Jan/Feb/Mrch 2012 Momies to Be

Hey ladies, can't believe Christmas is here already! This year. Has flown by so quickly!

Lollipop - look, I may be unqualified to give advice as I will be giving birth to my 1st baby, but since I do know of a success story of VBAC, here it is. Mother of my stepdaughter Luca, whom I see every day, cause she picks her up at my house on afternoons. She had to have emergency cesarean after unsuccessful attempt to give birth naturally to Luca, who was 5 kg child. However, she gave birth naturally to her 2nd child from new marriage, 1.5 years ago, the girl was 3.6. And she did it at home, water birth with assistance of doula and midwife. It was not easy birth for her, as the 2nd one had large head, and midwife had to do a small cut for a child to come through, but she did it! It took her 12 hours altogether. I am going to use same midwife for myself, she has 20 years experience of births, of any kinds, many successful VBAC, she even delivers 5kg babies naturally (wow). Can give you her contacts if you need, she assists at home and is hospital, discovery fully covers both options, which means you get all your money back for her fees no matter where the birth is.
With regard to how to get it right in your head - I am using self-hypnosis to address subconscious mind. Basically from about 7 months, I lie down every day for 30 min, fully relax and give myself positive affirmations like "my birth is easy and pleasant", "as I approach the birth of my baby I am completely relaxed and confident", "I trust that my body and my baby know what to do", etc. Invent them yourself, or take them from Hypnobirthing book of M.Mongan. If you need to learn on how to properly relax - get any book on self-hypnosis techniques, they are very simple. Why I know self-hypnosis works, I used it to cure myself of serious case of panic attacks 2 years ago, that is another story, but it worked. Subconscious does what you tell it to do, but you have to be fully relaxed to give it commands. So far, I am getting lots of intence Braxton-Hicks since 32 weeks, and they are all quite pleasant! However, you will know if it worked for my birth plan in about 10 days, I'll post on it.

Eloa all

Zelf thanks for update on list...can't believe so many ladies on here...

Simone congrats on the birth of your son...please do come and brag with pics...

Aaa now my mind has hit a blank, hate it when that happens...

AFM: went for my check up yesterday, Izelle weighs 1.2kgs now and still won't show her face, something to look forward to when she is born. I'm going in a C-section 28 Feb so only 9 and a half weeks left over for me...can't wait anymore...

If any of you ladies are going away please travel safely, we leaving tomorrow morning at 5am can't wait anymore...just hope I have remembered everything...

Hallo, sorry been MIA.

Been so busy. But now the chaos has calmed down a bit.

Trying to catch up, but giving up, too many posts.

Congrats Simone on the birth of your boy!

I saw Amanda S had her baby via emergency C-sec, hope you are both doing well. What happened though?

News on my side, we moved house! We are in Fish Hoek now, closer to my in laws.

I am doing very well, as is baby, my last scan was 7th December, but was in a bit of trouble with Doc as I had lost weight. Just too hot to eat and I confess I have been so busy. BUT he said baby was the right weight (was 1.4kg), and everything is still fine for the VBAC.

Oh and we finally decided on a name: DAMIAN.

I haven't even packed my hospital bag, need to find some nice PJ's-any ideas anyone? Went to woolies the weekend but had my son with me and he was being impossible so had to give up, never even looked at what they had.

Angie, (think it was you that asked about preparing your breast) read somewhere that you can apply Lansinoh (that is the absolute best) in the weeks leading up to baby's birth, but dont stimulate (there is an old wives tale that you should brush your nipples with a nail brush *OUCH*) as it can cause premature labour. I didn't prepare my breasts at all with my son and he only managed to anihalate one nipple and lansinoh sorted that out very quick. So planning to start with it beginning feb.

Cookie I like the name Luca! As for how long it takes for your cervix to dilate I think that differs from person to person.

I am getting very nervous about the VBAC, as everyone that I know of that tried to do it, was unsuccessful, how do I get it right in my head, need to focus on positive things and affirm to myself that I can do it (also need to believe in myself) just stuck at how to achieve that, any advice?

Only two more work days then I am on holiday...cannot wait, have to come back though for two weeks in Feb, depending on whether I can bear it, but the longer I work, the longer I have at home with Damian.

Congrats Simone on the birth of your little boy!!! Cant wait to see a pic of him!!

CONGRATS SIMONE on the birth of Joshua at a whooping 3.7kg WOW

Only today and tomorrow then i'm on maternity leave till 2 May 2012 YIPPEE!
So over this year already, its been one hell ride.

Mandy GOOD LUCK Honey, cant wait to hear the stories.

I eventually paid everything off yesterday, Hospital is paid, Gynae is paid & Paed is paid. What a stressful wait for that money to come into my bank account. Now i am broke yet again LOL

Zelf & Carol - Ladies please becareful in the sun, that bright Red ball is bloody harsh. I got sunburnt once and got blisters 'wat skrik vir niks' dont think i have ever taken the chance again. HOT DAY = INSIDE in the air con

Havent been through all the recent posts, as i have way to much work here.

Annie - Welcome to a wonderful chatroom. These ladies are bloody awesome

Had my 34week appointment on the 9 December, my baby boy is weighing at 2.5kg and Dr says he is big as his measurements were sitting at 36weeks.

How long does it take to start dilating & stuff when your cervix is soft (something like that, wasnt paying much attention, TO MUCH BACK PAIN to concentrate).

Where is lollipop & Justine?

Zelf - im going natural again this time around & still this little man has no name. I said i would wait for him to enter the world to see what he looks like

( But i still like the name LUCA, what do you ladies think?)

Ladies enjoy this wonderful Wednesday

Lovies Heather

A Big Congrats to Simone on the birth of Joshua.

Mandy all the best for today.

Sorry my post is so short have to get back to work.

Enjoy your day ladies.