Shopping

Just back from finally spending some of my Health in Pregnancy grant... very tired... dropped over £90 alone in Mothercare, Bromley... exhausted. Will post a full report tomorrow when I'm awake and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........................

Dylan's TV debut!

Went to a filming of the BBC's 'Live at the Apollo' last night and had a truly brilliant night. We got there, expecting the usual queuing nonsense, only to find the lovely Martin the ticket company had already reserved us seats, so we could head off and come back when the door opened.

When we took our seats, we had AMAZING seats, just 10 rows from the front and at the front of the block so we had bags of leg (and bump) room.

We were also sat right behind where all the 'celebrities' sit. The Z-list roll call for the evening was: Lee Stafford ('celebrity' hairdresser) who was permanently inextricable cuddled up with terrifyingly thin Jessica-Jane Clement (BBC's the Real Hustle); the bloke who plays Arthur in Merlin; Ian Beale's kids from Eastenders; 'mental' Stacey from Eastenders; Esther Ranzen (looking rather glam actually); Lee Dixon (who despite/because of being ex-Arsenal, got boo-ed a LOT); Claire Sweeney (in a hideous 'hiding-her-fame' velvet trilby; and, the la pièce de résistance, Neil and Christine Hamilton!

The first show was presented by Al Murray's Pub Landlord character, complete with motorised bar. Comedians were Chris Addison (brilliant) and Tim Vine (truly, truly awful.) There were lots of audience shots and the occasional camera shoved in my face, being on the end of the row, but nothing too horrendous.

Show two was presented by the very funny Jason Manford (who described himself as looking like a fat Michael Owen). He told us his wife had just had twins and then when he started talking about her pregnancy, I had a bit of a sinking feeling. Unsurprisingly when he got to a bit about how huge his wife's boobs had been and how he'd fancied his wife something rotten with a huge belly, a very gleeful cameraman shoved a camera right in my face. So now BBC1 are going to hear 'huge boobs and belly' and more than likely cut to a shot of me trying to crawl into my own seat, shot from underneath to show of the maximum number of chins. Marvellous. At least Dyl will be making his TV debut though!

Jason's guest was the truly brilliant and hilarious Michael McIntyre who thoroughly stole both the show and the night. In honour of this, I just have to post a clip of my favourite 'Kings of Leon' sketch of his, as it's a) genius and b) from the last series of Live at the Apollo, so very apt - enjoy!:

Maternity Allowance

Hurrah, my Maternity Allowance is now (allegedly) sorted! (*touch wood*) I finally got all my documents back plus a letter confirming my £123.06 a week until 17th July 2010, plus £175 backdated MA - PHEW!

I'll believe it when I see it in my bank account mind...

Arm wrestling

OK, I'll stop blogging today, but I just HAVE to share what happened with Dylan last night. I was lying in bed, moping and missing Al with my arm slung round my bump. I could feel a rather large lump. When the lump started to move, I realised I could feel a perfectly formed arm. I've felt protrusions before, but this was like feeling a tiny doll through my belly! I could feel his arm, wrist and elbow! The more I felt, the more he started to respond and we had a little arm wrestle!

It was so amazing. I feel Dylan all the time, but he's just something that is weight and movement, or something that occasionally displaces bits of my belly in a funny way. This is the first time I've got a real sense of his physicality, that there is something actually baby shaped in there (bang goes my John-Hurt-Alien theory!) I could imaging what his arm looked like and everything. I felt so privileged, like a glimpse of the boy he's to become.

I can't wait to meet you my baby boy, and feel your arm without the layer of Helen-fat!

Dylan's latest acquisitions!

Gosh, I'm busy on the blog today. Sign I'm feeling fractionally less bleurgh!

Yes, I've been at it AGAIN with he eBay bargains, so I thought it was a good excuse to update the blog with Dylan's latest purchase, plus some lovely pressies from Auntie Cazzy and Uncle Pablo!

Right, let's start with the eBaying...

Remember how much I wanted this cot bumper?: http://frombeantobump.blogspot.com/2009/08/zooby.html but it was £20? Well, I got it! Brand new and... for £6.24 inc postage - not bad eh? It's GORGEOUS! I'm so chuffed!

I also, just for a laugh, bought this as a name plate for his door - it's Dylan, it's Welsh and, in case he takes after his dad, ale-related! Genius!

We got this sleepsuit from Asda the other day, where we bumped into Jonathan (aka Johnny the Greek, aka Johannes El Greco, aka Enrique!), Ruth and their gorgeous little 'un Alexa.

Finally, a massive thank you to Auntie Carolyn and Uncle Paul who gave us these lovely pressies for Dylan - thank guys!

The racing t-shirt is clearly not Paul's way of coercing Dylan into a life of motorbike racing is it...!? lol!

Non-maternity clothes

Here's proof that non-maternity clothes are pretty much off limits now!

It's enough to put you off your lunch I'm afraid - sorry! However, I have just ordered this non-maternity coat from Tesco:

It was £15, and still under £20 with postage! I saw it on the Tesco advert and wanted it. I wasn't going to buy it but when I saw they'd taken another 25% off the price, I figured order it and risk it. If it doesn't fit, I'll take it back to a Tesco store maybe? So, fingers crossed it fits!!! It looks pretty bump friendly an for £18.95, it's perfect even if it only gets worn this winter whilst I'm mahoosive!

Maternity Services Review

As it's all still up in the air as to whether Dylan will make his life-debut in London or the Midlands, I figured it was about time to get some research done. So, I hit the Care Quality Commission website to look at the government's review of maternity services in the two areas Dyl and I are likely to be in. I looked at six hospitals.

In London, I looked at: Lewisham, with whom I'm technical expected to give birth as it currently stands; Kings College Hospital, my next nearest maternity unit; and the Elizabeth Garrett Unit at University College Hospital, as it's brand new, meant to be good and familiar after my two week 'vacation' there in June.

In the Midlands, I looked at: the Alexandra (aka the Alex), as it's the nearest to the area we are looking to move to and Gramdma Davis used to work there; Warwick Hospital, the next nearest and finally New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, where I was born and just in case I go into labour on Christmas Day at my parents!

I was totally amazed at the results. I perceived that UCLH would blow all the other's out of the water, and London would probably have slightly better hospitals due to the size of the place. I thought New Cross would be as bad as Lewisham, as I'd heard a lot of bad things. Boy, was I wrong! The only non-surprise was that Lewisham was HORRENDOUS!

Here's how the six stacked up in their overall rating, with the best, first:

=1st) Warwick - Better Performing (3/4) / The Alex - Better Performing (3/4)

3rd) New Cross - Better Performing (3/4)

4th) UCLH - - Fair Performing (2/4)

5th) Kings - Fair Performing (2/4)

6th) Lewisham - Least Well Performing (1/4)

The review breaks the scores down into percentages based on what mother's said. I've put a more detailed breakdown here, which I think makes very interesting reading. I can't believe how low Lewisham scored for example. They were consistently around 20% below the national average! I can say now that there is NO WAY I am giving birth there! If we are in London, I'll walk to the Euston Road to get to UCLH if I have to (I know a lot of cab firms refuse to take labouring mothers, in case we 'stain' their seats!!!)

So, it looks like, as I expected, UCLH or the Alex for me I think! It's nice to have evidence to back up my instinct though! Fingers crossed that we're in the Midlands!!!

Bump Watch @ BBC 27-28th October 09

27 Oct 2009
"Your baby is able to see in the uterus, and knows when it's light or dark." Cool

28 Oct 2009
"Are you a bit tired of being pregnant? You're well into the final trimester now. It's really not long to go, but it's normal to wish it was all over – and to feel nervous." Yes, but I'm mostly just tired of being ill. Day 11 of feeling worse and worse with each passing day. I'm not sure which is worse, the cold, the bronchitis or the stomach cramps... All fun with Dylan boxing your stomach to bits and trying to get round the house with a big bump and a limp.

Ways to freak out non-broody/non-breeder types

1. Discuss any pregnancy symptoms in great detail, the following are a good starting point:

- Haemorrhoids

- Bladder weakness

- Stretchmarks

- Oedema (swollen ankles, fingers etc)

2. Explain what an episiotomy is, with bonus points for going into details on how you can tear either forward or backwards if you don;t have one and aren't careful!

3. Informing them that you can bleed for up to six weeks after birth - makes being on the blob look like a doddle eh?

4. For girls, just tell them exactly how much weight you've put on.... works especially well with skinny girls!

Torture is fun. What I lack in waistline and bladder control, I can redeem with just being plain evil! Tee hee!

Bump Growth

Oh dear, I thought I hadn't grown much recently, until, when uploading pics to Facebook, I noticed that at week 26 I was wearing the same top as today. The difference has quite shocked me!

I'm genuinely surprised the difference four weeks have made. Even the weight gain on my face is massively noticeable. It's official, I'm a porker!

Best start planning my post-birth exercise!

Bump Watch - week 30

Late again, but I was just to ill yesterday. Al and I went to the doctors today, and it turns out we both have acute bronchitis! It sounds like our flat is in quarantine for consumption or whooping cough at the moment! I'm amazed there's not bits of lungs lying around from our violent coughing fits.... OK I'll stop now! Anyway, here's me looking like death, sporting my 30 week bump!

Maternal mortality

What a way to celebrate being 3/4s of the way through my pregnancy, than to turn on the BBC news, only to be confronted by a big story on maternal mortality. Cheerful. However, it has made me realise one thing - they did a live feed to University College Hospital's brand new maternity unit and, if I'm in London, I'm getting in the nearest taxi to there - cost be hanged! The place is AMAZING!

I was also gobsmacked to learn that the US has DOUBLE the fatality rates of the UK in childbirth! Can you believe it? That's the worst in the developed world! You can read more here.

Right, I'm going back to having a good old mope - s'laters! x

30 weeks today!

I really should be more cheerful but I feel thoroughly miserable, possibly because:

1) I feel fat and horrible

2) The estate agents want £800-1100 just to show tenants round, send the details to some property websites and copy some legal documents. The fees don't even include referencing (which the tenant pays for) or inventory (which is extra, but I'm going to do anyway.)

3) I've seen LOADS of ants today, in several rooms, which potentially renders the place unrentable unless we get them sorted

4) I'm STILL ill. It's been over a week now with NO decongestants, just poxy paracetamol. I'm sick of feeling like death.

5) There isn't a five, but five is my lucky number so I wanted to list 5 things!

Right, I'm taking my fat, grumpy and ill arse off to the sofa. Bugger cleaning, I'm going to have comfort food and a sleep.

Hmpf!

Raspberry Leaf Tea

I must be ill, I'm researching strange things again! Tonight, it's raspberry leaf tea. I thought it was used to induce labour, but apparently not. In fact, it sounds like pretty groovy stuff in terms of preparing the uterus for labour, and general health in late pregnancy.

As usual, I first turned to good old Wikipedia. I've cut ou some of the waffle, but here's the gist!:

"The leaves contain high concentrations of several vitamins and minerals... Vitamin C and vitamin E are present in large amounts as well as Vitamin A and some B Complex. Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. Vitamin E serves to promote better circulation in the mother."

"The Red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth [sounds good to me!] and in aiding bone development in the fetus. It also contains fragrine, an alkaloid which help tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus. This allows the uterus to contract more powerfully and effectively during labor. Also, many midwives report that it aids in focusing the pre-labor contractions that help a woman’s uterus to prepare for delivery. The high vitamin and mineral content help replace those lost via blood loss during delivery. Also, the alkaloids will continue toning the uterus as it returns to its usual size. In some women, the high mineral content may even help their milk to come in."

So far, only some research has been done. A study carried out in Sydney found, of 192 first-time mums given either a 1.2g raspberry leaf tablet or a placebo twice a day from 32 weeks of pregnancy; found that the herb had no harmful effects on mother or baby, and those women who had taken raspberry leaf tablets were found to have a shorter second stage of labour and a lower rate of forceps delivery (19.3 per cent versus 30.4 per cent). Sounds good to me! I wonder if they sell it in Holland and Barrett? I think I might give it a try from 32 weeks. God, that's only a fortnight away... eeeeeeeek!

A nice day for a bump-tastic wedding

I've finally come out of hibernation for the day. I'm still laid up with this horrendous cold, which has gotten so bad, I'm not entirely sure it isn't flu, to the point the flat cleaning was a complete no-go for both Al and I, who've done nothing but sleep, dribble snot and make a stressful trip to the supermarket (NEVER fun when you're ill!) The estate agents will have to see it as is or reschedule I'm afraid - I'll ring them with that option tomorrow morning.

Yesterday on the other had, was a much nicer day. Al and I headed down near Stonehenge for the wedding of Mr and Mrs Dave Kearn. It was a very bumptastic affair, with myself sporting my 29 week bump, the bride a 27 week bump and the sister-in-law of the bride, a 25 week bump! It was a lovely day, and brilliant to be around people as bumpy as me!

Congratulations to Dave and Angela!

(a random aside, we drove past signs for Stonehenge and also Wood Henge... is this like the three little pigs? Is there a straw henge somewhere nearby?... I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your henge in!

OK, I can't talk about Stonehenge without posting this:

)

CFS/ME and delivery...again!

I'm probably the only person that finds this interesting, but tough, it's my blog, my journey and my receptacle for storing information and memories. So, if you're not interested in the affect of CFS/ME on birth, you might want to look away now.

I came across a blog by Sofamum (www.sofamum.blogspot.com) is my South East London CFS/ME guide today. On her blog, I found a fantastic article which I partially came across on the Action for ME website. However, here she published it in full, and I'm going to copy it here, as it's invaluable advice for me. Her M.E is a lot worse than mine, but I'm still going to put some of her advise into my maternity notes and birth plan, and discuss with my midwife on the 5th.

My comments in [ ]'

Advice: Getting the Best from Maternity Services

Published Thursday May 31, 2007

http://sofamum.blogspot.com/2007/05/advice-getting-best-from-maternity.html

This is something I wrote for InterAction's excellent recent article on pregnancy and ME. They couldn't publish it in full so just quoted excerpts from it. But here's the original, in case it's useful to anyone.

NHS Maternity Services include the care you receive while you are pregnant, through to the birth itself and your first few days or weeks with your new baby. Like in other areas of healthcare, recognition and understanding of ME within Maternity Services is patchy. So it helps to know how the system works to ensure your needs as an ME sufferer are met.

My initial appointment (or “booking appointment”) with a midwife at 13 weeks came as a shock. Becoming pregnant with such a debilitating and often severe illness as ME felt like the biggest adventure my body could undertake. I was full of burning questions and anxieties about how I would cope. But ME/CFS is not considered a risk factor for complications in pregnancy or labour and many midwives I came across hadn’t even heard of it. All the concerns I raised regarding my disabilities were dismissed with the same advice given to all nervous first-time mums: “Don’t worry dear, it’ll be fine”. [Yup! Hard not to worry though!]

If you have concerns ask your midwife or GP for referral to an Obstetrician

But worry I did, and added bureaucratic complications with my antenatal care left me feeling totally unsupported. Finally I complained to a head midwife that my disability hadn’t been properly addressed. It was only then that I discovered I could freely refer myself to see an obstetrician. From then on my level of care and support improved dramatically. The doctors proved to be far more knowledgeable and sensitive towards ME than the midwives and discussed all my options for the birth in detail, from pain relief to elective caesarean. And their medical authority proved invaluable in advocating for my special needs later on during and after the birth. [I'm not going to jump straight to that yet, might start with a chat with the midwife, and see how it goes.]

Discuss ME in the context of your Birth Plan.

Make sure you discuss the risk of relapse following labour and strategies to manage your energy during it. Pain relief plays a very important role in conserving energy during labour. In my case an epidural was the only way to halt the severe relapse brought on by contractions that left me paralysed within an hour starting labour. However, everyone reacts differently and many women with ME manage a vaginal birth with minimal medical intervention without much impact on their illness. So my experience of labour can’t a basis for advice. However, I would say that there is a lot of pressure on women nowadays to aim for a natural, drug-free labour. Yet there is no glory in resisting pain-relieving drugs if they save you the strength to push your baby out at the end of a long, exhausting labour or if they help to minimise a relapse afterwards [my thinking EXACTLY!.] After all, you will want all your energy to look after your new baby. If you want to aim for an active birth, consider birthing positions which are upright but supported to avoid unnecessary muscular effort. If your ME is severe an elective caesarean might be your best option. [No! Fortunately I'm not severe - phew!]

Make sure all your requirements are stated in your Booking Notes.

This is really important. During and after the birth you probably won’t see your team of antenatal doctors or midwives. You will encounter a new team who may not have heard of ME and you probably won’t have the energy to be very assertive about your needs. So the consideration given to your ME will depend on the statements and recommendations made in your Booking Notes beforehand, (the notes you carry with you throughout pregnancy and labour), ideally by a doctor. They will include your birth plan. Mine also stated that I shouldn’t be sent home if I arrived at the hospital with labour insufficiently established; I should be allowed to eat during labour to keep up my strength, and be given my own room after the delivery if available to have more chance of sleeping than on the maternity ward.

Discuss your post-natal needs too.

It may seem impossible beforehand to envisage what life will be like with your new baby. But it’s worth discussing what your needs might be with your doctor or midwife before the birth to ensure you get the best support while you are in hospital and the best possible start as a new mum. Once again your booking notes may be vital in vouching for your genuine medical need. You may have to stay in longer than normal women (I was kept in hospital for 6 days while the paralysis and weakness wore off). Don’t be put under pressure to go home early to free up bed space. My time in hospital proved invaluable for catching up on some sleep and getting breastfeeding established. These are the strategies that helped me:
I had to give Sofia to the midwives at night time so they could give her a feed and allow me an unbroken 5 hour stretch of sleep. I hadn’t planned it and felt really guilty but this was the only way I could start to recuperate from the labour.
I asked them to cup feed her rather than bottle feed at night as this method doesn’t compromise the baby’s learning process with breastfeeding.
They showed my husband how to cup feed so he could do the night-feed once we got home.
I had lots of help with learning to breastfeed because I was too weak to sit up, lift Sofia or hold her in position. I could never have managed it without a midwife holding Sofia in place for me at every feed at first.
I needed a bed wash initially as I was unable to stand or walk to the bathroom for 3-4 days. This was certainly not considered a normal procedure on a maternity ward and I had to fight for it!

Things are coming to an end... new things are on the horizon...

God, that title sounds like something out of chick-lit or a self help book eh?

I'm nearly out of my '20s' in terms of weeks, and Kitchen-and-DIY-a-geddon are pretty much over! The flat is nearly ready for market (it makes it sound like one of the three little pigs!) and everything. Alex's parents are on their way home - thank you SO much guys for your help, and I'll post pics of all our handiwork next week when everything is cleaned and tidied. We're hoping to have the flat on the rental market by Tuesday/Wednesday next week, as I have agents coming over Monday to value the gaff. So next week will be the start of my '30s' and of (hopefully) sorting the big Midlands move. God, it feels very scary writing that. Moving. A new life. A new house and soon anew baby... AAAAAAAAARGH! Now I'm scared, it's all becoming very, very real and very, very scary! I am not going to miss London one jot, but I am going to miss all my friends here. Who am I going to go for coffee with in M&S with now eh Luce?

Everything is going to be so radically different within weeks, and yeah, I am genuinely scared. A 'good' scared mind!

Bump Watch @ BBC 17th - 21st October

What with Kitchen then DIY-a-geddon, I've been a bit slack with the old bump watch...

17 Oct 2009
"You may notice that colostrum leaks a little from your nipples – it may have been doing so for some time. It doesn't matter if you see nothing though. Some women only see it once their baby is born." NO! Thank GOD! My nipple are like the Sahara Desert! Whoop!

18 Oct 2009
"Heartburn's nothing to do with your heart, and everything to do with digestion... and in pregnancy you may well get it for the first time. It's regurgitated food mixed with stomach acids, and it hurts. Ask your doctor or chemist for antacids which are safe for you to take." Don't even START me on heartburn! Nothing works, sipping milk, Rennies or industrial strength Gaviscon - back to the docs next week I think, once I've shifted this cold (so I don't give it to the whole of New Cross!

19 Oct 2009
"Short of maternity tops? A comfortable option is your partner's shirts. Just roll up the sleeves." Maybe not shirts but I wear Al's clothes anyway. It's just worrying how they are starting to fit...

20 Oct 2009
"You may notice the start of Braxton Hicks contractions from now on, and they may continue to the end of pregnancy. They are 'practice' contractions, which don't usually hurt (but sometimes do...)." Oh yes, and they usually happen in B&Q! I don't know if that's because I spend too much time in B&Q or Dylan has a DIY shop aversion! Painless? Yeah, if you say so!

21 Oct 2009
"Your antenatal classes may start about now – you'll probably manage to complete the whole course before the birth, as they last about seven or eight weeks." Nope, start of November for me, then I have the double whammy of NHS and NCT classes - I'll be an expert by the end!

Baby Shower pics

Thanks to Lucy HK for the pics!

Bump Watch - week 29

Beached whale!

Baby Shower

I've finally had a moment to sit down and write about my lovely surprise baby shower, that I had Saturday. Alex had told me to keep the afternoon free and I spent the whole morning winding myself up trying to work out what my surprise was! In the end, I convinced myself it was something outdoorsy like hot-air ballooning, so I was hugely surprised when Al drove me to the Hamer-Knights gorgeous flat and a dozen or so people jumped out at me! It was ACE!

They put on a fabulous spread and such a good time was had by all, especially me, that I forgot to take photos. Doh! I did however get this one...

Al modelling Dylan's new cuddle robe, from his aunties Lucy and Lisa

Lucy and Lisa took some pics, so hopefully I can be cheeky and steal a copy of them this week! It was an awesome afternoon, everyone except me got a bit tiddly (though I sneak a cheeky glass or two of Cava!) Dylan got some lovely prezzies too!:

Thank you to: Auntie Tara and Uncle Massimo for the cuddly giraffe; Uncle Pete and Auntie Wendy for the cool baby vest (it reads "born free, now I'm expensive!"); Auntie Lucy Avery for the moses basket bedding (which goes perfectly with the gorgeous moses basket her mum kindly got us!); Auntie Tamsin for the book and some lovely roses for me; and Aunties Lucy and Lisa for the cuddle robe, scratch mits, socks, mat liner and nipple pads!

It was so nice having a shower. I really didn't think we'd have any time to have one, with the DIY and move. It was such an awesome surprise and it's made my month - thanks everyone!!!

Kitchen-a-geddon is OVER!

Except for painting the walls, sorting the floor and moving the fridge out of the lounge, the kitchen is DONE! Much to my dad's relief! He managed to escape Saturday lunchtime to make it home in time for his steak dinner and the ability to watch the Grand Prix in peace on Sunday! (Well done Button by the way!)

Here's some pics and the shakiest 10 seconds of video ever:

Fab eh? I'd just like to thank my Dad once again for doing such a brilliant job. He's such a craftsman. If you ever need a kitchen or bathroom fitting and you're in the Midlands, I'd highly recommend him, and not just because he's my dad! His contact details can be found on yell.com, just search for 'Roger Crook Installations' in the 'And/or company name' box!

The last week of my 20s...

No, I don't turn 30 years old until January (22nd in case you're interested ;-) ), but it's the last week in my 20s of the pregnancy, as today sees me hit week 29! What a way to see the 'decade' out, but by waking up with a raging sore throat and glands the size of golf balls! Hmpf!

Anyway, by the time I hit my '30s', hopefully the flat will be ready to put on the market, as DIY week starts this week. Al and I were busy all day yesterday preparing for the imminent arrival of his parents to start getting the DIY sorted (thank you!), which is why I've been a bit blog-shy recently, with that, the baby shower and kitchen-a-geddon.

Today however, I'll post 'reports' on both... mainly because I want to show off my lovely kitchen and lovely presents! Plus today is bump pic today... oh God, I'm going to be chained to the computer all day! And I have to sort the kitchen... and do a mountain of washing... and make up the guest bed or Al's parents... and be ill.... aaaaaaaargh! Can I have a maid please?

In separate news, Dylan is continuing to get the hang of external movements, and has taken to them with increasing gusto (read: violence!) I got woken in the night being punched with such force that Al could not fail to feel it! Question is: drummer of boxer? Day on day now he's punching and kicking outwards more and more, I look like the outtakes from 'Alien'! He goes at it all night and most of the day - who knows how he copes with so little sleep! I've also been getting a touch of morning sickness all week - fun, fun! Fortunately only in the mornings though, which makes a nice change. Still, morning sickness at 29 weeks.... come on, give me a break! lol

Hmmmmm sleeeeepy!....

Have just got back from a lovely afternoon at my surprise baby shower! I'll post a full report tomorrow, as I'm soooo tired now, but just wanted to say a massive thank-you to the lovely Hamer-Knights for organising - I'm so incredibly touched and had a wonderful time!

Night night internet! xxxx

Maternity Allowance

Woo hoo. As I type I'm on the phone closing down my claim for Employment and Support Allowance, as I've finally got my letter confirming that I'm entitled to Maternity Allowance. So as of Monday, I'll no longer on ESA and will technically be on maternity leave, if all goes well Plus, my weekly income is going to nearly double to a whopping, wait for it.... £123.06! It might not sound much, but after months of £64.30, it feels like a fortune! It's going to make living so much easier, I might even be able to meet my outgoings for a change!

Happy, happy, happy.... I love the rare occasions things go my way. I'm off to do a happy dance now!

Pig flu

Great. Just seen a slightly hysterical ITN news report regarding Swine Flu and pregnant women, and how Swine Flu has just killed two pregnant women. The report urged all pregnant women to get vaccinated when the vaccination programme starts next week. However, I'm still not convinced. They completely glossed over the controversy surrounding the vaccine and pregnant women as many aren't convinced the vaccine is safe, as it has not been tested on pregnant women. I found this on the BBC News website:

"What is the evidence that it is safe for pregnant women?

This is complicated and - as a result - has stoked up some controversy.

The clinical trials that have tested the two vaccines have not included pregnant women - they never do.

However, there is a wealth of evidence from seasonal flu vaccine programmes - it is routinely given to pregnant women in the US - that immunisations, such as the Baxter one, are safe.
It is a slightly different story for the GSK vaccine - and that is the one that most pregnant women will end up being offered in the UK.

Unlike Baxter's vaccine, it contains an adjuvant - a chemical to boost the immune system response.

There is not as much evidence on adjuvanted vaccine use in pregnant women - although there is nothing to suggest it is unsafe.

Indeed, Professor David Salisbury, the government's director of immunisations and one of the World Health Organization's key advisers on vaccines, has sought to reassure women that the GSK jab is a better option.

He has pointed out that as it is effective with one dose, it offers better protection than the Baxter version which requires two doses several weeks apart and, therefore, longer without protection against the virus."

I'm still not convinced. The vaccine that is being recommended is Pandemrix. However, when I googled 'Pandemrix' and 'pregnant', the first article returned is from Sky News, claiming that the World Heath Organisation have actually advised against pregnant women taking this vaccine.

That's: "Inactivated non-adjuvated vaccines similar to most seasonal inflenza vaccines are considered the preferred option given the extensive safety data on their use in pregnant women." Why is the British Government and the NHS going against the advice of the World Health Organisation? Until I know the answer to that, I'm not going anywhere near an untested vaccine. It stands a good chance that the vaccine is harmless, but mistakes have been made before and I'm not taking any chances that this could be the next Thalidomide.

I'm going to do some more research over the next few days, but as it stands, I'll take my chances with the pig flu!

Giving birth with a disability

With the recent birth of Hector Birch, I've been starting to think more an more about how I'd like Dylan to come into the world, given ideal circumstances. The one thing that has been praying on my mind is the effect of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (aka M.E or CFS/ME) on the birth.

OK, quick catch up for those who don't know, CFS/ME is a chronic illness characterised by ongoing fatigue that isn't eased by sleeping, muscle pain and various other symptoms... you can read more about it here on Wiki-Wiki-Wikipedia Basically, it feels like how you feel when you're coming down with the flu - your whole body aches, your head feels like it's full of fog so you can';t think properly and you feel exhausted. It's like that... without the snot! I'm very luck, I started with the illness at the start of 2005 and have only been a moderate sufferer, to the point I can work part time, and in the past year or two, finally seen significant improvements. I can pretty much do what I want now, without having to miss out on stuff or do it with pacing (building in regular breaks.) I'm still symptomatic, but mainly now in isolated flare-ups or in reaction to certain triggers, like stress, illness or doing too much. It used to be a case where I had symptoms in varying degrees everyday, now I can go a few weeks at a time if I'm sensible - it's all rather marvellous!

Some CFS/ME suffers find their symptoms disappear during pregnancy (they believe it might be related to the body suppressing the immune system during pregnancy.) Of course, I wasn't that lucky! But on the whole, my CFS/ME hasn't dramatically changing. The stress of dealing with horrendous morning sickness in the first trimester made it worse, and the effort of dragging a large bump around in my third, whilst doing DIY and packing, has seen a bit of resurgence of symptoms, but on the whole, I've been trundling along as normal.

However, childbirth throws up a LOT of concern. My CFS/ME is triggered particularly by physical exertion and stress. Childbirth will probably be the most extreme cases of both I'll ever experience. My concern is whether, post birth, I'm going to end up totally exhausted and in pain... and yes, I know most new mothers are exhausted and in pain, but with the CFS/ME on top, I'm worried how I'll cope, especially if I'm sleep deprived. So, I've made a controversial decision - I'm going to ask for an epidural straight away. My thinking is that the longer I'm not in pain, the less exhausted I'll be and hopefully the less M.E'd up I'll be after the birth It sounds like such a cop out though, reaching straight for the drugs, but I'm starting think it might be the best option. Plus I have the lowest pain thresholds known to man!

I'm going total to the midwife about i when I see her in a few weeks, to see if this is possible of recommended. I just figure sacrificing a chance at a natural birth experience might be worth it to be able to be as fit and well as possible for Dylan's first days. It's just a big decision to make. If I try for a natural delivery and need an epidural, there's no guarantee how quickly I can get one, or whether I'll have completely knackered myself out by that point.

Other than the epidural issue, I'm happy to let the rest go with the flow. Water? Fine! C-section? If you have to, fine... Apparently we'll start looking at birth plans as part of antenatal classes, so I've got a few weeks before I have to start writing stuff down. Phew!

Docs

Just got back from the doctors, as my blood tests from the midwife flagged up that I am anaemic... still! Got yet more Ferrous Sulphate tablets to take, along with some Folic Acid, though I'm not sure why I'm back on these at this late stage! Plus I have a lovely big bottle of Gaviscon Advance for my rampant and killer heartburn, so I might be able to go a week without spending my entire benefits on indigestion remedies!

Kitchen-a-geddon - day seven

Well a week in and the kitchen is coming on and looks fabulous - you can really see what the finished thing is going to look like now. We've got to buy the tiles tonight and the new fridge freezer arrives tomorrow. Plus my Dad hasn't murdered me for annoying him yet - bonus! He's doing an amazing job - thanks Dad!

The left...

...the right...

...the middle (and a bit of the left again!)

It's all going to be better than this, our camp kitchen!

Bump Watch - week 28

Another week, another dreadful pic - you can even see kitchen-a-geddon going on in the background!

Highland Hector

I hope James and Ails don't mind, but I've nicked this pic of Facebook so those who don't have can see (such my Mum). Meet Hector Cuthbert Jameson Birch:

He's so gorgeous, just like his mum! Well done family Birch!

*** Breaking news ***

Hector Birch is here! Hector Cuthbert Jameson Birch arrived at 12.10 today by cesarean section. 8lbs 12oz, mother and son doing well!

CONGRATULATIONS JIM AND AILS!!!

Bump Watch @ 12 October 09

Well, it's week 28. I'll get Al to take a bump pic when he gets in from work. In the meantime, some BBC...

"Your baby is about 35 centimetres long, and weighs about a kilogram (just over two pounds)."

Money

Oh God, I've just updated the baby list and priced up everything we still need to get, and the total comes in at about £330-500!!! We've got the £190 Health in Pregnancy grant sat in my account, but that's still £140.... and that's just essentials.

I'm off to have a little cry now...

No news is good news?

No news over night from Scotland, so hopefully Ailsy has been or is busy delivering Hector. Fingers crossed for a easy and safe delivery and I'll update when I hear more.

Hector news - 6pm 11/10/09

Good news! At 5 days overdue, the lovely Ails has been induced today, so hopefully Hector Birch should be with us today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a not-too-painful and safe delivery - come on Ails and Hector!!!

Sending them massive amounts of love and hugs from everyone here in the Birch House Penthouse!

I'm slowly turning into a pregnant smurf...

...or you'd think I was the amount of blue paint on me! I've been painting the loo today and Dad and Al have been treated to the sight of a fairly-heavily pregnant woman balancing on a chair painting herself blue, oh and the walls a bit! Anyway, here's a really rubbish pic of my handiwork!

Bump Watch @ BBC 09 October 09

"You may be offered a blood test to check for anaemia at this time. Anaemia can make you tired, and affect the health of the placenta, so it's important to make sure you're treated - this is usually with iron supplements." Bloods taken.... and I didn't even have to lie down, it looks like all the needles when I was in UCH has finally helped with my needle phobia! I get the results at the start of next week, if I remember to phone them. It'll probably be the usual, slightly low iron, take ferrous sulphate tablets, which is what I've been on since the start of the year and it never seems to make any difference.

Kitchen-a-geddon - day three

The kitchen as it arrived, Tuesday

Alex is scared of the destruction (yesterday)

Today - the pile is shrinking!!

Work so far, at the end of day three (well, two and a half really!)

Our lovely new sink and worktops - cheap and sexy!

Alien

Woo hoooo! My belly is moving independently - it looks like something out of Alien! Obviously Dylan heard me talking to the midwife about him not showing externally earlier and has decided to prove himself! Well done lad!

Midwife appointment

Finally met with my new, if temporary midwife today, Denise, and she's lovely! Had my final set of bloods taken and Dylan's heartbeat was loud and strong. I took my endless list of questions and she patiently sat and answered all of them! Apparently Dylan is absolutely perfect - I'm the right size (and NOT too big!) and the reason I'm not getting much external movement is because he's head down and his-back-to-my-front, so all his kicks are aimed inwards. It also means that what I though were kicks low down are actually punches! He's got strong arms, so hopefully he's a future bassist! Whoop!!! Plus, if he stays in this position, he's in the perfect position for labour, so fingers crossed he doesn't suddenly become breech or spin round!

Have been signed up for NHS antenatal classes, and have be recommended to attend both these and my NCT ones, so it looks like I'm going to be a baby expert by the end of this, as they pretty much seem to run parallel! I figure the more you go over stuff, the more it will stick in the mind under pressure!

I think that's everything, my memory is shot these days and I forget stuff as soon as it happens! I'm back on bonfire night for my final monthly appointment, then I go fortnightly - eeek!

Questions to ask the midwife...

I posted the following status update on Facebook before I went to midwife's appointment:

"Helen Crook is putting the finishing touches to the huge list of questions she has for her new midwife... she's going to LOVE me!"

I came back only to find some of my friends had made some suggestions of their own, so I thought I'd copy the transcript here for posterity!

Aileen Birch: apparently this results in a baby, can you comment?"!! X

Aileen Birch: How does the baby get in there?

Aileen Birch: How does it get out?

Aileen Birch: How are babies made?

Alex Davis: Is it Windows 7 compatible?

Terry Pettitt: Are they waterproof ?

Alex Davis: (in a Michael Jackson voice) does it come in black?

Lucy Hamer-Knight: Hahahaha...

Lucy Hamer-Knight: I dare you to ask how babies are made :-)

Aileen Birch: Does it come with a warranty?

Aileen Birch: Is there a 28 day returns policy if I keep the receipt?

Aileen Birch: I agree with Lucy - ask the question, I dare you!!! X

Alex Davis: Is it machine washable? (ah if only...)

Mentalists the lot of 'em! lol

Bump-struction

It's official, my bump is now becoming an obstruction to getting around! The past few days I have entirely given up getting up off the sofa without a nice loud groan and usually having to take more than one attempt. Bending over is now a no-no, not because of the rampant heartburn it causes, but because the bump is getting in the way. It doesn't help that I'm a total idiot and keep trying to squeeze through gaps that I would normally fit through, but certainly don't with an oversized watermelon strapped to my front; which with kitchen-a-geddon going on, getting round the piles of kitchen cabinets is proving to resemble a comedy sketch!

I'm quite cheerful about it all, though it's getting really tiring when added to the gimpy-limp. However, even that has its upside - the gimpy-limp will hide an pregnancy waddling if and when it starts, as I waddle with the limp anyway when I don't use my crutches (which is increasingly often!) I can't wait to chat to the midwife on Thursday, as I'm so paranoid about my bump size. It's not helped by the fact pretty much everyday I have the same conversation with at least one stranger:

Stranger: "Ooooh not long now eh? When are you due"
Me: "Well, three months to go actually, January 4th"
Annoying stranger: "Twins?"
Annoyed me: "Nope, just the one"
Increasingly annoying stranger: "Are you sure?"
Increasingly annoyed me: "Er, yes!"
Very annoying stranger: "Oh... wow... you're big"

Yes THANK YOU! I'm hoping they are just being idiots, but I'm going to paranoidly ask the midwife if I'm 'normal' anyway! I'm predicting bump-wise yes, in all other respects - never!

As an aside, fingers crossed that Ailsy loses her bump-struction soon, by delivering a now-overdue Hector safe and sound onto Scottish soil! Best of luck Ails!

Bump Watch @ BBC 6-7th October 09

I missed yesterday, what with the kitchen fit starting (aka kitchen-a-geddon), so I thought I'd get caught up!

6 Oct 2009
"You'll attend another routine antenatal appointment at around this time. Your blood pressure will be carefully checked and you'll be asked about swelling of ankles, feet and hands to rule out pre-eclampsia." Let's see if I get asked on Thursday eh? I bet the answer is no! Plus, I haven't got any of those symptoms anyway, but it would be nice to be asked!

7 Oct 2009
"What about your partner or partners? It doesn't have to be your baby's father, or only him... think about choosing your ideal support team, but bear in mind some maternity units put a limit on numbers, and stick to a duo, rather than a gang." Birth partner - I don't think I could stop Alex if I tried! Plus, he was so unbelievably wonderful at dealing with me in severe pain in the days after my accident, I couldn't think of anyone better! He's caring and pretty darn good at the near-impossible task of keeping me calm. I'm a very, very, very lucky girl! OK, now he's going to have a big head if I keep bigging him up! Love you H2B x

Bump Watch - week 27

27 weeks, start of the third trimester... fatty!!!

Third trimester!

Wow, it's here, the big one... the one that ends in birth! 27 weeks... yikes! But I'm not going to dwell on that anymore, there's just too much else to do! The rest of this year is going to be MANIC! But before I get into all that, I need to send a MASSIVE thanks to Luke Twigg and family who very kindly have given us this fabulous cot (below) and a box each of clothes and toys.

It's hard to see from my pic, but the cot is gorgeous - a big chunky pine thing I'm dying to get it set up, but we have a boat load of DIY and possibly a house move to get done first! Which neatly brings me on to the months ahead...

October is DIY month. Our new kitchen and my Dad, the Midland's best kitchen fitter, both arrive tomorrow. And no, I'm not saying that because I am biased, his work is amazing - just ask anyone who has one of his kitchens or bathrooms installed. Plus he has a cool moustache! We've gutted most of the kitchen, so today I'm doing final prep for his arrival, then we have a week or so of kitchen-geddon! After that, we need to finish the bathroom and loo and paint the bedrooms. Hopefully then we can think about...

November, which with a bit of luck will be moving month. We are hoping to get the flat on the market for the start of November, as by the second week of December I'll be technically full term (37 weeks), and I DON'T want to be moving when I'm that fat! So we need to get this place ready and rented out (if the DIY is done and the ants have gone - fingers crossed) and find a place in Worcestershire/Warwickshire. We are still aiming for the gorgeous Alcester. I have no idea what the property market is like there, as I can't bring myself to look in case I fall in love with something now that goes by the time we move! If we can't move in November, we'll be here in London until after Dylan arrives... :-(

December is a month of antenatal classes and getting everything ready, whether it be setting up the cot in the Midlands or in London. We'll both be spending Christmas in the Midlands and hoping Dylan stays put and doesn't make a bid for freedom on Christmas day! As for New Years Eve plans, they'll be sober in case I go into labour, as I predict I might. The hospital will be on speed dial...

So there we go, manic. People keep saying take it easy before all the sleepless nights kick in - how!!!???

The last day of my second trimester

Oh God, how can this be? I'm terrified! Third trimester = being very big + swollen ankles + increasing backache and discomfort + birth!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! I want to run away and hide!!!

It's all go in baby world at the moment. The lovely Aileen Birch is ready to pop at any time and is due Tuesday. Hector rather stubbornly refused to arrive on the third as I predicted! Not even a picture of Alex blacked up as BA Baracas could scare him into an appearance! I also got to meet the Kearn bump this weekend. Laura's looking rather fabulous at 23 weeks, and has an absolutely gorgeous bump. It was lovely to have a good whinge and compare symptoms. It's great to know that getting acne on your chest or belly fur isn't so uncommon after all!

However, comparisons do have their downside. I must admit I was sickeningly jealous of Laura's descriptions of how she can watch her little one jiggle about in her belly. She can even see him turn over! I'm sooooooo jealous, but very chuffed for her of course! Dylan just doesn't do that, nor is he still really making himself felt at all to the outside world. I can't believe at nearly 27 weeks that Alex can't feel his son kicking. It's really sad and it's starting to get me down. I think I'm going to have a chat with the midwife about it on Thursday. Maybe my placenta is at the front cushioning him? Maybe, despite the tap dancing, he's not as active a baby as he should be? Either way, he really should be feelable from the outside by now... surely!?

Lets face it, I'm a whale. Surely he should be making his presence known by now in a belly my size! Hmpf....

Bump Watch @ BBC 2nd - 3rd October 09

Today's is boring, but the past few days have been quite interesting for Dyl:

2 Oct 2009
"If you went into labour this week, your baby would have a good chance of surviving, with the right care." Ok, enough of the premmie talk please!

3 Oct 2009
"Your baby measures about 34 centimetres, and weighs about 800 grams (about 28 ounces)." God, he feels MUCH bigger than that! lol

Bump Watch @ BBC 01 October 09

Oh God, how can it be October!? That means I'm 6 months gone! Here's some bump watch....

"Your baby is still very thin, with very little fatty tissue under the skin." Hmpf. At least somebody's thin, I'm certainly not!

In other news, the kitchen fit now officially starts next week! The kitchen arrives Tuesday, to be shortly followed by my Dad. Let's hope I can help him with the fit, rather than as usual, just drive him up the wall! I think the Wetherspoon's is going to do rather well out of us next week foodwise too!