MSE Pregnancy Club 28

MrsC....tobe

lilmissreading wrote: »

MrsC - not sure what to suggest. Have you got somewhere like a John Lewis? Does it have to be £250 all on one item? Could easily spend the £250 on things like an activity mat/mobile/sling? A photography voucher (not my thing as seems hard to find a photographer whose style I like)? A really nice picture for their room they will like when older as well? An eternity ring for you :rotfl:A voucher for one of those silver casts of your child's hand/feet?

Nope no John Lewis, Debenhams or anything like that here! Nearest is an hour or so away. I think as long as I can submit all receipts in one go then I can get the money but I wouldn't be able to do it in dribs and drabs. Loving your suggestions, especially the ring, but don't think I'd get that one past them! I've just been through Argos, Next, Mothercare websites and haven't come up with anything yet, apart from maybe a jumperoo that I can put away until Christmas. Activity mat/play gym/ bouncy chair I've got, they're behind the sofa still in boxes awaiting the new arrival. Loads of toys left over from the step kids which are up in the loft, and I'm determined are not going back in the loft once they are finished with as there just no space up there! I'm genuinely struggling on this one. Whoever thought I'd find it so hard to spend money!!!

lilmissreading

freshstart11 wrote: »

my problem is my wages drop £700 a month while I am off and I do not become eligible for benefit/tax credit/ anything xx

Yes it's scary alright. We're in a bizarrely good position in that I have been sole earner for the last 3 years. DH has just started f/t job this month and his wage combined with my mat leave pay, means we are coming out about the same as when it was just my wage.

MrsC - can they only enforce mat leave from week 36 do you know? Before then it's normal sick leave so as long as you are entitled to decent sick pay, it might only mean slightly earlier than planned?

lilmissreading

Mrs C - don't know if you are thinking about baby classes (or if there are any near you) but baby swim can be quite expensive and surely that would have an email receipt?

Hmm suppose a weekend in a cottage with mummy and daddy wouldn't go down well either if the eternity ring won't? Tut, how strict

Blender for puree foods when weaning? Weaning stuff? Bowls, plates etc? Can you ever have too many muslins? My friend recommended some expensive ones as the cheaper ones can have the vomit seep through - fine for home but not out and about.

MrsC....tobe

Erm not sure, I think when my midwife first discussed me getting signed off a few weeks before I actually was, she said I'd have to check my works policy as they could start it at 28 weeks. If off for a pregnancy related illness then it will automatically start at 36 weeks, see the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/leave

Not sure how they can enforce it to start earlier if that's government guidelines. When I was in talking to my boss last week he said that they should have put depression on my line and then my maternity wouldn't have started until the 37 weeks that I wanted it to! Maybe they could put it down as something else?

As someone pointed out to me, if you're not looking after yourself then you're not looking after the baby and that's not good for either of you. You need to do what's best for yourself and unfortunately if it means losing out in some money then you need to do it, even if it's just for a couple of weeks rest and then back to work after that. If still at work and no rest available then it might only get worse and you'd be no use to them or yourself if you get fully signed off before maternity leave starts.

MrsC....tobe

lilmissreading wrote: »

Mrs C - don't know if you are thinking about baby classes (or if there are any near you) but baby swim can be quite expensive and surely that would have an email receipt?

Hmm suppose a weekend in a cottage with mummy and daddy wouldn't go down well either if the eternity ring won't? Tut, how strict

Blender for puree foods when weaning? Weaning stuff? Bowls, plates etc? Can you ever have too many muslins? My friend recommended some expensive ones as the cheaper ones can have the vomit seep through - fine for home but not out and about.

Hadn't thought about swim things....hmmmmm.
The cottage would be a lovely idea, wonder if they'd pay for the flights for next years holiday?!?! Lol. Bowls and plates, check, (ikea 90p for 6), Muslins again at the market, got 11 for £1.50! I did suggest a blender/food processor the other night and DH laughed at me, he can mash the food up then!!!

I think we've basically got everything and I need to look at stuff a bit older. MIL keeps asking if we've got this and that and it's all stuff we've got. She wanted to get bedding and stuff from Next when the new book came out but didn't tell me in advance and by the time she did I'd already got grobags and cotbed stuff, the only thing I need is curtains but I can't find any to go with the wallpaper! Wonder if we'd get away with the receipt for the carpet for baby's room......

SewIt_2

MrsC - can you order something on line, then send the receipt in to your work and then return the item, so you are effectively getting the cash? A bit sneaky, but that would mean you could continue to buy things as and when you need, and second hand if that fits better with your budget?

Freshstart - ouch, poor you. Understand re the money, but you do need to take care of yourself. I hope you can find a compromise that works.

lilmiss - sounds like you are sorted. My notes are the same as MrsC (think we are both in Scotland) but I've not filled it in yet. Will need to get on it as at almost 35 weeks, I should be more organised!

Angel - ouch, poor you. Glad your GP was sympathetic and you are getting the rest you need.

Nice to see you LoveActually - good luck for the scan! its cool to see baby again. I had another scan at 32 weeks and then am due another one at 36 weeks, so you might get that too. Re vaccine, my arm was stiff and sore for days but no other side effects.

shorty1978

MrsC - Fab idea from SewIt regarding the ordering on-line- I wonder if that would be a good way to get around it. I was going to suggest maybe something for when baby is a bit bigger- but am now wracking my brains to think of what. Also thought the swim classes were a good idea if you can get a receipt for that.

lilmissreading - I like the style of your birth plan- being preferential rather than set in stone. I haven't a clue what to put in mine and was only discussing it with my friend at lunchtime so it's good to read some others.
I'm still hoping that as I'm due xmas eve that Santa just pops baby down the chimney along with my other gifts

Take care of yourself Freshstart - hopefully you can get some advice from the docs

2 calendar months angeltreats :eek::eek: - super exciting and scary all at the same time

Hi Loveactually - Let us know how the whooping cough jab goes, I should be having mine soon. Are you having the flu jab also?

Toooldforthis

freshstart11 wrote: »

my problem is my wages drop £700 a month while I am off and I do not become eligible for benefit/tax credit/ anything xx

Mine drops by twice that petrified is not the word !

I'm 27 weeks so 13 weeks til Christmas Day lol

Hope everyone is well x

view

Gosh lots of great info to catch up on here.

Sorry for the ladies who are in pain or not feeling well. sacroiliac dysfunction sounds hugely painful big hugs x

Great info about what people are going to write in birth plans etc.., and experiences. I too have been wondering about this.

Now a bit of a dafty question for mothers who have been there before...or those who have been given info.

Basically I've been advised due to age (etc..) I won't be allowed to go over dute date. That'll mean induction if nothing happens by EDD. I have found out that I won't be able to use the midwife birthing suite, however will be taken straight to Maternity Ward.

Cue visions of 1950's massive cold wards and uncomfy beds with ladies pre and post birth, babies crying etc... is that what it is still like? I asked if we could see the ward beforehand, even just to get a picture in my mind however was told no, for obvious reasons ladies like to be not on display - fair enough.

What happens if I'm induced and nothing happens... do I just wait on a bed ? Where does Oh go if visiting times are over, and will other ladies be uncomfortale to have a man sitting by someone's bedside?

I stupidly worked myself into a state last night and burst out crying. OH doesn't drive so would have to take bus to and from hosp which can be up to 45/1hr each way... what happens if he has to leave after visting hours and then half way I have to phone him if things kick off?

I'm just feeling really nervous about all this... can someone advise what would happen if you are booked in for a "planned induction" ? I know there are private rooms when it all kicks off but in the meantime??

Bit of a worrier I've turned into here

purcy81

hi freshstart

just to mention my spd started at 15 weeks and got progressively worse until my girl arrived. The only things which helped were rest, a support belt and regular physio. I fought against being signed off but the physiotherapist warned me i may suffer semi permanent or even permanent damage if i didn't slow down so i was signed off at 33 weeks with my mat leave starting at 36 weeks which is the earliest they can legally force you to start it. I'm so glad I took my physios advice as even though its vastly improved 7 weeks after birth its still painful and will need more physio over the coming months. I can only imagine how bad it would be now if I hadn't stopped when I did. I'm not trying to scare you and I hope I haven't but please be kind to yourself and rest if you need to x

Hugs and best of look to all x