Pregnancy #12 the joys of pregnancy (and eating)

[Sw4]

So I'm on maternity leave (37 weeks) and didn't expect to get bored so quickly seeing as I rarely get bored in my own company.

It's only been a week and I've cleaned the house top to bottom, batch cooked, practiced hypnobirthing, watched TV, read, gone for walks. Had a nice massage. Getting my nails done next week and also plan to make my own baby mobile but I'm procrastinating on that for some reason, but I will do it!

There's only so much I can sleep. Trying to meet people for coffee etc where I can but obviously most people are still working during the day. I've done all the baby shopping too. I thought I would do some gardening but it's getting difficult to bend down for too long. What else can I do??!!

 

[Disneylifeonly]

Currently about to film a "whats in my hospital bag" video for my little youtube channel and honestly wondering why it looks like I've packed to go away for a week

 

[Easilyannoyed]

Currently about to film a "whats in my hospital bag" video for my little youtube channel and honestly wondering why it looks like I've packed to go away for a week

I always thought about making a channel then hoping people start a thread about me and I can just look at it and laugh haha I think I’m just strange but anyway I think those kinds of videos are really helpful because I literally have no effing clue x

 

[Chickenandgravy]

Just had my 36 week midwife appt. The midwife seemed surprised that the babys head was 3/5ths engaged. I thought that was reasonably normal for this point
I've been getting period like cramps on and off and I think I've maybe been losing my plug over the last couple days
As I left she was all like "see you in two weeks.....if she isn't here first" bet she says that to everyone but it's got me all excited

 

[Amberella]

Has anyone been doing any swimming?

I was planning on taking it up in the mornings but kinda put off because of germs and also I don't think my swimsuit would fit me now! I'm fed up of just walking and a bit of walking, I just feel like a right heifer.

Does anyone have any idea of a good maternity swimsuit for a chunk? (me)

 

[Smallpotato]

I have a rip roaring chest infection and work are honestly taking the piss. I ask for a date off (either annual leave or a rostered day off) so I can attend my consultant appointment in a hospital an hour away from home. This morning I get an email confirming that I am indeed off that day… as I finish 3 nights that morning. The appointment is at 9am, I finish nights in a hospital 60 miles away at 8am (if I’m lucky…)

what the duck am I doing to do I emailed back saying that I need the entire day off and was told that they were confused as I do have the day off. No I don’t!

Has anyone been doing any swimming?

I was planning on taking it up in the mornings but kinda put off because of germs and also I don't think my swimsuit would fit me now! I'm fed up of just walking and a bit of walking, I just feel like a right heifer.

Does anyone have any idea of a good maternity swimsuit for a chunk? (me)

I swim most days, but I’ve started wearing sliders from the changing room to the pool as it’s gross. I have a normal Adidas suit!

 

[VeryCherry]

Is it a really awful idea to wear Spanx to a wedding at 6 months?

I have some Spanx type things but they’re so airy cool and comfy, totally different material than my proper Spanx. I’m 7 months and still wearing them to avoid chub rub in the heat they are from a company called snag tights would 100% recommend x

 

[SavvyBee]

Gosh pram shopping is just…. Underwhelming, isn’t it? Sorry this is a long post but I feel completely deflated! I don’t know if it’s bad luck, covid rules or whatever but sales assistants just don’t seem very interested or helpful. Granted I’ve not made any actual appointments just been in for a browse and a push around but I kind of expected more. Thus far

1 - John Lewis Oxford Street. 50 odd year old man looked like he’d just got back from a 3 day festival. Told him we were due in November and he responded “oh so you’re quite early then”. Erm, OK. Then proceeded to tell him we think we knew what car seat we wanted and he responded “oh, banging”. Didn’t offer to show us it, or ask us any more questions about what we were looking for. I genuinely looked at his shirt to make sure he did in fact work there.

2 - Harrods - surprised to find a girl who looked like she may or may not have finished her A Levels. Fair enough, I’m sure she’s well trained working in the baby room. Nope. Asked her two questions to which she responded she needed to go and check with her manager. She came back with the answer to only one. Asked her if she could recommend any of the (very few) brands they had over any others for a general use pram (we told her we didn’t want something as small as the BabyZen). “Errrm yeah this one’s meant to be quite good” as she flicked the handle up and down on one. Then stared blankly at us. Ok helpful. Then we asked her about a discount label we could see to which she said she needed to check again with her manager and we got bored and left after ten more minutes of standing around like numpties waiting for her to come back.

3 - John Lewis Stratford - nobody even glanced in our direction or asked if we needed help, they also didn’t have seats/ fabrics on three of the chassis I wanted to try out so more standing around looking for someone to help and then got bored and left.

4 - Mamas and Papas Stratford - “let me know if you have any questions” - ok thanks, I’m completely new to this so I’m not even sure where to start! We live in London but want something that’s robust enough to take on walks in the country too so have looked at the Cybex and Bugaboo but again, fairly clueless as to what they each do differently. “Oh right ok yeah both are popular. The Ocarro bundle is pretty good though and on sale at the minute. Have a look and let me know if you’ve got any questions”. Why is it good? What does it do? Why are you telling me about it over the two I’ve just mentioned?

I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS I’VE GOT BECAUSE I AM BRAND NEW AND CLUELESS AND THIS IS HARD!!! Can someone please just help me?! Offer to demonstrate them, tell me something interesting about one of them or try and sell me on one feature or another, ask me a question, ask what bloody colour I want… something!!

Maybe I’m expecting too much and people generally go in much more prepared or knowing what they want but seriously, I’m ready to drop probably the best part of a thousand plus pounds on “stuff” that I’ve got no idea about and nobody can even be bothered to show or tell you anything.
I then had an argument with my mother in Mamas and Papas because everything I picked up she had something negative to say or told me why I shouldn’t get it and I’ve just got home and inhaled two bars of chocolate and want to cry!

 

[Hannah_204]

Just found out we’re not supposed to eat McFlurrys when pregnant please tell me it’s not true

Gosh pram shopping is just…. Underwhelming, isn’t it? Sorry this is a long post but I feel completely deflated! I don’t know if it’s bad luck, covid rules or whatever but sales assistants just don’t seem very interested or helpful. Granted I’ve not made any actual appointments just been in for a browse and a push around but I kind of expected more. Thus far

1 - John Lewis Oxford Street. 50 odd year old man looked like he’d just got back from a 3 day festival. Told him we were due in November and he responded “oh so you’re quite early then”. Erm, OK. Then proceeded to tell him we think we knew what car seat we wanted and he responded “oh, banging”. Didn’t offer to show us it, or ask us any more questions about what we were looking for. I genuinely looked at his shirt to make sure he did in fact work there.

2 - Harrods - surprised to find a girl who looked like she may or may not have finished her A Levels. Fair enough, I’m sure she’s well trained working in the baby room. Nope. Asked her two questions to which she responded she needed to go and check with her manager. She came back with the answer to only one. Asked her if she could recommend any of the (very few) brands they had over any others for a general use pram (we told her we didn’t want something as small as the BabyZen). “Errrm yeah this one’s meant to be quite good” as she flicked the handle up and down on one. Then stared blankly at us. Ok helpful. Then we asked her about a discount label we could see to which she said she needed to check again with her manager and we got bored and left after ten more minutes of standing around like numpties waiting for her to come back.

3 - John Lewis Stratford - nobody even glanced in our direction or asked if we needed help, they also didn’t have seats/ fabrics on three of the chassis I wanted to try out so more standing around looking for someone to help and then got bored and left.

4 - Mamas and Papas Stratford - “let me know if you have any questions” - ok thanks, I’m completely new to this so I’m not even sure where to start! We live in London but want something that’s robust enough to take on walks in the country too so have looked at the Cybex and Bugaboo but again, fairly clueless as to what they each do differently. “Oh right ok yeah both are popular. The Ocarro bundle is pretty good though and on sale at the minute. Have a look and let me know if you’ve got any questions”. Why is it good? What does it do? Why are you telling me about it over the two I’ve just mentioned?

I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS I’VE GOT BECAUSE I AM BRAND NEW AND CLUELESS AND THIS IS HARD!!! Can someone please just help me?! Offer to demonstrate them, tell me something interesting about one of them or try and sell me on one feature or another, ask me a question, ask what bloody colour I want… something!!

Maybe I’m expecting too much and people generally go in much more prepared or knowing what they want but seriously, I’m ready to drop probably the best part of a thousand plus pounds on “stuff” that I’ve got no idea about and nobody can even be bothered to show or tell you anything.
I then had an argument with my mother in Mamas and Papas because everything I picked up she had something negative to say or told me why I shouldn’t get it and I’ve just got home and inhaled two bars of chocolate and want to cry!

Aww no I hope your ok! Id give up on the shop staff and read online and ask friends. I won’t lie to you I’m the same don’t have a clue but I’ve found doing online quizes has helped me realise what I actually want in a pram then I’ve watched some you tube videos on how they collapse etc. I’ve narrowed it down to three that I’m going to go and look at in the flesh and feel how light they are. Yes I do make all big decisions from doing online quizes

 

[Neo2021]

Just found out we’re not supposed to eat McFlurrys when pregnant please tell me it’s not true


Aww no I hope your ok! Id give up on the shop staff and read online and ask friends. I won’t lie to you I’m the same don’t have a clue but I’ve found doing online quizes has helped me realise what I actually want in a pram then I’ve watched some you tube videos on how they collapse etc. I’ve narrowed it down to three that I’m going to go and look at in the flesh and feel how light they are. Yes I do make all big decisions from doing online quizes

I found this out the other week and googled it! Apparently it’s because of the risk of listeria from the machines. I couldn’t find a definitive yes or no so even though I NEED one, I’m staying clear x

 

[Amberella]

I have a rip roaring chest infection and work are honestly taking the piss. I ask for a date off (either annual leave or a rostered day off) so I can attend my consultant appointment in a hospital an hour away from home. This morning I get an email confirming that I am indeed off that day… as I finish 3 nights that morning. The appointment is at 9am, I finish nights in a hospital 60 miles away at 8am (if I’m lucky…)

what the duck am I doing to do I emailed back saying that I need the entire day off and was told that they were confused as I do have the day off. No I don’t!



I swim most days, but I’ve started wearing sliders from the changing room to the pool as it’s gross. I have a normal Adidas suit!

Wow that’s mad!! Can you tell them what time you need to finish and see if that helps knock some sense into them?

I’m gonna go and have a look at some suits after work, need to really get moving.

 

[Smallpotato]

Wow that’s mad!! Can you tell them what time you need to finish and see if that helps knock some sense into them?

I’m gonna go and have a look at some suits after work, need to really get moving.

I spoke to the sister who stared at me blankly and said I have the day off so what’s the issue?

I swear managers discretion is the most ridiculous thing in the NHS

 

[Hannah_204]

I found this out the other week and googled it! Apparently it’s because of the risk of listeria from the machines. I couldn’t find a definitive yes or no so even though I NEED one, I’m staying clear x

I’m the same now but I defo had them at the beginning! X

 

[Smallpotato]

Gosh pram shopping is just…. Underwhelming, isn’t it? Sorry this is a long post but I feel completely deflated! I don’t know if it’s bad luck, covid rules or whatever but sales assistants just don’t seem very interested or helpful. Granted I’ve not made any actual appointments just been in for a browse and a push around but I kind of expected more. Thus far

1 - John Lewis Oxford Street. 50 odd year old man looked like he’d just got back from a 3 day festival. Told him we were due in November and he responded “oh so you’re quite early then”. Erm, OK. Then proceeded to tell him we think we knew what car seat we wanted and he responded “oh, banging”. Didn’t offer to show us it, or ask us any more questions about what we were looking for. I genuinely looked at his shirt to make sure he did in fact work there.

2 - Harrods - surprised to find a girl who looked like she may or may not have finished her A Levels. Fair enough, I’m sure she’s well trained working in the baby room. Nope. Asked her two questions to which she responded she needed to go and check with her manager. She came back with the answer to only one. Asked her if she could recommend any of the (very few) brands they had over any others for a general use pram (we told her we didn’t want something as small as the BabyZen). “Errrm yeah this one’s meant to be quite good” as she flicked the handle up and down on one. Then stared blankly at us. Ok helpful. Then we asked her about a discount label we could see to which she said she needed to check again with her manager and we got bored and left after ten more minutes of standing around like numpties waiting for her to come back.

3 - John Lewis Stratford - nobody even glanced in our direction or asked if we needed help, they also didn’t have seats/ fabrics on three of the chassis I wanted to try out so more standing around looking for someone to help and then got bored and left.

4 - Mamas and Papas Stratford - “let me know if you have any questions” - ok thanks, I’m completely new to this so I’m not even sure where to start! We live in London but want something that’s robust enough to take on walks in the country too so have looked at the Cybex and Bugaboo but again, fairly clueless as to what they each do differently. “Oh right ok yeah both are popular. The Ocarro bundle is pretty good though and on sale at the minute. Have a look and let me know if you’ve got any questions”. Why is it good? What does it do? Why are you telling me about it over the two I’ve just mentioned?

I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS I’VE GOT BECAUSE I AM BRAND NEW AND CLUELESS AND THIS IS HARD!!! Can someone please just help me?! Offer to demonstrate them, tell me something interesting about one of them or try and sell me on one feature or another, ask me a question, ask what bloody colour I want… something!!

Maybe I’m expecting too much and people generally go in much more prepared or knowing what they want but seriously, I’m ready to drop probably the best part of a thousand plus pounds on “stuff” that I’ve got no idea about and nobody can even be bothered to show or tell you anything.
I then had an argument with my mother in Mamas and Papas because everything I picked up she had something negative to say or told me why I shouldn’t get it and I’ve just got home and inhaled two bars of chocolate and want to cry!

John Lewis baby sections are atrocious currently with either lack of stock or lack of knowledge from staff. Mother care use to do fab new parent nights with details and instructions on prams!

 

[Rubystaff]

Just found out we’re not supposed to eat McFlurrys when pregnant please tell me it’s not true


Aww no I hope your ok! Id give up on the shop staff and read online and ask friends. I won’t lie to you I’m the same don’t have a clue but I’ve found doing online quizes has helped me realise what I actually want in a pram then I’ve watched some you tube videos on how they collapse etc. I’ve narrowed it down to three that I’m going to go and look at in the flesh and feel how light they are. Yes I do make all big decisions from doing online quizes

I’ve had two mcflurrys in the last week I need to remember to keep checking these things

 

[Abcd123]

Wow that’s mad!! Can you tell them what time you need to finish and see if that helps knock some sense into them?

I’m gonna go and have a look at some suits after work, need to really get moving.

You are entitled to paid time.off for appointments. Can they let you finish an hour earlier?

 

[SavvyBee]

John Lewis baby sections are atrocious currently with either lack of stock or lack of knowledge from staff. Mother care use to do fab new parent nights with details and instructions on prams!

Yeah I don’t know if things have got worse since covid but I find retail staff (in fact people in general) just seem to be ruder and more unhelpful than ever. I used to be cabin crew so completely appreciate customer service type roles have their bad days but honestly! I’m going to try BabyNest in Croydon and then if I don’t get on any better just wing it and order online. I’d much rather go and speak to a person and give someone the sales commission but it’s really no wonder people don’t bother and go online when the customer service is so lacking sometimes.

 

[Sw4]

Gosh pram shopping is just…. Underwhelming, isn’t it? Sorry this is a long post but I feel completely deflated! I don’t know if it’s bad luck, covid rules or whatever but sales assistants just don’t seem very interested or helpful. Granted I’ve not made any actual appointments just been in for a browse and a push around but I kind of expected more. Thus far

1 - John Lewis Oxford Street. 50 odd year old man looked like he’d just got back from a 3 day festival. Told him we were due in November and he responded “oh so you’re quite early then”. Erm, OK. Then proceeded to tell him we think we knew what car seat we wanted and he responded “oh, banging”. Didn’t offer to show us it, or ask us any more questions about what we were looking for. I genuinely looked at his shirt to make sure he did in fact work there.

2 - Harrods - surprised to find a girl who looked like she may or may not have finished her A Levels. Fair enough, I’m sure she’s well trained working in the baby room. Nope. Asked her two questions to which she responded she needed to go and check with her manager. She came back with the answer to only one. Asked her if she could recommend any of the (very few) brands they had over any others for a general use pram (we told her we didn’t want something as small as the BabyZen). “Errrm yeah this one’s meant to be quite good” as she flicked the handle up and down on one. Then stared blankly at us. Ok helpful. Then we asked her about a discount label we could see to which she said she needed to check again with her manager and we got bored and left after ten more minutes of standing around like numpties waiting for her to come back.

3 - John Lewis Stratford - nobody even glanced in our direction or asked if we needed help, they also didn’t have seats/ fabrics on three of the chassis I wanted to try out so more standing around looking for someone to help and then got bored and left.

4 - Mamas and Papas Stratford - “let me know if you have any questions” - ok thanks, I’m completely new to this so I’m not even sure where to start! We live in London but want something that’s robust enough to take on walks in the country too so have looked at the Cybex and Bugaboo but again, fairly clueless as to what they each do differently. “Oh right ok yeah both are popular. The Ocarro bundle is pretty good though and on sale at the minute. Have a look and let me know if you’ve got any questions”. Why is it good? What does it do? Why are you telling me about it over the two I’ve just mentioned?

I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS I’VE GOT BECAUSE I AM BRAND NEW AND CLUELESS AND THIS IS HARD!!! Can someone please just help me?! Offer to demonstrate them, tell me something interesting about one of them or try and sell me on one feature or another, ask me a question, ask what bloody colour I want… something!!

Maybe I’m expecting too much and people generally go in much more prepared or knowing what they want but seriously, I’m ready to drop probably the best part of a thousand plus pounds on “stuff” that I’ve got no idea about and nobody can even be bothered to show or tell you anything.
I then had an argument with my mother in Mamas and Papas because everything I picked up she had something negative to say or told me why I shouldn’t get it and I’ve just got home and inhaled two bars of chocolate and want to cry!

It is a minefield I agree. However I'd say do more online research first to at least get an idea of what you like/don't like and also make actual store appointments next time.

When you make an appointment they usually email you a form beforehand asking questions like what your budget is, your priorities in a pram eg lightweight, all-terrain, carrycot etc. It makes you think about your living situation and practicalities too, eg someone who lives in a top floor flat in Central London is going to want a very different pram to someone who lives in a large rural mansion in the middle of the countryside!

 

[littlepup]

McFlurry are fine according to my trust, that have an official line on it

You need to book an appointment at John Lewis then a pram specialist goes through it all with you and will even do a car compatibility check

 

[Borntorun]

I have a rip roaring chest infection and work are honestly taking the piss. I ask for a date off (either annual leave or a rostered day off) so I can attend my consultant appointment in a hospital an hour away from home. This morning I get an email confirming that I am indeed off that day… as I finish 3 nights that morning. The appointment is at 9am, I finish nights in a hospital 60 miles away at 8am (if I’m lucky…)

what the duck am I doing to do I emailed back saying that I need the entire day off and was told that they were confused as I do have the day off. No I don’t!

Your manager is actually ridiculous. There is no way I’d feel safe to do a 120 mile round drive after a night shift. How many weeks are you now?! I’m highly recommending my night exemption I’ve got right now but in all seriousness I’d take this one to HR if they won’t change your shift