littlemoo

Sounds lovely, but sadly my head is about to explode with all of the stuff I need to get done by Christmas so my evenings are really chocka. I'm around on friday afternoon ( or before 11 in the morning) if anyone fancies meeting for some swing action and a coffee with small people?

Congratulations Alix! Team pink growing quickly... Just had 32 week scan and having been told that this one was looking average size up until now, it looks like I'm going to hold back on buying anything newborn sized again! She is weighing in a 5lb at 32 weeks.. hmmm..

Huge congratulations! Our first winter mum to pop! Enjoy! rx

Thank you all for your kind words. I am really pleased to see that my post didn't stop a continued healthy debate. Sillywoman, I just wanted to say that in no way are you in the wrong job. You have been an incredible support to me and I am sure many other women. Sadly, from what I hear of other women's NCT teachers that is not always the case. I am very lucky indeed to have had you there through all of this.

I'm also happy to host if that is of any help. Plenty of room. Might try to get a baby sitter and bring the oh.

Moon cake, Do you have me on that list? Ruth

I have been wondering whether to post on this thread, as it is a subject that really hits home with many people for many different reasons. I for one was not surprised by the the findings last week, and whether you like the article or not, the findings of the legitimate research study do find that first time mothers attempting a home birth have a significantly increased risk of having serious complications. My first son was born at home, after a seemingly easy labour, with amazing midwives present (the same group who have looked after me in my two subsequent pregnancies - I am currently pregnant with my 3rd). However, despite having been reassured that when things go wrong, there is usually a warning, and that we were only a few minutes away from kings if needed, we had the worst possible outcome. My son experienced a shoulder dystocia at the end of my labour ( we think he had actually been trapping his cord for a significant period of time before hand, undetected - and I am also it turns out - Group B Strep +ve) and he came out unable to breathe. Despite being so close to Kings, it took 25 minutes to transfer to the critical care that he required (rescus at home consists of a bag and air - no oxygen) and sadly after a week of fighting for his life, he passed away due to the brain damage he suffered during his labour, which was intensified by the delay in him being intubated. Now, he may have arrived in the same poor condition in a hospital, or on a different day, the outcome at home may have been different. But in hospital, he would have been immediately intubated, possibly saving his life. We will never know, but I will have to live with this for the rest of my life. What is not mentioned when discussing homebirths, is that when things go wrong, it really is crucial how quickly the baby can be cared for, and the results can simply be catastrophic. Minutes away from a hospital is never really near enough. Now, I know that many people have very successful home births,and people have horrible hospital births. But in retrospect had I been aware of the increased risks I would not have tried to labour at home. As for the rarity of poor outcomes, the study itself states that the risk raises to nearly 1/100 of complications for a first time mum at home, which when put into perspective, is a figure considered high risk at a nuchal scan. Generally we all live in blissful ignorance about the frequency of poor outcomes generally in pregnancy. SANDS (The Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society) state that 17 babies (from 24 weeks gestation) die before, during or shortly after birth, every single day - that is also almost 1 in 100. When you consider the number of pregnant women in East Dulwich, it becomes less of a surprise that I know of two other mums who live within 3 roads of my house who have lost babies at term. Of course I would never say to anyone that they should not have a choice about where to give birth, but for me there is far too much emphasis put on the "woman's birth" it should be remembered that it is actually our babies births, and that we have the duty to give them the best possible start and chances, what ever you consider that to be. Sadly, I thought that was what I was doing for my first born, and instead he had no chance. My second son was born by elective c section, as will this baby should all go smoothly. I feel no less of a bond to my son, I am simply grateful that he arrived safe and well and brings me constant joy.

12th would be good for me too. I meant to do this last time, but never found anyone to run a course that fitted with dates. Hope you are all well. I may try to join you for coffee tomorrow although I'm meant to be working as W with Nanny. If not maybe see you on Thursday night. Ruth

I'd be interested in the sleep seminar if we can get enough people together. Sounds as though it was great. Look forward to seeing you all next thursday. rx

Belle, I would definitly recommend an angel sounds breathing monitor, we had one and it gave us great peace of mind. (we had other issues that made us particularly anxious) We also had a side positioner and found it to be great. I If he is still making choking noises in the night you might want to really push for the omeprazole. That was what gave it away for us as being reflux and when we mentioned that to the pediatrician at Kings she was very keen that we get the reflux treated effectively and promptly. Good luck with it. You will get him better and you will be amazed at the difference.

Sadly my husband has a night out on thursday so I wont be able to come. I must say that given W was a dreadful sleeper I would very much like to attend in the hope that the next one might not be waking hourly at 8 months.... If I can find a willing sitter I will let you know. My cooking skills seem sto be deteriorating.. I see nothing wrong with a pre prepared stir fry. At least it contains vegetables!

Good luck with it Belle. It is so horrid to see them in so much pain. Until we got on the omeprazole, we survived by him sleeping on his side in a slightly tilted cot, or if he was very bad sleeping with him in the baby bjorn while I slept in an arm chair. ( suggested by my GP when I was tryingto avoid the omeprazole!) A very good book with advice on reflux and sleep and also on reflux and weaning when you get there is the sensational baby sleep plan.I used it as a bible! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sensational-Baby-Sleep-Plan/dp/0593062817

Blimey you lot are chatty! I just popped on to see if we are still meeting on thursday this week and if so where! I will pop back and see what is decided. Sorry I missed last wednesday coffee, that would have been lovely too! Hope to see you on thursday. rx

We also ended up using LOSEC (Omeprazole) after a long trial of gaviscon (useless if BFing..) domperidone ( actually made him more sick..) and ranitidene. We tried everything but only the LOSEC helped. To be honest, within two days he was a different child and it was such a relief that I could see that he was out of pain. He came off the drugs at 12months exactly after a slow wean and is now fine. I hope that you get the treatment you need.

Girls. I was planning to come this evening, but the insomnia has finally taken its toll and I have flaked. See you in a couple of weeks. Best, ruth

I had one last year and am due to have another in January. I'd love to come after I am all healed. I'll look out for where you set up.

Great news! I'm so pleased you have him back.

Sorry. Realise that was vague! It was on a wall further up Barry Road, between upland and underhill, on the same side as home made. I noticed it as it looked well lived and thought he must be being missed!

I saw a toy dog on the wall on Barry road about 2 hrs ago. I hope he is still there for you!!

A word of hope. My son was a terrible sleeper and when he did go through he persistently woke up between 5.30 and 6.30 from 1 year for about 2-3 months. He suddenly just stopped waking up so early ( maybe more active, running about during the day) and he now sleeps until we wake him at 8.15 most days aged nearly 17 months( from a 7/7.15 bedtime... with a two hour daytime nap). I am aware that it could change again tomorrow, but I am relishing the lie ins while we can!

Sorry ladies, my plan to join you has been scuppered by a teething toddler vomiting all over me! Not sure I can remove the smell of sick... I'll hopefully see you next thursday at the Actress...

Sorry I've not been around. Work has been hectic and then we have had a lovely break in the sun. So sorry I didn't make the last meet up, but would love to come to the Gowlett on the 27th if thats ok. Hope everyone is doing well and look forward to meeting you. Rx

Hi all, Can I join you please. I am expecting a baby, due 2nd Feb I already have a little boy at home who will be 20 ish months which is exciting but also a little scary! It would be great to meet others due at the same sort of time. We are often at the goose green swings so maybe I could join the next park meet up? We had our Nuchal scan last week and all was well so fingers crossed for a smooth run ahead. Congratulations to everyone. R