Hospital Bag For A 3-4 Day Cesarean Stay.

I'm now THIRTY-FOUR weeks pregnant so it's time to pack my hospital bag for me and the baby.
Here's my list-

For Mummy;

• 9 maternity, over the scar underwear.
• 4 packets of maternity pads.
• Cloth breast pads/ Packet of breast pads.
• Lansinoh cream.
• 3 singlets.
• 3 nighties.
• 3 thick band track pants
• 3 t-shirts.
• 2 bra's
• 2 crop tops.
• Slippers.
• Thongs for the shower.
• Flats.
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Lip gloss
• Foundation.
• Hair tie.
• Hair brush.
• Bobbie Pins
• Shampoo & Conditioner.
• Moisturizer. 
• Deodorant.
• Asthma Puffer.
• Dirty bag.
• Dressing gown.
• Extra Pillow.
• Chocolate & Snacks.

For Baby;

• 8 0000 Onesies.
• 1 00000 Onesie.
• First outfit.
• Going home outfit.
• 40 nappies.
• 2 Packets of wipes.
• Mittens
• 2 pairs of socks.
• 1 pair of booties.
• 2 Beanie's.
• Swaddle.
• Blanket
• 8 singlets.
• Expressed milk.

+ A brother & sister present, & fun things for Jydan to do.

Baby Tiley - 37 Weeks

Baby Tiley This Week:
Well I am officially 'full term', and have 22 days to go. I've made it! I can't believe it that I've made it through this week and my dear little boy will be at least born safely and at full term!
We had ANOTHER scan of baby Tiley and his decided that he would be in the posterior position, so his back is on my back. I didn't think much of it until I researched it... and holy moley I hope he turns. Apparently it can make labor alot worse, alot of back contractions, longer labor, stop and start labor (which I'm experiencing), water breaking early... so lets hope he does flip! His been moving so much lately so I think his trying!
Baby would be around 6 and half pounds according to the average fetal size, which is about 3 kilos (so we have a couple of 00000 outfits just incase he comes this week). His a bit over 19 inches now too, about 50 centimeters. Wowee.. his soo big now! His head diameter is about 9 centimeters too.
His shredding his waxy substance now, the vernix, although there will be some traces at birth most will disappear.

Tiley's Movements:

Wow, last night little Mr was right into my ribs, he would kick a foot right out into them and leave his foot in them for a while until he decided he had enough of hurting his mummy. We were laying in bed so I told Tim to feel his little foot, hopefully giving him an idea of what I complain about all too often. He was amazed. Tiley's foot was pushing his hand out through my ribs, he was giving my ribs a good whack.
When bub has the hiccups now they are big hiccups, before it was that I could just feel them in the inside of my belly, now my whole stomach jumps! It's amusing to look at ;).
Okay, so his movements are really starting to hurt now... but I can guarantee I will miss it!
Like I said above, Tiley has been moving so much lately. He is going absalutely crazy!

My Bump This Week:
I decided (don't know why??) to share a 'bare bump' photo this week, after all, this is all part of my journey... I didn't think I would rip so much, and I don't know how much my stomach can take! Here's my very ripped bare baby bump.

Yes, they can be as painful as they look. When they come I can feel a sting and my skin rip. It's a real unusual feeling, and I definitely don't like it. I guess I will keep you updated with the fading process after baby is born.

Symptoms This Week:
-Pelvic Pain
-Fatigue
-Sore Muscles
-Nesting.
-More Frequent Urination.
-Painful Legs.
-Nausea

Labour Signs:
-Contractions
-Cramps.
-'False' Labour.
-One centimeter dilated.
-Lost the 'plug'. (I think??)

Contractions:
I am still getting at least 3-4 contractions a day. After Friday/Saturday I had quite a few more contractions on Sunday night/Monday morning for about 6 hours at about 10 minutes apart. I've experienced some today at 20 minutes apart, and still, I'm not in labor. Waiting, waiting, waiting. I am only impatient now because on Friday the doctor said that it might take a few days or a week. So now I'm waiting for my time.

Finalising The Hospital Bag:
The hospital bag is completely finalised and finished now, I am ready!!

The Hospital Tour:
Well, I didn't end up going to the hospital tour because I had my own little tour throughout the week (if you missed it, read HERE)

The Final Birth Plan:
After our taste of labor my birth plan has changed/gone!! There's somethings that I still want to keep, but everything else I will just 'go with the flow' and see what happens.

Support People:
My husband, Tim, and my mother, Kelly, will be my support people during all stages of labour. Other support people will be visiting during the first and second stages of labour.

 Communication:
I would like to be told what is happening, how far I am dilating, if the baby is crowning, if there is any complications and anything else at all times.

Delivery:
Tim would like to watch the baby being delivered, from the crowing to the full delivery of the baby. Kelly will be by my side during delivery.
Tim will be cutting the baby’s umbilical cord.

Contact:
I would like to hold the baby as soon as possible after delivery.
Tim would like to hold the baby after the baby is cleaned.
I would like skin-to-skin contact and to attempt feeding after the baby is cleaned.

 Visitors:
Our family members will be allowed back after the baby and I are cleaned, and the baby is fed. This could possibly be a couple hours after birth.
A photographer, Tanya, will be arriving to take photo’s of the baby as soon after the birth and depending on her availability. We will let staff members know.
All other visitors will not be welcome to at least 24 hours after the birth.
 If I change my mind regarding visitors I hope that it could be respected.

Dummy:
I do not want a dummy offered to the baby.

Injections:
I would like the baby to have the vitamin K and Hepatitis B injections

C-Section:

 Although I prefer a natural labour I would like the decision for a c-section made as soon as it’s needed. Please do not wait for improvements in the baby or my labour to determine an emergency c-sections but rather take immediate action.

 I would like my husband, Timothy with myself in the theatre room.
I would like an epidural.

Three Weeks 'Till Baby Is Due.

Baby Tiley - 36 Weeks.

Tiley This Week:
Baby is gaining around about 28-30 grams a day now and weighing in at around 6 pounds (2.7 kilos)! His grown another centimeter too, 48 centimeters / 19 inches. I can really feel his length now because my insides and lungs feel SO squashed. I can't wait to see how he actually measures compared to the stats!
Tiley's fat layers are starting to build now and his starting to look like a chubby, rolly little newborn. He may even be forming his little dimples on his face, knees and elbows, how cute!
By now, many of baby's systems are pretty mature and just about ready for outside life like his blood circulation and immune system. His lungs and digestive system still need to be perfected. In fact, his digestive system wont fully mature until after birth!
Monday marked exactly one more month to go!! One month 'till the 22nd of November when baby is due. OH.MY.GOODNESS! Today marks 29 days to go :).

Tiley's Movements/Routine:
Lately Tiley has been moving alot more. His been really active and seems to be awake much more then usual. He is probably awake around three times during the night now, where before I would never wake to his movements. His awake till about 10-11pmish, then again around 3am and then again around 6am. If this is his newborn routine, I can deal with that.
I've felt Tileys hiccups this week more then I have the whole pregnancy, I think before this week I only felt them about twice or three times, and this week I've felt them about four or five times!
During Week 34 I wrote about how Tiley found my very uncomfortable left side... and yet again he has. Although he mostly kicks on the right side or the middle he seems to go into my left ribs every couple of days, If I place my hand on my rib I can feel him pounding it, I can feel his foot pushing into them.. His so strong!

Naming Ceremony:

The hall we are wanting to
book for the naming ceremony!

I have started organising baby boys naming ceremony which is still months away and will be on the 23rd of March. Tiley will be around 4 months!

A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration of the arrival of a new child. An alternative to a dedication or christening. It is a way of welcoming the child and officially introducing him/her to family and friends.
During the ceremony, important mentors for the baby/child are introduced. Poems, readings, speech's, wishes for the baby, gifts from the parents are presented, signing of a certificate and anything else symbolic that you choose to do. Basically you can do whatever you would like to represent the beginning of your child's life.
Naming ceremonies are often held by a celebrant but as they have no legal status or anything we are going to run the ceremony ourselves with family.

Symptoms This Week:
-Heartburn.
-Pelvic Pain
-Fatigue
-Mild Back Pain
-Insomnia
-Increase In Allergies
-Out of breath.
This week 'pregnancy' has really hit my body. I'm not 'over the pregnancy' but I have struggled to be comfortable this week. At times I feel incredibly weak physically because I can't bend properly or move quick enough. I'm quick to get frustrated at myself and I'm always asking Tim if it's frustrating that he has to help me out all the time... yes ladies, his always quick to say 'not at all' ;).
I am really thankful for my husband, his always quick to help me out. Pregnancy is really a team effort thing!
Besides that though, this week has been another incredible learning experience :).

Labour Signs:
-Sharp Pains 'Down There'.
-More Painful Braxton Hicks.
-Baby More Active.
-Stomach's Changed Shape.
Still could mean that labour is 4 weeks away, or I may even go over but I thought I would start documenting my labour signs!

Breast Feeding Class:
Monday we went to a breast feeding class at the hospital I'm going to give birth at. It was much more informative and helpful then I expected. Tim came along with me too. At the start there was only one other male (we thought Tim would be the only one, so that was good) and then another male came late. It was great to see the males supporting there partners! Tim probably felt awkward at the start but afterwards when we spoke and debriefed about the things we had learnt it sounds like he really took alot in. We not only just learnt about everything breastfeeding, like how to position the baby, how the baby should suckle, how often around about baby should feed but also what and what not to feed/ give to drink baby when his a little older, and about baby's teeth when his older.
Everyone that were there, but two people, were due in November as well. There was one lady due on the 7th of November and then the next due was ME!! There was the 24th, 26th, 27th and 29th (Friends of ours), so we were all due around the same time.
While we were there I booked into do a tour around the birthing unit for next Tuesday.

Packing My Hospital Bag:
It's official, the hospital bags are 'almost' all packed and ready to go. I am finally parting with my dressing gown for a few weeks!! I'm waiting on the baby's first outfit to come in the mail and then it can be officially organised! There are the last minute things to do, like charge my camera and put it in my hand bag ready to go along with my birth plan, phone charger and other last minute things.
Inside the bags:
I've put a 00000 and a 000 suit just encase, two outfit's in 0000, two wondersuits in 0000... singlets (3), socks (2), bodysuits (2), beanie (1), mittens (1) and booties (1).
Nappies (20), wipes, apricot oil, bags for soiled nappy's, photo shoot items, face washers.
Two tracksuit outfits, underwear, two packets of maternity pads, breast pads, toilet paper, ural, lanosah, jumper, dressing gown, slippers, thongs, shampoo, conditioner, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, plastic bags, moisturiser, winter socks (3), Nighty and a hot water bottle.

The Capsule:
The capsule is now in the car and ready to take the baby home! Probably a little early but we are just so excited and it's one thing we could tick off our to-do list. Yeeyy!!

The Nappy Stash:
Our Newborn & Small MCN stash is complete now, all washed and ready! And all ready for someones cute hieny! We have a few OSFM (one size fits most) too...

One & half weeks 'till we do our next progressive shoot!

Baby Tiley- 33 Weeks.

Tiley This Week:
Bubby boy is about 4.4 pounds now (2 kilograms).
Tiley's skeleton is hardening now. His bones have been hardening for the last 5 weeks or so which probably explains my cravings for milk the last few weeks! Except the bones in his skull which aren't fused together and will now remain slightly overlapped (until baby is a few weeks old, and they wont completely fuse together until young adulthood) to make it easier for baby to get through the birth canel. Tiley's lungs are starting to mature and his practicing breathing in amniotic fluid in the womb (and peeing it out!).

Symptoms This Week:
Indigestion:
My acid reflux this week is more indigestion then heartburn. Burp Burp Burp, I feel like I'm always burping! How embarrassing.
Nesting:
I realised that I've been nesting for a while... stocking up nesting. Apparently nesting doesn't just refer to the irresistible urge to clean everything in sight but stocking up on food and supplies. Our shopping cost has been huge lately and hubby suggested that maybe were preparing for when baby comes.. and it's true! When I researched nesting it came up that, that was a form of nesting too! But now the cleaning nesting bug has hit...I can honestly say, the half of the house that I've so far worked on has never been so clean! Scrubbing, Jiffing, Windexing, Sugar Soaping, Disinfecting and Bleaching... They are my new friends at the moment ;). I think hubby's even gone into sympathy nesting mode because he sugar soaped the bathroom too! haha.
Aching Bones:
This symptom has been lingering for a while but I've definitely felt it more since nesting! My bones are on extreme aching mode and I don't just woddle I do a kinds I do a woddle limp by the end of the day. A warm shower at the end of the day often fixes this or makes it at least so much better.
Braxton Hicks:
I've had quite a few braxton hicks contractions this week, they don't bother me at all and only very rarely are they are uncomfortable... never painful for me. Sometimes annoying when I'm trying to do something and the tightness stops me but other then that, a symptom I don't really mind :). I seem to have a automatic reaction to rub my tummy when I get a contraction. I'm sure in true labour I wont want to be touching my tummy at all!!
Low Iron:
After my 26 week blood tests I got told that my iron was low. I started taking an iron liquid that really helped, helped so much that I stopped taking it after about a month - silly move! My iron has now dropped again so I'm back on the iron liquid. I do however highly recommend the iron liquid I'm on. It's called floradix and everyone who takes it highly recommends it too.

Tiley's Movements/Routine:
Tiley doesn't kick much at all anymore.. I don't think I've felt a BIG kick for about two weeks. His just running out of room now but he still moves around alot. His famous move is sticking a leg out and leaving it for a few seconds and then putting it back into position. Like a big long stretch :).
His still has his same routine, moves around in the morning the most around 6:00am and sometimes on and off until around 9am! It's been nice while on maternity leave to soak up his morning movements without being busy and rushing off to work. His also still active in the evening too after about 8pm. I love it when his active then too because I get to share it with Tim after he finishes work :).
I felt the hiccups for only the second time on Monday :). During the day he will do little moves and turns, but nothing too big in fact his quite inactive, even when his having his active times during the day his not overly active.

Those Who Have Felt Bubby Move:
I looked after a gorgeous little boy on Thursday night and he got to feel baby move, so here is our updated, and very exclusive list:

Tim (Daddy) 10th of June.. 16 weeks & 3 days.
Jyle (Uncle Jyle) Jarrett (Pop) Jordan (Uncle Jordan) 17th of June.. 17 weeks & 3 days.
Graham (Poppy Cocks) Pam 23rd of June.. 18 weeks & 2 days.
Kelly (Nanny) 26th of June.. 18 weeks & 5 days.
Bradon 27th of September... 32 weeks.

Tiley's Bed's Ready:






Tiley's bedding is all washed and his bed is made up in our room. Such a wonderful thing to look at next to our bed every morning and night. We often get an 'awwww' moment when going to bed just staring where bubby will sleep.





The Nursery:
To see the progress of our nursery look HERE (Week 20) & HERE (Week 23).
The only thing that's left to get is a nappy stacker :)




The cot!! (and the bouncer)

Tiley's first Teddy's that match his room
and cot bedding that his daddy bought
him.

The green bins for his dirty nappies
for mummy to get to and wash and
another bin for his toys.

Bubby's drawers.

Inside the cane baskets.



Tiley's clothes so far, inside the drawers and inside his
closet.... (lots on the way too)



Progress Of The Hospital Bag:
Well, the baby bag is almost done! He has his visitor outfit, going home outfit, a spare outfit, a 000 outfit, gro-suits, body suits, singlets, mittens, socks & beanies. Blanket, apricot oil and face washers for burp cloths.
Were still waiting on his first outfit (I received it but they sent a 000 instead of a 0000), newborn booties, more gro-suits, the rest of his going home outfit & his photo shoot cocoon.
Out of my bag... well... all that's packed is maternity pads, nipple pads, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap & bed socks. I haven't packed anything else because I don't know if I could part with my dressing gown, slippers and clothes for the next seven weeks... I think I'll pack the rest of my bag with only a month to go.

Seven Weeks Till Baby's Due!!

Baby Tiley- 30 Weeks

Tiley This Week:
Baby's lungs are almost fully developed now, so are his eyebrows and eyelashes! His around 40 cm. The growing length will slow down soon and he will only grow another 10 cm, or around about; his weight will keep increasing a lot though! His now weighing in at about three pounds and I can certainly feel it! It's getting hard to turn and move around and stand up from sitting down. I can't imagine what it's going to be like in 10 weeks time especially since he will gain about half a pound a week till 38 weeks!! Tiley's head is now 8 cm in diameter and his little tootsies are 6cm long.
An interesting fact this week is Tiley can now see LIGHT and distinguish between day and night. His eyes will follow a light.

Indigestion:
Wow, the third trimester indigestion has really set in. When it first made the appearance it kept me awake all night because I had nothing to help me but now I have my best friends Quick Eze and Rennies by my side all the time!

Complications:
Wow, what a week it's been! I debated if I should write about what were dealing with at the moment because I have so many readers - I don't know who they are. But this is part of my journey, if its a good outcome or not, it's still something I've have to face.
Last night I called up the hospital due to a significant reduced fetal movements that last two days, they told me to go to the labour ward to get checked, just to be safe.
I was put on a heart monitor and a movement counter. As I've mentioned before he squirms and kicks to try and get away from any doppler or ultrasound so he moved the most he had in two days! It was so nice to feel the movements again :). We also had an ultrasound to see him and all was fine. I got to make out his hands and fists on this ultrasound :). His movements have made up for it today and his back to his active self, I was so pleased everything was fine.
BUT we found out something quite unexpected.
When I arrived I did a urine sample and they also checked my blood pressure throughout the night.
I have protein in my urine and my blood pressure has risen alot, which has been fine all pregnancy. I was told that it looks like I have pre-eclampsia but will need to go back on Friday and Monday to check my blood pressure. I also have to go back to the hospital to get checked if I develop anymore symptoms. While researching pre-eclampsia I realised that there are more symptoms that I have, and how serious it is. If your not sure what pre-eclampisia is, check out the Preeclampsia Foundation website.

 I will update more next week but please keep me in your thoughts.

Football Tipping:

VS

What does football tipping have to do with our dear little boy? (Yes, we are typical football parents-to-be!)
Well, at the start of the football season Tim & I made a deal. Whoever bet each other at the footy tipping got to choose what team Tiley goes for (or what team colours he gets to dress up in and we 'pretend' his cheering for). Unfortunately I NOW recognise what a stupid deal it was because Tim has bet me!  Baby boy will go for Geelong :(

Tiley's Name:
Tiley's baby shower is now only days away and one of the games that will be played at the baby shower is about guessing bubs name. Some people secretly know but stay tuned next week to find out what the little man will be called.

Ideas For The Hospital Bags:

I guess our hospital trip has kicked my butt into gear, I'm now going to organise my hospital bag sooner then I wanted, so here's a list of what I'm going to pack:
This is for a 48 hour stay. I haven't asked the hospital how much they provide yet, so this is as if they don't provide anything.

For Tiley: (in the nappy bag)
-3 Pairs of socks.
-4 Singlet in 0000
-5 face washers/burp cloths
-1 pair Booties
-1 pair Mittens
-Beanie
-3 0000 Grosuit
-2 0000 Bodysuits
-3 0000 Outfits (First outfit & going home outfit)
-1 Blanket
-1 Muslin Wrap
-Disposable Nappies
-Wipes
-Bags for soiled nappies
-Apricot Oil
-Knitted Jacket
-Photo Shoot items

For Mummy: (in a suitcase)
-Birth Plan
-What to expect book & Purple book.
-Purse (Private health card, ID & medicare care, change) *last minute
-Mobile Phone *last minute & Phone Charger *last minute
-Charged Camera, Camera cord & SD Card.
-List of numbers to call/text.
-Asthma Puffer *last minute
-Hot water bottle.
-Nursing Pads & Maternity Pads
-Dressing Gown
-Snacks & Sports Drinks.
-2 Pairs Of PJ's & Slippers
-2 Tops
-Soft Toilet Paper
-2 Pairs of Trackpants.
-1 Jumper.
-Comfortable Underwear (lots) Maternity Bra and Winter Socks.
-Plastic Bags
-Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturiser, Massage Oil, Hair Ties, Face Washer, Toothpaste, Tooth Brush, Lip Balm, Foundation & Comb
-Pillow
-Exercise Ball *last minute
-Lanosh Nipple Cream
-Acid less Urine Tablets
-Tennis Ball
-Ugg Boots & Thongs

Ahhhh seems so much!! (and dare I say, it is too much?... first time mum + labour jitters = organisation) Now I have a list I know what I need to buy.

10 Things I Can't Stand People Saying:
I think ladies forget what it's like to be pregnant.. so let me remind you of what not to say to a pregnant woman. I've had every one of these statements... and some over the last few days so I thought I would tell the world ;)...

1. GET USE TO IT.
   I know there is hard times ahead, I'm not naive.
2. GET AS MUCH SLEEP AS YOU CAN.
   People like to remind you that you won't get any sleep when the baby is born, and they think they are the only people who have ever told you.
3. YOUR GETTING BIG.
   Be careful about how you word those so called compliments. Just tell me my belly's getting big, not 'me' ;).
4. YOU HAVE NO IDEA.
   I know I'm a first time mum and I probably have no idea of things to come, but ruuudee...
5. YOU WANTED THIS.
   Of course I want a baby... but doesn't mean I wanted the pain...
6. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE LIKE IN MONTHS TO COME?
   I've also had 'well if you can't cope with this, how can you cope with labour?
7. YOU CAN'T DO/EAT THAT!
   There is 100 and 1 rules to follow, and everyone has an opinion on which ones to follow.
8. I HOPE YOU HAVE A GIRL/BOY.
   Wow, there's nothing more rude I think. I didn't get pregnant to fulfill other's hopes.
9. ARE YOU HAVING TWINS?
   AKA you can't be that fat with just one baby!
10. ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A NATURAL BIRTH?
Nooo I'm going to be really unnatural when I give birth.

10 weeks till Tiley's due!!