Monday 31 January 2011

Day one of Maternity Leave

It was my last day at work last Friday. It was a complete non-event, made Mummy very sad and did not deserve it's own blog post.

Today, however, is day one of my maternity leave and, as such, is pretty significant. I didn't have a lie in, I had a hypnotherapy appointment. The appointment was scheduled to cover HypnoBirthing but Sarah added in some breech turning hypnotherapy to help you to turn. I've come away with two CDs, one to focus on HypnoBirthing and one to help you to turn. Lots of relaxation for mummy this week!

I went straight from Sarah to Granny's house for lunch and to spend some time with Granny and Papa, which was lovely. I left abruptly because I forgot I was supposed to wait in for a delivery. Silly Mummy. I missed the delivery... Nevermind.

I spent a few hours this afternoon on your mural - I'm not sure but Daddy loves it. I was going to post step by step photos but I'll be precious about it and only post when it's finished.

Love you darling little one, not long now til first cuddle! xxx

Sunday 30 January 2011

Bleurgh

Moxibustion makes our house smell icky nasty ming so I think we'll be applying pressure to those points instead of burning moxa.

We've just invested in many air fresheners to try and make the house smell close to normal again xx

Saturday 29 January 2011

Ante Natal appointment: 37 weeks

So on Thursday, Daddy and I went to see a consultant at Birmingham Women's to find out if you're breech or head down. Standard ante natal checks when we arrived: urine fine, blood pressure really good. Then a bit of a wait to be called in - we saw the registrar we'd seen when they were checking out my heart murmur.

She had a feel of my bump and listened to your heartbeat and said she was pretty sure you were head down but would arrange for a scan to confirm while we were there. She wrote in my notes, gave me a referral form and asked us to come back once I'd been scanned.

Through to Ante Natal scans and a very full waiting room. The receptionist advised us of a long wait and asked if we wanted the scan now... Well yes, that Dr through there is waiting on the results, she might be a bit miffed if we decided to come back another day and I'm running out of time to be honest...

After an hour or so wait, we were called through to a sonographer with little sense of humour (a few of Daddy's jokes were met with frosty reception). She had a feel before scanning and said she thought head down but as soon as she placed the scanner at the bottom of my bump, she confirmed that she was looking at your bottom... She took some measurements and wrote in my notes (breech, legs extended) and sent us back through to ante natal.

I was a bit teary. I was quite sure you'd been the right way up but I also wanted to avoid the section. We made our way back to the clinic and I asked a midwife how to get back in touch with the registrar. She took my notes and asked me to take a seat, popping back once she'd let the registrar know we were back to check we were okay.

The registrar called us back through and we went through the options. Essentially, we have two options: an ECV (external cephalic version), where they move baby into the right position or an elective section. ECV's carry risks and aren't hugely successful so I wasn't keen but I didn't really want to go straight for a section either. I asked about vaginal delivery and the registrar helpfully told me that if I went into labour and things were progressing without complication, they would allow a natural delivery. No talk of planning that as a way forwards though. I said I wasn't comfortable making any decisions immediately but they recommended we book in for an ECV and cancel it if we changed our mind beforehand, at which point an ante natal appointment would be generated and we'd come back in to discuss our options.

As soon as I got to the car, I called Auntie Lora to talk things through (at least, once I'd calmed down - teary, hormonal lady that I am) and she set about exploring options for me. We pretty much went straight to Granny's for lunch and TLC.

I was confused - there have been a lot of hurdles halting my wish for a homebirth during this pregnancy. Was there something telling me to be at hospital - either for you or for me? Are you breech because you have hip problems (my hips aren't great and your cousin India had problems with hers from birth, corrected with a frog plaster)?

After a lot of thought and a big chat with Jacqui, my midwife, Daddy and I have decided to cancel the ECV and to try moxibustion (a technique using an acupressure point on your little toe and burning moxa) and a hypnotherapy technique during my session with Sarah on Monday, coupled with a few breech tilts. If none of these natural methods work then you are breech for a reason and we'll discuss our options with the ante natal doctors at Birmingham Women's.

We had the moxibustion session this morning and although she'd only placed the moxa by the acupressure point for a few minutes, you had a big wriggle so we shall see. If you don't want to move, we might be meeting you a week early.

Love you petal xxxx

Thursday 27 January 2011

Doesn't time fly?

Well my precious little one, according to my 12 week scan, I am 37 weeks today. That means you are a full term baby and are likely to arrive any time in the next 4-5 weeks (3-4 is my guess).

I am writing this from a hospital waiting room (more on that later). We're just waiting for a scan so we'll get to see you (or bits of you) again (hopefully) soon.

Love you sweetheart xxx

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Sunday 23 January 2011

Another present from Daddy

Daddy couldn't resist buying this when we were out today.


It'll take a bit of growing into (six months or so) so I'll need to invest in an LFC babygro for the rest of this season.

Love you precious xxx

Nursery: update

Yesterday, Daddy did the first coat of blue:


Second coats today :)

Saturday 22 January 2011

Made me giggle

I guess I really am smuggling a watermelon now!



Wednesday 19 January 2011

Tired, hormonal and anxious Mummy

Poor Daddy. The last few evenings I've been a teary, anxious lady. My boss isn't being very supportive and I'm very worried about losing grip on my natural birth because of the breech possibility - all worsened by the hormones and how tired I am lately.

I am lying in bed visualising you being in the right position so I hope that adds to helping you turn or settle.

Had quite a nice work day today. Last time I'll see the Board directors for quite a while and quite a few of them were really lovely to me before they left. Rather touching.

Sleep needed for Mummy now - I can't keep my eyes open.

Love you xxx

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Midwife 35+4 weeks

Yesterday, I saw Jacqui at the surgery for clinic. Firstly, she checked the letter from the consultant - she was happy that it satisfied her need for a sign off. My blood pressure and urine tested absolutely fine and she seemed in a lovely mood - I think she must like bigger bumps! All good for a home birth.

She said that Michelle had called her about a query breech and that she needed to check that before registering our wish for a home birth. After much playing with my bump she confirmed she was as close to as positive that you're breech as she could be without a scan. She showed me what she was feeling and I can see it too. It also explains the bump that often appears at the top of my bump - it's your head! I asked if there was anything I could do to help you move and she said not. She asked about movement and I explained that the majority was at the top of my bump, mainly wriggles at the bottom - that seemed to confirm that your almost folded in two with your bottom down. We listened to your heartbeat - you're sounding happy and healthy.

The plan is that I see Jacqui again next week and if you're still presenting breech, I'll be sent for a scan to confirm. Different hospitals have different policies but the general consensus was that a breech was likely to mean a c-section. We discussed it - my main concern is the recovery time and, unless it's in your or my best interests, I'd like to avoid it.

Auntie Lora has given me a few suggestions to get you to move - cold at the top of bump and heat at the bottom, running a light source down, Daddy talking at the bottom of bump and on all fours leaning on the birthing ball to name a few.

Fingers crossed pumpkin, I really would like to give you a relaxed natural birth. Do try your hardest to move for me while you've got some space left.

Love you very much xxx

Sunday 16 January 2011

Nursery: still a work in progress

While I was being spoilt yesterday, Daddy put the first coat of paint on the three main walls of the nursery. The photo isn't great but the colour is really lovely, we're very pleased with it.


Feels like we're really getting somewhere now! Very exciting.

Love you precious xxx

My baby shower: 15 January

Yesterday, I was driven to an undisclosed location for my baby shower. I knew what time it was and the date but Auntie Kerry kept everything else a secret. I was arriving with my sister (your Auntie Rosie) - Granny, Nanna, Auntie Lora and Auntie Jo were in the car in front. I had an idea where we were going when we drove into Henley-in-Arden - Auntie Kerry and I have been to the BlueBell pub both with Daddy and Uncle Mark and on our own. They do a scrummy afternoon tea and at 3.30pm, I suspected that was what we were there for...

My sisters and I went in last to be greeted by a table full of friends and family. We had a lovely table in the window decorated with 'baby shower' bunting next to a table full of presents. I didn't think to take photos while I was there but Auntie Kerry took lots so hopefully I'll be able to get copies of hers at some point soon. I did take photos when I got home though :o)

Once the kisses and cuddles had been distributed, I was seated at the head of the table and given a badge and a sash. Nanna and Granny had badges too.






We were served a delicious afternoon tea and spent the afternoon happily chatting amongst ourselves. Once we'd had our fill, Auntie Kerry surrounded me with presents and Auntie Rosie presented me with one at a time.

Daddy and I took photos when I got home, so in no particular order...

Granny and Papa gave Daddy and I presents (my bump looks like I've stolen a watermelon from Sainsbury's) and a beautiful handknitted jumper for you.





Auntie Rosie gave you a present to give to me: it's a journal to fill out that you can have when you're a grown up.





Auntie Lora gave me some useful books:


And one for Daddy too:


Auntie Kerry and Uncle Mark spoilt you and me:








Auntie Hannah and Uncle John gave us beautiful 'cakes' made entirely of baby essentials:











And you got a Christmas present from Auntie Hannah and Uncle John too (I had my eye on this!):





Auntie Laura and Chris gave us a present for you and some treats for me:





Nanna treated you and me:








Auntie Jo and Uncle Rhys gave us a lovely gift for the nursery:


As much as I love and am thankful to everyone for all of our gifts, the last gift (from everyone) was my favourite and I'll treasure it forever.





Auntie Kerry coordinated a photo album with photos from my family and friends interspersed with messages from everyone at the shower and the people we'd left at home. It's the most beautiful thing, I looked through it at the table and couldn't read all the messages as it was making me so teary. Daddy and I looked through it properly together later that day and I had a big cry - it's just so lovely.

Last but not least, was the sweepstake - all of the guests took part (there's one for Papa that Granny added too):


Auntie Kerry had even prepared party bags for the ladies (and I) to take away with us:








Just perfect. Thank you so much to Auntie Kerry for organising such a wonderful day and to everyone for my amazing album and their generous gifts. I feel throughly spoilt and more than a little overwhelmed.

Photo: 34+3 weeks





Friday 7 January 2011

First wash

This week, I washed the majority of your baby clothes. There are a few bits of clothing left to wash and all of your bedding but it's one job ticked off the list and that makes me smile. Daddy smiled lots too when we put the clothes on the dryer:



Just the ironing to do now!

Thursday 6 January 2011

34 weeks today

Oh my precious little one, how I wish I could eat enough to satisfy my hunger in one sitting...

Also, could you mind my ribs? The pushes and kicks really hurt at times.

Other than that and my feeling huage (six weeks to go yet!) Daddy and I are quite enjoying my bump. You seem to prefer to lie to my right - my bump is often lopsided. I think you're head down, so fingers crossed I'm right.

We're planning on finishing the wallpaper and hopefully most of the painting this weekend and then we can shift these boxes of nursery furniture from the living room and put your clothes away.

Next weekend, it's my baby shower (thank you Auntie Kerry!). So many people are coming: GanGan, Auntie Lora, Auntie Rosie, Nanna, Auntie Jo, Auntie Kerry, Auntie Hannah, Auntie Laura, Auntie Laura's mummy (Chris) and Sarah (the hypnotherapist who helped mummy before we found out about you and who will help mummy manage the birth in the best way). I'll post more about that afterwards but I'm very excited and feel very special.

We're also trying to sort some bump and baby photography (Auntie Lora, Uncle Rhys, Daniel, Hannah and Adam gave me some money for Christmas) so hopefully we'll have that to look forward to too.

Still loving apple and pear flavours and ham sandwiches are still my lunch staple. Oooh big glasses of cold milk are a favourite too and keep my heartburn at bay, always a bonus.

The NCT ladies email a lot and I've set up a facebook group to help us keep in touch and share photos etc. Some of the ladies met up for coffee today but I was at work (as was another lady in the group and a couple of ladies were busy with pregnancy related bits and bobs).

Only three weeks left at work.

Daddy will do a bump photo in the next few days - can't believe it's been three weeks since the last one!

Love you pickle xxx

Tuesday 4 January 2011

We're very lucky!

While we were away, Auntie Kerry presented us with a baby bundle - I've taken photos so you can see what she bought you. I didn't take photos of the white sleepsuits but here is everything else:
























And she painted you this:






She loves you very much already xx

Monday 3 January 2011

Just lovely

I love being pregnant.

I've thought that a few times over the last few months yet I don't think I've ever written it on your blog. I should have.

Love you little one xx

Nursery: a work in progress

Daddy (and I, albeit to a limited extent) set out to use the Christmas break to get your nursery started. Daddy spent a few days between Christmas and New Year stripping wallpaper and preparing walls (a job that took much longer than we'd anticipated). I forgot to take a before picture :(

Today we've been hanging wallpaper (lining paper, ready to paint) and I think it's fair to say Daddy hates wallpapering and Mummy has spent a good few hours this afternoon wishing for a wallpaper fairy to appear and take over.






Hopefully I can spend this weekend making a start on the mural :)

Just before we went away, John Lewis delivered our nursery order (well, most of it - we had to collect the bits they didn't manage to get to us on our chosen delivery day...) so we're almost organised!

Midwife 33+4 weeks

Today, I saw the midwife for my fortnightly ante natal appointment - this time, at home because it's a Bank Holiday.

Jacqui is on holiday so I saw one of her colleagues - I think she said her name was Michelle. She took my blood pressure, it was absolutely fine; tested my urine, again, all clear; and measured my bump, you're just right (although I think you're measuring for my date and not the scan date). She palpated my tummy and said she could see why Jacqui had put a question mark when she'd annotated my notes to say you were positioned head down at my last appointment. This is the first I heard of a question mark - she told me you were head down! Apparently they aren't too sure if you've got your head or your bottom pointing downward so I'll be bouncing on a birthing ball and trying every other trick in the book to try and make sure you're not a breech baby. Your heartbeat is nice and strong :)

We discussed home birthing, as my letter from the consultant had arrived in the lead up to Christmas and gave me the go ahead for community midwife care (which means I can give birth at home if I wish). The midwife explained that the only possible problem would be the lack of staff in my area - they only have two full time midwives at the moment due to two on long term sickness but that she'd get the ball rolling. I need to see Jacqui at the clinic on 17 January to check out baby's position and then they'll either schedule for a scan to check if you're breech or schedule a home visit to discuss home birth. It's a bit close for comfort for me - I'd like to get the birthing pool ordered sooner rather than later - but I can't do much about that I don't think. I'm a bit miffed about staff shortages having a possible impact on my plans but I'm hopeful that one or both of the midwives will be back to work before you make an appearance.

So that's two things I'm adding to my 2011 wish list: that you are either already head down or turn in the next few weeks and that staff shortages don't make a difference to my birthing plans.

New Year

Daddy and I spent a few days away with Auntie Kerry and Uncle Mark to see in 2011. Auntie Kerry found a lovely little beach 'hut' on the Suffolk coast and we did a lot of relaxing in front of a lovely sea view.

On New Year's Eve, we had a yummy roast lamb dinner and then watched the fireworks on the beach outside the cottage from the deck with sparklers and some fizz.

Just think - we'll welcome you to the world this year and we'll likely be seeing in 2012 with a mobile little one!