Due April/May 2016

@licious He just said in most cases epidurial births end up in "assisted" births were they sometimes have to use forceps to help the baby come out and that is not good for baby.

@Maj Yes this is my 1st. He is all supportive of me going natural but he said he just wont give me the support I will need during my birth (basically saying that he doesn't have the time to sit around and wait), hence he suggested I go with a midwife and he will still be my stand in Gynea.

Going with another Gynae is always an option but I'm thinking since I'm so far along, I'll go with the midwife option.

Aaw ninies, hope the hip pain improves!! I read somewhere to try and keep your legs together when jumping out of the bed and car, etc so that u aint stretching from the hip.
Maybe try a ice pack for the swelling a little bit in the morning!

Glad you enjoyed the baby shower. I am also one for a smaller thing, rather than too many people.

Are you using "chalk" paint on the drawers? glad you have made a start.

I also have an app tomorrow. curious to know how big she is, cos I feel huuuge!!

Welcome MamaK. Glad your little one is doing well. Is this your first?
I am shocked by the dr saying he doesnt do "natural births"!! Why would he not?
Would you not consider seeing another gynea who is more in tune with natural and an epidural?
Its all about mental prep, focusing on the baby to get you through the discomfort, and throwing away that block that birth is a painful experience!

I read something interesting, on average contractions last a minute at a time, with a peak in the middle, and then they ease. 30 seconds, how quick is that, especially if you break it up into "i need to take three long, calming breathes!"

Good Morning Ladies

@Ninies: is it really 34 weeks?, time flies. so its 6 weeks left. I have not reached that point of being restless. I still still sleep well at night.
@Maj : we need a day off, I am so hot.
@MamaK: Welcome dear. I am also expecting a girl wow you have a big girl there. did you ask your doctor why he is against the epidural?

Good Morning Ladies,

I have been following the group for months now, I just finally decided to register and start taking part in the build up to the births seeing that I'm in the same boat.

I am a FTM, 33weeks, due 20th April and having a girl . I had my Drs appointment on Friday and all is well with baby, she weighed in at 2.25kg.

All along I was of the opinion that I'm going to give birth naturally with an epidural, I am scared on pain so I never even had to think twice about getting an epidural. Until at my last appointment when I told my Dr about my birthing plan, and he bluntly told me that he doesn't do natural births and does not encourage getting an epidural, he however recommended a mid-wife I can go with if I want to do natural birth.

It was then on Friday that I was faced with making the decision to go unmedicated natural or c-section. I decided to go natural, making the decision was easy as I know natural is the best way to go, the only thing that was making me go with an epidural was the pain, but now I have a little over 6weeks to prepare myself mentally for a natural birth. I will not lie, I am terrified but know that in the end it will all be worth it.

Anyway, apologies for my essay, I just needed to let that out.

I hope all is going well with everyone.

Hi Ladies.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Im feeling off today, queasy and a little off-balanced! its very odd!

Think I need a day off tomorrow!

@Jaybee had a refresher session with Kim (hypnobirthing) on Sat. And when she went through the different breathing techniques, i thought about your question about whether I used them, realised I also used the surge (abdomen) breathing during the contractions.
I am feeling alot more confident about the birth after seeing her. She suggested we have a home birth! Needless to say hubby was not in favour of that!!

Good morning ladies,

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

My sister held a baby shower for me yesterday. It was very small as she lives where I used to live and it is like 150km's from where I stay. It was very nice though and we got some nice clothes, warm cuddly blankets and products. It will sure help alot.

I have managed to start painting my chest of drawers on saturday. I sitll have 3 of the 4 drawers left to paint and then I must wax it and then I am done. Only then will I start washing baby's clothes and pack them in and pack his hospital bag.

I am having my 34 week scan tomorrow and we will probably book the c-section as well so the date will become a reality then. I am so uncomfortable now. My hips get so sore at night and every time I wake up to go to the loo, I am finding it very hard to walk the 3m's
It feels like I will need a double hip replacement after this pregnancy.
I sleep on my right side and my right hand swells up so much that it also hurts. I dont know why that is...

How is everyone else doing?

@GRBM, when it's the 2nd kid, you are definitely more relaxed!! Make a list of what you have, and what you need.
The bed booking- I only did it at 26/27 weeks and that was because the dr sent me to do it! With the 1st one I think I booked my bed at 31 weeks!!
I also have no interest at work at the moment!

@jaybee keep up with the squats, the legs will get stronger before you know it!

@ninies apparently going from 1 kid to 2 is as big an adjustment as from 0 to 1!! Eek!!
@jaybee you are lucky to have your sister so close. Life changes with the kid, and it's an adjustment, but you get through it. It's important to make some time for one another, and have some adult conversation. After the initial adjustment you can still jump into the car and go to the beach, or have the braai. The sleeping in is something else though...

Have a look at baby city for some sheets. I remember getting some there, but I ddnt get winter sheets.

@jaybee I am still craving the sweet stuff. It's apple pie today!! Lol! And I'm also putting on just under 1 kg a week! groan!! But I haven't been going for a walk or any exercise this week. So I'm a lot stiffer and more tired this week!
Regarding breathing baby, I am not quite sure! but I used it a lot to help with the constipation before and after! I remember breathing a lot when I had the urges to push but not sure about the last moments.

@monei, some days we need to bunk work! My daughter was a bit sick yesterday, and I had already given the nanny the morning off, so I stayed at home with her for the morning. I had suuuch a good nap!!
My boobs got a cup size bigger after no. 1, and now I have gone up 2-3 sizes while pregs. So I reckon I'll be a size bigger again now too! My prob is they not perky