What to pack in your Hospital Bag for Labour + Checklist

26/08/201813/11/2023 Lisa 9 Comments

What to pack in your hospital bag for labour

What to pack in your hospital bag for labour – So it’s nearly time for your baby to come out so I thought I would show you what to pack in your hospital bag.

I have had three vaginal births so I’m packing quite a minimal amount based on not being in hospital for very long at all. I’m hoping to be home the same day as I was with Isabelle.

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag For Labour

So this is what I packed:

Hospital Notes – I wouldn’t pack these actually in the bag, just leave them in the top as you may still have appointments to attend between now and then.

Nightie – this is more for afterwards so I’ve gone for one with buttons down the front for breastfeeding.

Dressing Gown – I don’t know about you but I feel exposed walking around the ward without one.

Nursing Bra – for wearing after the baby is born for those first feeds.

A comfort bra – I’m taking this with the intention of wearing it in the birthing pool.

Vest top – Again I may wear this in the pool as I’m not really one for birthing in the nude.

Maternity Pads – I’ve bought Boots Maternity pads which seem to be the recommended ones at the moment but I may switch these to Always Nighttime ones which are a lot thinner.

Breast Pads x 3 sets – I intend to use washable ones but have a few disposable ones to take into hospital as well.

Nipple Cream – for sore and cracked nipples. This probably won’t be a problem to start with or ever if you’re lucky, but I suffered last time so this time I’m embracing breastfeeding with every single tool in my belt!

Flip flops – for walking around in both before, during and after the birth. Much easier than slippers especially if your waters haven’t broken.

Towel – Hospitals do provide towels but it’s always much nicer to take your own. Preferably not a pristine white one.

Knickers x 3 – I bought a pack of three from Primark for £5 which are just basic full brief knickers which will be comfortable afterwards. Definitely go for black or navy.

Face wipes/wash – whichever you find more refreshing. You will want this afterwards to help you feel more human and less hot and sticky.

Deodorant – for afterwards when you’ve showered.

Toothbrush and toothpaste – again an obvious one to take with you so that you can freshen up afterwards.

Hairbrush – my hair looked like I’d been dragged through a bush which kind of sums up how the rest of me felt.

Body wash – you will be thankful for a shower once you’ve had the baby and lots of kisses and cuddles. It’s best to choose a fragrance free one if you intend to breastfeed or even just for skin to skin so I’m taking the Dove Baby head to toe wash that I got in my Emma’s Diary Labour Information Pack. This is also the range that we intend to use on the baby for bath time etc.

Shampoo & Conditioner – for washing my hair when I have my post labour shower which will make me feel refreshed from the head sweat.

Hair bands – unless you’ve got really short hair you may want to tie your hair up so that it’s not in your way or stuck to your face.

Lip Balm – using gas and air last time my lips were so horribly dry and split so this time I’m taking a lip balm to help with this.

Clothes for coming home in – this is something that I forgot last time so had to go home in what I arrived in. I’m taking a pair of leggings, a loose fitting top and a cardigan.

Change for the car park – it’s amazing how people forget that you need to pay for parking at most hospitals and you don’t want to be scrabbling around looking for change. Have a bag of change on the glove compartment ready for when the time comes.

Camera – for taking those precious first pictures.

Phone – I don’t go anywhere without mine, but my hypnobirthing tracks are downloaded onto my phone which I intend to listen to during labour.

Phone charger – what a nightmare it would be if you’re battery ran flat.

Kindle/tablet/magazines – for both you and your birthing partner. It may turn into a long day otherwise.

Snacks – the hospital do provide meals for you but not for your birthing partner. Also if you go into labour in the middle of the night you may find that there isn’t anything available. Pack easy to eat snacks such as fruit, cereal bars, drinks, jelly babies and crackers. I’ve also packed some Dextro Energy sweets to help me get through if it’s going to be a long one again.

Contact Lens stuff – I wear contact lenses to have to pack my lens pot, solution and saline as well as a spare pair of contact lenses. I wear 30 day ones so i will take a new set so I don’t have to worry if one goes astray.

Glasses – I do wear contact lenses but in the mornings before I put my lenses in I wear my glasses whilst i have my morning cuppa etc.

Hair stuff – I have wavy/curly hair so I’ll take some hair mousse just to put a bit through my hair once washed.

Toner & cotton pads – just for my usual post face wash face.

Moisturiser – a light day cream that I wear daily.

Make-up – this is totally a personal preference but I don’t go anywhere without make-up and having a baby is no different. I don’t wear loads but I will be putting it on as soon as I’ve had my shower unless it’s the middle of the night.

Comfy clothes for your partner – as I was induced last time we took in joggers, a t-short and flip flops for Chris so that he would be comfortable in the hospital.

Plastic bag – for putting any wet or worn clothes in.

Dextro Energy Tablets or Jelly Babies – my labour with Isabelle was long and exhausting so a sugar boost can help with your energy levels.

I must have packed and re-packed my bag so many times, just in case I’d missed anything.

If you’re unsure as to what to pack I’ve attached a downloadable Hospital Bag Checklist that you can print off and keep with your bag so that you can tick them off as you add them. I’ve even left a space to add your own.

hospital_bag_checklist

Good luck.

Lisa x

The Secret Meaning of your Pregnancy Cravings

20/07/201825/01/2024 Lisa 8 Comments

The secret meaning of your pregnancy cravings

The secret meaning of your pregnancy cravings – Many women experience cravings during pregnancy, which can range from normal, everyday combinations to weird concoctions that would normally sound disgusting! The pregnancy vitamin experts at Vitabiotics Pregnacare have researched some of the most common pregnancy cravings to discover what they really mean for you and your body. Check out what they found below!

Sweet treats

Sweet treats, such as cake, fruit and ice cream are common cravings during pregnancy. Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy can lead to blood sugar drops, leaving you feeling tired and groggy. Your cravings for sweet and sugary foods will give you a sugar boost, which help to perk you up, although only temporarily! Choose foods that will release energy slowly, such as a banana on whole grain toast, so you don’t suffer from a mid-afternoon slump!

Pickles

While pregnant, you may find yourself reaching for pickles and other salty foods more than you would normally. Although this is fine in moderation, be careful not to overindulge as this may lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.

During the first two trimesters of pregnancy, many women suffer from low blood pressure which can leave them feeling tired and dizzy, so craving salty foods is our body’s way of helping to get our blood pressure back to normal.

Chilli

Lots of women find that during pregnancy, they reach for spicier foods more often than usual. Pregnancy helps us to tolerate spice better, and luckily doesn’t induce labour (no matter what the old wives’ tales say!). Spicy foods may worsen symptoms of heartburn or nausea, so only indulge in moderation if you experience these symptoms.

Ice

It’s unclear why so many women find the crunch of ice so tempting during pregnancy. Many experts think that it is simply an effective way to stay hydrated, whereas others believe it may be a symptom of nutritional deficiency. Although the definitive meaning of this craving hasn’t been found, many women find that it disappears after they begin taking an iron supplement, so it’s worth checking in with your GP if you think an iron deficiency may be the issue.

Non-edible foods

If you find yourself craving weird, non-edible foods such as sponges or washing liquid, you may be suffering from a condition called pica. Although this is generally harmless, and just a side effect of your changing hormones, it’s suggested that you let your GP know about your cravings so they can advise you if they are a sign of anything which requires action.

Have you experienced any weird or wonderful cravings? Let me know!

Pregnancy Diary 39 Weeks

02/06/201825/01/2024 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary 39 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 39 Weeks – The whole of Sunday Isabelle and I were cooped up in my bedroom whilst the downstairs was out of bounds.

We should have gone somewhere but I wanted to be at home even though it was a long and uncomfortable day.

The pains started to come early afternoon but as this has been an ongoing thing for the past couple of weeks it’s become the norm so didn’t really think much of it.

However, by around 2am the pain was coming in definite regular waves so I got up and put a bit of TOWIE on whilst I timed them.

They were a bit irregular with variations of 4 – 6 minutes and lasting around 30 – 45 seconds. They were painful but not too bad.

After a couple of hours of this I tried without success to ring the labour ward which was worried me that it was going to be really busy.

Chris at this point was still in bed and I didn’t want to call in the Calvary if I was then told to sit tight at home.

At 5.20am the contractions were every 5 minutes lasting between 40 – 60 seconds and I was advised to take Paracetamol and have a bath. At this point there was a birthing pool available but obviously this could change at any point.

we’re now at 7.20 and I’ve just got out of the bath which has helped. The contractions have slowed down between episodes but are longer when they come.

Think it might be time to think about sorting Isabelle out.

we got back down to 5 mins apart and by some miracle I fell asleep, and they’ve stopped! How’s that for trickery of the highest level.

It’s lunch time and they’ve restarted albeit around 7 and a half minutes apart. I’m getting a lot of baby movement and pressure as if my waters are going to break at any moment.

FALSE ALARM!!

So annoyed. The contractions have totally tailed off and been replaced by a stitch like pain in my left side which is almost constant.

I’ve not eaten, mostly because I haven’t been hungry so we had something to eat and back to waiting. I phoned the labour ward to make sure that I didn’t need to go in to be checked or something and their advice was to get some rest and wait for it all to kick off again.

The baby is moving around just fine so no worries there.

TUESDAY

we’ve got through the night and although I’m aching from head to toe, that’s it. Isabelle is with Nanny and Papa so we’re going to try and have a normal day. I’ve stuck some washing on and now sat having a cuppa.

nothing else significant happened and Isabelle came home and rolled her eyes at me that the promised baby had not arrived.

WEDNESDAY

As nothing has happened so far we went out to get some housey bits and bobs and had a mooch around Matalan who have some really nice homeware stuff.

I overheard a woman comment to her husband about me being a ‘poor maid’ and of course I get lots of sympathetic looks and tilts of the head and ‘ahhh’s’ as if in solidarity.

I have no patience for this now and struggle to find my sense of humour. The last thing I want to hear now is that I haven’t got long to go. I know that and it DOESN’T HELP!

One thing to note is my ability to literally stop traffic! I am the person to follow across a ridiculously busy car park.

We went for lunch in McDonalds where we joked about whether or not it’s true that you get freebies if your waters break in certain places.

I would be pretty mortified if that did happen though.

THURSDAY

Poor Isabelle I think is getting a bit fed up of being cooped up but she did make herself a you tube movie theatre where you stick you head in the bottom and through a specially cut hole at the top you can watch.

Daddy went to work which makes me a bit nervous but we have to try and carry on as normal so that he can take the time off when the bubba arrives.

Isabelle made me my lunch today which was really sweet of her.

The house is still in total chaos but there’s not a lot I can do since I’ve ditched the pregnancy waddle in place of a lumbering walk (think wounded bear).

FRIDAY

I’ve got my midwife appointment this afternoon which I didn’t take a note of the time since I assumed that I would be cancelling it. Thankfully our surgery texts a confirmation.

At the appointment the baby is definitely engaged and facing the right way but I’m measuring big again. Far more than I should be so I’ve been booked in for another scan on Monday. They will be looking at the amount of amniotic fluid there is around the baby. This was at the upper point of normal at the last one and if this shows too much it could be that the baby’s kidneys aren’t working as they should and a consultant will need to make the decision about getting the baby out rather than waiting.

My urine also had ketones in it which means that I’m dehydrated even though I’ve been drinking loads.

This sucks and I want the baby out more than ever now.

SATURDAY

I’ve had a rubbish nights sleep and this morning I wish I’d asked the Midwife a few more questions.

The one that’s bugging me the most is if on the day of the scan if they do decide they need to get the baby out ASAP. I’m worried that I will be admitted there and then and might mean a caesarean or being induced.

I’ve started drinking raspberry tea which apparently strengthens the uterus and also speeds up the labour. I’m also drinking loads more water which means I’m definitely visiting the loo loads.

Chris is at work today so it’s just Belle and I. We’ve had a board game marathon and watched a bit of TV. I think we owe Belle a few fun days after this week being cooped up.

Development

The baby is about the size of a small pumpkin weighing around 7.25lb and measuring about 50cm.

They will be shedding the last of the Vernix Caseosa and will continue to build up a layer of fat that will help regulate their temperature once born.

The baby is more than ready to come now but it’s obviously nice and cosy in their.

It seems that social media has decided for me that I’m having a boy, but as we chose not to find out we’ll see.

Lisa x

To read the rest of my Pregnancy Diary click the link or head to the top of the page.

Pregnancy Diary 38 Weeks

26/05/201813/11/2023 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary 38 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 38 Weeks – I’m officially on Maternity Leave. Woo hoo! I really didn’t think I would be writing an entry for this week. I thought I’d have my baby in my arms by now.

Braxton Hicks

I hadn’t really or at all experienced these previously, but this time round they’re coming thick and fast. It makes it quite confusing to know if I’m actually in labour or not. I know you’re probably wondering as a third time mum how I wouldn’t know if I’m in true labour or not, but my previous birth experiences have been far from text book.

My first labour was extremely quick with no contractions in the lead up. My waters broke and then nothing happened until I was in established labour and ready to push.

My second labour I was induced due to gestational diabetes. I don’t remember having Braxton Hicks at all and the labour was long and painful.

This time round I know I’m older but I feel like my body is screaming for this Pregnancy journey to be over and done with. My back gave up quite early on and this time I have a definite pregnancy waddle and am finding walking around makes me out of breath and aches all over.

It’s hard to know how this labour is going to strike. I’ve pretty much thought I was going into labour every day this past week and as I sit writing I’m breathing through either Braxton Hicks or contractions.

With each one, once the pain has gone done through my back my left eye has a massive twitching session. No idea what that’s about!

I’m hoping that when I’m having real contractions that I’ll have a ‘show’ so that I’ll know, as well as them getting closer together and more intense.

Nesting

It’s hard to do the whole nesting thing when your house is totally tipped upside down. We have stuff in boxes waiting to be unpacked, newly built shelves, half decorated rooms and bits of other rooms in every single room in the house.

As with most impending parents it seemed like a good time to get sorted. Of course it’s the perfect time to do it (not) but it did need to be done.

I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be camping out with my newborn in my bedroom a lot since the work isn’t due to start until the end of this week, and the odds are that this little one will be here.

I’ve just got to remember that it will look good when it’s done and if I have to hide out lying on my bed watching you tube videos then that’s the sacrifice I’ll have to make. Ha ha – it’s not like I was planning to do that anyway.

It’s all the boxes and bags of crap that needs sorting through that’s going to take the time. We’re not hoarders but it is amazing how much stuff as a family we accumulate.

Wednesday – we’ve now got as far as Wednesday and still no baby. I honestly didn’t think I would get past the weekend but here I am still very pregnant watching Fern Mccann – First Time Mum. I love watching these kind of programmes and seeing into the lives of others. Clearly it’s not a normal persons reality as we don’t all live in the limelight and have make-up artists etc to make us look glam BUT when the door is shut and night time comes, the same emotional stuff comes into play.

The mum guilt.

Body image crap – although she looks pretty amazing!

Being a bit clueless.

Just generally winging it.

As a third time mum I may be considered as experienced but a new baby into any household changes your current normal. Isabelle’s arrival was quite possibly the same as having a hurricane rip through our lives so we’ll see what impact this one has on us.

My biggest concern is bedtime when I’m not going to have Chris around to help me out because he’s usually at work.

I’m hoping to get a good routine established but if anything is going to put a spanner in the works it’s more likely to be Isabelle than the baby. Isabelle plays up most nights and is up and down the stairs like a yo-yo. She doesn’t do this when daddy’s home which makes it more frustrating.

My plan is to get the bath ready and for Belle to get in with the baby in the baby bath at the other end. We went for a shnuggle bath which will sit at the end still giving Isabelle enough room.

I’ll then take the baby out and get him/her dried whilst Isabelle plays.

Once the baby is dressed I plan to put them in the crib or bouncy chair so that I can wash Isabelle’s hair and get her sorted.

Hopefully we’ll then be ready for feeding and Isabelle can have a chill before they both go to bed.

I’m going to return to this post in a couple of months to see how this is going down!

Thursday

Friday

Saturday and we’re still here waiting for baby. I’m not allowed to go into labour today as it’s the cup final. It would be hilarious if it did happen. Chris would be amongst fellow dads also feeling robbed of watching the football. On the plus side we now have an awesome new flooring which will be so much easier to keep dog hair free than carpet.

Development

The baby is the size of a marrow – I would say a prize marrow!

The baby will weigh around 6.8lb and measure about 49.8cm.

He or she is fully cooked and ready to be born (please come soon). The average baby weighs around 7lb but of course this varies from baby to baby.

All their organs are fully formed so it literally is just a waiting game now.

My next post I really hope I have the babe in my arms – irritable pregnant lady syndrome has definitely set in now. Oh and it’s now the school holidays which is even better…….

Lisa x

You can read all of my Pregnancy Updates Here.

Getting ready for My Breastfeeding Journey

20/05/201811/01/2024 Lisa 7 Comments

Getting ready for my breastfeeding journey

Getting ready for my breastfeeding journey. When I breastfed Isabelle I was naive enough to think that when a baby is born, you put them to the breast, they latch on and off you go.

Learning the hard way

God I wish I’d known what I learnt the hard way!

I knew about mastitis being a possibility and that cracked nipples could be an issue but other than that it was portrayed as the most natural second nature task a woman would complete. You sat lovingly staring into your baby’s eyes whilst they fed, taking in all the goodness as it’s the best and only way to feed your baby. Oh and of the adverts in magazines are to go by, you will look amazing in a white floaty dress.

The reality for me was feeling agitated as I tried to get Isabelle to latch on whilst digging my toes into the carpet as her attempts felt like I was being put through a mincer. Her latch was rubbish so much so that she was on and off so often that not only did I have cracked nipples but they bled!

BUT it was fine, as it was the right thing to do – breastfeeding that is. I was giving her all the goodness that she needed. Except I wasn’t. She was losing weight so we were still having daily midwife visits.

You’re Starving Her!

I was told that I was starving my daughter!

I was told to hand express and cup feed her. If you’ve ever tried to do this then you will know how ridiculous this is. You hand express the smallest amount of milk and then try and feed it to your by this point screaming newborn only for their flaying arms to knock it out of your hands wasting what precious little milk you have to offer.

Have a day of skin to skin contact which will increase your milk supply and calm both you and baby down which should make latching easier.

Feed in a comfortable place where you feel relaxed so that she relaxes enough to feed.

Electric pumping but try not to give via a bottle – again with the cup feeding.

Nipple sheilds!

Cabbage leaves!

Breastfeeding Support Co-ordinator advice.

Feed on demand even if it is for 3 minutes every 29 minutes day and night.

I had all the advice under the sun about what I should be doing.

Don’t give up was the consensus.

Perseverance was the buzz word.

Every single time Isabelle cried I dreaded that she might want to be fed. I held my breath as I attempted the latch.

Left her crying too long before I tried to feed her as I built up the courage.

I pretended it didn’t hurt when it was excruciating.

We went along to a Breastfeeding Cafe where I watched other mums breastfeed and chat at the same time. There was even a mum sat cross legged on the floor tandem feeding twins. Needless to say that was my first and last visit.

I drank special breastfeeding teas to up my supply along with lots of water.

I bought all the creams and shields, hot cloths and cabbage leaves.

A total Failure

Enough was enough and Chris intervened by buying some formula milk so that Isabelle could feed and I could have a break and a bit of sleep.

I fought it as I wanted to do what was best for our baby. Feeding Isabelle was the priority but I felt like I’d failed her.

She guzzled the bottle down and fell into a milk induced sleep. It’s what she needed and it was what I needed both to allow myself to heal and also get some sleep, but it wasn’t what I wanted.

From then on we did combination feeding which wasn’t such a huge pressure for me and Isabelle gained weight and was a much more content baby.

We carried on this way until she was five months old when she began to reject the breast.

I was gutted and felt like I’d failed.

It took me a long while to not feel like this.

And now as I wait for baby number three I’m already feeling quite anxious about my impending breastfeeding journey.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Lisa x

Pregnancy Diary 37 Weeks

19/05/201825/01/2024 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary 37 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 37 Weeks – My last week at work and so glad since each day has been a struggle. I’ve also had lots of Braxton Hicks with lots of ‘am I, am I Not’ moments.

I’m really tired this week and each day when I’ve finished work I’m literally hanging so I’ve just eaten and then sat comatose on the sofa watching TV.

The dog has undergone a good summer cut to reduce the amount of fur around the house. We know that dog fur is going to be an ongoing battle since we haven’t had a dog and a baby at the same time before.

I am really looking forward to being able to walk normally post-baby and top of the list is taking my fur baby walking again. I wonder how he’s going to get on walking next to the pram. I’m sure we’ll have a fair few instances where I wheel over him as he is a bit daft.

Midwife appointment

I had my midwife appointment on Tuesday and the head is way down ready which is good. I wasn’t measured this time as it was less than two weeks since I was measured last.

Everything else was fine and although we booked in for my 40 week appointment I would be very surprised if I get to this point.

A further blood test was booked for me due to the slapped cheek incident but this is considered to be low risk as I was well past the twenty week mark.

Thursday was my last day at work and I was treated to lots of cake and donuts and lots of lovely presents. It’s funny when you go on maternity leave as you feel sad but not. I’ve literally been counting down the days because I’m tired and also counting down to meeting the scrummy babes, but I will miss my work family.

I’m wondering how many days of maternity leave I’ll have before the baby comes. Considering how many Braxton Hicks I’m having pretty much all the time I’m guessing I won’t last that long. In fact I’m not sure I’m going to get past the weekend so we’ll see.

Funny Questions

Isabelle is still full of questions and I’m quite honest in answering things with her in a factual way. We’ve never spun her the stork story etc so she knows that the baby is going to come out of my front bottom and is suitably grossed out by this.

Her latest query was the other night was when she wanted to know if the baby could see out of my front bottom like looking out of a window! You’ve got to love how a kids mind works!

She also has lots of breastfeeding queries which I’m sure is going to be an ongoing thing. Hopefully she’ll get bored at some point.

Braxton Hicks

I’m not really sure if I experienced Braxton Hicks that much in my last two pregnancies, but this time I seem to be getting them all the time.

Every day this week I’ve convinced myself that today is the day that the baby will be here. My stomach is tight and pain radiates around my pelvis and into my back in a rhythmic and regular way BUT still no baby.

Winding Down

You may have noticed that I haven’t been as active this last couple of weeks since I just don’t have the energy to do anything. Sitting with my laptop is becoming ridiculous as my laptop is precariously balancing on my lap.

I’ve also been going to bed earlier so that I can listen to my hypnobirthing tracks which I hope will help even in some way to make labour easier.

I want to be as relaxed as I can when this baby comes which in turn will hopefully give the breastfeeding process a better chance of working. My breastfeeding journey with Isabelle wasn’t a smooth or particularly enjoyable experience, one that I hope doesn’t get repeated.

I’m reading like a crazy woman at the moment on Breastfeeding. Everything from latching tips to increasing my milk supply in the hope that third time lucky really is a ‘thing’.

Development

My baby is the size of a Honeydew Melon now weighing around 6.5lbs and measuring about 48.6cm. The baby will gain around half an ounce a day up until they are born.

He or she’s lungs are capable of life outside of the womb and it’s tummy will be full of icky sticky meconium which will be it’s first poo.

The head should be engaged at this point ready for birth.

Until next week………If I make it!

Lisa x

To read the rest of my Pregnancy Diary click the link or head to the top of the page.

Pregnancy Diary 36 Weeks

12/05/201811/01/2024 Lisa 4 Comments

Pregnancy Diary 36 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 36 Weeks – It’s Bank Holiday weekend and we’re knee deep in sorting the house out as much as we can before the baby arrives.

It’s hard not to get sentimental about every piece of clothing or toys that were once Ryan or Isabelle’s. First Christmas outfits, favourites and of course the ones they first wore in hospital. I even found my pregnancy test from when I found out we were having Isabelle which obviously has seven year old wee on it! I’m undecided on whether to keep this or not.

Bank Holiday Monday we had a more chilled out day. Still sorting and double checking my hospital bags. I know I’ve got everything but I’ve got this weird thing where I NEED to check, just to make sure.

Chris and Isabelle are full of cough and colds so I’m keeping them at arms length. We did get a BBQ in on the Monday just for us which was a nice way to end the day.

I’m plodding on through my hypnobirthing book which I’m not finding as boring. It’s quite interesting!

Induction Update

Tuesday – back to work today after the worse nights sleep. I don’t know if it was the thought of going back to work or the worry of getting any updates on the whole raised glucose issue.

My Midwife phoned me to update me that I will be contacted by the foetal assessment unit who are going to give me a little pin prick machine so that I can monitor my blood sugars, but no word from the consultant as yet.

Thursday came and I still hadn’t heard whether or not I was going to be induced so I rang my midwife. My case had been discussed at a meeting and it was decided that they didn’t need to induce me with a recommendation of reducing my sugar intake, but to keep the scan appointment for Friday. Obviously I was really pleased but a bit nervous that I’d have the scan and it would change things again.

Friday we had the scan. It’s not very exciting as everything is so close up that you can’t really make out arms or legs or anything. They were looking for the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby, and I’m pleased to say that this was totally normal.

Before the scan we popped along to the Baby Room which is local to us and holds classes, groups and also the place to go for washable Nappy and sling advice.

I’ve still got my nappy stash from Isabelle which is still in really good condition, but I needed to buy a new bucket, liners and a wet bag. It’s so easy to buy loads of stuff since the nappies are incredibly cute with all kinds of patterns and colours. I restrained from buying any more nappies, but we did buy some washable wetwipes which I’m going to persevere with this time. I did give them a little go but found them quite an effort so gave up.

As I’m writing this I have a load of nappies washing with a second load waiting. They load so cute on the washing line!

Ready for Baby Now

As I’m so far along now I’ve switched from saying how many weeks I have left to how many days which today is 22. It seems so close when you say it in days!

My in-laws are on holiday as of today for two weeks and a firm request for baby to stay put has been lodged. I will do my best to comply but quite honestly I’m more than ready for this little one to make an appearance now. Having said that, I still have one more week of work to get through.

I had a really funny dream that i gave birth in our meeting room with the assistance of one of my senior colleagues so I’ve been avoiding him this week (just in case).

Still no pram or car seat as yet but we have had assurances that it will be delivered at the beginning of next week, so once that’s here I’m happy for the baby to arrive at any point.

Vitamin K

I forgot to mention this last week, but when I saw my midwife last Friday she mentioned Vitamin K for the baby once born. She asked for my preference to it being given by injection or orally. The most common apparently is an injection but I really don’t remember an injection being offered when I had Isabelle as she had it orally. This was supposed to be added to my birth plan notes but I felt really put on the spot to give an answer so it was put down as decision on the day. I’m not sure how I feel about an injection just hours post birth.

Development

My baby is the shape of a bunch of bananas and weighs around 5.7lbs and measures about 47.4cm.

The average baby birth weight is currently 7.5lb so the concentration is currently on putting on weight and moving further down into your pelvis.

The downy hair that has been coating the baby is now shedding away as is the vernix caseosa.

You may be getting Braxton Hicks at this stage which are practice contractions (yippee).

Your baby will still be moving around but the movements may be lower down once the baby moves further down ready for labour. This will also ease any heartburn that you may be experiencing.

It feels like so much is happening now and each day I wake up and wonder if today is the day.

Who knows if this will the last Pregnancy Diary update…….

Lisa x

To read my other Pregnancy Diary entries either click here or head to Pregnancy Diary at the top of the page.

Pregnancy Diary 35 Weeks

05/05/201811/01/2024 Lisa 2 Comments

Pregnancy Diary 35 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 35 Weeks – I’m tired, aching all over and the feeling that I’m going to go into early labour won’t go away.

The week has started off with Ryan’s 19th Birthday so we went out for a meal which was lovely.

We’re also knee deep in decorating so there is stuff everywhere but it’s moving along nicely so I can’t complain too much.

Sorting through the kids stuff is ridiculous. It’s so hard to get rid of things so I need to get myself some balls and stop being so sentimental.

Sleep

Sleep is getting harder and harder. I’m knackered but I can’t seem to get comfortable at all. If it’s not my tummy getting in the way it’s my legs getting twitchy or cramps or my back making me uncomfortable. I’m still drinking tonic water which doesn’t make me shudder so much now.

Washing

Washing, washing….. so much washing. Yey me I’ve managed to wash all the the baby stuff that we’ve got. I started doing it towards the end of last week and then it poured down which made drying a lot slower. I feel better now this is done so that I can get our bags packed and ready for the hospital.

Baby stuff

We’ve hit a bit of a stumbling block. I ordered the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 Travel system which comes with the car seat and the delivery time was 3 – 5 days. This then changed to direct delivery from the manufacturer and was left as pending. I left it a few days but having checked again thought I’d better get in touch to find out when it’s likely to come

I could cry! On speaking to the company, it seems that the car seat is currently out of stock and the expected delivery date isn’t until mid May.

I’m not sure what to do now. Do I cancel the order as I really need to get the car seat in the car ready or do we risk it and if the baby does arrive early we could make a mad dash (or Chris can) and buy another one.

Oh I don’t know, this is stressing me out I really want that pram now!

Am I? Am I not?

Today is Monday and I should be at work. Instead I’m at home and have been having all kinds of twinges and pains all day long. I’m not sure if I’ve overdone it or if it’s all starting to kick off.

The pain is coming in waves which is slightly worrying and then it dies down for a while before restarting.

Tuesday I was still getting pains but had a bit of a feeling that I may have a urine infection. I spoke to the midwife who asked me to make an appointment at the practice to have my urine tested.

I tested negative for a urine infection but it showed +2 for glucose do was advised to contact my midwife. It’s too late and a bit pointless to do a further glucose tolerance test but I’m just waiting to hear back to see if I need a further scan.

Getting stuck in the bath

To help ease my back ache I thought it would be good to have a nice relaxing bath which I did, but then I couldn’t get out. I couldn’t get myself upright enough to get out. It was ridiculous. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so helpless in everyday life, and I was home alone so I had to manoeuvre myself in the most un-ladylike manner in order to get myself out.

I’ve promised Chris that I won’t do that again.

No Name

We finally have a couple in the bag but nothing is set in stone as we’re still really undecided. Hopefully the baby will look like a ‘something’ once it’s here and we’ll just know.

Last week I referred to the baby as ‘he’ and set tongues wagging and today I accidentally referred to the baby as she which had my friend wondering.

We’re pretty certain that we’re having a boy which I genuinely cannot confirm either way. It’s just a gut feeling that we’ve pretty much all got and even Isabelle has decided that it’s a boy and quite happy with that. All my labour dreams feature a baby boy so who knows.

Midwife Appointment

Urgh my appointment has thrown me into a bit of a spin! So at the beginning of the week I went to the doctors as I thought I might have a urine infection but it turned out that I had raised glucose instead.

Today I went to see the midwife and it’s still raised and I’m measuring at 37cm which has pushed me further above the 95th centile. The midwife was a bit unsure what needed to be done at this late stage (35wks +4) so phoned the hospital.

They weren’t entirely sure either but suggested a scan and referral to a consultant. My scan isn’t until I reach 36wks + 5 and I just have to wait and see as far as whether I need to see the consultant or if advice will be given.

Of course this then lead onto the possibility of needing to be induced. I was so pleased when this was taken off the table when I tested negative so it’s really pants that this has reared it’s ugly head again. I had a horrible previous experience and really didn’t want it again this time.

As it was my 36 week appointment the intention was to discuss the delivery options. On my want list is (was):

A water birth
To use my hypnobirthing tracks
No Diamorphine
No epidural
Stitches if needed

I know that labour is unpredictable and of course if the baby shows signs of distress you have to consent for forceps or even an emergency caesarean but it just feels a bit shitty that I’ve got this far and all my wants are likely to be thrown out.

Having slept on it, I don’t feel good about this at all. I suppose I just have to wait and see what happens with the referral to the consultant and also the scan that I’m having on Friday.

It’s Saturday and today marks 29 days until my due date and it’s got me thinking that if I were to be induced we could have the baby as early as 15 days from now. When I was induced with Isabelle I was 39 +1 but I think that it would have been sooner had it not been September when all the Christmas conceived babies are arriving.

Hospital Bags

I panic packed both mine and the baby’s hospital bags at the beginning of the week which I have now repacked in a more orderly manner. I just need to get some snacks and drinks for both Chris and I to see us through.

Development

My baby is now the size of a pineapple, measuring around 46.2cm and weighing about 5.2lbs.

They will be practicing the sucking motion in preparation for it’s first post-birth feed. It’s slowly inching it’s way further down into my pelvis to get ready to come out and some (a lot) of the movements are enough to make me gasp they’re that pokey. This can be further helped by bouncing on a birthing ball or being on all fours and wiggling your hips.

The baby is fully formed but is still putting on weight which they will continue to do until they are born.

It’s also recommended that your hospital bags are packed, the freezer is full and all the important numbers are in plain sight for when the time comes. The numbers are all in my phone, and also on the calendar but I don’t think Chris has bothered to put these in his phone yet which is so helpful.

Aww I’ve just realised that these diary entries will soon be coming to an end………I will have a gorgeous baby to snuggle instead though x

Lisa x

Read my other Pregnancy Diary Updates x

Pregnancy Diary 34 Weeks

28/04/201811/01/2024 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary 34 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 34 Weeks – I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be saying this every week from now on but it’s been a really tough week this week.

Sitting comfortably and walking around without pain in my back is becoming less and less. The baby’s movements are really jabby now and quite often make me gasp.

Sitting in the car is the pits it must be the angle of the seat which I’ve adjusted but it seems to scrunch me up a bit and the baby doesn’t like it so tries to stretch which makes me feel like I’m being pinned against the wall.

Sleeping

Sleeping is becoming more and more uncomfortable and I’m waking between 2 – 4 times a night. Once always to go to the loo and the rest either because I can’t get comfy or I have cramps in my legs.

Getting closer to labour

I’ve got a gut feeling that I’m not going to make it to my due date. I keep getting what I think are Braxton Hicks and then the feeling that my waters are going to break. It has me crossing my legs.

I also had the most awful pain during the night the other night, and I really thought that I was going into labour.

Going into labour is not an option at the moment since our car seat hasn’t arrived and our bags are not yet packed.

The planning for this is underway but with birthdays overtaking this weeks head space and energy it’s not yet done.

Baby Brain

I’ve had a bit of a panic this week as our pram and car seat have yet to turn up so I need to chase this since we need to get the car seat installed.

The crib sheets that we ordered also haven’t arrived, but it turns out that although I’d added them to my Amazon basket, I hadn’t actually paid and processed the order.

I know what you’re thinking, but I have definitely ordered and paid for my pram but still no sign.

Maternity Leave

Three weeks to go and counting. It’s not been too bad but I’m knackered by the end of each day.

Slapped Cheek

One of Isabelle’s friends has recently had slapped cheek which can be dangerous for unborn babies. All the info that I’ve read seems to pose a risk for babies under the 20 week mark. I spoke to my midwife and my blood was sent off to Bristol to check for immunity.

The results came back and it seems that I haven’t got immunity to it, but there don’t appear to be any known risks for my baby at this late stage. I may need to have another blood test to check this but I’m just waiting to hear.

Midwife appointments

My next appointment is next week. It’s the labour discussion. Whilst I haven’t bothered with birth plans as such, I would like to give a water birth a go alongside the hypnobirthing that I’ve been swatting up on.

I’m still really nervous about finding birth again. Apparently when you get to your third child I should be experienced enough to know exactly what I’m doing. No! I don’t feel that I know what I’m doing, only that I know it’s going to flipping well hurt!

I fought against the urge to push with Isabelle and fear that I’ll end up doing that again which clearly makes things worse.

I’m worried that I’m going to go into labour and Chris won’t be here.

Development

The baby will be about the size of a cabbage weighing around 5lb and measuring about 45cm.

They should be moving around as usual but the movements will feel different. This is definitely so, the movements are quite sharp and jabby now and I’m getting a pressure feeling that my waters are about to pop at any moment.

He or she’s hearing should be developed and we keep having words about all the kicking, but clearly like the other two it’s falling on deaf ears.

Hopefully the baby will be moving further down in preparation for the birth. I don’t think my bump has dropped down yet which is why all the movements are so significant and jabby. We’re not quite ready yet baby so just hang on in there for at least a couple more weeks.

Until next week.

Lisa x

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Pregnancy Diary 33 Weeks

21/04/201825/05/2021 Lisa

Pregnancy Diary 33 Weeks

Pregnancy Diary 33 Weeks – Not long to go now are the words that reverberate around my head as it’s been said so many times.

I went back to work today after two weeks off and it was definitely a shock to the system. The sound of the alarm clock in the morning was not welcome at all. It has also made me think that I wish I’d put in the request for my maternity leave to start sooner than two weeks before my due date. I’ve got a feeling that this baby isn’t going to wait that long.

Braxton Hicks

I’ve been getting Braxton Hicks quite a lot over the past week. My bump goes hard and tight and then I get a feeling that my waters are going to burst. It stops me in my tracks and I get the urge to cross my legs ‘just in case’.

Back Ache

Being back to work means that I’ve been moving around much more so my back has been particularly sore as the week has gone on. I’ve been doing my exercises and resting as much as I can which is difficult. It’s also really hard to get comfortable in bed at night so that my bump is comfortable, the baby is comfortable and also in a position that doesn’t aggravate my back. Not easy to achieve.

Eating

Hmmm way too much chocolate. I blame Easter entirely and Isabelle is such a bad influence.

It’s nice that I can eat normally with regards to everything else though. Apart from chicken still. I am tempted to try a bit of chicken as it is one of our staple meal items, but as the thought of it makes my nose wrinkle I don’t think I’ll bother.

Hospital Bag

As I’ve got this gut feeling that the baby will be early, I’ve started to wash the baby clothes and bedding and also have got out things for both of our hospital bags….just in case.

Pram

Hooray…….We’ve finally decided on our pram.

Whilst I wasn’t in a particular rush to get the pram here in the house, we definitely need to get the carseat here and installed in the car and as we’ve opted for a travel system we needed to get a move on. We’ve opted for the
Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 All-In-One Special Edition Travel System in Blueberry. We love that everything is included and that the carrycot top converts into the seat so it cuts down on having to store a separate carrycot top. It also looks gorgeous so I’m looking forward to pushing that around. It also comes with a carseat and isofix base which is a total bonus!

Apart from this I think we just need to get a baby seat, a steriliser and bottles for just in case the breastfeeding doesn’t go to plan.

34 Week Midwife Appointment

Technically I’m not 34 weeks until Sunday but I saw the midwife, had my blood pressure checked and my bump measured. Thankfully I’ve stayed along the 95th centile line so no need for an additional scan at this point and my blood pressure is fine as well.

One of Isabelle’s friends that we spent the day with last week has slapped cheek so my bloods have been sent off to check that I have immunity. All the info that I’ve read and the advice from the midwife is that the risk only seems to be for babies before you hit the 20 week mark but they’ve been sent to Bristol and will update me when she hears back.

We listened to the baby’s heartbeat which was loud and strong and then she had a jolly good poke around to feel which way the baby was facing. It’s currently head down with its spine along my left side and bum at the top with its legs curled under. It totally explains my lopsided bump as both it’s head and bum are more on the left side.

My bump has yet to drop down at all so it’s super round and very hard.

Sleeping

Not much of this happening at the moment. It’s too hot at night and then I can’t get comfy. When I finally do, the baby obviously isn’t so will wriggle until I give in and move. I know I’m driving Chris nuts as I’m fidgety and restless but I can’t help it.

I had a fairly decent sleep the other night where I played my hypnobirthing tracks when I went to bed which I did fall asleep listening to but I do remember feeling super relaxed before going to sleep.

At this stage I could quite happily have an afternoon nap every day, just to rest and give me a little bit of energy. The chance to do this would be nice!

I do keep having birth dreams. In every dream I’m at home on my own with Isabelle and she helps me to give birth. So far I’ve given birth in the bathroom and on the stairs with Isabelle by my side. I really hope this isn’t the case as I don’t want her to be traumatised for life.

Mum Life

Isabelle is mostly great but one of her less desirable qualities is her persistence, especially when she’s been told no. She’s like a dog with a bone and doesn’t like to back down when there’s something that she wants to do.

We were supposed to go to a parade today (Saturday) and then it poured down so we decided not to go and get some house things done ready for the baby. At lunch time she changed her mind which was too late, but it was the total end of the world. The drama began, it was the worse day of her life, could we invite friends over, could we go to an indoor play area, can we phone people…….No……just no. I’m tired and aching from cleaning and tidying.

No just isn’t an option that Isabelle is willing to consider some days so we butt heads for the rest of the afternoon. Daddy comes home and we eat and then I escaped upstairs to avoid any further conflict.

Development

The baby has reached the size of a butternut squash measuring around 43.7cm and weighing about 4lb 4oz (2lbs less than Ryan). They may already have hair – both of the other two had very very fine hair. Their bones are continuing to harden apart from the skull which stays soft to allow passage through the birth canal.

Apparently I may feel and look very pregnant – ticks for both of these!

Oh and I may feel exhausted and worn out – Tick. Tick!

Until next week.

Lisa x