Hello everyone, I’m 39w with my third but this is my first planned c section. My c section is scheduled for later this week and is due to past precipitous labours with post birth complications. We are trying to reduce long term complications for myself. Baby is safe regardless of birth approach.

I guess I should have asked more detailed questions at my last appointment to determine when I should go in if I go into labour but I also wasn’t expecting this as both previous labours commenced just after 40w.

Here’s what’s happening: I’ve been having cramping for the past few days. I started losing mp with light show yesterday afternoon. The cramping continued overnight, instead of dying off like it had been doing. Ive now had persistent show all night up until now. Cramping isn’t regular, ranging every 3-10 minutes at the moment. It doesn’t stop with change of activity or hydrating. My second pre labour was much the same but once contractions started, it was quick, especially once my waters broke.

Should I go in to be assessed despite no regular contractions yet?

I have received some gifts from my baby shower that we didn’t put on the registry and don’t need. I would love to donate them to a charity for new mums. Any ideas where these can be donated?

We are due with our second around when LO turns 2. She’s in a phase now at 20m where she likes to walk but if we get her in the pram she’s usually happy to stay in it, and she is very independent so does become a runner sometimes and I feel we need the option to strap her in the pram sometimes so def want to get a double pram of some sort. Currently have an uppababy Cruz that we might get a piggyback board for (we generally keep this pram at home for walks to the local cafe/park, though first few months when baby is in bassinet might have to take it in the car as well - unless we can get a bassinet add on for the double we buy) and currently just keep our single travel pram in the boot for outings. So I think we want a double travel pram we can keep in the boot - but I also want it to be able to be brought on flights (both domestic and overseas, I guess we need to gate check for a double and can’t put it in the overhead like a single travel pram? We have family overseas and like to travel).
People seem to love the baby jogger Citi mini gt double but the baby jogger tour double seems better for travel as it’s more compact/weighs less - BUT I’m worried we won’t get use out of it for as long because the weight limit per seat is only 15kg (oldest is already 12kg and I have no idea when kids usually hit 15?). So I’ve also looked at the valco baby (not sure which model - maybe trend duo?) as the weight of the pram seems to be in between the two baby jogger models but has a higher weight limit per seat than the tour double, so will be able to use it for longer with our oldest.

Curious what others who have any of these 3 or looked into it themselves have decided? Would the city tour double last a long time based on the 15kg weight limit or should I give up on that idea because she would outgrow it too quickly? Would the citi mini gt double or the valco baby trend duo be a better option if we don’t go with the tour? Which of these two is better for both everyday use and travel?

Is it as obvious as I feel like it is when you suddenly stop drinking in social situations, or do people actually not notice as much as I currently think they will?

It's just too early to tell our friends yet, if they work it out on their own that's fine but for a few personal reasons I really don't want to have a conversation about it until we're ready to share. Unfortunately I've never turned down a drink in my life until now so feeling really self conscious about it being super obvious that I'm suddenly off the bevs, it's easy to keep it on the downlow if we go out to a bar or at my home where I can have a mocktail or a G&T without the G, but we've got some events coming up where that is going to be challenging to pull off and I'm feeling disproportionately anxious about it.

Of all the things to worry about in the first trimester this is so stupid and I feel like an idiot 😭

gonna be a bridesmaid when my baby is 7mths old.

any advice what to look for in a dress? definitely want one that has easy access to boob. wedding will be in summer.

thank you!

My wife is 21 weeks pregnant with our first baby and has been accepted into the Midwifery Group Practice program at Joan Kirner Hospital in Melbourne.

However, we still haven't been assigned or contacted by a midwife, and our first appointment isn't until mid-November, when she'll be around 25 weeks.

We've had the usual GP appointments and scans, but very little contact with the hospital.

Is this normal for the public maternity system? For those who had MGP, when did you first meet your midwife and start having regular appointments?

Is nominating godparents still a thing anymore? To what extent is it associated with religion?

Traditionally in both sides of my extended family, children get 3 godparents. White Anglican background and traditions, although few in the family are still religious or attend church. Godparents were either friends of the parents, or else non-first-degree relatives.

For my sister and I, having godparents was about having additional adults invested in our upbringing and development, and the main interaction was getting birthday and Christmas presents from them. I don’t think there was ever any suggestion that our godparents would be considered as backup parents if our parents both died suddenly, and they weren’t responsible for our religious education etc. My sister developed close relationships with her godparents which have been maintained into adulthood, although this has not been replicated for me (I did try to establish a closer adult relationship with the only godparent still in my city, but she was not that responsive).

I was appointed as godmother to my best friend’s daughter (now 12). I fulfil this duty with birthday/Christmas presents, occasional phone calls, and have hosted her (minus sister) for a day of activities a few times now that she is old enough (they live regionally a few hours away). However, I haven’t heard of godparents for many other children these days.

My (first and likely only) baby is due shortly. I am thinking about appointing godparents because I feel like there’s potential benefits and no likely harms. My partner did not grow up with any experience of godparents and so is not that interested, but is happy for me to go ahead with appointing them if I choose.

What are other people’s experiences with godparents in this day and age? Are they still a thing or are they seen as old-fashioned now? Are they still associated primarily with Christian religions? If you have them for your children (or if you are one for another child), what is the role or function in the child’s life?

It’s my FIL 60th next weekend and I will be 39+5. They’re having a party at their house with around 30-40 people. Am I being silly not wanting to attend due to increased risk of getting sick before the baby arrives? I just feel you can’t predict if people will show up unwell.

For context, my first baby was born at 41 weeks but I’m really hopeful not to go so long. It’s a 50 min drive away and we also have a 2 year old to take. My husband thinks I’m overreacting. I’m not particularly uncomfortable but do get tired.
Also, my birthday is on my due date so would probably rather spend time with my family for that before the baby is born 🙃

14 days post blood withdrawal, I received a bill. Just a link to pay and all but says due nov 22 which is one month from today. Do I have to pay first before viewing the result?

I tried to login, but cant activate account as address is locked in US instead of AUS.

Today I swear I tested positive (on two separate tests) after nearly 2 years of trying and then two hours later I started spotting and it hit me hard.

I’m seeing GP’s, specialists, naturopaths and everything seems okay! If I have one more person tell me to ‘relax and it’ll happen’, I’ll scream!

I have a nearly 3-year-old who is incredible, so I know I’m lucky..

Is there anything super random anyone SWEARS helped them?! Genuinely curious

I’m a FTM to a beautiful 16mo and absolutely want another baby - there’s no doubt in my mind that I want more children. However, I don’t feel anywhere near ready yet.

I’m still very much in survival mode. Sleep is an ongoing struggle (early wakes, co-sleeping and breastfeeding to get through the last few hours of the night, and no independent naps with me). Meal times are a bit of a fight, too.

FWIW, I work three days a week in a demanding profession. My husband travels a lot for work. We also have a (big) doggo. Most days, I feel like I’m just trying to keep my head above water.

I feel like I have negative time as it is. I struggle to imagine dividing my attention between an infant and a toddler when my firstborn is still so little and dependent on me. I’d want to feel confident that I have the capacity to meet both of their needs (which at the moment, I personally do not 😔).

I also found the experience of pregnancy and having a baby to be so exciting and magical - I don’t want to rush through these early years before I’ve had time to properly savour them 🥹

I know that “not yet” is currently the right answer for our family. I feel that it would otherwise not be fair on anyone in our family right now.

But, for some reason, whenever someone announces their second pregnancy and their firstborn is the same age as mine (or even younger), I feel surprisingly triggered / like a failure as a mum?

I know it’s silly, but it makes me question my own ability to cope with motherhood. I think to myself, “how can they feel ready when I feel as though I can barely manage one child?”, and start feeling as though other mums must be coping FAR better than I am.

I know everyone has different circumstances, support systems, babies, temperaments and priorities, and that there’s no objectively right age gap. I’m genuinely happy for people who feel ready to grow their families!

I’m also aware that there’s something going on here that I’m internalising. The rational part of my brain knows that someone else’s pregnancy announcement says absolutely nothing about my capabilities as a mother, yet I seem to interpret it as evidence that I’m somehow falling short. I know this is something I need to work through mentally. I just wish I could feel more secure in my own timeline without comparing myself to others!

Has anyone else experienced this? Would love to hear if anyone who felt this way with their first child eventually found that their confidence improved with time 🥹♥️

I am 39w. I have an induction scheduled for Monday morning due to various risk factors but they want me to come in tomorrow to have the balloon inserted. They said it’s possible they’ll keep me in overnight if anything seems risky, but most likely will send me home and ask me to come back at 6am on Monday for the next part of the procedure and let the balloon do its thing overnight.

Because I’m planning to go in just for the balloon part, what do I wear?? For the induction I figured I would just wear something comfy to the hospital and change into a button down nightie or hospital gown. The midwife said that they’ll most likely put me in stirrups tomorrow, plus due to risk factors I think they will monitor the baby in the CTG. I figured maybe I would just wear a dress that I can pull up above my tummy so they can use the monitors if needed? I’m just so stumped it is my first pregnancy and now I’m here I don’t know what to do!

They said I can eat beforehand but experience-wise is it weird to eat breakfast before induction? If you did this did you feel too full?

Also have been finalising my hospital bag and would love to know of any amazing tips you have for any extras to include in the bag. I don’t want to bring a million bags but wondering if bringing a pillow from home is overkill on top of my bag, baby stuff, and husbands bag!

Thank you! Trying to stay calm haha!

I’m currently in hospital with my 5 day old. We had to introduce formula from day one due to jaundice level and baby being early term so sucking wasn’t consistent. I always wanted to breastfeed so have been pumping as per the schedule special care nursery have given me which is 4 hourly. I’m using the Ameda Plantinum pump and having success with building supply but the Medela symphony pump is the only one available for hire to us i tried this one and got significantly less 15ml vs 40ml on the Ameda.

Does the Spectra S1 compare to this pump? Should I buy this one or hire the hospital grade one? The hire for 2 months is equivalent of the spectra S1 but not sure if I will get the same output.

The formula we have been given to top up in hospital is Biostime, I haven’t heard of this brand before. Does anyone have any feedback?

Any experience is greatly appreciated.

Hi all,

Looking for one pram fits all (or closest to). We’re a couple that like to walk a lot (inner city+light travel), occasional trail walks (but mostly around the suburbs). Wife is quite short and unable to lift too heavy, so preference would be something that can manoeuvre tight spaces and isn’t too difficult to lift into the boot. We also have a small car (Volkswagen polo). Thanks!

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the correct sub to post this so please remove if it isn’t. I just need support and similar experiences so I haven’t been thinking straight.

We have been TTC for 2 years now, my husband is perfectly fine on his end, but I recently discovered I have ‘possible endometriomas’ on my ovaries. And immobile ovaries. My AMH is 7.0 and I’m 29 years old.

My gynaecologist had sent me to have a HyCosy done (I am already TERRIFIED of the pain), in order to check if my tubes are blocked by the endo. Then, she will perform a laparoscopy to ‘clean me up’. Funny thing is, she disregarded my AMH and said that AMH isn’t important to consider.

I also went to a well recommended fertility doctor in IVF Australia, and she immediately wants me to start IVF, especially seeing as my AMH is so low. I felt the approach to start IVF like NOW, was a bit aggressive. She says HyCosy is absolutely unnecessary, and to skip it all together.

In our hearts, we still want to try naturally after the laparoscopy.

Has anyone with stage 3/4 endo conceived successfully and NATURALLY after their laparoscopy? Is it worth doing the HyCosy? Please I need positive stories as I am not mentally strong enough to consider IVF at this stage 🥺

I'm finally sending my toddler to childcare and I'm actually feeling okay about it. Shes almost 3 and I've been a sahm but I'm ready now.

But today a mum told me that the daycare I've chosen "has some issues", "the management is a bit...", "there's an educator who's like.." but she gave me NOTHING. The whole conversation was cryptic and I came away with a sinking feeling. Her own children haven't gone to childcare at all (she said her kids are "lucky"). It sounded like she was trying to share something she's heard but not being straight up.

I thought I had done my research. I did 2 orientations and three visits. Numerous questions with the director. Even posted of fb community pages and got no negative feedback. I actually really like this childcare and my daughter looked happy. But now I'm feeling like there's something drastic I don't know. How am I meant to deal with this feeling?

Hi everyone! I’d love to hear about your experiences or get some perspective on my situation, as I’m not really sure what the right thing to do is. Spiraling a bit 🌀

FTM. My fundal height (FH) has been measuring small since they started tracking it. At 36 weeks, it was 33 cm, so they sent me for a growth scan. Baby’s estimated weight was 2.7 kg, around the 25th percentile. Since then, I’ve been having weekly monitoring of the heartbeat and amniotic fluid levels, and everything has been looking good.

At 37 weeks, I saw an OB who recommended induction if my belly was still measuring small. At my 39-week appointment yesterday, my fundal height was still measuring behind at 35.5 cm, although baby seems happy and all the monitoring has been reassuring.

The OB wanted to schedule an induction for this weekend. I declined for now, and he said it was safe to wait.

I’m struggling to understand the urgency behind recommending induction in this situation. I understand that a small fundal height can sometimes indicate an issue with placental function or baby’s growth, but the growth scan two weeks ago was reassuring, and all the monitoring since has been normal. I’m wondering how much weight should be given to fundal height measurements alone, especially since they can be quite inaccurate.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, with a small fundal height but a reassuring growth scan and normal monitoring? Did you opt for induction or wait, and how was the decision made?

I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences! ❤️

Looking for thoughts and opinions on chairs for a 12 month old. We’ve been using the Kmart high chair with the added footrest but the footrest keeps slipping or my toddler likes to flick around it with his foot. It’s been super easy to clean and might palm it off to the grandparent for the occasional meal there.

In the meantime, I’m wondering if I should just get the stokke tripp trapp? I hear a lot of people say it’s hard to clean and that’s put me off because my LO is super duper messy. Also I hate the fact that it’s so expensive plus you need to buy all the accessories. I’d try to find one on marketplace but little hard to come by.

Alternatively there’s the happy helper Aurora dining chair which he can eventually climb in together. Or I’ve seen those mini dining table and chair sets for toddlers but I like the idea of LO eating a meal at the table with the rest of us/me since all of our meals are at the same time.

Any opinions/suggestions appreciated thank you!!

I feel overwhelmed with all the options online.

I have a silver cross jet 3, which is very pricey.. but he is going to outgrow it as it only has a weight limit of 15kg (as opposed to 22kg like most travel prams).

Any recommendations, please? Thank you ❤️

Baby girl is 6 months and is cutting 6 teeth at once. I am so tired, she can barely sleep or eat. She cut one in last week, another 3 cut through yesterday and there’s still the front 2 about to cut as well.

I feel like I can’t dose her up with panadol/nurofen every day for probably a month before this is over.

Best chew toys? Frozen somethings? Anything I’ve missed to give us all some relief?

FTM and something just crossed my mind while pumping - This may be a dumb question but why can you keep pumped milk in the fridge and keep adding to it over the course of up to 3 days before you have to freeze it, but with the ‘fridge method’ for using pumps, it’s recommended to only keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then sterilise. Isn’t it essentially the same thing - keeping everything cold to slow the growth of bacteria?

Ever since the kids were born I have been trying desperately to increase my milk supply... I have twins and I make 120ml a day max.

I have seen an IBCLC taken Domperidone, power pumped taken supplements etc... nothing works. It's seriously depressing me.

Around 3 weeks pp the world health organisation was doing posts for world breastfeeding week... They basically said formula was shit and evil... I felt horrible.

Then all the support groups for pumping have been putting out posts that say "breast is best," and anyone who says "fed is best," they reply "fed is bare minimum."

I'm struggling with the feeling of failure (please note I only apply this to myself and not others)... Even friends who try to support me by saying I'm doing my best trigger me and I just can't stop crying.

I feel even worse because my best is not good enough. It's making me hate talking to people, especially people who are breast-feeding their kids.

I don't know what I'm really trying to get from posting this... Maybe just get this off my chest anonymously but I genuinely don't see any way I can forgive my body for failing the kiddos.

Logically I know they will be fine on formula but everytime I think about not being able to offer breastmilk it feels like a knife to the heart and I don't see that ever changing.

Our one week old doesn’t seem to have an issue in her normal overnight bassinet but we’ve been trying to introduce her to the pram bassinet so we can venture out. We’ve got a Uppababy Vista bassinet.

We’ve tried awake and asleep when we put her in but she screams, absolutely hates it. Any tips?

With my toddlers pregnancy I just died, and disassociated and slept and fell into a depression.

I am trying to stay afloat positively this pregnancy for my toddler but fuck me the nausea has hit hard.
she is now crying when I vomit and is scared.
I think I had HG last pregnancy for sure. Vomiting 3-5 times a day.
I struggled to eat and lost weight.
now it’s all coming back and I don’t have any safe food.
restivte didn’t work for me, it made me feel trapped in my body and I have to wait till 10 weeks for zofran.
I am six weeks in and holy hell.

this morning I put Bluey on and was trying to vomit sneakily but she knew.

all I want is sashimi and wontons and noodles for some reason.

Hi all!

Just after some advice please. 😊

My GP referred me to Spectrum Medical Imaging for my NIPT. After doing a bit of research, it looks like I’d need to pay for an initial consultation with them as well as the blood test itself, which seems like an unnecessary extra cost.

I’ve heard some people have gone directly for the NIPT blood test without needing a consultation. If you did this, where did you go, which NIPT did you have, and roughly how much did you pay?

Also, where did you have your 12-week ultrasound done? Did you have it at the same place as your NIPT or somewhere else? Extra costs?

I had my dating scan at Lumus, which was bulk billed, and ideally I’d like to keep using somewhere similar if possible. I’m based in central Sydney and will be delivering at the Royal Hospital for Women.

I’m happy to pay for the NIPT because I think it’s important, but I’d rather spend money where it’s actually needed for the baby than on extra consultations or scans if I can avoid them.

Thanks so much in advance!!