AUGUST 2014 BABIES!

Thanks for the awesome reply - and sorry again for my long post, I get carried away some times Will definitely go and check out that aspirator and the Mom 2 Be shakes.. I did research on the sleep positioners and apparently overseas is actually saying mothers must not use them because they pose more risk. I'm not sure now.

China - never wasted money on maternity clothes. My saving grace was something called a Yummy Mummy Tummy. I bought one in black and one in white. Google it and you'll see! I only have the white one now and I use it probably every 2nd day for the pants that are slightly tight. Another trick is I wear my normal pants and then take a hairband and wrap it around the button and through the button hole and then again around the button - keeps the pants "closed" without falling down but also spacious enough so you don't feel like you're quashing your bundle.

Other things not to waste money on:

* get an electric bottle cleaner not microwave (if you're using bottles) - I bought microwave one first and then had to spend even more getting the electric

* doughnut for baby - for me was a waste of money - the edges of the doughnut are nice for baby to rest on etc but the bottom of mine was just 2 pieces of material sewn together so felt everything on the floor. Only ended up using it on the bed or if I put thick blankets underneath - then it worked nicely for tummy time and play time.

* fancy nail clipper kits (i.e. baby care medical kits) that include medicine droppers etc - you seriously just need a small nail clipper or scissors and you'll get droppers when you buy your first bottle of baby panado or just buy them loose for like R2 at the pharmacy if you need a dropper

* nappy bucket and Milton sterilizing liquid - never ever used but I bought it coz it's on everyone's lists

* again, if using bottles, definitely invest in a bottle warmer - so much easier in the middle of the night than boiling kettles (microwave not so great)

* bottle brushes - don't buy expensive ones because you will replace them very often so just go for cheapies


Maternity bras - they can be sooooo expensive but Edgars seriously has the most affordable packs. Last time I checked it was R250 for 2 and normally breastfeeding bras go for R250 for 1 or even R300 or 1. With my first I'm sure I got from Woolies. Oh shucks, just seen that you said your Edgars and Woolies don't have. How about Ackermans maybe? Otherwise you'll have to go pricey with Carriwell at the baby shops.

Scare - had cramps and aching feeling all over my tummy and back on Tuesday. Wednesday day it was gone but then came back Wednesday night and I hardly slept. Missed work and went to gynae - all is well I still feel very uncomfortable and awkward - almost like you should feel when you're 30 odd weeks.

Travel system - anyone decided on one yet? I'm going for the Baby Buggz Senova. Again I've done my research and found a place in Joburg that sells them for 2 grand cheaper and it come with a nappy bag!

Have an awesome Friday guys - school holidays coming up.

Cheers

Eve

Hi Mommies

So im counting down the hours til tomorrow for my anomaly scan, i just found out that my scan is going tol cost R1650 luckily i claim it back from the medical aid! Hopefully find out baby's sex also. Baby has been so active lately and the other day while i was laying in the bath. I saw some movement but it was so quick and then baby stopped moving.

I wanted to ask:

1.where is the best place to buy maternity bra's? my bra's are driving me crazy to the point where im going to start coming to work commando style (just kidding). I havent put on much weight but i need to buy new pants and i have no idea where to start looking as our Woolworths and Edgars no longer do Maternity wear.

2.What did you guys buy in your 1st pregnancy that ended up being a waste of money?

hope to hear from you all soon!! will let you know how the scan went tomorrow

And a separate post for Eve!

Sorry you couldn't see what sex baby was! Guess we're in the same boat!

Ok, now for your questions.

1) I really like the sleep positioner because it acts like a wedge too. You can buy one at diskem or baby city. It has detachable wedges that you can use once baby outgrows the lift bit. Also a rolled up blanket works really well as a wedge.

2) You get a generic one from diskem. It's orange and comes in all different sizes. It's the best because it doesn't have any separate parts so the suction power is awesome. It's hospital grade (looks just like the ones they use in the hospital nursery) I bought all the other brands and threw them away because they just didn't work. Plus this one is the cheapest.

3) I used mother nature with my son and they were amazing. A friend of mine has used the AIO nappies from Bam+boo and she swears by them. I am probably going to use those ones because I was constantly running out of covers and the nappies from my son are a bit worn (I'll keep them as spares)

4) Can't help you with that one. My friends bought me a beautiful nappy bag but I have no idea what brand it is. I would suggest having 2 though. One bigger one, for when you're out with both of them, and one smaller one, for when you're out with baby only.

5) If you're using reusable nappies and only using the occasional disposable, I would say skip the expensive bin. We use a normal, small bathroom bin for the disposables with a strict rule that the poo nappies go into a nappy bag and straight to the black bin outside. I found those nappy bins don't really make a difference. Still smells bad.

6) Good idea! Now if only I could sew...

7) You should also try the Mom2Be Shakes. They are amazing. I found my milk much better when I had one. A little pricey but worth it those first days. Especially when DH has to go back to work and you're dealing with 2 babies at home. The shakes are so filling, so you can have them instead of a meal. Plus they taste delicious.

8) I'm always so sad when the cord falls off! Will keep a look out for the powder though.

9) I had to laugh at this one. It def does help. I used it after my daughter was born. No flat tummy though. Think those days are over.

10) It's worth a try if you have flat nipples. It just gives baby something to latch onto. The suction does the rest. My sister used them and they seemed to help her. Plus they aren't too pricey. Also saves your nipple from cracks, especially if your nipples are flat and baby really has to suck. Could mean sore nipples much sooner.

Hello everyone!

Ug, I am gigantic. Already feel so uncomfortable! Ok, that's my moan done for the week.

Jupiter - Congrats on team Blue! Don't worry, I think we all want a pigeon pair, but I know so many brothers who are such good pals. It'll all be for the best. Just means you have to have a third one now!

Bee - what exercise are you doing? I have a gym membership but just haven't been motivated to go. Plus I also really don't know what I should do. I used to run at the gym but I really don't think I could do that now. Would love to hear what you're doing.

Hi Petro - not too sure about the hospitals in Pretoria. A lot of the ladies on here seem to like Femina. I don't know anything about it though. How did your scan go?

Welcome China Bean - my advice would actually be to have baby as still as possible for the detailed scan. Gynae will make sure that babies organs are all where they should be (especially kidneys, heart, lungs and stomach) He'll also check the brain to make sure it's divided and that 2 sections are clearly visible. It helps if baby is still because then your doc can get a clear picture. Plus at my scan, my little one wouldn't stop moving and that's why we couldn't see what it is.

Hey ladies

Spent hours researching and pricing baby stuff but wanted your opinion coz I've kinda forgotten a few things from my first baby. Also, my choice on a few things.....

1 - Does one need a sleep wedge and a sleep positioner? If yes to both - where to get the cheapest one that won't make baby have a flat head

2 - Best nasal aspirator - I've seen the baby vac one that mom sucks out with a tube but it doesn't go near her mouth but almost R300. I had the Bennetts one but aspirator doesn't work so nicely. Pigeon? What else?

3 - Best brand of reusable nappies - I'm going to try do this again. used Stegi with first baby and sold them after a week because he smelled of wee all the time and it leaked

4 - Best nappy bag for use with newborn and a toddler i.e. need loads of space. I've looked at the BabyMoov sports bag but it's almost a grand. So Good Candy makes those plastic outside bags which are awesome for keeping clean. JJ cole? Must look pretty as well as it's the only bag I'll be rocking for a while.

5 - Nappy bin - I'm planning on getting the Angelcare bin and then have watched a youtube video on how to insert a normal blackbag in the empty cartridge so it doesn't cost a load.

6 - My mom is making a wind protector using a normal receiving blanket and sewing elastic around the edges so it fits over the car seat / piccolo and doesn't blow off. I was forever trying to keep the blanket over the car seat. You can buy these but expensive so just make it.

7 - Breastfeeding - lactaboost - 60 tablets, R295 - definitely getting

8 - Weleda Wecesin powder - used for the umbilical cord - helps to dry out the cord quicker so it falls off quicker. I used with first baby. Can still clean with surgical spirit but then you're wetting it all the time so put on the powder afterwards - I took into hospital with me and used from day one.

9 - Belly wraps for post birth - buying on ebay - pull muscles back and have a "flat" tummy afterwards

10 - Nipple shields - do they really help, even if you have flat nipples? I can't see how a flat nipple will get into the nipple shield so baby can suck?

That's it for now.

Please comment - would love to hear your opinions and also share what you've researched or know so far.

Many thanks

Eve
xxxx

Hey gorgeous tummies

Hope you're all feeling amazing!

Went to gynae yesterday and dum dum dum.......baby was hiding its bits Had a profile view of head, body, bums and legs and cord was between the legs. Gynae said he thought it was a boy but then said he thought it was the cord. We tried looking from below and I honestly didn't see any balls or bits so not sure. He said he wouldn't bet his ferrari on giving me a gender so I have to wait till the detailed scan in 4 weeks time.

LittleOne - DON'T let your friends or anyone else tell you off about going natural and doing what you feel is best. Midwives are trained, they're not just people off the street! They've delivered loads of babies and you will be in the hospital with backup staff so you have absolutely nothing to worry about - I would love to have that option. We unfortunately had an emergency csection with our first child and when I enquired about a vbac at Vincent Pallotti with a midwife, they said they no longer do it - I was very very upset. I'm pretty sure it was Sister Angela that I was emailing as well and she was all keen to do it with the backup of Dr Dumbrill but then she emailed me later to say that he was no longer willing to be backup for vbacs (and she didn't give an another option of gynae who does vbacs).

China_bean - welcome yes I've also heard that drinking fanta or a sugary drink before your scan can make baby more active. I think I did it once but can't remember if it made any difference.

Oh re weight again - I've picked up a whopping 4kgs!! Gynae gave me some exercises to do but I haven't done any yet - I'm so exhausted.

Hope you all have an awesome long weekend. I'm 30 tomorrow so will be celebrating with family and friends

Cheers all

xxxx

Hi Little One

Its very strange to actually see how many people i know from my school days that are pregnant and are expecting around the same time as us.

My tummy isnt big at all, only time that it is noticeable is if i wear something a lil tighter OR if im in my bra and panties LOL.

I was at a different OB/GYN and i wasnt happy with her because she wasnt very informative and it felt like my scan was rushed. i didnt get a chance to ask her the questions i wanted to ask. So i changed over to Dr Hall at the Parklane clinic(i was born there) and he is absolutely wonderful, he took his time and asked me all the questions and cracked a few jokes and it was really great. I had blood tests done to see for any abnormalities that can result in down syndrome and when he got my results back he immediately called me with the good news. I was actually worried cause normally my EX gynae would only call if there was something wrong BUT all was good and now i see him next Thursday 27 March 2014.

Im doing the whole natural birth with no drugs route, so you guys need to wish me luck. (HAHA) Im only planning on having one child as my Fiance' already has a lil boy, so the pain of giving birth is going to be a "one time" thing and i would like to fully experience it.

Have a good long weekend everybody!!!