MSE Pregnancy Club 21

Mmox_2000

Hi ladies, I don't know if this is of use to anyone but I found out today that I have the option to claim my maternity pay in equal monthly payments. So instead of getting full pay at the beginning, dropping to half pay plus smp, then dropping to just smp my employer will average out the pay so I receive the same amount each month.

This works out really well for me as i know every month I'll have enough to cover my share of bills etcs. I don't know if this is something all employers but It's definitely worth talking to your HR department if you might benefit from this too.

On a less positive note I had a midwife appointment today and now have to go for a gtt test - I'm surprised I have any blood left the amount they seem to be taking from me!!

sparkle76

Hi ladies,

Hope everyone is well and has had some chance to enjoy the weather where poss!

Congrats to Alfalfa and Dipsy (I think) who will meet there little ones this week - in a few days it will all have been worth it plus you don't have to go through sweltering Summer heat with a big pregnant tummy ;o)

PigPen have been meaning to ask you if your OH has improved at all, I know a while back things were really getting to you?

Apricot sorry to hear work are being carp about the bank hol - my hubbys work are doing the same, he is *not* happy, it's such a shame. The businesses that do that will end up making no more money, as their normal customers may be closed/away on Easter hols anway, so it will prob be ultra quiet... costing them more to stay open than if they had closed. I guess on the upside it will be a quiet day perhaps for anyone that does have to work it!

Have my 25th week midwife appointment this week, so will ask her about the MATB1 form, that will make things very real when I post it to our accountants...

Has anyone got any suggestions re: Nappy changing bags? I'd like to start researching these, so any ideas would be most welcome ta...

wendz86

That is good about the pay Mmox - sounds a lot more managable.

Sparkle - I am just using the free changing bag from Boots, also got one with my pushchair which i may use as well.

Looking forward to watching One Born every minute tonight even though it is a repeat. Getting a bit scary watching it now.

bellabear_2

sparkle76 wrote: »

Has anyone got any suggestions re: Nappy changing bags? I'd like to start researching these, so any ideas would be most welcome ta...

I got this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tiny-Tillia-Embroidered-Changing-Shoulder/dp/B002GWVGPI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1302550059&sr=8-5 as I wanted one that wasn't too unlike the style I would usually have but not anything bright pink so DH can still carry It does seem very roomy, the only thing I would say is that (like many bags) the insulated bottle compartment doesn't hold the TT bottles as its slightly too small, however I've been given separate bottle holders anyway.

pigpen

sparkle76 wrote: »

PigPen have been meaning to ask you if your OH has improved at all, I know a while back things were really getting to you?

Has anyone got any suggestions re: Nappy changing bags? I'd like to start researching these, so any ideas would be most welcome ta...

Nappy bags.. I piled up the stuff i'd need in it.. 6 nappies, change of clothes, purse, wipes, dishes of baby slop, beaker maybe a couple of bottles half a dozen toys and see how much room it takes up and estimate how big a bag you wll need from that... I have a huge one from mothercare which they don't appear to have in stock any more.. THIS is closest to mine but mine is leather effect and REALLY nice.

OH.. he hasn't had much contact with the female 'friend' for a while and has been much better with me.. he has been less of a grouch this week and I have actually been able to mention the baby without him sulking for 3 hours.. I have asked what kind of cot we should get and he wants one similar to the baby's.. the same if possible.. but he want her to have use of it until she outgrows it.. he likes the idea of it becoming a bed for when she is bigger so we are lookin at getting another cotbed for this one.. I got 2 sets of the bedding so they can have one each

He hasn't said anything negative about Squeak the last few weeks.. his main worry now is that this one will be a gremlin.. we have been very lucky with her, we have had 3 rough nights in 8 months and a couple of very rough days. She eats well, sleeps all night so we realy can't complain.. he is convinced this one will be the devil incarnate, never sleep, scream 24/7 and just be dreadful.. we wll be a bit cramped for space as well until a couple of the bigger ones move out..

jcr16

pigpen wrote: »

He hasn't said anything negative about Squeak the last few weeks.. his main worry now is that this one will be a gremlin.. we have been very lucky with her, we have had 3 rough nights in 8 months and a couple of very rough days. She eats well, sleeps all night so we realy can't complain.. he is convinced this one will be the devil incarnate, never sleep, scream 24/7 and just be dreadful.. we wll be a bit cramped for space as well until a couple of the bigger ones move out..

i have to say i'm also dreading this. i've had 3 amazing children. Slept really well since quite young and into good routines. great eaters and so laid back and easy going. I've had good night sleeps and the only time now we dont' get a good night is if one of them is poorly and omg don't i know it. it really knocks me for 6. None of mine have had trouble with teething. i've been told so many time that i'm jinxing it now after 3 brill children. but hey what can i dod about it.

glad things are better fo you hun.

Dipsy_2

bellabear wrote: »

Aw that sounds fair enough, my sister had a traumatic birth (which ended up in an emergency section) and apparently they have already agreed that a section would probably be best the second time round. Like you say though she will probably be a 6 pounder, just one thats been in a funny position Oh and obviously I have no experience, but I've heard you need to remove your nail varnish so they can see your toenails? Something to do with being able to monitor you better?

A midwife (not my usual) tried a sweep at 39+6 but said that my cervix wasn't ready, I'll be 40+5 tomorrow so who knows, thanks that did help x

I think she will probs offer you a sweep tomorrow if she has already tried. If you want one though, don't be shy to ask - I rang up and got mine to come out to do one!

I have taken my nail varnish off now - ta! xx

Hope it goes well tomorrow for you - see if you can overtake me!! Hugs x

bellabear_2

Dipsy wrote: »

I think she will probs offer you a sweep tomorrow if she has already tried. If you want one though, don't be shy to ask - I rang up and got mine to come out to do one!

I have taken my nail varnish off now - ta! xx

Hope it goes well tomorrow for you - see if you can overtake me!! Hugs x

Thanks hun that's appreciated, I'll certainly give it a go if your not on before thurs, hope it all goes well for you (it will) and can't wait to see the piccies!xx

Dipsy_2

Thanks Bellabear x

Alfalfa - yey for Wednesday!! Not long to wait now! Where are you having your baby?

Thanks to everyone for their advice - I really do appreciate it and it has made me feel more confident.

I agree about the SPD - not taken seriously enough! Maybe we should all retrain in our careers as a collective and go round the country treating afflicted women with proper physio, household help and empathy! I have the experience that goes against medical research though - I was in a wheelchair with last pregnancy and this one I am still mobile!!

Vroom - erm, if I had been stuck upstairs I would be shouting from the rooftops for help, so please don't worry about coming on here to tell us - that's what this forum is for xxx

pigpen

When your SATs get low the first part to start going a bit blue is the top of the nails.. which is the only reason they like you to have no nail polish on.. It has nothing to do with interefering with equipment.. though they insist it is.. they lie.. a lot! But the SATs monitors work through the polish anyway so it seems pointless to take it off.. says the person who had Squeak with green and gold painted nails

Today I have my first twinges of SPD in the front of my pelvis.. as well as the radiating back pain.. and I am starting to struggle getting in the car.. and I need more bras!