Then I will likely try and sort some more of the nursery and possibly either clear up the living room or as likely head to the shops and see what else I need to get (the only thing I know I must get is a new cot mattress)....anyway, by for now, need to put that kettle on =)
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
Hi hun, thanks for taking the time to post all that ((hugs)) is appreciated. I had NO idea on the Vermix thing either, or the skin on skin being about temp etc either.
I can see sooo many area's things went wrong with Erin and I - it's definately something that has improved over the last 10 years if you ask me! lol Will be doing it very differently this time and fingers x'd have success.
Have found a support group near me, will give them a ring and see if they do any 'classes' as such or when I can start going along for advice.
I was up at 3am also.. but chucked some tablets down my throat and hit the sack again as have been up the last 3 nights on the trot! lol
At lease we'll be company for each other when we're up in the middle of the night with our babies!
I can see sooo many area's things went wrong with Erin and I - it's definately something that has improved over the last 10 years if you ask me! lol Will be doing it very differently this time and fingers x'd have success.
Have found a support group near me, will give them a ring and see if they do any 'classes' as such or when I can start going along for advice.
I was up at 3am also.. but chucked some tablets down my throat and hit the sack again as have been up the last 3 nights on the trot! lol
At lease we'll be company for each other when we're up in the middle of the night with our babies!
angie-bum
Gold Member
oh pooh, back on maternity assessment ward again tonight. Feet swollen +++ hands, wrists and face slightly swollen. Had bp and wee checked and they were fine but my pulse was 100 and temp 37.5....had felt nauseous for hours yesterday and then today felt dizzy for a few hours before I crashed into a deep sleep on sofa this afternoon, immediately felt really cold as well, which has been unheard of during this pregnancy. Got to the ward at 7.30 tonight, stayed till 10pm, discharged self as not willing to stay in for another 5hour+ session, waiting for a dr that never turns up. Have told them if my bloods are abnormal and i have to come back please ring, otherwise I am going to home to my bed! mw on ward said that you can have pre eclapsia without raised bp or protein in wee, which i wasnt aware of. Anyway been advised to call them if I get a worse headache or pains on top of bump or visual disturbance. Was surprised about my pulse being so high as she took it once I had been lying down for a few minutes. Anyway still feeling like i might be coming down with something..achy eyes and stuffy nose...but there is no point me lying on an abandoned maternity assessment ward waiting for a dr, she would only be waiting on my bloods anyway, so if dont hear from them in the night will ring them in the morning. Am off to bed now, to put my achy head on a nice cool pillow. Baby's movements were fine as was her heart beat, so not concerned about that. Am wondering if i have picked up some bug though
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
Oh goodness that is rough going - I hope you are feeling a bit better this morning and got a little sleep if only a bit.
Also that your bloods show clear ((Hugs))
Pregnancy is such a funny thing with so many possibilities I wouldn't know where to start. ((Hugs)) Except to keep yourself tucked up in bed in the warm till you know a bit more.
Fingers x'd for you- glad bump is moving well and allowing you to know she/he is fine at least. x
Also that your bloods show clear ((Hugs))
Pregnancy is such a funny thing with so many possibilities I wouldn't know where to start. ((Hugs)) Except to keep yourself tucked up in bed in the warm till you know a bit more.
Fingers x'd for you- glad bump is moving well and allowing you to know she/he is fine at least. x
fatfighter
wannabe yummy mummy
Hope everything's OK and you're getting plenty of rest x
alibambino
Full Member
Hope you feel better soon !!!
angie-bum
Gold Member
sucks doesn't it? I don't like the big hospital. Fell again and landed on my arse yesterday, twisting my knee and throwing my back out, really I shouldn't be let out alone! still have to ring my local mw to get advice...am putting it off as may have to go back to the hospital again! arh! anyway baby has been kicking fine, so not worried on that front, just worried it may mean baby poos in the womb, will need to get advice, I just might not like that advice. Anyway can't put it off any longer really. I just want this baby out of me so I can look after her properly.
Am really glad to hear that Shell's baby is now on the outside and mum and babs doing well. It gives me hope that I will have a similar happy ending to this pregnancy =)
Am really glad to hear that Shell's baby is now on the outside and mum and babs doing well. It gives me hope that I will have a similar happy ending to this pregnancy =)
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
Aww sweetie you'll have a happy ending too!
But honestly.. you DO need to stay indoors more! lol Seriously balance is a nightmare when pregnant ((Hugs)).
Am sure bump will be fine, but better be safe than sorry and pick up that phone ((Hugs)).
But honestly.. you DO need to stay indoors more! lol Seriously balance is a nightmare when pregnant ((Hugs)).
Am sure bump will be fine, but better be safe than sorry and pick up that phone ((Hugs)).
angie-bum
Gold Member
thanks Jane =)
really I shouldn't be let out! I actually forgot for a moment I was pregnant, bump covered by big coat, not feeling breathless, if it were stairs I would have thought twice, I was only descending a small muddy wet hill! Didn't think twice about it, til I found myself on the floor, twisted my knee and back and landed on my left bum cheek (all 17.5 stone of me!). Just sat there in the rain feeling like a pillock for a minute. Didn't really feel the muscle strain until later in the evening and through the night. Anyway, it's mostly gone off now, just a twinge in my left knee now. Have just phoned my local mw team, they reassured me that baby should be alright as long as she is still moving (she is).
Really, what am I like? forgot I was pregnant!
Anyway, hearing Shell's news has made it all a bit more real to me and I was trying to think how long I had been posting about bean/bump/baby...found what I think is my first posts regarding the subject, so we have been chatting since May! time really has flown, it's been really nice getting to know you guys. We need to make another section for us, a minimins baby forum. I know I will be needing help losing the pounds I have put on! and advice re baby as it is all new to me!
anyway here's the link to the early days =)
http://www.minimins.com/pregnancy-without-pounds/92780-tell-us-about-yourself.html#post1636867
I'm off to pick up my 'dylan and daisy' changing mat from next.
I will probably pick up something cake like on the way (next is also next door to M&S) and then into have a reassuring check over with mw at 4.45 today (anything that means I don't panic and get sent to the acute hospital again)....as I type this I am listening to gregorian chant (enigma) and babs is kicking me like no tomorrow :talk017::talk017:
(god she does worry me, what am I going to be like as a mum!) :wave_cry:
really I shouldn't be let out! I actually forgot for a moment I was pregnant, bump covered by big coat, not feeling breathless, if it were stairs I would have thought twice, I was only descending a small muddy wet hill! Didn't think twice about it, til I found myself on the floor, twisted my knee and back and landed on my left bum cheek (all 17.5 stone of me!). Just sat there in the rain feeling like a pillock for a minute. Didn't really feel the muscle strain until later in the evening and through the night. Anyway, it's mostly gone off now, just a twinge in my left knee now. Have just phoned my local mw team, they reassured me that baby should be alright as long as she is still moving (she is).
Really, what am I like? forgot I was pregnant!
Anyway, hearing Shell's news has made it all a bit more real to me and I was trying to think how long I had been posting about bean/bump/baby...found what I think is my first posts regarding the subject, so we have been chatting since May! time really has flown, it's been really nice getting to know you guys. We need to make another section for us, a minimins baby forum. I know I will be needing help losing the pounds I have put on! and advice re baby as it is all new to me!
anyway here's the link to the early days =)
http://www.minimins.com/pregnancy-without-pounds/92780-tell-us-about-yourself.html#post1636867
I'm off to pick up my 'dylan and daisy' changing mat from next.
I will probably pick up something cake like on the way (next is also next door to M&S) and then into have a reassuring check over with mw at 4.45 today (anything that means I don't panic and get sent to the acute hospital again)....as I type this I am listening to gregorian chant (enigma) and babs is kicking me like no tomorrow :talk017::talk017:
(god she does worry me, what am I going to be like as a mum!) :wave_cry:
Purple Hugs
Loves weight.. training!
You'll be a GREAT mum! You already are!! Honestly I firmly believe we are mums from conception not from birth! ((hugs))
Glad you were 'chilling' to enigma and bump was enjoying it! lol they are funny aren't they.. mine loves my hypno stuff and the radio in the car! lol
Hope your muscles ease off soon.
Maybe we should ask for a baby / parent section - or just stay here! lol Wow.. May - that sounds amazing doesn't it!!! lol I still find it strange seeing pics from Erin's birthday weekend away - I stopped CD for that - didn't know I was pregnant already and was all proud in my skinny jeans! lol Next years goal.. is to get back into those size 14 skinny jeans!
We've all come a long way, but are most definately BIG pregnant now so no more muddy slopes Mrs! lol Says me who was trampling moldy hay into the field entrance yesterday and nearly slipped on my butt! lol DH fished me out of there sharpish when he heard me 'ooh' though! lol
Hope MW appointment goes well - sounds like bump is doing fine though with all her dancing! lol
Glad you were 'chilling' to enigma and bump was enjoying it! lol they are funny aren't they.. mine loves my hypno stuff and the radio in the car! lol
Hope your muscles ease off soon.
Maybe we should ask for a baby / parent section - or just stay here! lol Wow.. May - that sounds amazing doesn't it!!! lol I still find it strange seeing pics from Erin's birthday weekend away - I stopped CD for that - didn't know I was pregnant already and was all proud in my skinny jeans! lol Next years goal.. is to get back into those size 14 skinny jeans!
We've all come a long way, but are most definately BIG pregnant now so no more muddy slopes Mrs! lol Says me who was trampling moldy hay into the field entrance yesterday and nearly slipped on my butt! lol DH fished me out of there sharpish when he heard me 'ooh' though! lol
Hope MW appointment goes well - sounds like bump is doing fine though with all her dancing! lol
angie-bum
Gold Member
the appointment was fine, bp almost as low as at booking appointment, nothing in wee and doppler telling me she is just fine, also while typing this she is doing a mexican wave across my tummy. The mw also said that baby was engaged. So the bump may have moved her closer to goal.Mw also seemed to think that babs had more of her bottom pointing outwards instead of back to back. I am definitely carrying all my bump in the front. I was looking like a beach ball but I seem to have reduced some of the fluid and now I just look heavily pregnant lol!
Similar threads
