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connors
Joined: 07 Sep 2005
Posts: 1557
Location: Birmingham
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 10:34 am Post subject:
Glad everything is Ok after your fall Jenni and it's good to see that the midwife is pleased with things at the moment, i hope they continue that way too.
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jeanb
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Posts: 13681
Location: Timperley, Cheshire
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject:
It's time we had another picture!!
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject:
I think I would need a panorama shot now!
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 4:42 pm Post subject: 7 Months Pregnant!
CONSTRUCTION ZONE Your baby's organs are becoming refined enough for him to start testing them out. The lungs are dividing and getting plenty of practice for life in the outside world. They expand and contract repeatedly - although he's not actually breathing yet, of course. Your baby also swallows the amniotic fluid through his mouth and "breathes" it in through his nose. His kidneys are regularly producing urine, which enables the fluid he has ingested to be excreted. This recycling helps his lungs, intestines, and kidneys practice their jobs of breathing, digestion, and elimination.
THE SEEING EYES Your baby's eyes are busy these days. He can open and close them and look around. There isn't much to look at in his dark, watery world. Nevertheless, by 30 weeks he'll be able to coordinate his eye and body movements in response to changes in luminosity inside your womb. If a very bright light shines onto your abdomen, your baby will respond by blinking and turning away from this unfamiliar glow.
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Although your baby already has soft hair on his head, it's probably darker than his final hair colour will be, and he is likely to lose it a month or two after birth. It may then take many months for a full head of hair to finally grow. Your little one has been busily growing and now weighs about 1 kg (21/2 pounds) and measures between 35 and 38 centimetres (14 and 15 inches) long.
How to deal with new discomforts
THE UNCOMFORTABLE THIRD TRIMESTER Not long now! With only a matter of weeks left before you meet your baby, you might have to get used to some new discomforts as your body prepares for the birth. The increased weight and pressure of the baby can cause aches and pains in your upper and lower back, and there are increased demands on your pelvic area. This is the time to remind yourself as often as possible about maintaining a good posture.
BREATHE EASY Your uterus is becoming larger and higher in your abdomen, and presses on your diaphragm. This means breathing can become more difficult and leave you feeling out-of-breath often. Your body is telling you to slow down, so listen and take heed. Regular resting and stretching will help you get your breath back. If you are struggling to get comfortable in bed, try sleeping in a semi-sitting position, surrounded by pillows for support. This should ease the pressure on your diaphragm. For more sleep tips, click here.
GUT FEELINGS During pregnancy your entire gastrointestinal system slows down, and the muscles of the stomach and gullet relax. This allows digestive acids to flow backwards, giving you heartburn and indigestion, with symptoms including a burning sensation in your throat, sharp pains or cramping in your stomach, and an awful taste in your mouth. To relieve these problems, eat small, frequent meals and avoid fatty foods. Also, try to avoid lying down after you have eaten.
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:19 am Post subject:
Ante natal classes have begun!
Went last night to ante natal class. There were about 7 couples there and it was all about labour, birth and c sections.
I met a nice lady there who lives in the next village and she is due in Nov (which would be the same as me) we got on well- partly because she has excellent taste in tops (we had the same one on!)
I was able to ask my 2 questions which were- can I hold the baby from the c-section straight away (want to do skin to skin contact). And will having the section effect my ability to breast feed.
Both questions answered. If I need a GA then no I wont be able to hold the baby but I can request that baby is taken out to Richard to hold and he can whip off his top for the all important skin on skin contact.
(phwar!)
Otherwise with an epidural I should be able to.
I should be able to feed the baby, they will use my milk in the scbu unless there is good reason not to (my boobs arent doing it- or medicine I need cant go to baby) but should be fine even with very prem babies.
The whole birth and labour process looks scarey. The pain and stuff after the c section didnt look encouraging either! Surely someone must design an easier way to get the baby out?!
Another good thing that came from the eve is loads of info about post birth support and a Doola. They can come and help at home when I have had the baby and will even help with the home and children if I have to stay in hosp for a longer time.
Got her no and will be ringing!
The thing that came over most to me is the planning aspect. I need to do a birth plan and a plan for the rest of the family. We need to do this asap.
Will talk to R about this over the next few days and write one and get that blooming bag packed- one for me and one for Richard.
What a lot to think about!
Not long now!
Jenni xx
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mary2000
Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Posts: 12167
Location: Rustington, West Sussex
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject:
Oh Jenni - what an exciting time. I am so happy for you as I remember your despair last year. This is just fantastic and reading your blog always makes me smile.
As you say, not long now and I will be ready as honorary aunty (along with all the others) in welcoming your little one into the world
Hugs
Mary xx
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jeanb
Joined: 04 Sep 2006
Posts: 13681
Location: Timperley, Cheshire
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:12 pm Post subject:
Jenni - very exciting. Are you OK now after the fall?
What is a Doola (thick, I am - doh!)
Jeanxxxxxx
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject:
Sorry a Doula is a midwife helper.
they come and help ladies who have had babies, they come and help ironing, shopping, bathing the baby etc etc.
They are mum helpers really, the NCT (national childbirth trust) are going to organise me one.
I need to ring her and arrange to meet and chat things through.
Jenni xx
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JulieM
Joined: 02 Jan 2007
Posts: 7656
Location: W.Yorkshire U.K.
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:50 pm Post subject:
Oh I would love to do that job!
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prioryc
Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 8745
Location: Kent
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:14 pm Post subject:
All this is so exciting Jenni: I am beginning to feel as involved as I was when it was my daughters having their babies.
I am so relieved that you have recovered from the fall.
Take care,
Eleanor
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lizm
Joined: 19 May 2005
Posts: 2696
Location: Worthing,
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:23 pm Post subject:
Nearly there Jenni, how exciting! How wonderful to have these Doulas now, wish they had been around 30 years ago when mine were babies, but they have come through unscathed with their dolittle Mum!
It's a wonderful time you will always remember, so glad you have already met a mate at the class, I'm still in touch with my antenatal friends, its great.
Take care in these last weeks, Lizxx
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject:
Hi liz
There was an awful woman there- a real waynetta slob!
Has 3 kids, pregnant again, velour jogging bottoms and crimpy smelly t shirt!
Brought her mother who is horrible and gives disabled people a bad name- in a wheelchair as she is simply FAT (30 stone plus). Claims everything and moans non stop.
Spent whole time complaining that she couldnt smoke and went out 3 times with much clattering and huffing with prg daughter for fags.
Had to physically restrain Richard!
That poor, poor baby.
Thank goodness everyone else was friendly and "normal"
Jenni xx
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mary2000
Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Posts: 12167
Location: Rustington, West Sussex
Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:18 am Post subject:
There is always one Jenni - isn't there
Don't let it ruin your experience though and think happy thoughts for peanut.
Unfortunately, there are some people who will 'go their own way' regardless of the help and advice given. Can't believe people still smoke and drink whilst pregnant and like you, I feel for the little baby.
Peanut is so lucky to have you and Richard as mum and dad
By the way, the doola sounds just great. When I had Neil I knew nothing about babies to be honest. There had never been any in the family whilst I was growing up as I am the youngest and we have a very small family.
The first night I was told to put a bonnet on Neil as it got cold during the night (december birth) and I put it on back to front
May be that explains everything with Neil!!!!
Mary xx
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jenni_b
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 8596
Location: Hampshire
Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:02 pm Post subject:
Hi all
I was going to do a general blog on here, letting you all know my weds appt will choose the date for the c section etc.
BUT I have had an awful, awful weekend and I feel very emotional and tired.
My children have been terribly unsettled and this has led to serious and repeated regression to survival behaviour which involves stealing, lying and hating and being afraid, hyper vigilant and angry.
Gemma stole all the cakes and flatly denied it, cake all round mouth etc. then called me stupid for thinking that she might be responsible! Huge paddy whacker on sunday- made us late. again all my fault apparently.
Had paddy on saturday over homework. Apparently demanding that I do her STUPID homework didnt get the desired response so she spat at me. Had another paddy.
This morning her uniform couldnt be "found" as it is in a smelly heap behind a unit. I am not a good mum as I havent washed it for her, esp as she DEFINATELY has put it in the wash and not stuffed it in a stinky heap.
Besides that she would rather wear her bikini and sit in the garden.
SHe then had another wobbly, she was 45 mins late this morning to school.
Michael has also been dreadful, simple tasks are beyond him and he has lied all wk about doing his homewrk. He had 10 bits to do and couldnt "find" any of his stuff. He has only been there 4 days!!
Spent 2 and 1/2 hrs looking for his school stuff.
Then evil mum got him to do his work, sat with him and wrote a timetable- how horrible am I?
After that i did much much worse- I broke 2 rules of coping with messed up brain children
1) I picked a battle that I was unsure whether I could win (asked Gemma to return wrappers of cakes so we dont get vermin- she loved this power of course!)
2) I lost it and shouted at Richard and the children and allowed 2 messed up children to set the emotional tone of the household.
Saw midwife this morning and surprise surprise my blood pressure is high so I am on enforced rest now or I am going to have to go into hosp which would be more difficult all round.
Gemma and Michael have therapy tommorow.
Richard home so he can take some of the flack!
Love
Jenni xx
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mary2000
Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Posts: 12167
Location: Rustington, West Sussex
Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject:
Oh Jenni, what a horrible weekend you have had and I am sure the stress won't help your RA or peanut.
I would like to reassure you though. I am sure neither of the children would push the boundaries if they weren't secure in your love. It sounds like a typical mother and children relationship regardless of whether they are adopted or not.
My Neil took me to hell and back when he was young. I had awful problems with him. He was constantly challenging me, he did steal, lie, etc and I really did wonder at times if we would move on from that period. However, he has grown into a considerate, loving and caring individual. I could tell you plenty of things he got up to during his childhood but may be that would be better for when we are chatting together.
Just have faith (you have plenty of that) that you and Richard are doing the very best for Michael and Gemma and that these times will pass. They have the added 'stress' of peanut's arrival and where they will 'fit' into the family.
You are doing all the right things, setting guidelines and boundaries, re-enforcing behaviour and just showing you love them both. You are a wonderful mother and should be proud of yourself.
Mary xx
how to be a velvet bulldoser