12-24 weeks pregnant (part 4)

april87

Thanks Cats, still toying with the idea so we shall see.

Hows everyone else doing?

Finally got my Hypnobirthing book through the other day, so been making a start on that. Its quite interesting so far, and definitely something I am now leaning towards. I also booked our NCT Antenatal classes at the weekend, they're not till April next year but OH is already looking forward to them. He has no real experience with babies so he is hoping it helps him gain in confidence etc.

Also since telling my mum, and having my scan she's been scouring for bargins. Just this morning she asked if she could pick me up a new born bottle gift set. I've told her not to get too crazy with buying things, she's assured me that she won't. She has already stated that she will be buying the cot, but she will do that with both me and the OH there. Family seem to be going baby crazy just now, everyone is offering to pick up things for us, and we are grateful for it but I've been telling people to wait until at least 20 weeks. No doubt that will be here in no time, and we'll have to start finding places to store everything :eek:

penguingirl

April I am so glad I've read your post! Have been upset this weekend as MIL has announced she is buying everyone baby/child stuff for Christmas. I know she means well, but I will only be 19 weeks at Christmas and it feels too early whereas one SIL has a new born and the other is due in January, plus they both have toddlers too. Our house is still being sorted as we're swapping things around to create a nursery so there is literally nowhere for it to go. I just would have liked to have been asked if it was ok as we've made a conscious decision not to buy anything until after scan at new year. I know if we say anything to MIL she will be upset, so we'll just suck it up, OH did gently challenge it by pointing out the baby isn't due until may, but she was having none of it. Grr, just feeling a bit frustrated as I feel more like a baby carrier and less likely my own person by the day. Anyone else get like that? I love being pregnant and am excited about the baby, but I'm still me too and I'm a bit worried about that disappearing.

I had my 16 week midwife appointment. Not much to report, although she listened to the heartbeat which was lovely and made me cry. Was a bit disappointed OH hadn't come as he would have liked to hear it.

Hope everyone is doing ok

Andrew_Ryan_89

20 week scan today and all went well. Has anyone given much thought in regards to how you will be giving birth? I always had this thought but it was confirmed in a recent programme I watched that squatting is a much better method than laying on your back. The nurse on the programme mentioned that being in a squatted/seated position "significantly" decreases the time in labour and trauma while giving birth. if this is the case, why isn't it the standard way of doing things?

penguingirl

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

20 week scan today and all went well. Has anyone given much thought in regards to how you will be giving birth? I always had this thought but it was confirmed in a recent programme I watched that squatting is a much better method than laying on your back. The nurse on the programme mentioned that being in a squatted/seated position "significantly" decreases the time in labour and trauma while giving birth. if this is the case, why isn't it the standard way of doing things?

Have you ever tried squatting for more than a minute?

Andrew_Ryan_89

Though I see your point, to answer your questions, yes I have!

Obviously, I'm not talking about a straightforward squat. You can be in a pool and leaning over the side, on a chair and holding onto a rope etc.

Ooh, just found something

http://www.fitpregnancy.com/pregnancy/labor-delivery/position-statement

april87

Penguin I guess people are in the mind frame that babies are expensive, so want to help out by buying stuff. I get what you mean, when saying its too early etc and it can be hard telling people no, but sometimes it just has to be done more for your own sanity than anything else.

Ah I have my 16 weeks appt next week, I hope she listens to the heartbeat, but I'm with you my OH probably won't be there and I think he would be gutted to miss out.

Andrew I've come across a fair bit that supports the theory that lying on your back is easier for midwifes etc but not so much for the birthing mother. I guess it just depends on the individual. Not thought much about how I want my birth to be but its still fairly early on. I'm just looking into as much as I can just now, get a feel of whats out there.

penguingirl

Yes I know she means well, but we're just not quite ready to think about what stuff what need. Also based on past form with other grandchildren she won't buy particularly helpful things, but will opt for things like oversized teddies which we'd really prefer her to leave until bump is born or at least until after 20 week scan. I guess we'd preferred a conversation about what would be helpful, rather than it being imposed on us. We're not bothered about actually receiving Christmas presents as neither of us are hugely fans of 'stuff' anyway.

cats2012

Hey penguin just dropping by to say I feel your pain - I ended up being quite blunt with MIL and saying if she insisted on buying stuff that's her choice but we didn't want to receive anything until after 20 week scan. We're still not even slightly organised to store anything now!!

It is a very personal time - I know I hurt her feelings a bit but I have been quite set in my ways about what we want versus what other people want. My Christmas list explicitly says NOT baby stuff. I'm still me for now!!!

I do find it very hard - I still have 3 months to go so I'm trying to just be as normal as possible but baby and pregnancy is all anyone ever asks about. It's why I hid my bump for as long as possible - I wasn't in any way embarrassed but I just wanted to still be me rather than just pregnant me.

penguingirl

Thanks cats, it's good to know it's not just me! It's a bit of a strange transition into parenthood isn't it? And it's hard to work out what is pregnancy crazy hormones and what isn't. The daft thing is there's non baby/maternity stuff that would be more helpful- like I could do with a new hold all bag (that can be used as a hospital bag) and I want some bigger pyjamas- if people asked me I'd be happy for them to buy those sort of things, they feel much more useful right now!

cats2012

I completely agree! I got my Mum to get me maternity fitness gear for my birthday, and for Christmas I've asked for a couple of smarter maternity tops, some PJs and a mum-to-be smellies kit!