Any other expectant Dads?

[juggsy]

CharlieH89 said:

Thank you for the good luck messages and congrats Juggsy.
23 hours since my wife’s waters broke I’m sat in a suite awaiting sleep as my wife had our daughter at 2048.
What an experience and I’m so proud of her. Them contractions are lethal.
Eventually had forceps to get the baby out as after an hour the babies head just wasn’t coming through.
8lb 7oz after scans we’re guessing that last week.
Good luck to everyone in the coming days, I can’t wait to see what parenthood brings.
My wife is breast feeding so I guess I get to sleep at night?

You’re right about those contractions, horrible to watch when you can do little but rub her back and try to look useful. But then pales into comparison when you get to settle down with your new family for the first time. All the best with the new arrival!

[juggsy]

BoRED S2upid said:

Gary29 said:

BoRED S2upid said:

The pox is horrible I feel for any of you with little ones suffering with that. We had our second vaccinated against it not available on the NHS but worth the outlay IMO.

What kind of ball park figure are we talking? I've never had it myself so I think I'm in for a world of pain when the little one contracts it.

£80-100 worth it for not having to take a week off work while your still paying for nursery fees alone never mind if they had a bad dose they can get spots in their mouth if it’s really bad as well as a secondary wart like infection which can lead to scars.

This, our little one had spots in his mouth as well as all over, he was itching everywhere, fever, and for a couple of nights he spend crying out in pain/discomfort.

But as horrible as it is to see kids do bounce back, I’ve heard it’s worse for adults though so if you haven’t had it, vaccinating your little ones may save you from a world of pain too!

[Shakermaker]

CharlieH89 said:

Thank you for the good luck messages and congrats Juggsy.
23 hours since my wife’s waters broke I’m sat in a suite awaiting sleep as my wife had our daughter at 2048.
What an experience and I’m so proud of her. Them contractions are lethal.
Eventually had forceps to get the baby out as after an hour the babies head just wasn’t coming through.
8lb 7oz after scans we’re guessing that last week.
Good luck to everyone in the coming days, I can’t wait to see what parenthood brings.
My wife is breast feeding so I guess I get to sleep at night?

Many congratulations Charlie!

[richatnort]

juggsy said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Gary29 said:

BoRED S2upid said:

The pox is horrible I feel for any of you with little ones suffering with that. We had our second vaccinated against it not available on the NHS but worth the outlay IMO.

What kind of ball park figure are we talking? I've never had it myself so I think I'm in for a world of pain when the little one contracts it.

£80-100 worth it for not having to take a week off work while your still paying for nursery fees alone never mind if they had a bad dose they can get spots in their mouth if it’s really bad as well as a secondary wart like infection which can lead to scars.

This, our little one had spots in his mouth as well as all over, he was itching everywhere, fever, and for a couple of nights he spend crying out in pain/discomfort.

But as horrible as it is to see kids do bounce back, I’ve heard it’s worse for adults though so if you haven’t had it, vaccinating your little ones may save you from a world of pain too!

Where do you go to get it though? is it through nuffield i'm guessing?

[BoRED S2upid]

richatnort said:

Where do you go to get it though? is it through nuffield i'm guessing?

Our GP ordered it and the nurses administered it but we had a good reason. Some will some won’t. We still had to pay. Probably more expensive if you go private.

[Vaud]

Boots and Superdrug offer it in some branches.

[C.A.R.]

Was reluctant to post in here but reading others' stories is always heartwarming.

Had our 12 week scan today for baby #3. Early days yet, following a miscarriage at 14 weeks last year. Not going to feel like we're out of the woods for a long, long time.

Anyone else who has been through it, sat in that room and seen the expression on the midwifes' face when she can't find a heartbeat, I think one of the hardest points in my life to date. Cried like a baby for nearly half an hour. Couldn't believe it. I don't think blokes in general are emotionally well-equipped, we just kind of roll with the tide.

But life goes on and focus now must be on keeping positive and healthy. I've really let myself go since the events last year and I've been making an effort to eat more healthily - but still not exercising like I was. I'm becoming a fat b*stard - Must lose some weight before September!

Currently blessed with 2 girls - age 6 and 3, so naturally hoping for a boy but will just be happy with a healthy baby.

[Blown2CV]

C.A.R. said:

Was reluctant to post in here but reading others' stories is always heartwarming.

Had our 12 week scan today for baby #3. Early days yet, following a miscarriage at 14 weeks last year. Not going to feel like we're out of the woods for a long, long time.

Anyone else who has been through it, sat in that room and seen the expression on the midwifes' face when she can't find a heartbeat, I think one of the hardest points in my life to date. Cried like a baby for nearly half an hour. Couldn't believe it. I don't think blokes in general are emotionally well-equipped, we just kind of roll with the tide.

But life goes on and focus now must be on keeping positive and healthy. I've really let myself go since the events last year and I've been making an effort to eat more healthily - but still not exercising like I was. I'm becoming a fat b*stard - Must lose some weight before September!

Currently blessed with 2 girls - age 6 and 3, so naturally hoping for a boy but will just be happy with a healthy baby.

sorry to hear about last year, best of luck with this year. One of the upsides of having kids is that it does force most men to be more emotional whether they like it or not! I am glad of it personally, however it is however slightly ridiculous the things that i can feel myself welling up at nowadays... song on the radio, even certain fking adverts!

[iphonedyou]

15 weeks! Having a boy - first baby.

Together for 15 years, married for 2 - will be quite the change for us, and for our little miniature dachshund!

(I saw somebody reference things they hate being told on announcing a pregnancy earlier in the thread - if I hear one more person tell me we'll not care about our puppy anymore I'll take their head off. That some people can't love more than one thing at once is their miserable look out!)

Edited by iphonedyou on Thursday 7th March 18:33

[Blown2CV]

iphonedyou said:

15 weeks! Having a boy - first baby.

Together for 15 years, married for 2 - will be quite the change for us, and for our little miniature dachshund!

(I saw somebody reference things they hate being told on announcing a pregnancy earlier in the thread - if I hear one more person tell me we'll not care about our puppy anymore I'll take their head off. That some people can't love more than one thing at once is their miserable look out!)

Edited by iphonedyou on Thursday 7th March 18:33

well, you may find the love of the puppy is somewhat different to the love of your baby when it arrives, at least!

[iphonedyou]

Blown2CV said:

well, you may find the love of the puppy is somewhat different to the love of your baby when it arrives, at least!

That's a much nicer (and I daresay more accurate) way to put it!

[CharlieH89]

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

[ST_Nuts]

CharlieH89 said:

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

Your baby, just bugger off home for the night? Or is it not as easy as that?!

22 weeks this Friday... Where's the time going!! She's giving some proper good kicks now

[The Moose]

ST_Nuts said:

CharlieH89 said:

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

Your baby, just bugger off home for the night? Or is it not as easy as that?!

22 weeks this Friday... Where's the time going!! She's giving some proper good kicks now

That’s what is going to make me a crappy parent.

I would’ve given them a deadline and walk straight out at that time. Probably get arrested!!

[Jonnny]

ST_Nuts said:

CharlieH89 said:

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

Your baby, just bugger off home for the night? Or is it not as easy as that?!

22 weeks this Friday... Where's the time going!! She's giving some proper good kicks now

Unfortunately not, missus got let out at about 17:00 in the end.. Hated it in postnatal, it was a stark contrast to the amazing staff and facilities during the Antenatal and birth.

[juggsy]

CharlieH89 said:

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

Been there, particularly when they say it’ll be x hours, then y hours, then tomorrow. It’s not nice when you just want to get home into your own space, bed, have your own shower etc.

My advice is if you have to stay (and despite others saying, don’t just walk out, you want to get the checks done obviously), make total use of the advice and support whilst you’re there for breastfeeding or what have you. Known you’d rather be at home but it’s place you’ll have the most concentrated level of expertise!

[CharlieH89]

iphonedyou said:

15 weeks! Having a boy - first baby.

Together for 15 years, married for 2 - will be quite the change for us, and for our little miniature dachshund!

(I saw somebody reference things they hate being told on announcing a pregnancy earlier in the thread - if I hear one more person tell me we'll not care about our puppy anymore I'll take their head off. That some people can't love more than one thing at once is their miserable look out!)

Edited by iphonedyou on Thursday 7th March 18:33

Together for 11 nearly, married for 3 nearly along with an 8 year old nutcase Labrador.
We are still in hospital so our 1 day old girl hasn’t met the dog yet but I can’t wait to introduce him to her.
I’ve been home to see him, has parents walk him and bro in law stay with hime over night.
Love him to bits and the love back is just unquestionable.
I really hope the baby and the dog get along. He’s boisterous. His hairs get everywhere so it is going to be a bit of a challenge I think.

juggsy said:

CharlieH89 said:

As the baby was delivered by forceps yesterday we needed a paediatrician to sign off the babies wellbeing today.
There was only 1 working and was busy all day so we had midwives saying you’ll be able to go home at 3 then 6 maybe and we were thinking around about now but nope, we have to stay another night and wait for the paediatrician tomorrow to confirm the baby is well.

Hospital is a horrible place( especially on a lack of sleep.
Me and the wife just want to be home now.

Been there, particularly when they say it’ll be x hours, then y hours, then tomorrow. It’s not nice when you just want to get home into your own space, bed, have your own shower etc.

My advice is if you have to stay (and despite others saying, don’t just walk out, you want to get the checks done obviously), make total use of the advice and support whilst you’re there for breastfeeding or what have you. Known you’d rather be at home but it’s place you’ll have the most concentrated level of expertise!

Nail on the head right there.
My wife is breastfeeding but is in pain from the stitches, so some positions have became painful.
The midwife showed her another position which is brilliant and that’s the baby fed whereas if we were at home the only way would have been to give her a bottle more than likely.

[juggsy]

CharlieH89 said:

Nail on the head right there.
My wife is breastfeeding but is in pain from the stitches, so some positions have became painful.
The midwife showed her another position which is brilliant and that’s the baby fed whereas if we were at home the only way would have been to give her a bottle more than likely.

I hope you guys get on with the breastfeeding, it can be bloody hard. If (and in many cases when) there are issues it’s not common for women to be incredibly hard on themselves, and as dads you feel the pain and in my experience feel incredibly inadequately to be able to help. Things like NCT don’t help as they all make it sound like it’ll be a walk in the park. Although with this one we are further along than with our first, it’s still proving incredibly challenging physically and emotionally.

For the first one I had to step in and make the call to go formula first, best thing we ever did as it was relentless and nearly broke us. It’s starting to get to that point with the second but we’re percevering for now and trying to get help.

Who’d have thought what is supposed to be a biological process can seem so unnatural!

[Vaud]

https://www.laleche.org.uk/

Great support group.

[juggsy]

Vaud said:

https://www.laleche.org.uk/

Great support group.

Thanks Vaud, appreciate the recommendation. The slight issue I have with these sorts of groups is they are often there to get you to breastfeed no matter what, sometimes at the expense of the mum’s emotional and mental well-being. Having a read of some of the articles on the site, they may have a similar approach. What we personally really need is impartial support to decide if breastfeeding will work for us or not, as we want to avoid the slippery slope we went through last time leading to fairly acute post-natal depression. They say breast is best but in my experience this isn’t always the case if the levels of guilt get so such proportions that it takes over your life, when you should be focusing on bonding with your new family.

Sorry for the slightly emotive post, but having been there, done that, and currently witnessing a similar set of events kicking off, I’m a bit more cautious this time. So any direct experience on how impartial they are would be welcome!