Due April/May 2016

@ Sonsbaby, I use the elizabeth anne detergent range. I think Dischem has it on special for R36. They also have a stain remover in a small roller bottle. It really gets the poo and milk stains out well. I think I only used a bottle or 2, and then we started washing all the clothes together with the normal washing powder. I still use the stain remover on our clothes! with a toddler/preschooler you really need a good one!
We tend to stay away from fabric softeners and anything with too much perfume as we have a history of allergies!

The receivers, you probably need a couple more. I need to find the list of what you should have for a newborn. Buy the bigger ones, sometimes they sell ones which cant be used for swaddling.

I agree with LolaBunny about the Ziploc bags. Makes more sense.

I also wanna shop, so even though I need to get stuff, I am staying away from the shops as I will just buy too much!

Leaking breasts-yes that sometimes happens before the baby is here! yup, you will need to use the breastpads from now. Gosh I havent bought any yet!

@ninies, how did the app go?
I was supposed to go for an app today as well, but they just called from the drs to ask to postpone to tomorrow as the dr is in surgery!

@Sonsbaby - About the washing detergents - my mom advised me NOT to use the special baby washing powder, but to use what I use - that way baby gets used to the usual stuff we use. It worked out great, because I didn't have to buy extra more expensive washing powder - I used the baby stay-soft stuff (all the brands) and nothing happened to her. I guess, your baby might have allergies to certain washing detergents, but you won't know until she/he is here to try it. You can always just make sure you are very light-handed with the detergents. For the stains, my mom scrubbed baby's vests with sunlight soap and it really worked! Comfort has really yummy smelling baby fabric softner - I diluted it, so it wasn't so strong.

Also, I think for pumping and freezing, you can use any ziplock baggies as well - just store them in a cup until frozen and they get their shape, then you can transfer to another container. At least, that's what Google said - my daughter refused to drink anything from her bottle, she only wanted her boobies She even told me that her sister can't have boobies, her sister must drink juice

Baby number 2 is due 22 May - but we are going to gyni every 2 weeks to monitor the size of her head, so I have no idea what's going to happen :/

@maj I'm with you on not getting things done. I've been meaning to clear out old clothes and things we don't need in general around the house, just to some space. I don't wanna be shoving things everywhere when the baby is here. I hate a cluttered space, so I better get to it ASAP. Every week I say I'm gtonna do it at the weekend, come the weekend nothing gets done, lol.

@sonsbaby I would also like to know about detergents to use for baby stuff, please help ladies.

I am so scared to try anything to speed things up, I'll just wait and hope for the best.

Hi ladies!

Hope the long weekend was fabulous for everyone!! Personally I cant wait for the next one LOL!! I sooo wish I could take off this week but yeah it was decided for me that I will stay at work standing in for others as according to them I will have a long enough "rest" when I go on maternity leave next month!! I struggled so much this morning to get out of bed its insane!!

My weekend was quite productive. We sorted out cupboards and repacked and sorted though stuff to try and make space for all the TONS of baby stuff. Still cannot believe a little wee bundle can take up so much space We only waiting for some décor stuff that I ordered to arrive and then a changing table/drawer set to arrive then our baby room is more or less sorted. I decided to wait till the drawers are here before I rinse out all the new baby clothes and blankets. I also need to seriously pay attention to start packing the hospital bags!! Oh yes what washing powder will you ladies use to wash the baby clothes? I went to look at the woollies brand and wow at R120 a bottle its so not a option for me!

@licious - I would say still do the massages it might just help you not to tear allot? and try the evening primrose oil like Maj suggested. I was thinking of using it even though this is my first baby it can just help?

@MamaK - glad you had such a nice babyshower! Now you can see what you really need to buy still! I loved going through everything afterwards and making a list of what I see I still needed!

@Jay-bee - OH MY you talk about wanting to buy and buy... I have that problem too I just need to stay out of baby stores!!

Talking about buying baby stuff....how many receiving blankets is enough?? I have about 4 but my mom says she thinks I should get more? And then I got a shock when I went to see how much those little holders is that you need to store breast milk to freeze it!! Its insane how much they charge!! Is anyone planning on pumping to freeze and what are you going to use?

I started noticing some tiny bit of leakage from my nipples!! lol as my first pregnancy you can imagine my surprise and reaction!! I though it only starts after the birth?? Am I suppose to use those paddy things now already??

@Maj - . I tried getting hubby to take one for the team but he also freaked at the idea. I dont know what is the big deal with them....
I would not mind having a 3rd child, but hubby says no we wont be able to afford it. But on the other hand if I forget to take the pill and get pregnant again then maybe he will consider a snip-snip then

But in all honesty, my age is really the deciding factor. I am already 36 and will be 37 in December, so then having another baby is becoming more risky for me.

I will have a chat to my doctor and see what he suggests. Maybe I will also try the mirena.

Hi Ladies.
The weekend was good, somehow rushed by quicker than i would have liked

@MamaK glad you had a good babyshower, and some TLC from mum. I cant wait for her to arrive! Although she sent a ton of food with my sister who is visiting.

Its so nice to have them around, although she has 3 kids (10, 8 and 2) and my 3.5yr old daughter, so the house gets a bit overcrowded at times!
I was pushing the 2 yr old in the pram, my daughter alongside me, and an oldish woman walks past, comments on how sweet the girls are, and how brave I am! I almost freaked! Imagine having 3 daughters all 2 yrs apart! that aint braveness, thats a bit of madness!!

@licious, sinuses are still bothering me! this morning, they seemed to be getting worse again! but at least I dont feel like someone has punched me in the face in the mornings!

@Jaybee, the exercise regime seems impressive, but I get sooo lazy to do any of it. Get a little bit of some yoga stretches everyday though, else my back is really sore! Its so ridiculous how slowly I now walk! Hubby asked me the other day, if he carries my daughter will that speed things up (my daughter gets distracted and walks very slowly).
I wish I had a surge of energy!! there are 50 things I want to do, but I end up doing so little. I have decided I am going to set smaller targets rather so I can actually tick something off the list, but I dont even get to those!!

@licious, i tore with the last birth, but figured ill just try the massage, if there is a slight chance that it will help-y not try!! Someone told me the evening primrose oil helps with the scar tissue. I bought some from the health shop yesterday and started the massage last night. I am convinced I am doing it wrong though-lol!
I come from a family of doctors, and yes, they are very reluctant to try "natural alternatives", Its how they are trained, especially specialists! GPs are alot more open to the alternates.

Im also a bit unsure regarding the raspbery tea leaf, I did not drink it the last time, and things went pretty well for me, so I dont think I am going to try it this time. We have some other indian drinks and herbs and foods that apparently help, so my mum will make sure i have those!

@ninies, y not convince hubby to take 1 for the team now-haha! Im just joking, my hubby will freak at the suggestion!
Sterilisation will be too extreme (permanent) for me. Even though we dont think we will have another kid, I think hubby and I might like the option of having a son! but who knows.....
I know i will forget to take the pill, its a mission to remember! I will probably get a mirena inserted again.

@ MamaK, I also waited to see what I got as pressies from the baby shower before I went out and started clothes shopping. I have bought everything she needs but still I want to buy more like a crazy person

@ Licious, I am really considering using the RLT but a bit scared that I take it too soon as some people say from 32 weeks and others say after 34weeks. Ai maybe I should just not take it otherwise I will be worrying about it all the time. I am also very scared of tearing, and if you do the perineal massages will that maybe not let you tear as bad even if you have tore before?

@ Ninies, wow 36 weeks already! I remember our conversations on the trying for a 2016 baby like it was the other day keep us posted on your doctors visit tomorrow. Not sure about the sterilization though, maybe you can try another form of contraceptive besides the pill?

@ Maj, wow your exercise regime is quite impressive! I was amped to go for a walk this morning but then dawdled around and now don't feel like it.... laziness I tell you.