August Mammas Friends Chat

[Solange]

:hola:
There this is better, eh? :wink
SO I hope you all are o.k .with this....
I think this will work out great.
:thumb

Now we can keep in touch here and use the forum for other posts that we want more exposure too. Whatever works.....

I am so lost I do not know who I need to even respond to b/c that last thread was soooo huge!

So for me...
I am feeling sooo much movement now a days! :D I love it! I think I even felt a foot the other day!:love
I have a CNMW appt on Thursday and have many questions now that I have read the VBAC Companion book.

My back pain has lessened but I definatley feel it at the end of the day and I cannot sit on our couch it kills me...
Sinus cough at night still making me crazy...

I feel very big now and am trying deperately to find some good deals on summer clothes now before they are gone. Everything is so expensive and I am soo broke :(...lol...

ok...ttys!!

[christeenybeany]

This seems like a good plan apmama.
I will have to go check to make sure I haven't missed any posts with all the confusion.
DH felt a kick last night for the first time. :love :D He was excited and so was I.
Has anyone not gotten as big with their second pregnancy? I was a cow last time, and this time, I'm still fitting into non-maternity clothes (some things, if their loose). If I wanted to I could hide it completely still. I think it is because I'm actually making an effort to keep fit and eat healthy this time, but it is such a difference. Hmm. Just wondering if anyone else has had this happen. I guess they are just two different pregnancies, and every pregnancy is different.

[foxytocin]

OK, then. Am I in the right place? We'll just see.
Had our ultrasound yesterday. The technician was a contract-stand-in and was unfamiliar with the controls of the machine, so it took him a very long time to make the measurements. 45 minutes. I was on the fence....I had to pee so bad, I know that ultrasounds are controversial as far as their effect on the baby, and yet it was mesmerizing and a thrill to watch that little baby for so long. Plus, I had the distinct feeling that I was spying.
Everything looked just fine to the technician and we'll hear from our doctor later. we're right on track to be due August 4th. Meanwhile....
I can't seem to kick a yeast infection that I've had since NOvember. Any of the rest of you having this problem?:scratch
Acidophollis, limited sweets, watching the carbs, Monistat....nothing is doing the trick. Because my last baby was over 10 lbs, and the whole yeast infection problem, my OB prescribed a glucosometer for me (instead of just having me drink the orange cola.) I am thrilled......I know I have never processed sugars right and this will give me the chance to get to know my body's patterns.

On our last thread, a few of us were talking about back pain. I just wanted to say that I started this pg with increasing problems with my lower back and started to do water aerobics once a week. I think they've really made a difference and haven't had to see the chiro since. Much cheaper too. What I notice is that the few days after my class, my back feels great and then steadily goes downhill over the rest of the week to the point that I'm super ready for my next class when it rolls around. Wish I could get it together enough to go twice a week.

Very well, then. Hope you all are doing well!
-Leah (foxytocin)

[christeenybeany]

Leah, I read somewhere that using a blowdryer *down there* on low setting to decrease the moisture available to the yeast will help prevent them. I've been doing this since a bad one about a year ago, and it seems to work. I used to get one every 3-4 months or so and I haven't gotten one since. I don't know if this will help cure one or not, but it may be worth a try OR it may irritate the already sensitive skin. :confused: You may want to ask around about it first.

[myjo]

Yeast, the bane of my existence. I have had a yeast infection since before I got pregnant. And to make matters worse, it's all mixed up with a gardnerella infection too. Unfortunately, I don't know what to tell you because I've tried everything in the book and nothing has worked at all. Here's the list of failed remedies:
yogurt douche, garlic clove suppostories, herbal suppositories, Pau 'd Arco douche, betadine swabs, tea tree oil mixed with natural personal lubricant. Orally: cranberry extract, vit. C, echinacea, acidophilus, lots of water. All of these things gave relief for a short while, but the yeast just keeps coming back no matter what I do.

The one thing I can tell you is that if you already have a problem with vaginal dryness, the hair dryer would definitely be a problem. I think if you you have normal amounts of cervical mucous moving down and out, and helps keep infections at bay. I don't, so they just stay lodged up there forever. Yuck!! The best way to provide a yeast unfriendly environment is to either go without underwear or make sure you always wear cotton and loose clothing.

I think that if someone has a super resistant yeast infection, it usually signals a larger problem such as intestinal yeast overgrowth or even systemic problems. To try to address such a large issue during pregnancy can be difficult, since killing large numbers of intestinal yeast can create enormous amounts of dangerous toxins. So what I'm trying to do is just watch my sugar intake and take enough acidophilus to keep it at bay, and try to deal with the vaginal symptoms naturally even though I know it's not eradicating it. I will go after it aggressively when my detoxification process won't pose such a threat to the baby.

[bwylde]

I haven't participated in these threads because I never noticed them before, lol!

I'm 21 weeks 4 days today. I've been feeling less movment lately, but before it was constant so I'm trying not to be too worried about it. I think it has slowed down to average now. I go for a second ultrasound on Thursday because they had trouble getting pictures of the heart, although they could hear it. It should give me peace about less movement. I've been scared something is wrong because I've been hearing lots of bad news regarding problems in pregnancy (baby dying, stillbirth, ect..). I keep thinking I'm so blessed something's got to give.

I'm tired, so tired. I have never had fatigue as bad as I've had through this pregnancy. My son is finally sleeping through the night (well, he goes to bed after midnight then sleeps all night :rolleyes: ) so I finally can, but I'm up every hour through the night. No wonder I'm tired. Other than the fatigue, I feel great.

I find I am way bigger this time than I was last, even though I haven't gained as much weight. I'm overweight to begin with, but this time, my belly is HUGE!! I look as I did when I was 8 months pregnant with DS. That's going to be fun this summer. I can't find shorts to fit so I'm going to have to live in billowy dresses. I better be able to fit into my extra big bathing suit or it will be a miserable summer!!

[foxytocin]

Hi bwylde! Welcome.....our children are just about of an age and yesterday, I was 21w and 4 days along with this newest babe too.

Myjo and Christeeny, thanks for the input. I think that you are both correct in that reducing the physical environ is pretty key. Going without undies does help, for sure, and it always makes me feel like a bit of a wild child. And Myjo, I agree 100% that a continuing problem is related to a systemic problem. And this little microbe is such an oportunist. I too tried a handful of the list on non-successful treatments. The garlic was interesting. :LOL I never had trouble with yeast until I got mono a few years ago......ever since then, it's been a constant battle. From then on out, any great emotional stress or just an exposure to a cold tips it off. The ups and downs of pg make your body so welcome to it, its about impossible to kick and infection without taking drastic measures.

Boy, Christeeny, there's no way I could hide this pg. I'm there with bwylde.....really showing this time.

Again, thanks, ladies!
-Leah

[Solange]

Hey bwylde be sure to put your stats under our Here We Are thread...:w

Well, I cannot believe it but m/s once again hit me this afternoon...I give up...lol..I am destined to be sick this whole pg....

Sorry no tips on the yeast infection issue....:scratch
I have heard of the tea tree oil working great though for some people....

gtg...

[Bearsmama]

Hi Friends! And YES, AP, this is so much better. Just took a brain-dead woman like me a while to figure it out!

christeeny-No, I am a bigger cow this time around. I am about 7 lbs. heavier than I was at this same point last time. I keep trying to remind myself that the 2nd time around I've heard that many women DO get bigger. Glad to hear that your little one is really kicking!

Foxy-I have had two yeast infections since getting pregnant. This is a lot for me b/c I usually get maybe 1/year. I can't say I have any adivce. Cutting out the sugar, acidolphillus, yogurt-all things that I would ditto. I seem to have a sensitive vaginal track and I must be very sensitive to the increase in hormones-which is why you're getting all these YIs in the first place. Just an FYI-my doc prescribed a 3 day monostat-type medication for mine. She said to avoid the OTC ones that are the short-term fixes (1 day or 3 day) b/c they tend to be filled with alcohol and other junk that can be more harmful to the vagina. So, if you do OTC, go for the 7 day cream. Or ask your doc for a script for the shorter-length of time-one that's not filled with the other stuff.

Welcome Bwylde:w

Well, things are fine here. Just exhausted as DS is still sleeping like crap. After like a 3 day stint of sleeeping thru the night-he is back at it again. I know there are many mamas who have toddlers that wake even more frequently than mine, but my patience is so low. And I am very ready for consistent sleep. When will that happen? When they're in high school? Sorry to whine again about sleep. I know we've all been there or are there currently!

Feeling the baby move ALL THE TIME now. It is so exciting. Feeling a bit yucky upon waking, but then as soon as I eat I am usually okay.

Trying to figure out how to do the doula thing and convince DH that it's important enough to me to have that help after #2's birth.

Anyway, having dairy cravings a lot. And orange juice. And yes, still ice cream.

Oh, and AP, I haven't found an ND yet. And I have to admit that I haven't been looking too hard. With everything going on the past month many things have gone by the wayside. Still on my radar though...

Sleep well, everyone. Hope our other friends check in soon!

[becca011906]

Well i'm fairly new here! I'll be 20 week and 1/2 way there on Friday! I can't wait. Things are going good here for the most part! I've gained about 21lbs which is pretty good so far... I have been known to gain way way to much while pregnant so i'm trying to eat very well this time around. Although there is no way i can hide my bell and haven't been able to since i was about 10 weeks! LOL
I had some kinda bacterial infection for 5 weeks when at the begining and nothing was working. when i was about 13 weeks i got strep throat and was put on antibiotics and boom my infection down there was gone also! I was happy!
I have back pain very day when from about 8:00pm on. I had to do 3 month of physical therepy after both the births of my first kidos. So back pain in nothing new.

I get my U/S on thursday and i'm counting my hours! LOL i can't wait to see my little girl/guy! I just want to know what i'm having! Dh is going to get to go with me, so is ds b/c he has his 4 y/o check up before my appointment, and dd getts to come to b/c i can't find anyone to keep her! LOL it think it will be nice to have all of us there. Hopefully abby won't have to much of a fit while she has to let dady hold her... i don't think she'll be able to sit on me durring the exam! LOL

Thats about it!
Becky
SAHM to austin 4y/o
and abby 22 months
EDD 8/20/04

[SamuraiEarthMama]

woo hoo! found you guys! hope everyone else shows up soon...

ap, i HEAR YA on the ms! i got sick making breakfast this morning, and it has just cast a pall on the whole day. i almost got sick again tonight, but a protein drink staved it off. still, i just feel funky and at this point, i think i'm just gonna be one of those monsters that are heard of in legend and lore... a pregnant lady with ms for 9 months! AAAAAAAAaaaagh! (well, it sure sounds scary to ME!)

at least the constant nausea has eased up... i don't feel nervous about driving any more, which is good because my kids were getting pretty housebound.

i'm getting hiccups and kicks all the time now... dd finally felt a good hard kick tonight, and she just grinned and said, "there's a baby in there!" it's getting more and more real every day...

i'm also just starting to get that round ligament stretching. sigh. i think i'll be living in water this summer, too!

welcome, becky and bwylde... glad you found us!

not much else exciting going on around here. lots of daffodills and tulips all over, trees budding, spring has sprung in kansas city!

katje

[girlfactory]

Well I knew that as soon as I posted that I hadn't felt any kicking yet...........BAM that baby goes to town! Last night I had a ballerina in my belly doing Swan Lake LOL. Good to feel that again! I LOVE the feeling of someone in there being busy :) Makes me :D

I think my profile just expanded overnight. It seems I am a big ol' preggo gal now!

Anyhow,just needed to share the first movements with ya'll :)
:love

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Glad my prego brain didn't keep me from finding you guys. So Hello everyone! It sounds like we are all enjoying our baby's movements. I think it's what I love most about pregnancy and miss most after birth.

Bears: about the doula thing try some of these sites they have great info. Dona.org and Naturalbeginnings.org I am a birth doula myself and would be more than happy to give you as much info as you would like.
It's 3:30 in the morn and I can't sleep. One of my clients is being induced at 6:00 this morning and I am a bit anxious for her. I planned on getting up at 4:30 but just couldn't sleep. I am 21 weeks and 5 days today. We are having our sonogram today at 3:00pm and I have been anxious about it. I just love seeing that precious baby move around in there. And seeing the little beating heart just makes me cry. I'm not emotional or anything :rolleyes:

Anyway, I have no clue how long the induction will take or if I will be there overnight with her but I will be sure to fill you all in on the sono results when I get back.

Oh and congrats on the movement girlfactory!:D

[ketilave]

Hi all - had my first Braxton-Hicks yesterday. So weird on not a very big belly. DH said he saw my belly contract. I think it's because I am not well hydrated being sick since Sat. I did keep a popsicle down last night:thumb . After being ravenous the whole time it's weird not to be hungry at all right now.

My weight is down, but I am bigger than the last 2 pgs, but don't fit into my own clothes or maternity, not to mention the weather can't figure itself out! I know I am at least 20+ weeks.

How many of you are VBACing? You are near and dear to my hearts and need lots of love and attention!

Does tea make anyone else vomit? It does a number on me!

[Jillybean]

hi! I think I'm liking this new set-up, too. A bit more organized.

Ketilvae:So sorry to hear that you've been sick, especially b/c your weight has been down already. Hope you continue to feel better! Tea! Wow, I though it was just some weird aversion I was having. It totally makes me sick. My red-raspberry leaf and preganacy teas are just sitting sadly on the shelf. I'm hoping that if I make them into Iced Tea when it gets hot out I'll be able to keep them down.

girlfactory: :thumb on feeling movement. So exciting, isn't it?

becca: welcome and good luck at your ultra-sound

I got some shorts at Motherhood today, so excited thats is getting warm, finally! We planted our vegetable garden last weekend. Yay!

Been feeling a little down lately b/c ds has seemed so old lately. Like he's a little boy and not a baby anymore :( He just started going to sleep in his own bed at naps and to start the night (comes to our bed around mid-night). I was a wreck the first night. And he's Mr. Independent wants to do everything by himself, doesn't want his food cut up anymore, tells me to leave so he can play by himself... Well, I'm rambling but its bumming me out that my baby isn't such a baby anymore. *sigh* trying to console myself with the fact that soon I will have a very needy newborn and ds wanting to be more independent is an advantage. still..

well, thats probably better suited in another forum but I needed to get it off my chest. Thanks!

you all have a lovely day!

[juju]

hi all,

i am just checking in on this new thread. i am at the half point today; 20 weeks. everything is ok here.

[myjo]

Well, I guess I haven't shared anything about myself lately. So here's my laundry list of pg related stuff: backache, heartburn, yeast infection, loose joints, weepyness, irritability, acne, and exhaustion. How grand it is to be pregnant! But even so, I'm enjoying this baby. I'm finally able to feel it's bony little limbs curled up just above my navel. I can even shove it around a little and make it kick. Fun! Suspense is starting to build about who this little one is.

Glad to see you found us here becky and bwylde!

Bears, on the sleep thing, my 3 yr old ds was like that a couple months ago before he was weaned. He was relentless. Unfortunately, the only way I found to help him sleep through the night was to completely night wean him. I had to be very firm and we endured a couple of nights of crying, but after about a week he had seemed to forget about waking up to nurse and we finally got some blessed sleep. And I never just let him cry it out. He still sleeps with me now, and every time he would wake up I would hold and comfort him and tell him the "mimis are ni night". He finally got the message. I hope you find a way to get some sleep, you need it!

[ilovebeingamom]

Hi everyone!

I ordered a Bravado bra the other day and am excitedly waiting for it to come in the mail. Has anyone ever ordered one of these before? I have such a hard time buying bras that fit, and it seems that these span several sizes to accomadate the breast changes that we all go through. I remember several days after ds was born I looked like a porn star. I think my breast was literally bigger than his entire head. I think I have gone from a size B/C to a DD at times. Anyway...

I am with you Christeenybeeny, I am not showing very much. I could easily hide it. I didn't show much with the last pg either. I have the height advantage, 5'10", I have a long torso for the baby to hide in. I have some drawstring pants that I am still wearing, but they constantly fall down b/c the string is at the biggest part of my belly, and then slides. My maternity pants are too big and fall down all day if I wear those also. I don't want to buy any clothes right now, since summer will be here in a few months.

Bears-my ds also didn't sleep through the night until we nightweaned. We did have some tearful nights, but I held him and hugged him and told him that we will nurse in the morning, it is time to sleep now. It isn't easy, but I think that kids just get in the habit of waking up so much, there is a time that we need to break it. There is a book out, I don't remember the name, that is written for family bed night weaning without crying. It isn't Jay Gordon, but I can't remember who it is.

Good night all...

[Dodo]

I have a tea aversion too. In early pregnancy, I bought a ton of herbs to mix a morning and evening pregnancy tea. For weeks, the thought of either has made me want to gag. I can and do however indulge in orange pekoe.

This has been a tough week here, what with the stomach bug and intense back pain (sciatica). I’m limping. I wake up in pain, I go to bed in pain. To make things a little easier on myself, I splurged on the highest-end lightweight stroller I know: the Maclaren Volo. Upgrading from a Wal-Mart umbrella stroller to the Volo is truly a treat. I no longer hunch when I stroll. I think that I’m using the Volo rather than crutches or a cane. I was surprised and annoyed to see how controversial this purchase was amongst my mom friends. We had a night out the day I bought it, and everyone felt comfortable expressing their opinions on whether or not I had spent my money wisely – very annoying at any time, but more so when you’re pregnant and in pain.

That said, I find almost everyone and everything annoying right now. I do attribute this to the pain, not to the pregnancy. Luckily, I will see my osteopath tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I should return to normal by early next week. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Christeeny, I can hide my bump as well. I feel very pregnant, and have had strangers realize that I am pregnant (although, now that I think about it, this has only happened at the gym, where I am either in a bathing suit, workout clothes or a state of undress), but usually have to be upfront about it, e.g., at the dentist when refusing x-rays, at a party when discussing the birth of my next child at surprising length. I’m probably showing a little more than I did the first time around, but apparently not too dramatically. I’m certainly not wearing maternity. I have some stretchy dresses, larger-than-my-normal jeans and some of my regular lower-waisted pants that still fit.

I loved the Bravado bras for the initial nursing period. Haven’t worn them when pregnant, but am thinking of investing. I don’t change cup size, just band size:rolleyes: .

[Bearsmama]

Hi Friends!

Had a loong day and I think I did too much. I did some household chores-the usual-laundry, straightening, cleaning, etc. But our laundry is in our basement and the baskets are up on the 3rd floor. And needless to say, lifting loads of laundry down the steps ain't good for a pregnant mama!

Also, did not watch the clock so well tonight and got too comfortable thinking that DS could deal with a late dinner and later bedtime tonight. Well, that lead to over-exhaustion and major chaos until about 9pm tonight. We are not ultra-regimented with bedtime, but we do have a routine. And if I do screw with it at all, we all pay for it.

Oh, and on the tea thing-straight-up black tea or like a Tetley or something like that could seriously make me throw my cookies right now. Funny?

Becca-Hope you get a great shot of that little babe tomorrow at your u/s!:)

Samarui-Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well again. It must be miserable. I know I've been fairly lucky this time around, but just feeling the mild queasiness I do upon waking is enough for me. That and the back pain that has just started (hey, we're all in this back pain boat now!). I'm also getting lots of movement-AND HICCUPS! I remember DS's pregnancy, and I would get them all the time. And I would feel them against my cervix all the time, too. By month 9, it actually got to be a sort of annoying feeling-I guess my cervix was very sensitve by then.

Girlfactory-Yeah on the big movements!:D

JlCampbell-Thanks for the doula resources. I've found a great local service that a friend reccomended. I just havent' sent that check in yet to reserve a dould b/c, well, we have to have some $$ to do that! I am also impressed with hearing about your doula responsibilites AND your mom responsibilites! Whew! Thank you for your offers for info and help. I will probably be asking a lot!

Ketilive-you know, I don't think I've ever felt a braxton hicks! Nothing that I remember with DS and nothing yet this time. Hope you'll be able to keep more than that popsicle down SOON!

Jillybean-I totally hear you on the baby-growing-up thing. My boy (now 26 mos) is going thru the "I do it myself" thing now. He also likes to take every opportunity to assert his independence. Tonight when we were in the middle of the bedtime chaos I mentioned above, he said out of nowhere, "I not even a baby anymore". Which is weird, b/c I tell him like 5x/day that he's my baby and always will be, etc. It's heartbreaking, frustrating, joy-filled, saddening, etc. AHHHH, MOTHERHOOD. What a ride!

Myjo-We have basically nightweaned at this point. If he wakes in the middle of the night and asked, I say, "No-you know we nurse for bedtime and naps. We can nurse tomorrow". Sounds harsh when I write it. But I do think you're right. All of this craziness has to do with weaning. It's this HUGE change for him. Even though I don't always immediately connect the two things when it's been going on now for what seems like months. I have a friend with a newborn and she just said tonight that she was off for "another unpredictable night with her baby". And I feel the same way! And my boy has 2 years on this kiddo! I am trying some positive self-talk, which is helping a bit.

Ilove-I have some Jay Gordon stuff ( I know you mentioned that you didn't use him). And honestly, it didn't help much. In the end, I ended up just dealing with it night to night. Oh-and I haven't yet ordered a Bravado, but I think I need to do it soon. I have a friend that has a friend (:o ) that has her own breastfeeding supply business and I may order thru her. I've heard that they are SOOO comfy. It's the least we can do for ourselves!

Dodo-I am with you on the annoyance threshold being very, very low. I am in this take-no-crap kind phase. Couple that with hormones, with pregnancy and weaning, and you have a tough-sounding, but afraid to confront, crying, fat lady!

Anyway, gotta go. Sleep well!:zzz

[christeenybeany]

oooooh dodo! I babysat a child who had a walmart umbrella stroller before ds was born and I hated it. I had to slouch because my feet kicked the wheels and my arms wouldn't reach the handles without slouching---horrible! I was pregnant with ds at the time. When I was shopping for my own stroller, I made a point of getting one that was tall enough and sturdy enough not to make me slouch or kick the wheels. I am so grateful, even though my ds hates the stroller. :rolleyes: Oh well, holding a baby on my hip, pushing around a stroller with my purse, a diaper bag, and shopping bags is that much nicer without slouching or kicking the wheels. I feel your pain for the need for a back pain friendly stroller.

yes, I too have my height that affects how much I show. I'm 5'8'' and have a long torso compared to legs, but I'm amazed at how much less I'm showing compared to last time. I think I spoke too soon though, because today several of my friends pointed out how much I looked obviously pregnant today. :scratch

[mommycaroline]

Originally posted by ilovebeingamom

Bears-my ds also didn't sleep through the night until we nightweaned. We did have some tearful nights, but I held him and hugged him and told him that we will nurse in the morning, it is time to sleep now. It isn't easy, but I think that kids just get in the habit of waking up so much, there is a time that we need to break it. There is a book out, I don't remember the name, that is written for family bed night weaning without crying. It isn't Jay Gordon, but I can't remember who it is.

Good night all...

Is that "The No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley? I know a lot of people who swear by that book. She's very pro-family bed.

We nightweaned my daughter in December using Jay Gordon's plan. It went very well. She's 2 1/2. There was a little crying involved, but not ever hysterical. If it ever got really bad, I would have stopped immediately. I love the way he phrases the voting process in the family bed. Something along the lines of "Until the baby is 18 months old, the baby's vote is the only one that counts, and we give them whatever they need, whenever they ask. But, sometime after that point, votes become more democratic, and while they still have a vote, so do the parents. Don't think of it as voting against the baby, because that's not what you're doing. You're voting two to one in favor of the family bed continuing." Something like that. It really helped me a lot. We were extremely frustrated, nobody was sleeping, I thought my nipples were going to fall off, Bonnie was crying, I was crying, my husband was frustrated, it was a nightmare. But, then we started Dr. Gordon's plan, and everything got better within 2 nights. After a month of frustration, we were suddenly sleeping through the night, which had never happened since Bonnie was born. I can't say enough good things about this plan. But, each family has to make their own choices.

I'm looking pretty preggo, too. Not so much when I'm naked, which is strange. I'm overweight, so it all seems to blend in together, but when I'm dressed, you can really see my round belly. It's kind of like my tummy fat has all moved down, my organs have all moved up and the baby is right in the middle. And, since I've had a cesarean before, that tummy fat just looks weird right now. Anyone else?

[Trinnie]

Haven't checked in for awhile, so thought I should. Becky, I'm glad to hear where your weight is at - I'm about at the same spot - 19 lbs and I'm about 19 1/2 weeks along. No one ever seems to talk about their weight gain. I'm really too trying not to gain as much this time - I gained 42 lbs with my daughter and 52 lbs with my son, but both times I've started out underweight and have had no problems taking it off. Also my children are in the 8 lb range so I don't tend to have small babies. I'd be curious to know what others are doing to keep their weight gain at a normal range without having to sacrifice everything!!

Someone asked about Bravado bras - sorry I forgot who.....

I got one with my son and I didn't care for it - it's way overpriced and doesn't provide the support that I need. I agree they have a lot of size options, but I guess I'm just too saggy in that area and need way more support than that bra can provide. It's always the last one that I reach for. I only tend to wear it when I'm washing the others. I've found that I really have to use an underwire (even though a lot of people recommend against them - I've never had a problem with duct problems or anything and it gives me the support I need).

So, we go for our ultrasound next week, but we're not finding out the sex. We're just really excited to check the little one out and make sure everything is going okay. I'm a little nervous after reading about others horror stories in what they find and then finding out that some of what they thought they saw ended up being nothing!!! I'm feeling pretty good, I'm thankful that I don't have a lot of nausea this time (constant anyway). I had a LOT of nausea in the beginning but since the first trimester it's pretty much gone. I only get nausea now when I don't eat for awhile or I take my vitamin and don't eat right away. The only other complaints I have are nerve pain (actually femoral, not sciatic because my hips keep moving - that's what my physical therapist said) and hip pain when sleeping at night because I need more cushion underneath me - any suggestions ladies?? I also get some carpal tunnel sometimes but it usually goes away in a day or two after wearing the splint I have.

Well I think that's it for me! I'll definitely check in after our ultrasound next week, if not before!

[bwylde]

I had my second ultrasound today. Everything looks good and they were able to get pictures of everything they couldn't before. The baby weighs 1 pound 2 ounces :) . It's really grown since I had the last ultrasound!!

I've gained about 20lbs this time around. I gained so much with Ethan that I'm scared that's going to happen again. I really have to slow down somehow :(

[ketilave]

I am so tired but wanted to drop in. Maybe I will get a nap if I can get DS down. Anyone else with a bigger kid feeling some odd twinges when you pick them up. I've had a lot of that the last couple of days.

Neither kid is sleeping well through the night. Both are in their own bed - DS hated cosleeping - and DD goes in fits and spurts. DH is a pretty heavy snorer so I think it bothers them - it does me!

I ate last night and this morning so I am feeling better. In regard to weight, I am +20 weeks and weigh less than when I got pg. But, I never lost all the weight from Amelia's birth. The most I have gained is 30lbs with Brannon.

:wave from Brannon - I want Mommy to put me down for a nap!

[snuffles]

About Bravado bras-- I have two and I *love* them. I am pretty small breasted (36b or so) so I don't need much support. They are all cotton which is important for me, because of problems I have had with thrush before. And they are soooooo comfy. Shop around online and you can find some places have free shipping. I think I ordered mine from nestmom.com.

Anybody else having leg cramps? One of my legs was cramping last night, and it is still a little crampy today. I take my prenatals, and am drinking OJ w/ calcium, also eating lots of other calcium-rich foods. :confused:

My 20 week ultrasound is on Tuesday. I am pretty excited to hopefully find out the sex of the baby. It seems like I am the only one finding out the sex early. This pregnancy has seemed to fly by-- I can't BELIEVE I am already half way through!

Mel (edd 8/23/04)

[mommycaroline]

I have a super bra that I just love. It's made my Decent Exposures www.decentexposures.com Each bra is custom made, and you can modify them as much as you want. Slightly pricey, but very worth it. I'm fairly large busted, and they give me good support. Plus, they're very easy to nurse in. I just slide the top right under my breast and voila! Nursing bra. Very discreet, very easy, no buttons, snaps or clips to deal with. I've had one of mine for 2 years now, and the other three I've had about 1 year, and they've never stretched out. Other bras I've owned were worn out in just about 6 months, the elastic would go bad, or the cups would not feel as supportive, or something.

Check them out. If you want to order one, I recommend having them "stitch down the loop". They're like a sports bra, but there's a loop in the middle that is ordinarily free floating. If it's stitched down, it's much easier. Plus, it defines your breasts more, so you don't get that "uni-boob" look that other sports bras offer. And, if the size is wrong, they'll resize it for you for free! If you have two breasts different sizes, no problem.

Absolutely the best bra I've ever owned.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Well my friends birth went surprisingly well. They started the induction at 6:45am and broke her water about 30 min. later. She went very slowly. Because of high blood pressure they kept her in bed and on the monitor. She Made it to 5 cm. at around 2:30 and asked for the epidural. By 4pm she was a 6cm and she delivered after two pushes at 4:38pm. 7lb. 14oz. 20in. little boy. I was happy for her but my fear came true. When I saw her hold her baby and nurse him all I could think about was the baby we lost that would have been due any day now. I cried so hard on the way home. I felt selfish. I wanted to be happy for her and I was but my heart just ached to hold my baby. My husband comforted me, but he just doesn't understand completely. I am doing better today.
We had our 21 1/2 week sonogram yesterday. It was amazing! The baby looked so long. BIG FEET! :eek He or She had the knees and ankles crossed making impossible to tell the sex. My poor hubby was so disapointed.
I met with my midwife this morning. I am back to my pre-preg weight. I lost 10 pounds at the beginning due to morn sickness. But obviously it didn't take long to gain it back.:splat I am definetly SHOWING! No hiding it here :belly
I too felt braxton hicks yesterday. I started feeling them around 25 weeks with my daughter and now I am almost 22 weeks. Glad they don't hurt!
Well my daughter just woke from nap. I will check with you guys later.

[myjo]

I am such a mess today. I was reading my Wise Woman Guide this morning, the parts about newborn care, and I just lost it. It is just so hard for me to integrate the fact that I am actually going to go through all the birth, newborn, anxiety, colic, poop worries, more anxiety thing again! I must have cried for at least 1/2 an hour in shower until the hot water ran out. I just don't know how I'm ever going to have the energy for my two boys plus a newborn. It's very scary.

On top of that, I think I'm already having trouble with anemia. Every time I sit down I want to close my eyes. I know this feeling well, and it's always because of anemia. I have got to get it taken care of.

Sorry for the self-centeredness today. I guess I just need to hear I'm not the only one!

[myjo]

Laurie, we cross posted. Now my post sounds even more selfish coming right after yours without so much as a word of encouragement!

Obviously from my above post, I'm very emotional too. I almost wonder if mine doesn't have something to do with the miscarriage too. Well, whatever the case, I'm glad your friend had such an easy time of it. And I hope that this pregnancy and birth can be a healing experience for you. Nothing will ever replace your lost baby, but hopefully eventually the good memories of your brief pregnancy will overshadow the grief.

[Solange]

:hola:
Well you guys I did it...I threw my back out. I cleaned a home yesterday and by the time I was done I could not walk. SO the back pain I have been having, I made worse, and at my CNMW appt this am the OB(she is a DO) did a cranial and told me :nono more cleaning for a week. So I called my client for tomorrow and she was :angry and the one for next week was fine with it so... what can I do...:shrug

I am also feeling braxton hicks contractions! I was so surprised to be feeling them this early! My CNMW said it is normal with #2 pg and since I have had a c-section.

:hug myjo....

:hug Jlkidz...

Mel I am having leg cramps too and am taking a calcium /magnesium supplement daily to help....Not fun tot wake up to that pain.....

Ketilave hope you can get some rest!

bwydle glad your appt went well!

How are you doing Bears?

Dodo..hang in there...I know I have been more on the crabby -low patience side myself lately with ds too....the pain does make things worse when you are just so uncomforatble.....:hug

Trinnie add yourself to our "Here We Are " thread! :w

well, I can sit no more...my back won't let me...gtg....
ttyl

[Bearsmama]

Hi Friends!

I am checking in quickly while I'm "doing the dishes" and DH gives DS a bath (ha-ha-ha-ha!).

Just had to comment to Laurie-((((((HUGS to you))))) (I can't find my hug smiley).

And Myjo& everyone else who has been emotional-I am right there with you. I must have cried for an hour today. It started after DS cried and screamed in the car for about 20 minutes. I then just broke down. I am scared about the new baby and all those responsibilities and just feeling very vulnerable and tender. Very tender. My feelings are right at the surface. Ahhhh-Motherhood...

AP-So sorry about your back:(

More later...

[christeenybeany]

Oh it must the time for emotional breakdowns because we're on the verge over here... :bawl

Ben is being a very big pill. We had to go to the health dept to sign up for WIC and the whole two hour nonsense experience was one big giant whine/temper tantrum/meltdown for him. I brought toys, books, candy, and juice, and he still drove me crazy. :wild All this was after an already bad morning with screaming and crying on both our parts. :nut
After class and work at his day care, everything he does is driving me bananas and I can't help but wonder....
:jaw
What have I gotten myself into????? :bang

How am I going to handle this?????? :shake



I can't imagine what we're going to do with two. All I can do is go with the flow and ask for help if and when I need it. I know it will get better. We're just going through a rough patch. And I will say the same to you too, myjo. And we may go through even more rough patches before it's over.

It is even harder to deal with Ben tonight because dh is out of town for the night. Grrrr. He had to pick today didn't he.

[ilovebeingamom]

Hi everyone,

There must be something in the air, b/c ds has been...ummm...a nightmare the last two days. I have barely been able to hold it together, and did yell at him once very loudly to BE QUIET!!! Not good, I haven't cried lately, but I have been there too. Mainly everyone and everything get on my nerves!!

I have had leg cramps in the middle of the night too. Sometimes it seems like as I am trying to fall asleep both of my legs are tense, just getting ready to cramp up, but never do. It is a wierd sensation.

My SIL had her baby today, we just got home from the hospital. And I know you mama's are stressing about how the heck we are going to handle two (I have too), but I tell you, holding that baby made me want mine sooo bad. I didn't want to let her go. It has been so long since I held a newborn. It was awesome. I really forgot how cool it is. And remember you will have those wonderful oxytocin hormones as you nurse that just make you love everything in the world. I guess I am still on the baby high. :)

Hugs to all of you having hard days!

p.s. apmamma- Did you CNM give a specific reason why the c/s would increase the braxton hicks? I have been having them for awhile also, but don't know how that relates.

[myjo]

You know, I think that between pregnancies we mamas tend to block out all the bad memories and have a sort of fuzzy rosey picture of how pregnancy was. Then we get pregnant again and all the memories come back, "oh yeah, morning sickness is h-ll, and I forgot how bad the back pain is, and now I remember why I cried so much last time". Well anyway, that's how it is for me.

I already have two, I will tell you mamas who are about to have #2, you will never regret it. You will love that babe just as much as your first. Yes it's very hard, especially if you have a high needs toddler to deal with as well. But everything seems to fall into place after a while. Now I just hope this is how it works with #3! Once again, I am terrified that I won't be a good enough mother, I won't have enough energy, I'll be too sick to handle them, yadda yadda yadda. I guess it doesn't matter how many kids you have, pregnancy is scary and wonderful all at the same time.

[Dodo]

"oh yeah, morning sickness is h-ll, and I forgot how bad the back pain is, and now I remember why I cried so much last time".

So true.

Maybe this is the time in the pregnancy for a resurgence of doubts. Last night I went to a dinner party where the other guest had an exceptionally cute seven-month-old. Both dh and I remained unmoved. We both thought, Cute, but do we really want one? I assume that this attitude will change at birth, if not earlier. Until then, I'm trying to avoid babies, because I see them as signs of my impending doom. And let me say that I wanted to get pregnant! And that I loved caring for an infant. It was the best year of my life. Weird.

Yesterday dd was also somewhat of a whiny mess. When, at one point, I found myself yelling at her, I grabbed our coats and headed to the family daycare down the street to inquire about a space. It was not part of my plan to put a two-and-a-half-year-old in care, but it wasn't my plan to keep her home and yell at her either. No decisions have been made, but I'm on the lookout for some kind of part-time help, particularly because of my disabling back pain (sciatica).

I saw my osteopath for the second time yesterday. She said that she has seen several hundred pregnant women with my problem and that only one never responded to treatment. I asked what happened to that poor soul. The answer (bed rest) really scared me, also spurring me to reconsider my childcare options. Ap, how are you dealing with mothering while temporarily disabled?

I'm taking dd to see her grandparents today (by train because I can't drive...due to the flippin' nerve pain -- can you tell that I have had enough?). Wish us luck. If the pain doesn't resolve itself, this could be my last trip for a long time.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Thankyou to everyone for the :grouphug Yesterday was a bit better than the day before. I have been extremely blessed with a loving family and church family that prays and gives me so much support.
My little girl is turning two on Sunday and I can't believe it. I too wonder what it will be like with another child. Breaunna has always been somewhat independant but these days she wan'ts to be held so much. My sister watched her for me yesterday while I went to my CNM appt. She and her kids went grocery shopping. She said that Bre was great until it was time to leave. When she tried putting her back in the basket Bre started screaming NO NO NO and cried for her mommy. Walmart employees stopped my sister from leaving because they thought she was kidnapping Breaunna :jaw My sisters 4 year old son kept telling the employees that it was his cousin. They gave her a sucker, a balloon, and a sticker and announced over the intercome if any mom had lost a little curly blonde haired girl to please come to the front. :eek I couldn't believe it. Breaunna gives me a hard time about getting in the basket too but I've never been stopped. Thank God! My sister said she will think twice before taking Bre anywhere with her again. I can't imagine what that experience was like. I would have been :bolt and probably wouldn't go back for a while :shy
For all of you with back pain have you tried Thermacare patches? They are awsome! I keep a couple in my doula bag of goodies for moms in labor. They work wonders on mothers with back labor. I have used them occationaly during my monthly cycle. My cramps get just as bad as labor :irked: So far during this pregnancy I have been able to get rid of most back pain with a quick visit to the chiropractor. Most of them take insurance. Just something to look into!
Well gotta go clean house for Bre's party. Definetly NOT my favorite thing to do.

[christeenybeany]

Last night after the hundredth time correcting Ben and getting a tantrum in return I just broke down weeping and it freaked him out. He because lovey and cuddly and wanting to be held. So the two of us sat in a teeny little tykes chair at the teeny little tykes table and I weeped.

Then called dh and weeped to him until i got it out of my system. As I was on the phone with dh, Ben fell asleep in my arms in the bed where we were perched. When I got off the phone I fell asleep too. (this was 7:30)The next thing I knew it was 11:30 pm and I was still dressed, lights on, tv on, bra on, shoes on and everything. I hopped up got changed brushed teeth, peed, turned everything off, and went back to bed. We just got up.(it's 7:30!) Ahhh.

I needed that 12 hours of sleep. Apparently so did Ben because he's being an Angel. I needed him to be a sweet cuddling thing for a while last night too. It has calmed me.

I realized hat last time i was pregnant right around the halfway mark, I was bawling like crazy too. It must be the hormones.

So a word to the mamas with high emotions right about now....this too shall pass. :)

[christeenybeany]

Jlcampbellkidz---How embarassing for your sister! I am laughing so hard though at the mental picture right now.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Christeeny:
my sister called to tell me durring my midwife appt. I felt bad but I died laughing too. My midwife laughed so hard she almost cried.
I just hope the next time I take her to the store she doesn't remember all the special attention she got from the staff for basically throwing a fit.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

About my almost 2 year old's temper tantrums. I don't really use much spanking, time out seems to work pretty well for us. She can be screaming and i will place her in time out and shut the door. She knows when she stops screaming she is allowed to return to me or playing or whatever. It's so funny, when she comes out of the room it's like a different kid. She smiles real big and says Hello mommy in her sweetest voice and usually gives me a hug or asks to be held. I will use this technique for as long as it continues to work. Problem though is when I am out and about there isn't a separate room for time out. When I'm in the middle of a grocery store where do I go? I know people say to just leave the cart of grocery's and go home. But personally I don't see how that teaches Breaunna anything. Usually I dont think she wants to be there so technically by leaving the store I would be giving her what she wants or rewarding her :scratch I just don't know what to do. I used to be able to pick her up and hold her while pushing the basket but she weighs almost 30 pounds and being pregnant has made holding her while standing very difficult. I think most of any back pain i get comes from lifter her or toating her from one room to the next when she is in that "HOLD ME" mood. What will I do when this baby is born? I can't hold them both unless I am sitting. Oh and I have been thinking about.:bf I remember feeling as if that is all I did all day for atleast the first 3 months. Breaunna weened herself around 11 months. I would have loved to go longer but nothing I tried seemed to increase my milk. When the milk was gone so was she. Unfortunetly she never breastfed for comfort. Those of you who have two children already, was your first child patient for all those breastfeeding times? Just curious. I have really started to think about how the first half is over and only 4 months remain. It has gone by so fast.

[Jillybean]

hello!

Well, guess I'm not the only one who's been feeling moody and down lately! :grouphug is there something about this month? Jumping hormone levels, something?

I've had a rough few days, too b/c ds is sick. Woke up from his nap Wed. with a fever, it got to 103.8 before it broke and since then he's been super whiny, clingy, negative, grumpy, etc. I know he feels like crap but I have no idea what it could be b/c he has no symptoms! Luckily dh is home today so I get some help.

Jlcampbell: About tanturms- The only thing I could think of that might help is just not taking her to the store with you. Easier said than done, I know but it maybe easier on you both to just avoid shopping until she can handle it. Just a suggestion :) I'm lucky; ds doesn't tantrum very often, but then he doesn't respond to time-outs either! I have to pull out many different negotiating tactics from my GD bag of tricks. That Wal-mart episode was pretty funny, though!

I've had moments of worry about being able to handle two, but I think I may be a bit delusional b/c I'm actually looking forward to it! Come August I'll probably regret saying that but for now I will remain blissfully ignorant! :lol

Dodo: I will keep my fingers crossed that they will be able to do something for your back. It sounds just awful. :hug

ap: sorry to hear about your back. Rest and take care of yourself!

On bravado bras. I have two and I really like them but I am small, up to about a 36C now. I can see how the wouldn't offer much support for larger-breasted gals. I may have to check out decent exposures for a more supportive nursing bra. Thanks for the link!

well, looks like ds decided not to take a nap after all, gotta go!

[myjo]

Christeeny, yeah, I seem to remember bawling alot last time around mid-pregnancy too. Maybe it's combination of hormones, and the fact that we're feeling the little bean 24/7 which makes it pretty hard to ignore the fact that a newborn is on it's way, in only a few short months! I don't know why I feel the need to be in denial about it. I guess it's the colic memories.

[ketilave]

DS was pretty good about understanding I had to nurse DD. I always fot him some fruit/snack and a book and he would sit with me. For awhile he would grab a doll and feed baby too. It all works out 2yo tantrums. We make DS sit and face the wall. You should see the reactions I get from people in the grocery store when he has to sit there and stare at the cans. DD has taken to crying every time DS does or gets in trouble. INSANITY. But having 2 is really not that big a deal :LOL :LOL

Both kids are asleep after neither of them slept yesterday :( but they did sleep well last night. Finally everyone is starting to feel better. And, dinner is done. DH's daughter is coming for her weekend. I always get so apprehensive and uptight. She has done so much lying in the past and really been whiney (she's 9 so if lying, whining and crying is normal please let me know) and it just pushes me to the edge. I was not like that as a kid so it is so hard to deal with. It doesn't help that her mother has told her that she is the smartest and prettiest girl in the whole world and that she (the mother) thinks of SD as her hero. Not quite same demigod status in our house.

OOOPS - spoke to soon. A is up.

[bwylde]

Whew, I'm not the only one who's hormonal lately! I just feel like I can't keep it together lately. I was really depressed this past week because the baby hadn't been moving much, crying at the stupidest things (Ethan merely showed me the book "I'll Love You Forever" and I bawled for an hour. Needless to say I wasn't able to read it to him!). I'm not crying so much but I have horrible emotional surges lately.

Ethan is so much to handle lately and there is so much I need to get done around the house and other things pop up that I just feel like crawling in bed and getting up when the baby comes. The fatigue is horrid.

It also doesn't help that Ethan is going through another round of seperation anxiety and will not go willingly with his father :( . I felt like crap the other day when I dropped DH and Ethan off at playgroup while I ran some errands and apparantly Ethan had a monster tantrum because I wasn't there. One of my friends came up to me after and said "You know, he's got to get used to not being with you all the time." :rolleyes: Well, I am with him all the time and he was over this, but since I've been pregnant, he's been clingy to me again. I refuse to cut him off because there's another baby on the way.

[christeenybeany]

bwylde--don't you just love the unasked for advice?
I get so much of that from people who seem to be very negative about it. Why do people have to be like that?? Are they that insensitive?
The other day Ben was following me around crying to be held because I was taking care of one of his classmates. Another worker said "what are you going to do with the new baby gets here?" That little comment and others like it make me so furious. First of all I'm not going to be working there when the new baby gets here so this won't be a problem and he doesn't do this at home, thank you very much!!! That is what i say in my head. Then I go home and panic..."what am i going to do when the new baby gets here??" But I'm over that now because I got it out of my system. It will work out.

[sandy from Toronto]

I am 20 weeks and 4 days and I still don't feel the baby moving. I had an ultrasound at 20 weeks and 2 days and everything turned out normal...baby is the right size, anatomy looks good...but I really don't think I have the baby yet. The ultrasound technician said that this is common and that it is really too soon to feel the baby move since at this stage they are still relatively small. This is my first pregnancy, so I don't know what feeling to look out for. Anyone else in this situation?
Sandy

[Bearsmama]

Hi everyone!:wave

Anyine else getting heartburn already???? I had bad heartburn starting at about month 7 or 8 with DS's pregnancy. I am only 22 weeks and I just started getting some heartburn yesterday. I'm hoping it's just the pizza I made last night and not an indicator of what's to come?

Anyone else already nesting? I've suddenly wanted to get EVERYTHING done around the house that's needed to get done in the past YEAR. Got a twin bed delivered today for DS-and we are really excited about FINALLY getting his room together. I know the transition to his own bed will take a LOOONG time (and our bed is always ON-limits even after he's started sleeping in his own). But DS seemed really happy about it today.

I am being lazy tonight and too darn pooped to reply to all the recent posts. I hope everyone is hanging in there. Sounds like all of our children are "acting up"! And the emotions and the doubts....Ahhhh, Motherhood!

Sleep well and more soon...:zzz

[myjo]

Hi and welcome to our group and to MDC Sandy! (I see this is your first post).

I have a friend who didn't feel her baby until sometime after 20 weeks. I always feel mine at around 13 weeks, so I'm at the other extreme. I guess it must have to do with our personal anatomy and particular sensitivity to touch. I'm sure your baby is moving around just as much as anybody else's! You'll probably be feeling those kicks very soon.

If you want, you can tell us a little about yourself, your pregnancy, and your birth plans over in Here We Are.

[ketilave]

Sandy a lot of women don't feel movement until later esp with 1st pgs. Plus, combine the twinges of muscles with the butterlies and subtle tickles and it's hard to determine what's going on. You will know the first big kick and those are fun.

Bears - hear you on the heartburn. Didn't have it so much with DD but with DS. I am eating pretty well this time too. Though DH commented that I didn't look pg from behind but I was putting weight on in my inner thighs. Ah the joy of an open relationship.

I am feeling great and getting things accomplished and all that jazz. I have attacked DH lately but that's because he let the house go to pot while I was sick and then I had so much to do! But he did keep the kids out of the way.

Got the definitive news that my Dad will not be able to be around for this birth. He is headed to Iraq soon. They will come back to the States for a couple weeks in May so I will get to see him for a while. My mom and sister will remain in the States so I will have their help with the kids. I'm bummed about my Dad - DD is so enamored with him and vice versa. Keeps telling my sister that A is her #1 competition.

Off to get a shower!

[ketilave]

I am sick to my stomach. SD has to go home because we just got a call that her step-siblings (stepfathers kids) were killed by their mother (stepfathers ex not dh's ex) and then she shot herself. OMG - Right now we don't know the details so we just told SD that there was an accident with steps, her mommy, brother and stepfather were ok, and they would like to be together as a family. They live a couple of hours away. OMG - how will a 9 yo process this. We have a terrible relationship with that family but you just want to reach out to them. Plus, as parents they must feel so guilty that they didn't see this coming...

All I want to do is hold my kids so tight and more now than ever I know I MUST be responsible for my emotions and when things get bad seek help.

Love to you and your families.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Ketalave: I will be praying for you and that family. Wow!

I spoke with my friend today that just had the baby on Wed. and unfortunetly started :crying AGAIN. But she is so understanding. She said she was thinking about that my Due date with the baby we lost would be on Wednesday and she wondered how I was doing. Again, so blessed with caring famiy and friends. :love

:OT We were not able to tell if we are having a girl or boy on the sono on Wednesday but I keep bringing up the whole circumcision thing with my hubby if it is a boy. I know there are so many opinions these days and I have read most of them. I am totally on the fence. Hubby want's it done to have son look like him but personally I think that's a silly reason. I want something more concrete to go on. My husband is standing by his opinion right now and I told him that if we did decide to circumcise it would not be until the baby was atleast 8 days old and even though I am not Jewish I would hire a moyl so I could be present to comfort him. I read somewhere that waiting 8 days and breastfeeding him gives him the opportunity to be able to fight off infection better that he would at say day 2. I am open to your thoughts girls. :confused:

[myjo]

Ketilave, :hug . That is unbelievable! What a horrendous thing for you to be dealing with right now! I can't imagine you not having emotional fallout from this. Take good care of yourself and don't stuff it, I know I tried that during this pregnancy when we had a community tragedy. I had a nervous breakdown! Just don't ignore your feelings! And please give that poor girl a hug for me.

Laurie, when I started reading your post about circ. I was going to recommend getting a moyle, but I see you've already thought of that. There is a big difference in the way moyles do it and the way doctors do. Doctors crush it and then remove the entire thing, ow!! It's not Jewish tradition to do it like that. They generally just remove the tip of the foreskin. If you want to learn more about the issues involved you can go to the circ. board. Just be aware that some of the mamas there feel very strongly about leaving boys intact, so tread softly!

[Bearsmama]

Ketilave-:hug to you and your stepdaughter and the familes that are grieving right now. Thinking of you...

[ilovebeingamom]

Ketileve, I am sorry to hear about your daughter's family. That is awful. You are all in my thoughts.

Well, I got my Bravado bra the other day, and it isn't quite fitting the way I hoped. But I remeasured myself again and think I ordered the wrong size. I thought I wore a 38 D and when I measured again I came up with 32 E? I am hopeless, I don't think I will ever get a bra that fits. So I am going to order one more and try it out. Thanks for the nestmom.com website, mat4mel. They were cheaper than the bravado website plus free shipping.

Thats about all for now, ttfn!

[Solange]

:hug Ketilave......prayers for your DSD and the family....

[Solange]

:hola:
Just a quickie here...my back is doing better...Dodo I have been taking a lot of Arnica which has helped the pain quite a bit.
My Dh has been wonderful helping out and ds has been an angel understanding that I am in much pain...hope you can get relief from your osteopath to feel better soon.

I have been feeling kinda bad about always telling poor ds "mamma doesn't feel good(m/s), mamma is too tired, mamma's back hurts to much"....all about mamma mamma mamma ..I am going to make a conscious effort to get back to him.....:(

Bears..talk about nesting....oh yeah I have it big time!! We just spent the two days cleaning up and clearing out the basement b/c we just had it finished. So now ds can have his own room(and we are expecting his twin bed on Wednesday! ) and a room for the baby stuff -changing table -my rocker- all of which we dusted off and set up in the room today..talk about being ready early...lol..

I am so bummed :( I got my second style of swim suit from Old Navy today and it does not fit either:crying
SO I now have to send it back and pick something else AGAIN!:bang


gtg....

:hippie

[snuffles]

:hug Ketilave... your SD's family is in my prayers..

Ilovebeingamom.. I hope you find a bra that fits! I know that must be so frustrating! Nestmom says you can return if you didn't wash it..

Mel

[christeenybeany]

Ketilave--That is so tragic. Your family will be in my prayers. That kind of news does make you want to just hold your babies just a little tighter.

Jlcambellkidz--- My husband went back and forth about the circumcision too. I finally decided that because it was a boy and there were going to be some things that I "wouldn't understand", I would let my husband make the final decision and support it. He chose to circumsize, but we waited until the 8th day too. It was nice because I had about 6 days at home with him to get used to him and how to comfort him, then when we brought him home after the "pencil was sharpened" he was in a bad mood and very irritable and I ended up needing a lot of help ("someone just hold him while i take a nap!" kind of help) that day. I couldn't imagine what stress and anxiety I would have been in if I had chosen to have that surgery done on the same day we were discharged! Taking a irritable and upset and in pain newborn home for the first time. :nono

I was interested in what you said about a moyle....I'm not Jewish either and I'm kinda ignorant in what it's all about (the moyle) but I am very interested in the whole being present and able to comfort my son during this. Hmmmm......

[Bearsmama]

Hi everyone,
Had a little problem with some peanut butter M&Ms today. Why did I let those evil, evil things in the house???:confused:

JlCampbell-:hug Although I have not suffered a m/c, I can understand how easily the tears may come. Especially b/c this is so close to your original EDD.

My DS is circed. We (DH & I) made the decision together, of course. I am not the person to ask about the details of NOT circing, but I'm sure many women here have info/advice. It is a tough, personal decision-like so much else during pregnancy and mothering!

Ilovebeingamom-I am considering ordering 1 or 2 Bravados. So, I'm interested in hearing about your fit issue. Sometime I think the cheapy brands might just be okay. I have these loose sports-type bras from Nordstrom that I got on sale (about $10/piece if I remember correctly). I got them about 8 months ago as I was still needing a comfy bra and still nursing, of course, but it wasn't anymore like I-have-to-whip-out-my-boobs-right-now sort of thing. They are really comfy. I am about 36C, so I don't need quite as much support as some other bigger ladies. So, the bra question goes on, and on, and on...

AP!:wave I have been thinking of you when I check in here-we've missed you the past few days. I'm glad to hear that your back is at least a little better. Back pain is soooooo miserable. I've had back problems on and off throughout my life, but luckily never anything this severe since DS's birth.
I know with my DS, DH could lay in bed all morning, spread out on the couch, etc. But when MOMMY does it, he's like" Mommy not feeling well" or something like that. It's a mommy thing. He will understand. And even if he doesn't right now it's soooo important for you to be taking care of yourself.

I am still nesting over here! Just gettting DS's bedroom together now. We've been in this house for about 8 months and we've been very slow about getting things done. DS is actually sleeping in his twin bed RIGHT NOW!:eek I don't know how long it will last tonight, but we shall see. Besides his room, I am of course thinking about how the babe is going to figure into everything. I am also getting nest-y about organizing stuff. I have a few months worth of pictures of DS that need to simply be put into their albums. And I need to do it now!

Oh, and AP-you are reminding me to buy a swimsuit! I am really, really not looking forward to it at all! But we are going away in May, and I am not going to be wearing jeans on the beach! I may have to check out Old Navy tonight online.

Well, that's it for me. Off to bed. And to think that DS won't be in it tonight when I climb in! I'm sure by about 2 am he will be!

Sleep well, ladies!

[Bearsmama]

Wanted to let everyone know that The Gap is having a sale online on maternity underwear that look really comfy. They are 4.99-6.99 and all cotton. Over-belly and under-belly options.

I think I will purchase a few pairs tomorrow.

[madrone]

ketilave - your family and your step-daughter's family are in my thoughts.

APMamma - I thought you were given up cleaning houses. What were you doing cleaning still? I think you should definitely not clean the upset woman's house again. She should have reacted with sympathy towards you and not anger about not getting her house cleaned. Let her clean her own d@&% house for a while while she finds someone new to clean it.

Jlcampbellkidz - I've had losses, so I understand your sadness for your loss. Having a close friend who conceived about the same time would make it so much harder. With my first loss, I casually knew one person, but she wasn't close enough for me to need to see and talk to her. I really had a lot of mixed emotions about her daughter and being told updates on her. I cannot imagine how much harder it would have been if I had to see her.

The Wal-mart story is funny! Like Jillybean, I GD and seem to get over the tired of shopping things pretty easily. Have you ever looked through the Gentle Discipline board?

To those nesters, I've been pretty heavily in nesting mode since our move of Feb 29. I've gotten areas ready for the babies things to go, but was waiting for the ultra-sound before starting to go through baby things. Didn't want to jinx it. That was on Friday and I wanted to start going through the baby clothes and dipes yesterday, but my due date buddy spent the afternoon here. I really enjoyed her visit and it's re-freshing to be around her in bottle-feed, bucket-using, seperate-room France. Won't be doing the baby clothes again today because a non-AP friend is coming over.

My ultra-sound went well. The baby looks good and healthy. DH doesn't want to know the sex, so the doctor didn't tell us. He noted it though so I can find out later. When he was in that area, I couldn't see anything so I said that maybe that meant it was a girl. He said that reasoning wouldn't quite work with the baby's position and we would need to have a trained eye to figure it out. So I'm clueless on the sex with that comment.

DS woke up, so got to go. Take care, Tiff

[Solange]

:hola:

Bears...don't worry abot those M&M's...if it makes you feel better... how about me diving into a bag of Doritios rollitos...Ack! I have been craving those so much I finally caved yesterday and bought a bag...my dh just looks at me like I have two heads b/c I do not ever eat those....nor do we ever have them in the house....:LOL

Madrone....:hug
I am so glad your U/S went well! Where was your baby HB rate at ? My little bean was at 160 on Thursday for my appt. My CNMW said "Oh, a girl HB!" and I said ..."Really? Ds #1 was always at 155..." so who knows...
I know, I know, you are right about the cleaning thing....Dh said the same thing that I should pretty much be done doing this now, but I really needed the income b/c we are saving our income tax check to help out when the baby comes and I did not want to have to start dipping into that so early. My friend IRL is taking over my clients for me this week, so really I only have 3 more weeks of cleaning on Friday only.


Naturegirl are you here? Did we lose you? How are you doing?:confused:

gtg
ttyl

[foxytocin]

Between Ketilave's step's family and the crazy Walmart Story, I wasn't sure what tone to take with this little post. Guess I'll split it down the middle. Either way you shake it, I agree, it makes you want to give your loved one's a squeeze.

Woke up and had a good cry first thing this a.m. right after our Nellie threw a good fit. DH, not being much of a morning person, looked like he can't wait to get out of the house and away from us. Don't blame him. Nellie's teething. The in-laws were up this weekend to talk about the group of us living under one roof. I felt like an odd man out.......I'm the only one who consistently expressed doubts. I've been monitoring blood sugar all week, and I'm just on the edge of acceptable limits. And my tail bone is giving me major grief. My tail bone, of all things.

I think that my little family is having a bit of stress. I try to remind myself that these are things that can be resolved, so it's not the sort of stress that will last forever. It's like a mantra; I have to tell myself this like 20 times a day or I'll go crazy. .:rolleyes:

Meanwhile, the sun's out today and yesterday I unearthed a box of little bitty onesies. DH is out buying an exercise ball for me to sit on (a few months ago our puppy popped the one I bought for the last preg.) Last preg., the ex. ball was just about the only surface I could sit on for the last trimester......they're wonderful. We'll see if we can keep the dog from popping this one, now that he's older and those wretched pointed puppy teeth are history.

Anyway. About the bravada bras......I just happened to notice that Born to love had a special on them last week on their website. Seems like my boobs got extra big this week. I thought at first that my swimsuit had somehow shrunk last week and then realized that nope, I just got bigger.

Hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

-Leah

[christeenybeany]

foxytocin--I think my boobs got bigger too this week.... :belly just like the rest of me

[Jillybean]

hiya,

Ketilave: I am so sorry for your Sd and the loss of her extended family. What a horrible tragedy. Please do hold your babies close, you need it I'm sure. :hug

foxytocin: Sorry you are so stressed out. When do you have to make a decision? We recently moved in with my parents to pay off some debt and hopefully be able to buy a house. Its not always easy, but it has worked out really well for us so far. Ds certainly is thriving with all the extra love and attention. Not an easy thing to decide, though. How old is your dd? My son has been a huge grump lately, just not himself, and I can't decide if he's still sick or teething(he won't let me check) or just in a mood. When do they usually get their two-year-old molars?

madrone: Glad your ultrasound went well! We had an ultrasound with ds and my dh swore he saw a little "something" on the screen, and lo and behold- he was right! So you never know you could have seen what you thought!

Bearsmama: So cool that your ds went willingly into his own bed! How did it go the rest of the night? We just started putting our son to start the night in his room, he did fine with it, but I was a total mess! Cried myself to sleep...ok, so I'm a little over-emotional, but my baby! :lol

I haven't started nesting yet, but I'm mentally preparing myself for the nesting stage. Does that count? I have this long list in my head of things to do/buy but I want to wait another month or so. I dunno, something to look forward to? Oh! but I did order a new sling! I'm so excited!

jlcampbell: My boy is not circed, fortunately dh didn't feel strongly about it either way so it was my call. I agree you should check out the circ. boards, good info there.

well other than ds driving me up the wall, i feel great lately. Just wish I could figure out what was going on with him. well, talk to ya soon!

[ketilave]

DH spoke to SD last night and she was confused and sad. This is in the news so they are really living it. She said there were a ton of people over at their house all day. I completely lost it at church. I hurt so bad for the kids - that they had to sit there and face their mother, that they were so scared, that one of them had to watch the other die - I don't know how the father will ever go on. If we as adults can't make sense of this how are we to help a child. You can explain life and death as being natural to a child but this wasn't. This was simply violent and unnecessary.

Plus, I wonder what have we become as a society that people feel so alone. Foxy - the way I feel right now I think living as an extended family is the way to go. All the love and support for the kids as well as the adults. Rather than thinking we can do it all, when we need a break we need a break.

I am exhausted from the big cry but hopefully it helped. I had only met the kids a few times but it just doesn't matter. I keep wanting to think it's a mistake. Today they put the names of the kids in the paper - I was so angry.

Anyway - enough. Everyone seems to be hanging in there and apparently the sun does exist. We have seen it for the last couple of hours. DS kept saying, "No Rain. No Rain. Play outside." The ewather needs to clear up so we can get out and so I don't get as big as a house.

In regard to nesting - well, we are considering moving. With SD and this baby that's 4kids and now DH works from home. We need a bit more space.

[Dodo]

Ketilave, my thoughts are with your step-daughter and her family.

Bears, congrats on the new bed. I’ve been meaning to do the same.

Ap, can you tell me more about arnica? I had heard of it as a topical treatment for bruising, but not as an internal one for back pain.

As for me, I’m no longer in pain. I’m creaky and achy, but one hundred times better than last week. I’m trying to decide if I should settle for creaky and achy or see the osteopath one last expensive time.

I did some maternity shopping. I bought a party dress, which I wore this weekend. I’m going to have to throw a party or something so that I have an excuse to wear it again. I also bought some mat jeans with the adjustable elastic on the inside. They feel great, but I could still pass for not pregnant, even in them.

I did my nesting by proxy this weekend. While dd and I were out of town, I asked dh to clean the laundry room…and he did. It has been on my to-do list for a year. I’m looking forward to doing laundry this week.

Welcome, Sandy. I’m originally from Ontario (living in Quebec).

[ilovebeingamom]

Ketilieve-so sorry to hear about the media getting involved. It makes a bad situation worse. When that woman in Texas ? killed her five children several years ago, it hit me kind of hard. Being a new mom, and going through some postpartum depression, I remember feeling shocked and scared that a woman is capable of doing that to her children. I know we all get angry sometimes, but hopefully have some outlet or support. But, that was a story on the news, this is your present life, so I don't mean to compare at all. Just when you spoke about the mom, it reminded me of my thoughts during the other situation. :hug

jlcampbell-we decided to not circ our son, and I haven't regretted it. He has never had any urinary tract infections that they tell you they have a higher risk of. Since there isn't any medical reason, we couldn't think of another one good enough to submit him to that. I feel pretty strongly about it, so I don't want to get preachy. There is a good website www.nocirc.org that has some facts as well.

bearsmama-I did some adjusting on the bravado bra and it seems to be fitting better. I think I finally figured out that I am a 36 DD/DDD, and got the Med plus size. I think I am going to order the double plus and see if it gives a little more support. It is tight, like a sports bra, so that was uncomfortable for me at first, but seems to be getting more comfortable. My old bras were so old and stretched out they probably were giving zero support, so anything new feels wierd.

I don't know if Fashion Bug is a local franchise or not, but they are carrying maternity now. I picked up a few t-shirts the other day. They had reasonable prices.

Our babies heartbeat has varied alot. It was 140 at one visit, and 160 at another. I have heard the boys vs. girl heartbeat thing, but don't know if it is an old wives' tale or not.

That is about it for me, other than my muscles have been aching alot. I feel like I need a really good body massage. I wish we had the money we did when I was pg the first time. I got several massages during my first pg, but don't know if I will get any this time.

Anyway, good night everyone.

[Bearsmama]

Hi Ladies!
How's everyone feeling tonight? I am okay, but noticing that my movement is really changing already. Like, I'm already walking different. Weird. I'm much bigger this time than last at this same point, so I'm sure that has something to do with it.

DS slept in his "special" bed for about 4 hours last night. At around midnight, he started to cry and said, " I sleep in big bed". So, of course, I went in and carried him back to ours. I'm not deluding myself and I know that that could go on for years!

Madrone-Whenever the techs/docs doing those U/Ss say things it always seems so cryptic. From what you wrote, I would somehow infer that you were having a GIRL. I don't know why, just one of those weird things, I guess. I guess I think a penis would be more noticeable, right?

Hi Ap! My DH does the same thing-gives me that look-every night when about 9:30 or 10:00 I just have to have SOMETHING else to eat. A small bowl of cereal has been my late-night food of choice lately.

Please, please take good care of yourself. I know you're only cleaning 1x/week now, but still that's a lot of work for a pregnant woman!

Foxy-Sorry about your tailbone pain. Is that your coxyc (sp??) bone? The base of your tailbone? Well, I had some issues with this area at the end of my last pregnancy as well as after labor. I don't think it's strange at all. Perhaps others know why this would be so sensitive/painful at this point?

Jillybean-You are right. Last night I kept asking DH, do you think I will hear him if he needs me? And my bed, although I had a lot of space to stretch out, felt a bit cold and I had a hard time sleeping. All these changes are bittersweet. In the long run, though, I know I will be happier at least having tried making the change now.

Ketilave-You and your family and SD's family are still in my thoughts.

I think you are right on about the parenting alone thing. When I was having a hard time in the beginning with DS as a newborn I remember saying that we weren't MEANT to parent in isolation. It just doesn't seem NATURAL. But our neighborhoods and families have changed SO much that many people feel so alone. Personally, I have very little family of my own and DH's family-although close-are not as helpful as I would want them to be. So, if I don't ask for help, or look for breaks, I won't get them. That's why I'm very interested to use a post-partum doula this time around. I know that your comments weren't meant just for little old me, but I think that they pertain to ALL of us.

I feel so heavy in my heart when I think of the tragedy you are close to. So sad.

Welcome Sandy!

Dodo-I've been a bit creaky my whole life!:)
And you SHOULD throw a party to wear your dress! You never know how many more parties you'll be able to attend before you have another newborn!

Well, gotta go. Gonna try to get into bed before 11pm. That would be a feat for me!
Sleep well!

[juju]

just want to chime in about circumcising. my son is not circumcised, i could not imagine it any other way. dh and i researched this together. to tell the truth i didn't really know anything about it until i was pregnant the first time. dh is circumcised and would not do it to any of his children. he never really thougth much about it until we researched it together. now he feels disappointed that his parents did it to him, but does not dewell on it. so they look a little different so what! we have explained to him about circumcision and about it being done to his daddy.

[frognladybugmama]

ketilave, i'm sorry to hear about your stepdaughter's family...i'll keep them and her in my prayers...what a rough thing to go thru at her age...or any age for that matter.

as for me, since i've not checked in lately - i've missed the constant chatter with you all...i've had bronchitis (we thought it was just the sinus funk) for 2 wks and am feeling much better now...luckily shelby never got it, but jake did. anyways, we're up to "nesting" now that we feel better. i've been working on switching out winter clothes for summer ones in the closets this past week and i'm anxious to start sorting out boy/girl baby clothes once we find out what baby is TOMORROW! after the u/s i can get to some real spring cleaning/nesting, since we've decided this is the last. i'll be boxing up whatever we don't need and selling it then donating what doesnt' sell. it finally set in that this is the last time i'll ever be pregnant. for the last few months i've been so sad over having another baby so close to shelby and "taking away her baby time" - jake was 3yo when she was born so it felt different, she'll barely be 20mos. now i'm sad that i'll never feel this miracle of growth again...sigh, hormones - aren't they great? lol...
well, i'm in a sewing mood - headed back to work on some diapers/covers for this baby! ttyl ladies!

[madrone]

I went through baby clothes today and am kind of bummed. I have so many long sleeve items it's ridiculous. There are a few rompers and shirts that I could put on an August baby, but so much s/he will only be able to wear if we are outside after dark (which is a bit after 11pm here in August). I plan to EC and think I'm going to be modifying some dipes for EC, so maybe I'll just basically keep the baby in a dipe without a wrap and a t-shirt for most of August.

[Dodo]

maybe I'll just basically keep the baby in a dipe without a wrap and a t-shirt for most of August.

This is what I was planning on doing. It's a little hard for me to plan, because I'm due at the end of August and am unsure as to whether I should plan clothing for fall or summer.

[christeenybeany]

All this talk about going through baby clothes has gotten me excited :baby

I was thinking about what I would dress this one in (fall or summer?) and I remember what happened last time. My first baby was born in June and I planned on summer clothes, but most of the time he was wrapped up in warm blanket too because even though it is 100 degrees outside, the air conditioning in most places makes it a cool 65 and that's pretty chilli for a babe. Sooo....I ended up using warm things most of the time even though it was smack dab in the middle of summer. I don't know if many other places have that problem though. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[foxytocin]

Good point about the air conditioning, Christeeny.
And yeah, Fashion Bug! Will have to check that out.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts on the living-with-the-in-laws matter. Someone a while's back pointed out the Mothering articles on the subject. I found them very cheerful.
And Jillybean: turns out (and this was the freak-out of the weekend) that our decision has to made within the next week. My in-laws want to combine our households and incomes in order to purchase (and live in) another property that would otherwise be out of our respective leagues. My MIL would then like to live at this place until the day she dies. She is very adament about that. There is the well-being of a current resident (dd's ailing great-grandmother) to consider, hence the time-crunch. My MIL is such a dreamer......she really, really wants this to happen......she's got us all stirred up and the place hasn't even been appraised. I feel like we're being asked to make a committment based on dreams and speculations. Meanwhile, we like the house we live in now and are able to make the payments. We're not getting ahead any time soon, but it works. Not one bit of me feels like we have any business taking risks of any sort ......all I want to do is survive dd's terrible two's and squeeze out this next baby into my own home. All I want to do is nest, nest, nest. I'm getting increasingly stubborn about resisting all sorts of change as this preg. progresses. Must be instinct.
And that's enough about that.
DD is definitely getting 2-yr molars. She's a few months early, so I wasn't sure, but the boogger bit me while fishing a candy wrapper from her mouth and I felt the tell-tale point of a new tooth. Sure love those Hyland's teething tablets. She's getting a lot of mileage out of raw almonds as well.

HOpe you all are well, feeling round, and minimally achey. You are real gems to talk with.

-Leah

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Hi Everyone :wave
Thanks for all the opinions and websites about circumcising. When I brought it up to my midwife she didn't really want to share her opinion. So I appreciate your help. Looks like I have some more research to do.
Nesting? well my hubby says I am the worst house wife ever but when it comes to choosing between dirty dishes and playing with my daughter I choose the second option. I had to do a lot of cleaning last week and over the weekend to prepare for the birthday party we had hear at our house yesterday for my daughter. I woke up this morning and began to clean again. I'm not sure if it's a nesting urge or just a desire to see my sweet hubby come home shocked and amazed that I kept something clean and uncluttered :LOL
About living with in-laws. Well I have not had to do that. My hubby and I did move in with my parents when my daughter was about 7 months old. We stayed with them a year while our house was being built. It was hard at times and my husband thought my mom butted in too much but it was also hard because my grandmother (my moms mom) also was living there. Talk about pressure from the women on my husband. But overall I would say it was a good experience. My daughter got to spend so much time with my mom and yes the extra help was nice when i needed it. And she now has a connection with my grandmother her great grandmother that I don't think many people get to have!
Ooohh by the way we are going for a gender check u/s this evening. I have been talking to the baby all day begging for a peek. Hopefully we will find out, if not, I will just assume that it wasn't meant to be and know that I will find out in atleast 4 months when the little one makes it's arrival.
I had several braxton hicks contrax yesterday. Nothing hurts but very noticable tightening. I don't think I was drinking enough water and I know I was doing to much. It's hard when you have 20 something adults and 20 something children in your house :bang We wont be having another party for her until she's 5 or 6 atleast. I am still tired.
Well I better go, the 4month old little boy I watch just woke up and needs to eat.

[Solange]

:hola:
Laurie
I have been having BH all week now...it really feels weird.. so early for me I just cannot get used to them...lol..but I read somewhere that it is a good thing...the earlier you feel them the easier your labor is supposed to be... I forget where I read that.....

going thru baby clothes- have not done that yet....don't know why ..just haven't...:shrug but madrone I like your idea of just a dipe and a 't'...yet OTOH Christine you do have a good point....hhmm

frognladybugmama
glad to hear you are better.. I had bronchitis with ds #1 while pg and had to go into the hospital...ugh...not fun...

Dodo
Arinca I take is the homeopathic 30c remedy. It is safe to take is not an herb and is FDA approved.
You can also take Ruta or Rhus Tox 30c for the back pain if that does not work...
another topical cream is Tellurium is good too....
HTH :hug

Bears..
I am so glad to hear your ds was in his bed even if it was 4 hours..it is a start..and you are such a good mom for respecting his needs to come back to your bed...you a building that trust foundation......before you know it he will be there all night!
:hug B

Well, after thinking it over and talking to dh I am done cleaning...I told me IRL friend she can just take over my last 2 people since she is cleaning for them this week anyhow....my back is better but
this round ligament pain is really bad for me you guys....it is so inflammmed ...last night when I sneezed in bed...the pain took my breath away .... I thought I was going to rupture my c-cut from that one....:crying

well, for some reason I am wide awake and it is 11 pm...
anyone wanna chat?...:LOL

[christeenybeany]

I never had bh contractions last pregnancy, but I'm pretty sure that is what I have been having off and on this week. Sometimes is feels crampish and sometimes it is just tightening. At first the cramping alarmed me, but then I've just gotten used to it. It's pretty neat to know what's happening, AND pretty neat to hear that the earlier the BH's the better the labor! Wishful thinking!! :thumb

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Never heard that about BH contrax. But that would be nice.

We had our sono yesterday evening and the tech says GIRL. I was positive when they told us girl with my daughter but this time I still feel a bit skeptical. I even had a dream last night that it was a boy. How weird. Either way I am just excited that we are having another baby. My daughter is talking more about the baby too. She asks to see the sono video several times a day and when she see's the pics on the fridge she points and says baby in your tummy mommy. I hope they will love each other and get along better than my sister and I did growing up.

DD is whining a lot today and I hate that. It drives me nuts. She is sitting in my lap right now. My mother has gotten her into this whole I want candy thing so now she expects me and my hubby to comply as well. I told my mom to please stop that it was causing a major problem. My mom always uses the whole but I'm grandma and I'm suppose to spoil her.

My friend that just had the baby last Wednesday is suppose to come visit me at my house today. I let her borrow the majority of my maternity clothes and she is bringing them back. They don't do me much good since my daughter was a spring baby most of them are winter or atleast warmer weather clothing. I hope I can control my emotions.

Well ladies, it's lunch time here and if I don't eat soon I will end up with another migraine like yesterday.

[Jillybean]

hello!

Well, figured out what was going on with ds. He got another fever yesterday so we took him to the doc. and it turns out that *both* ears have infections. Poor baby, no wonder he was so cranky! I feel so bad for getting annoyed with him. :(

Been feeling BH, too. They make me nervous, but I was happy to read that about it meaning an easier labor. That would be lovely!

Jlcampbell: Yay! Congrats on your GIRL! :balloons

foxytocin: wow, thats not much time to decide! I say, go with your gut. You need to be where you are comfortable and at home. Good lick deciding and I hope it all works OK.

Ok well, ds is climbing all over me so I better go!

[SamuraiEarthMama]

hello, all... sorry i've been MIA for a while. the weather has been beautiful and soccer season started and one of the laptops is busted...

we went to the zoo last week, and a peacock burst into display for us right on the path. that night, i dreamt i was knitting a baby blanket out of chenille yarn, in peacock colors, for the baby. so i asked my knitting friend to give me some lessons. she said chenille is a pain to work with (like sewing with velvet), so i've modified the dream to berry-and-blue colored cotton washcloths for now. i'm about halfway through the first one!

the baby is kicking and squirming a lot these days. i'm also getting quite a bit of BH conx... mostly in the afternoons and evenings, but also a few in the middle of the night.

i had been worried about my blood pressure (up to something like 148/80 during my last prenatal visit) and have been trying to do more protein, exercise, naps, etc. to bring it down again. my friend has a bp monitor that she let me use last night, and it was 114/62! so i'm hoping the other was just a fluke, a spike (i had indulged that morning in a half-caff mocha, so maybe that did it). my family has a history of hypertension, although i've never had it, so it was a worry for me.

it's nice to hear from all you mamas. i'll try to check in more often and get with the program.

take care, all,

katje

[mommycaroline]

Count me in for having Braxton Hicks, too. I swear I started feeling them around 11 or 12 weeks along. Far too soon, I thought, but then I did some research and it's not that uncommon. Sure hope that's true about labor! That would be great news for this VBAC'ing Mama. :)

And, I'm suddenly interested in knitting too! LOL. There are a bunch of ladies in my local circle that also spontaneously came up with the same idea, so we've started a Stitch n' Bitch. Haven't found a good time to get together weekly yet, but it's in the works. I want to make Christmas stockings for myself, DD and this little one, hopefully for this year. We'll see...

So, my big, exciting news is I just hosted a Chicken Pox party! Woo-hoo! One of my friends has a 10 month old who woke up covered in pox this morning with no warning. They went to the Ped's and got confirmation so she came over and so did another friend and we got the little ones to share popsicles. The baby is teething and was more than happy to oblige. :) We've got one more playdate scheduled for Friday, but I'm really hoping that today was enough. Keep your fingers crossed for us. It would be nice to only have to deal with one child having CP at a time.

[myjo]

Wow! There's just too much to respond to, I spent forever just reading.

Ketilave, what a terrible tragedy and drastic change for you and your family. Take good care of yourself, that kind of stress can be devastating. I'll be thinking about you.

I got brave yesterday and told the midwife we weren't going to do the doppler anymore. I figured if we keep doing the doppler, what is the point of avoiding the u/s? So she was a little taken aback, and apparently has no fetoscope. That seems a little strange. Many people just take it for granted that LM's use fetoscopes. Oh well, I know there's a heartbeat from all that thumping around in there! We'll have to have the doppler at the birth though.

It seems like every time I go to the midwife I lose confidence in my ability to gestate and remain healthy. She's super worried about my inability to gain weight. She says I'm "converting" which means not only am I not putting on any fat or mucsle, the baby is taking any I had, which was not much. So even though I gained a lb and a half, it was all baby. And had I not lost fat, I would have gained a lot more. I don't know what to do! I'm just not very healthy, and the appetite is not there. She suggested I try some herbal bitters to stimulate my digestion. Couldn't hurt. I just want to be normal and healthy!! :crying

Other than that I'm fine. :rolleyes:

I hope you all are enjoying your baby beans!

[Bearsmama]

Hi friends!
Wow! There IS a lot to read tonight.

Just had to share that tonight my DS (26 mos) went to sleep WITHOUT ME!!!! DH was able to put him to bed. I met a friend for dinner and came home right at bedtime. The lights were out in our bedroom and DS's new bedroom. I was almost worried at first. And then found DH rubbing DS's back as he fell into a deep sleep. WITHOUT ME!! This has never happened before. He's never NOT nursed to sleep. Ahhhh, this is surely bittersweet...:confused:

Frog-Sorry about the bronchitis. It sounds miserable. I've been sorting thru some old baby clothes, too. And I think I'll keep the new one in a dipe, too!(I know someone else mentioned this). Luckily, we have a lot of onesies that are still good and those little kimono wraps. Although he was born in January, DS#1 never liked being too warm. We just torked up the heat in the house and kept him very lightly dressed. I hear you on the emotion thing. I don't even KNOW if we'll consider having a 3rd baby, but I'm already geting a bit emtional thinking that this MIGHT BE our last one.:crying

Foxy-This is a great group of ladies, you're right!:thumb

JL-Congrats on the GIRL NEWS!!! And parties ARE exhausting, aren't they?????

Jilly-I've felt the same way when DS is being particularly cranky and I just figure out what's going on. Then, he'll get a fever or something. It's like an AHA! moment. And then the mama guilt creeps in...

Katje-You just gave this beginning knitter and idea of what to do with all my practice pieces! They'll be new baby washcloths! My goal is to make a blanket for the babe by August. And I'm REALLY SLOOOOOOW. Sorry to hear about the high bp. I, too have high BP in my family and I'm always worried about it. Mine has always been fine, but I always ask the nurse to repeat it to me. Just keep taking good care of yourself, Katje.

Myjo-Can you do protein shakes? Or something daily witha high calorie content? Like I said to Katje, please try to take good care of yourself.

That's it for me, ladies. Off for a few more minutes of surfing and then bed....

:zzz

[ilovebeingamom]

AGGHHH! Hemmoroids! I was hoping to avoid them, but alas, they are here. I never got any with the first pg, I actually got a few bad ones when ds was about one. So far this one doesn't hurt, I am hoping to keep the swelling down so it doesn't get to that point.

I got my hypnobirthing packet today, I couldn't believe when I was reading that in the 50's they actually knocked women all the way out once it was time to push. That is so crazy. Even though delivering today in a hospital can be a battle, at least it isn't that bad anymore.

I went through our baby clothes once we found out we were having a girl a few weeks ago. I haven't put up the changing table and stuff yet, b/c I want to paint them first. I also feel I need to pace myself. I am getting so excited about baby, but have to remember four more months!

The other day I was taking a bath and I could see the baby kicking my stomach. It was jumping up with each kick. I called ds to come see but she stopped of course once he got there. Ds likes to talk to his "sister" already, he thinks my belly button is the microphone. :LOL

allright, its getting kind of late, Good night!

[naturegirl]

Just wanted to pipe in and say hi :wave. I haven't been able to sit and read posts for awhile so I am waaaaaay behind. And honestly I only got to read the last couple of pages tonight. Man, what am I going to be like with a baby!:eek :)

I am 22 weeks today and feeling a lot of movement. Baby seems to be growing fine and we heard a nice strong hb on Friday (with the fetoscope :wink)

myjo, I thought all mw's had fetoscopes?:confused: We stopped using the doppler after the bleeding episodes stopped and we could hear the hb with the fetoscope. I feel the same way about the u/s exposure and consented to a couple of doppler checks because of bleeding otherwise I would have declined then to. That is so odd that they don't have a fetoscope. Doesn't anyone decline the doppler?

ILBAM, I thought about reading up on hypnobirthing too but I have sooo many books I want to read that that got pushed back on my list. Soon I will starte to read the newborn parenting books so I am ready when the baby gets here!

bears, I can't imagine how bittersweet that must be, having your baby start to grow up and become independent. :hug Sounds like you are handling it well though. :)

Well gotta run again. I am really tired and feeling kind of icky tonight so I want to get to bed early.

:hug for everyone!!!

Cheryl
:hippie

[mommycaroline]

Originally posted by ilovebeingamom
Ds likes to talk to his "sister" already, he thinks my belly button is the microphone. :LOL


My Bonnie does the same thing! LOL. So cute!

[Dodo]

I might join you in the washcloth knitting. I am also a beginner who has never completed a project. Also I could use something to do with my hands because when I said that my sciatic nerve pain had cleared up, I spoke too soon: I'm practically housebound. Two days ago I took dd to the park. On the way back, my right hip simply stopped working. I couldn't take one step. Luckily, I was at a busy intersection with my super-easy-to-fold new stroller, so I hailed a cab.

Currently I'm trying to develop a strategy for mothering a toddler while crippled. Unfortunately (because this was not part of my plan), dd will be needing daycare. Fortunately (because I like to be prepared for anything), she is on the top of a couple of waiting lists and I should be able to find something for her soon. Needless to say, I've been kind of down:crying . I feel panicked when dh leaves me with dd for the day because I can't keep up with her and I can't provide her with the outdoor playtime that she so desperately needs after a long winter.

Myjo, sorry to hear about your health troubles. Do you typically gain more?

Naturegirl, that's cool that you heard the heartbeat w/ the fetoscope. I declined the doppler. At the time, it felt like a big deal, a long time to wait, but soon after my first appt. I felt the quickening, so it seems much less urgent now.

I'd also like to read about hypnobirthing. I am in the process of reading Birthing from Within, and am trying to visualize labour, but I'm having trouble due to the nerve pain. If squatting, lying, standing and sitting are uncomfortable, how should I envision myself giving birth? Last time I was pretty creaky and the midwives pretty much shoved me onto the birthing stool.

Which reminds me, how do I encourage optimal fetal positioning while I'm more or less confined to the couch? All suggestions are welcome.

Oh, and congrats Bears. I actually thought it was a great feeling when dd first fell to sleep on her own w/o nursing. Now her father puts her to sleep every night!

[Jlcampbellkidz]

I got to look through some of DD's old baby clothes last night. My sister had a little girl 7 months after me so she has ALL my girl clothes. She was only able to pull down one bag last night but it was full of the newborn/preemie stuff that they get to wear the first couple of weeks. I needed that to get more excited about having another girl. I also can't wait to get my daughter and the new baby some matching dresses for church.

My darling hubby and I found a beautiful rose bush last night. We will plant it today since today would have been my due date. I am somewhat emotional but it feels good to know I have something to look at to remind me of that precious baby we never got to hold here on earth but will someday in heaven. I am going to the store after my chiropractor appt. this morning to find a small Angel statue to put beside the rose bush. We will probably have it engraved too. I guess today is kinda bittersweet but I really am holding up pretty well considering the horrible break down that I had over all of this last Wednesday.

I wish I knew how to knit or crochet or something. My sister had a friend show her how to crochet and she makes the cutest and most beautiful things.

Well babysitting kids are asking for a snack. bye

[snuffles]

Hi ladies.. anybody remember me?

I had my ultrasound yesterday.. we are having a little girl! She seemed to be developing normally and was VERY active! This is our third girl.. we also have a son, who is the oldest. I thought for sure this one was a boy, but I guess I was wrong!

It really seems to be sinking in now that I am going to have a baby in 4 1/2 months! Wow-- the time has flown by!

Mel

[christeenybeany]

Congrats to those who have found out the sex of their baby! :banana :balloons

My anxiousness about whether we are having a boy or a girl is easing up. I guess it's because I'll find out soon enough. The thing I'm really getting excited about it...what will this baby look like??? Will he/she look like Ben or will he/she look totally different. Some people I know--their children are identicle--and others' kids are totally opposite. I wonder... Hmm...

The other day I was eating lunch with friends and I saw my doctor. One of the people I was eating with is friends with him, so they started chatting. I was surprisingly calm about it. Normally I get a little...um....embarassed?...to see one of my ob's in public. I don't know why I just do. I go to church with one that is at my clinic and that is just weird. This may be alittle immature, but that's just how I am. I guess I'm getting used to it though, because i was able to handle having lunch at the table next to him without melting in embarassment :hide . I guess I can't help thinking...."you've seen me *down there* AAAHHH :eek " Does anybody else have anything remotely similar or understand at all?

[SamuraiEarthMama]

re: hemmorhoids (ack! i don't know how to spell it!)... i had them BAD with ds2, e