November due dates

[Mary]

How are you feeling, seven-monthers? Enjoying your beautiful belly?
Any braxton hicks? Aches and pains, or are you carrying on with life as
usual? Everything lined up for the birth, maternity leave, found a
doula, taken a breastfeeding class, toured the birth center/hospital,
happy with the care you're getting so far? Hormones going crazy?
Enjoying those secret smiles that other women give you on the street?
Stretch marks are hard-earned badges of honor, just remember that.

Mary S.

[Linz]

"Mary" > wrote in message ...
>
> How are you feeling, seven-monthers? Enjoying your beautiful belly?

I'm feeling pretty darned good. I am enjoying being pregnant - despite the
various aches and pains. I love the belly, although it still comes as a
surprise to me sometimes when I look down and whoa! There's a belly! I'm
pregnant! I'm going to have a baby!

> Any braxton hicks? Aches and pains, or are you carrying on with
> life as usual?

I've had BHs for months, but they're more noticeable now, especially when
I'm walking - seems to be a reminder to slow down and walk a little less
far, a little less fast. I'm getting some back aches, occasionally
sacro-iliac pain but mostly spinal, from the top of my pelvis to my
shoulders. I'm going to check whether the local physios can do anything for
me. And occasional heartburn, too, but otherwise life goes on as ever.
Slightly slower and more easily tired than last year but that's it really.

> Everything lined up for the birth, maternity leave, found a
> doula, taken a breastfeeding class, toured the birth
> center/hospital, happy with the care you're getting so far?
> Hormones going crazy?

Maternity leave is booked and my temporary replacement has been interviewed
and given the job. I start antenatal classes in three weeks (they leave them
to 34 weeks in my area) and if the consultant signs me off for good at my 34
week hospital appointment, the community midwives will start organising a
homebirth - so yes, I'm happy with the care I've been getting, it's giving
me what I want, the optimum birth for me and Bug.

> Enjoying those secret smiles that other women give you on the
> street?

I love that. And Bloke has started spotting pregnant women and "tiny people"
when we're out, and is getting quite knowledgeable about buggies!

> Stretch marks are hard-earned badges of honor, just remember that.

Still waiting for them (Mum never had any so there's a chance I won't, but I
shan't stop looking for them till after the Bug's arrived).

I can't get over how generous people have been - we have so many clothes and
baby bits donated. The nursery is nearly done, I still need to sort out a
curtain; the cot is nearly finished, Bloke's repainting it; I feel like
we're getting somewhere.

Of course, the closer we get to Bug's arrival, the more unprepared we're
going to feel!