Due April/May 2016

Good Morning Ladies

@ Congradulations your boys looks beautiful. I think with time you will adjust nicely.
@Blou congradulations, well done on the med-free labour. what caused your baby's infection if you don't mind me asking.
@Maj hahahaha somehow I can still button my jeans.

Hi ladies!

Just an update! Went into labour naturally on Saturday at about 15:00 after we went for a walk, I had bloody show earlier in the day.

Contractions came fast and strong, we went to the birth unit at femina just after 19:00 and then I was already 5cm dilated!

Had a very calm natural birth without any pain medications or medical interventions, just like I wanted! Laboured in the water for most of the time and had a wonderful water birth! It was intense especially at the end when I had to push but I did it!!!

My beautiful boy, was born at 01:35 on 24 April so labour was just over 10 hours in total. He weighed 3.46kg, 54 cm long.

I will attach a pic. He has a bit of an infection now so he has been admitted to get some abtibiotics, so hope that will clear up soon.

@Ninies, your boys are so sweet!!

Im sure I am going to be in a similar boat as you with the baby blues. My mum is coming to stay with us for a couple of weeks, but then she has to go back home! And I know she is going to be a big help!
Is your son playing up? Especially if he doesn't get attention?
Just hang in there, and its ok to take moments alone and regroup (even if the boys are screaming).

Hows the breastfeeding going? I am planning to do it for about 18 months again.

Appointment is on Tues! Will pack the bag this weekend! Even hubby is nagging me about it!

Has anyone seen long sleeved button-front pj's? i cant believe that pj's now cost R350+ at woolies!

@GRBM, hope the lump is milk related and nothing hectic!
Is the 13th not too close to your due date? I have been advising everyone to go on leave at about 36 weeks, as I am struggling! Mornings and afternoons are the worst! and I think i need a little "me-time" o sort out 1 or 2 things before the baby arrives: buy last minute things, cook and freeze some meals, get a haircut and a wax, etc.

I am also wondering about UIF. Has anyone started the process on their own? Those already on Maternity Leave, have you received your first payments?
I think there are quite a few agencies, but the mums already using them please advise on costs, turnaround times, etc.

@Ninies Congratulations, both your boys look beautiful. The older brother seems very happy I breastfed my daughter until 1year 6 months, i am hoping to breastfeed this one the same amount of time, that's if the lump on my boob turns out to be nothing.

Hi Ladies

Sorry for being so quiet I have been struggling to log in, How is everyone doing? seems like i missed out on a lot

@MamaK Congratulations, she looks beautiful.

@Jay-Bee01 Cute bump you have there, your lucky you can still button your pants at 36 weeks.

@Maj Thank you for the hospital bag heads up, i had no idea what i was going to pack lol

Just to update you ladies, the lump on my boob is still there. Doctor advised we wait till i give birth and try to breast feed and see if it will go away, if not then i will have to do a mammogram. My due date has now changed to the 16th May, i still have not decided when to take maternity leave and for how long. But i am thinking the 13th May will be my last day at the office and the day of my baby shower.

Has anyone used any agency to claim from UIF? Someone was just telling me that she applied for UIF last year March and she still has not received her money, so i am thinking of going the agency route, i wont have the energy to keep following up with Dept of Labour all the time. Medi Clinic has this agency that they work with, apparently you pay a once off fee of R450 and they do all the process for you. But this only applies for mothers giving birth at Medi Clinic Hospitals.

Hi ladies,

Congrats MamaK, what a beautiful name. So glad the birth went well and as planned.

Jaybee - what is the coccyx? How was your appointment?

@Maj - I am glad the iron drip went well. How was your appointment? You better get your bag packed hun

Here is a picture of our boy Luke. The other picture is of both my boys.




We are adjusting slowly to our new life and the new baby. I have a bit of baby blues, been finding it difficult to come to terms with all the changes. I am someone that does not like too many changes and I think part of my baby blues is because my MIL is leaving us on 1 may to visit her daughter and son in Cape Town. She has really been such a big help and at least I was not alone. So another change for me on the cards. But I know we will eventually be fine again.

Is everyone planning on breastfeeding, and for how long?

@MamaK congratulations!! what a pretty name, and she looks just so sweet!! May she always bring you happiness!
I agree with licious, use the course salt water for the tears. Have the salt and a jug in the bathroom, and everytime you wee, mix about a litre full and wash. Alternately you can sit in a little dish of salt water for a bit a couple of times a day!

@licious, cute bump, I feel sooo huge compared to you and Jay-Bee. Still have not gotten to taking another bump pic!!
Are you wearing normal jeans, with the button closed?! how?! I haven't been able to wear any pants with a button at the top!

Hospital Bag: pj's and a gown, underwear (and pads), flip flops, clothes for coming home in, toiletries, maybe a towel (im not too keen to use the hospital towels!) Your ID is prob in your handbag, though maybe dont take your handbag, rather pack a R100 in the bag. A water bottle (cos they take a looong time to bring you water at the hospital), a cellphone charger.
Have I missed anything?

The list is slowly changing to born dates! how exciting and scary!