Dr. Dennis Price Fan Club

Hi girls - I'm back!!!

I feel like I have been missing for ages and reading up on all that I missed has taken me forever!

We have been on a 3 week family holiday in Noosa, which was absolutely wonderful. We usually go each year but we missed out last year. Weather was awesome and I got to spend heaps of time with my best friend (who lives in Brisbane) and her gorgeous 7mth old baby girl. Then when we returned, my computer died! Its been on its last legs for a while but I was having stress attacks missing BB!!!!!

So glad to hear everything has been going well for the preggie ones.

It was lovely to come back on and see how much things have progressed for you all - such good news.

Hi Girls,

Thanks Gigi, I am pretty happy with the name. As I am looking at doing a Diploma in Childbirth Education now, I wanted something that was going to reflect both that and Doula-ing.

Dennis is absolutely right, the posterior position is only an actual issue in labour, but there is some positioning you can do to encourage bubs to turn if you still think it is posterior closer to the day, or if you are in labour try and keep forward, hands and knees, leaning forward etc so it takes the pressure off your back.

You had better make sure you come on here when the contractions start! I wil be waiting with baited breath to hear all about it!

Mel - Welcome back hun! So glad to hear you had a great trip, what a fun house it must have been with your 2 girls and your friend's little girl!

Oh - no about the computer, I think I would die without my computer these days! lol I haven't been online much over the last couple of days as we just had a party yesterday for my 30th and Cooper's 1st, and it was crazy here!

Well I hope everyone else is well, and I look forward to hearing from everyone!

Relle - how did Coopers birthday go. 1st birthdays are so exciting, your little baby is a little man now!! Fantastic news about doing the diploma. Being a doula sounds like its your calling. I am so relieved to have a new computer, it works so much better than the other one and its much quicker. I felt so lost without it (sad, isn't it LOL!!!!!).

Hope everyone is having a lovely Sunday :)

Hi all,

Relle - thanks for the advice on the hands and knees etc for posterior. Thankfully that is my favourite position from my previous labour so it should work well!! I will definitely come on and let you know when it all starts happening....getting exciting now that we are in April.

Mel - Noosa for 3 weeks sounds divine. We go every year too and I can't wait to get back up there later in the year when the alien is born. Sounds like you had a great time.

Well, not much else is new with me - still getting some pretty strong pre-labour-y type cramps and things but nothing too exciting yet. not long to go - can't wait to meet this little person!

Hope you are all well and enjoy your Sunday nights.

Gigi xx

Oh Gigi - stop! you are getting me all excited about waiting to hear when you go into labour!!!!! It is soooooo exciting!

I have been starting to have all of these weird little pains and niggles that I am sure I probably had with the other 2, but have forgotten about, but I just "feel" so much more pregnant this time and I am only 26 weeks or so tomorrow - sheesh it is going to be a long 14 weeks for this poor body! lol

Mel - I am LOVING my Doula-ing it is really haleping me to feel fulfilled iykwim.

The party was fantastic, we had a few friends come that I hadn't seen in ages as well, so that was lovely to catch up with them. I have some photos and will post them on the totsites when I get a chance, so have a look in a day or 2! hehehehehehe

How is everyone else going????

Ros how was the trip hun?

Hello all!!

It's been ages since I was last here it seems! Yet nothing much has changed for me, although it sounds like heaps has been going on for everyone else!

Relle -- great name -- I have finally emailed you back btw -- so sorry about that.

Is everyone going (or back from) on hols because that is the thing to do before bub arrives??? LOVE the idea of that ... just tell me that is the recommended action and I will pass that on here! As it turns out for me, I may be working up to w 38 --- is that too close?? I just don't know these things! Will I be giving birth while managing a project??
haha

I am patiently waiting for my 20 w scan now. Things don't feel like I am pg now that I am used to it. Although, I have this AMAZING sweet tooth now that I never had before. All I want is junk food -- what is that?

Glad that all are happy & healthy!

hi girls!

sounds like we're all ticking along nicely! no baby news to report here - which i guess is a good thing!! i've been poking and prodding my uterus for the last week or so trying to get a response from my baby, but nothing yet! i'm only 15 and a bit weeks, so i know it's still very early, but i live in hope!! my DH caught me poking my belly the other night in bed and then started poking me all over - in the arm, my belly, my legs, face, and kept saying "how do you like that? hah?" he's worried that i might be annoying the baby with all the prodding - ha ha ha!!

i had a bit of an accident this morning. my phone alarm started going off at 5am this morning and it was downstairs. i went down to turn it off (in the dark) and fell down the stairs!! i lost my footing and fell down backwards hitting my bum first and then my back. i slipped down a few steps before coming to a stop. i'm pretty bruised on my bum, wrists, ankles and elbows, but the only really sore part is my back. it's not bruised very badly, but it is constantly throbbing. i've taken the day off work and am going to get it checked out this morning to make sure that i haven't chipped a vertabra or something... we're meant to start moving into the new house tonight, and finish it tomorrow (removalists coming), but it's the last thing i feel like doing now!! oh well..

the only thing going through my mind as i was falling was "oh no, don't hurt the baby!" - i didn't hurt my tummy at all though, so i'm sure the baby is well and good, although would have been wondering what all sudden activity was about!!

4 weeks today until my 19-week scan - woo hoo!! still trying to convince my DH to find out the sex... should have him sold on the idea by then...

sorry, haven't read through everyone's posts (been away for the weekend and am in a rush now to try and find a doctor to check out my back), but will read up later tonight hopefully to catch up on everyone's news!

Nox - going on holiday before bubs arrives is a brilliant idea. I was maid of honour at my BF's wedding, which was in Noosa, at 32 weeks pregnant. Apart from the wedding preparations, we had such a relaxing time and it was just what I needed. If you get the opportunity, do it! I finished up work when I was 34 weeks with Chelsea and 36 weeks with Marley. I must admit, the extra time off was nice and I was able to relax. LOL about you managing your project while giving birth!!!! Gotta love the sweet tooth. My craving with Chelsea was M&M's! I once ate a 500g bag in one sitting and had the sorest jaw from crunching so many!!!! Your 20 wk scan will be here before you know it.

Ella - so glad to hear you aren't too hurt. Although you sound like you are in a bit of pain with your back. Hope you found someone to check it out. Babies have plenty of cushioning in there, so you shouldn't worry. It's funny how some partners want to know the sex and others don't. I have a few friends pregnant at the moment going through the same scenario. Most of the time the girls win out!!! Good luck trying to get him to come around.

Hi ladies,

Nox - when is your scan? how exciting. I wish I could have another one and see the alien again....I agree with Mel - a little holiday before bubs is a great idea. And Dennis is all for it too! (He is a very keen Noosa-ite...) Glad to hear that all is trucking along nicely for you.

Ella - what a scare with your fall! So glad you are ok - I hope that you can get some help with your back. As you progress through your pg the last thing you need is extra back pain!! How exciting re your scan too! It's a good one the half way scan - you can see so much and really get a feel for them I think. LOL at you being able to change DH's mind re the sex "by then" - you go girl!

Me - well, not much to report. Getting the 37 week tears though - just felt like a basket case today. Fell in a heap tonight and had a good old cry on the phone to DH. Thankfully he came home to help me with Ella before her bedtime and it was great. Am still getting a lot of very strong BH contrax and cervix sharp pain (boy, it's like a knife going in there!) but nothing that is telling me that it's going to be any time too soon. At least tomorrow I am 37 weeks complete and bub is 'term' so I can relax and just let it happen. Seeing Dennis on Tuesday next week so will remember to ask him about whether there is any sign of engagement or if alien is just hanging out head down.

Have a great night ladies and hope you are all well.

Gigi xx

Wow Gigi, I must say that those BH sound quite frightening and painful. You seem to take it in your stride though.
OMG Mel, reading about your M&M issue nearly makes me want to get out and get some!

I am actually starting to feel uncomfortable...hard to lay down, hard to sit, always hungry but not really ... trouble sleeping!!! BAH

I need a holiday to get through the next 2 weeks before the scan. I am having the 20 week at the end of my 20 week! So painfully long away!

You know if I can girls, I would like to take a hol. Do you recommend the warm as opposed to the curl up by fire type?

I'm not sure about finding out the sex of my baby -- not sure it matters to me but I guess I actually have to decide!

Let us know how your back goes Ella. I hope you are feeling better.

xx

Hi Girls!

Yep, my back is feeling so much better - it was just badly bruised... i have very impressive bruises all over me where i've hit limbs on the way down the stairs - i keep finding new ones!! ha ha!!

well, we moved house on tues and are settled into our new place (well, we're set up on a mattress on the floor and everything is still in boxes, but at least the boxes are now in the right house!!) think we'll be very happy there - a nice big house in Malvern East - perfect for a young family!! it's quite a change from Chapel St and i'm not missing the drunken yobbos screaming outside my window at all!!

Gigi - i'm excited for you that you're so close now!! not very long until you'll be cradling your little one in your arms!! those cervix pains sound unpleasant - does everyone get them? hhmmmnn, not something for me to look forward to!!

Mel - glad to hear that you recommend holidays in the 3rd trimester! i'm going away to South Africa for 10 days when i'm on the cusp of the 2nd-3rd trimester (so i didn't think it was that late), but i've got some dispproving comments from some people... and lots of "what will you do if the baby arrives early?"... well, if the baby arrives that early i'll be up **** creek no matter whether i'm in melbourne or South Africa!! it would be very premature and have lots of health problems... if anything does happen we'll just have to pay with our right arm for the best medical care that's available over there...

Nox - sorry to hear that you're getting uncomfortable... how long away is your 20-week scan? mine is in 4 weeks and i thought that you were about 4 weeks ahead of me, so surely yours is coming up soon!! although mine is actually when i'm 19.5 weeks PG, so maybe that's throwing me out too...

Nox - you go and get those M&M's and enjoy crunching every last one LOL!!!! It does get hard when things get uncomfortable, but it does get better for a while, then back to the uncomfortableness (is that word!) again later. Re the holiday, I love the warm weather (not too warm though!) and I loved showing my big baby bump in a pair of togs. Lounging by the pool with a good book, lollies, chips, etc is my idea of a good holiday LOL!!! Whatever you decide, any holiday is a good holiday. I didn't find out the sex with both pregnancies. My philosophy was, you don't get many true surprises in life, these were mine. As I've said in previous posts, I think it helped me deliver Marley as I was so desperate to find out what it was LOL!! There are so many pros and cons for each side though.

Ella - great to hear your back is ok, apart from your many bruises! How exciting being in your new house. You must be so excited to start your nursery! That was my big thing - I couldn't wait to start it and buy everything at once! The quietness must seem strange after Chapel St. Learn to ignore alot of people when your pregnant - everyone thinks its their right to push their opinions on you, however well meaning they are. Some people are so negative too! You go and enjoy your wonderful holiday and I am sure the baby will enjoy a nice relaxed mummy too!

Can I ask, does Dennis look after women who are classified as 'high risk'?? When I say high risk, I mean wanting a VBA3C?? Thanks ladies :)

Hi Mummato3

Dennis is usually really good with high risk and I have been told that his VBAC rates are about 75% success. I would just give him a call and ask him the question! Goodluck though and hoep we can welcome you to the club!!

Girls, will be back on later to say hi to everyone!

Thanks Relle,

I am in the middle of my B Mid at the moment so am blessed to be helping other women with welcoming their babies into the world..but hubby has said to me that my 'graduation' present will be another baby....bless is heart :lol: Having had three unnecessary luscs, I am wanting to find an ob who will support me with my desire to birth vaginally, which I KNOW I can. I look forward to talking with you more about it as the time draws closer.

Thanks so much,

Meredith x

Oh Meredith that is awesome! I applied for BA of Mid, but no luck this year, so I have trained to be a doula for the meantime!

I think it is one of the most amazing things in the world to share that journey and help women that are birthing.

I have my first birth booked for next month, then a break for my own! lol

Well as far as helping women to achieve THEIR birth I think Dennis is one of the most understanding and experienced OBs this side of town.

Hi everyone,

back from Easter and while not wanting to freak anyone out, I am in soooo much pain. Not labour (unfortunately!) but OMG the pelvic and cervix pain I have had over the last 24 hours has been excruciating. I can literally hardly walk. I didn't have this with Ella so it's all a bit new to me....I paged Dennis this arvo just to make sure all was ok and he said that as long as there is no accompanying bleeding or contractions, all is well. I see him at 9.30 tomorrow morning anyway so he will check me out then. Will let you know how it goes.

Nox - sorry to hear that you are getting to the uncomfortable stage - trust me, the end is far more uncomfortable though and you just have to keep reminding yourself that it's all for a good cause! I agree with Mel - bring on any kind of holiday and have a rest!

Ella - great news about your new place! East Malvern is great. Will be nice and quiet compared with the rush of chapel street! Re cervix pain, I think a lot of women do get it at some stage but I didn't have anything like this first time around....so hopefully for you, the first time will be cruisy like mine! Your bruises - I can just imagine. Look after yourself and no more stair stacks please!

Meredith - welcome! I agree with Relle, Dennis is extremely supportive and is very 'minimal intervention'. (To the point where recently a friend of mine BEGGED him to to do a CS when she was 10 days overdue...LOL. I believe her words to him on the phone were "Dennis, just get this kid out of me NOW!"...) I think Relle is right - give him a call and ask - he is great on the phone....

Relle - how are you traveling along? You must be getting excited about the first birth next month! Wow - can't wait to hear about it!

Hope you all had happy easters. Will keep you posted on my appointment with the big D tomorrow.

Gigi xx

Gigi - I am in to see Dr D tomorrow as well hun, but at 4.15!

With the cervix pain, I can categorically say I completely understand. Not so much with DS 1, but with DS 2 I seriously thought my pubic bone was going to break in 2, and Dennis told me that the pains does get worse with subsequent pregnancies, so I am freaking about that! Gigi - do I tell you know that I thought my insides were going to fall out the ache was that bad! lol

I am in the 3rd trimester now, can't believe how quick it has gone. I am going to hopefully have a good chat with Dennis tomorrow as well, I am having really bad back pain this time ( I have a bad lower back anyway ) but last night I rolled over in bad and pulled something then felt likes my hips have been going to break today I am in so much pain.

I am getting really excited about my first birth, she is so positive about having a Doula there and we have had a 2nd appt with the next 2 booked in as well, so I am really looking forward to that!

Nox and Ella - not to long now till your scans girls! Can't wait to hear all about them, and Gigi you better make sure you are on here quick smart tomorrow after your appt! lol

You are all so lovely..thankyou for your replies :)

Relle, that must be so excting attending your first birth.. if you have any questions or want to bounce ideas, please dont hesitate to let me know.

So will you be having a doula at your birth in July?

Meredith x

Meredith - thankyou so much for that offer - look out I will take you up on that! lol

I am having a Doula for my birth. I actually originally had a student midwife lined up to come, but that did not work out and I guess I had different expectations to what she wanted to do, I never ever got to meet her in the end as she was only interested in meeting me at an appt with Dennis, and the 2 appt that were originally after contacting her were my 12 and 19 week scans, which my husband was coming too, but I thought she would want to meet anyway, but she didn't so I canned that idea and hired a Doula, which has worked well as I have now trained anyway.

Where are you studying? Are you doing the grad dip or BA of Mid?

Wow this Dennis sounds fantastic!

Can anyone tell me his last name? and does he work in the city?

tictac

ME30
HE32
TTC # 1

Hi Tictac, his name is Dr Dennis Price and he has rooms in Malvern and Clayton and delivers at Cabrini, Waverley and Jessie Mac.

And yes he is awesome!Let us know if you are joining the club! lol

Hi everyone,

Well, saw Dennis and he actually surprised me.

He said that if I can get 2-3 days complete bed rest it will help the pain to go away, but then as I start to do things again, it will come back. It's separation of the pelvis pretty much and will only get worse the more I do physically. Pretty tough situation with a 19 month old running around. So, as I am 38 weeks tomorrow, he said that if it gets too much for me to handle between now and my next appointment (Monday) that he is happy to get me in to Cabrini and do an internal and break the waters and hopefully that will bring it on. If not, then he would put the drip in. He says that if I was earlier, he wouldn't recommend it but for the sake of a couple of weeks - that could lead to 4 if I were to go over, it's just not worth it to be in pain like this.

So, I am a bit emotional and teary now - I just always thought that I would go into natural labour like last time and the prospect of an induction is freaking me out a little bit but I don't know how much longer I can go on with this pain. I am hoping that my MIL or Mum will take Ella for a few days so I can get some rest and maybe see how I am by Monday, just to get that extra week?? I don't know - I am really at a loss.

I was surprised that Dennis even suggested it but I think it must be a sign that he doesn't see the need for me to be in pain if I don't have to be, you know? the head is down but not engaged, even though it feels as though it's between my knees.

Help! Don't know what to do!

xxxxx

Oh Gigi, I was just thinking about you hun!

OK - the complete bed rest is almost bloody impossible with a 19 month old, I am hearing you there. Do you think someone can take Ella for a few days or come and stay for a few days to help you?

With the induction, if you have had a great experience with a natural labour then I can understand your concerns about an induction. My own induction with DS 2 was done at 39 weeks and I was actually already dilated 2cm and Dennis broke my waters, then left it up to me when I had the drip put up. I had an induction at MY request after a long labour the first time, so for me it was more about having an outcome within the day so I chose to have the drip up an hour or so after he broke my waters.

I don't know whether it is what Dennis orders or what is done routinely at Cabrini, but the drip was started really really low, and the first time I felt anything it was just pressure, no pain whatsoever, then every half hour after that was turned up, but my body still had a chance to adjust. I got through my induction with just Gas, and I think as a second time mum, you will surprise yourself anyway at how well you handle the labour and how quick it can happen.

If the contractions are too much, it is your right to request it to be turned down or off, especially once labour has been established. You could also ask Dennis about intermittent monitoring rather than constant so you can still have some freedom and movement ( I know he supports this as I have already asked the question)

You know what Dennis is like, he is very much into giving you the options, and letting you decide, so ultimately it is what is best for you at this point.

Sweety, I hope this helps, I just know that I needed to hear some positive things about inductions and all I could find was negative, but they can still be wonderful and amazing just intense.

If you want to chat or email, email me on rellemcmillin@aapt.net.au, and we can have a chat.

Thnking of you

Hi Relle,

Thank you so much! I really needed to hear that babe. It is a lot of negative stuff that you hear re inductions and I just find it hard to know what to do, particularly with varying advice from people, ykwim? and it sounds as though I would still have some control over things with Dennis and Cabrini, which is good. He was so great this morning really I just think it gave me a shock because it really hadn't been a consideration at this point.

I have just spoken to mum and she is going to come over this afternoon and do the shopping for me etc and will come each day to let me rest for the rest of the week. I think that my MIL could maybe take Ella Thursday till Saturday morning though so that could be good too. Then I figure I can give myself til my appointment with him Monday to see how I am feeling. But you are right, I need to not have Ella here so I can actually rest properly. The problem is on the flipside, I will miss her so much as it's such an emotional time I just want her with me - anyway, what's best for me and the bub is the most important thing and if it means a few days with her away at granny's then so be it.

Thanks so much again - thanks for your email too, I appreciate the chat offer and will probably take you up on it!!!

g xx

Gigi - your poor love!! I can understand why you must have been a bit freaked out. I can't help with any induction advice but I have had many friends who had good experiences with being induced. Just focus on the positives, you'll get to meet your beautiful baby a bit sooner. I am sure Ella will have a lovely time with her nana, most kids love it. Treat it like a special sleepover, and I can understand you missing her. It must be an emotional time for you but try to take it easy and rest up as much as possible. Its great that you can call on MIL as well. Pls keep us posted with any updates. Thinking of you!

Relle - third trimester, wow it has gone quickly! How did you app go with Dennis today? I also noticed that is was Campbells b'day on Easter Sunday! Happy B'day Campbell! What did you do to celebrate?

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Meredith - thankyou so much for that offer - look out I will take you up on that! lol

I am having a Doula for my birth. I actually originally had a student midwife lined up to come, but that did not work out and I guess I had different expectations to what she wanted to do, I never ever got to meet her in the end as she was only interested in meeting me at an appt with Dennis, and the 2 appt that were originally after contacting her were my 12 and 19 week scans, which my husband was coming too, but I thought she would want to meet anyway, but she didn't so I canned that idea and hired a Doula, which has worked well as I have now trained anyway.

Where are you studying? Are you doing the grad dip or BA of Mid?

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Oh Relle, I am so sorry you had that experience with the student midwife...that is very poor behaviour and certainly not the way the Follow Through Journeys are meant to be.
I have said this before and i will say it again, supporting women through their pregnancy, labour and birth is the best way to learn how you are going to support women once actually qualified. Not two births are the same, no two women are the same...

What a shame we hadnt 'met' back then, I would love to have 'followed you' through.

I am doing the BMid at ACU, so its the Bachelor, not the grad dip.

Look forward to chatting withn you some more,

Meredith x

Hi girls,

Gigi - that is so fantastic about your mum coming over to help. I am sure her help and maybe a little holidays at nannas will do you the world of good at least getting to next monday, and then take each day after that hun.

Ros also had inductions with Dennis and she has great stories about her inductions as well ( other than a posterior bub) so they are not all bad. My induction was a much more positive and beautiful experience than my spontaneous, so I guess it depends on your body and what your expectations are iykwim.

Mel, I know the time is passing so quickly! Can you believe I am in the last trimester already! Yes it was Campbell's bday on Sunday and he turned 3! He had such a big day, easter bunny and then birthday presents! We gave him a big boy bike, so he was very excited and exhausted from riding his bike around everywhere in the caravan park we were staying at. Mel did you get my email hun?

Meredith - thankyou for not making me feel silly about that! I really thought that maybe I was overreacting and expecting way too much, but I know as a mum what I would want and expect and would give my follow throughs the same courtesy as well. Funnily enough she did not have children, and I know I chouldn't be biased like that, I think having kids would make a difference, because you could understand how it is such an important time and how vulnerable you feel iykwim. I am pretty sure I replied to a thread you posted aout follow through journey's back then, but I could never find either the thread or my post in it after that, so believe it or not, I actually was hoping to meet you!

Do you mind if I ask if you had done Div 2 nursing or anything else like that to get in? It is just so damn competitive to get in and I am despairing I will never get in!

Just got back from my appt. I had a list of things to go through today with him. Sore Hips, a feeling I can't shakeabout something being wrong with the baby, what position was Campbell in when he did the forcep delivery, was sort of forcep delivery was it, etc etc. I have alot of issues with aching in the pelvi region even when I am not pregnant now after having Campbell and especially when I sit on the toilet and relax everything iykwim.

He was very laid back, but listened to it all, probably with amusement! lol

I took Campbell as he was so excited about seeing Dr Dennis, and he was great there and Dennis was great with him as well.

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Hi girls,

Gigi - that is so fantastic about your mum coming over to help. I am sure her help and maybe a little holidays at nannas will do you the world of good at least getting to next monday, and then take each day after that hun.

Ros also had inductions with Dennis and she has great stories about her inductions as well ( other than a posterior bub) so they are not all bad. My induction was a much more positive and beautiful experience than my spontaneous, so I guess it depends on your body and what your expectations are iykwim.

Mel, I know the time is passing so quickly! Can you believe I am in the last trimester already! Yes it was Campbell's bday on Sunday and he turned 3! He had such a big day, easter bunny and then birthday presents! We gave him a big boy bike, so he was very excited and exhausted from riding his bike around everywhere in the caravan park we were staying at. Mel did you get my email hun?

Meredith - thankyou for not making me feel silly about that! I really thought that maybe I was overreacting and expecting way too much, but I know as a mum what I would want and expect and would give my follow throughs the same courtesy as well. Funnily enough she did not have children, and I know I chouldn't be biased like that, I think having kids would make a difference, because you could understand how it is such an important time and how vulnerable you feel iykwim. I am pretty sure I replied to a thread you posted aout follow through journey's back then, but I could never find either the thread or my post in it after that, so believe it or not, I actually was hoping to meet you!

Do you mind if I ask if you had done Div 2 nursing or anything else like that to get in? It is just so damn competitive to get in and I am despairing I will never get in!

Just got back from my appt. I had a list of things to go through today with him. Sore Hips, a feeling I can't shakeabout something being wrong with the baby, what position was Campbell in when he did the forcep delivery, was sort of forcep delivery was it, etc etc. I have alot of issues with aching in the pelvi region even when I am not pregnant now after having Campbell and especially when I sit on the toilet and relax everything iykwim.

He was very laid back, but listened to it all, probably with amusement! lol

I took Campbell as he was so excited about seeing Dr Dennis, and he was great there and Dennis was great with him as well.

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Hi Relle,

Sorry about including your whole post above, I dont know how to just do one section quotes :doh:

Im sorry we missed out on worling together during your pregnancy, thats ok, if there is anything I can do to help you or any of the other lovely ladies on here, just ask away.

I think I had a little angel on my shoulder when I was accepted for the BMid. I had filled out all the forms, applied to sit the STAT test which I was really worried about. Two weeks BEFORE I was meant to sit the STAT test I received an early offer in the mail from ACU!! I couldnt believe it. It ended up i didnt need to sit the test, they accepted me on my application alone. So if I can get in, there is no reason why you cant. I know how frustrating it must be, I know of many women who have tried several times and keep missing out. Please dont give up, we need more midwives with an attitude like yours ;)

And no, I wasnt a Div 2 when I started. I always knew I didnt want to be a nurse, I wanted to be a midwife. In first year we pretty much do all the same clinical science subjects as the nursing students, so we do have the nursing skills on board.

We actually have a doula doing the BMid who is in one of my tutorials this year. She has a two children and has been doing one subject a semester for the past couple of years...slowly but surely getting there. The only down side with that is that you have to pay up front for the subjects, which can become a little costly.

I too have been doing first year over two years, basically becasue with three little ones, it would be way too much to take on full time in first year because you have so many contact hours on campus. My dh has his own buisness from home, so it wouldnt be fair to him either.

Meredith x

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Hi everyone,

Well, saw Dennis and he actually surprised me.

He said that if I can get 2-3 days complete bed rest it will help the pain to go away, but then as I start to do things again, it will come back. It's separation of the pelvis pretty much and will only get worse the more I do physically. Pretty tough situation with a 19 month old running around. So, as I am 38 weeks tomorrow, he said that if it gets too much for me to handle between now and my next appointment (Monday) that he is happy to get me in to Cabrini and do an internal and break the waters and hopefully that will bring it on. If not, then he would put the drip in. He says that if I was earlier, he wouldn't recommend it but for the sake of a couple of weeks - that could lead to 4 if I were to go over, it's just not worth it to be in pain like this.

So, I am a bit emotional and teary now - I just always thought that I would go into natural labour like last time and the prospect of an induction is freaking me out a little bit but I don't know how much longer I can go on with this pain. I am hoping that my MIL or Mum will take Ella for a few days so I can get some rest and maybe see how I am by Monday, just to get that extra week?? I don't know - I am really at a loss.

I was surprised that Dennis even suggested it but I think it must be a sign that he doesn't see the need for me to be in pain if I don't have to be, you know? the head is down but not engaged, even though it feels as though it's between my knees.

Help! Don't know what to do!

xxxxx

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Oh Gigi,

I really feel for you...the most important thing that you remember is that you need to make the decision that is right for YOU. These last few weeks can be really trying anyway, but having a pelvis that is spongy with a little head nudging its way down can be enough for your body to say 'im over this'. Dont feel pressured into going with either option, induction or wait and see.....go with what is right for you....and deep down, you will know what it is. Take some quite time out and work out which one is right for you.

Lots of hugs to you,

Meredith x

oh gigi, you poor thing - the pain sounds terrible!! i hope you have gotten over the shock of the induction suggestion now and have your feet up in bed considering your options. i was scared stiff of the idea of an induction as they seem to get a lot of negative press on the BellyBelly website in particular, but my SIL just had her first baby last month and was induced. she has nothing but positive things to say about the whole childbirth experience, which i thought was pretty impressive for a first-time mother.. as a second-timer i'm sure you'd sail through!
i'm sure if dennis understands your hesitation you could agree to ramp the dosage up very slowly to give your body plenty of time to adjust...
in the mean time, it's great that your mum and MIL are able to help out with Ella - i'm sure a few days in bed will give you some much needed relief after the constant pain you've been in... and maybe the baby will descend while you're busy eating chocolate and watching tv, and will make an early entrance of his/her own accord!!
anyway, not many words of comfort or advice that i can offer other than to say that i'll be thinking of you!!

Hi all,

Firstly - you girls are the best (hugs!). I spent from 3.30 yesterday afternoon until 3am today having mildish but regular contractions. Then they just stopped. I kind of knew deep down that it wasn't the real thing but I still kept hoping they were going to turn into it....anyway.....

Spent today in bed. Mum came over to mind Ella and MIL is taking her tomorrow until Saturday so I have decided that it will give me a few days of complete rest that should help with the pain. I feel like I don't want to make the decision when I am not in my "right mind" - you know? I don't want to make the decision in an irrational emotional state, which I feel I am still in at the moment, with the pain etc.

Relle - That's exactly how I feel re getting to Monday - I figure that will be best for bub to go an extra week in there and then if the pain has not got any better after these next few days of rest then I can make a positive decision rather than one that I feel forced into... I have thought a lot about what you said and re positive induction stories and I think it's really helped me so thanks again.

Mel - thanks heaps babe - it is good to know that there are positive stories out there as well as the bad ones! I have rested today but am really looking forward to the next few days now so I can just completely rest and not worry about Ella. I think I really need it.

Meredith - your post is exactly what I am thinking in my head. I fully intend to take the next few days to give myself the time to work it all out and I the rest can't hurt me either! Thanks so much.

Ella - thanks heaps babe - I know, the BB website does have a lot of negative stuff on induction - I read an article the other day and I now regret reading it as it was quite full on. Anyway, I am with you and hope that the bub will make it's own appearance but at least I can get myself into the right headspace and hopefully lose this pain. It has been excruciating.

Well ladies, that's it from me with some very sharp groin pains thanks to the alien squirming around down there and pushing on some kind of nerves I think! Off to bed to get some more rest.

Thanks again so much for your thoughts and kind words - this place is great for supportive women who understand! Hopefully when I next check in I won't be such a basket case. Hope you are all well. I feel a little selfish talking about myself. I appreciate the opportunity to vent! Take care and will keep you posted.

Gigi xx

Gigi - You are very welcome hun - anytime I can help, let me know and I mean that!

I think that is a great plan, a few days of dedicated rest and then as you said YOU can make the decision and know that it is a rational one, not when you are in pain and caught out iykwim.

The offer is still there babe if you want to email me, email away!

I have signed up for the Diploma of Childbirth Education, so back to the study for me again! I am stoked and really looking forward to it!

Ella - great to hear from you babe. Hope all is going well with bubs!

Just a comment about the induction article, I don't believe it's negative but informative. Like I reiterate there, you have to weigh up if the benefits are worth the risks for your situation. Inductions are the major culprit for the skyrocketing c/s rate, so it's not something I think can be brushed aside. The article contains fact, not opinion, and it's facts I believe women need to know before making a decision, not just the benefits.

Kelly you are absolutely right, it is not a decision to be made lightly or in the heat of the moment so to speak. And all of the pros and cons need to be evaluated by each individual.

But I think it is nice to know that having an induction does not automatically mean that the experience of having your baby is an less beautiful or empowering.

I personally am scared *****less of spontaneous labour! lol But then I have a very experienced Doula to help me in this!! ;)

Hi Relle!

Yes, all is well with bubs (i assume!).. i think i've started to feel it moving, although it feels like squirming and not "butterflies" - so i'm not sure if i'm imagining it!

i'm off to perth for 10 days tomorrow for 3 weddings and bought myself a lovely Alannah Hill outfit to wear last weekend, but since then my tummy has started to sprout so i hope that i can still fit into the outfit for the weddings next weekend! either way, i'm glad my tummy is finally starting to look PG and not just chubby!!

we have our 19-week scan on the 30th April, and my DH has finally agreed that we can find out the sex - yay!! i'm pretty excited about that!!

well, i'll try and check in to BB a few times from Perth to see if there are any birth announcements for gigi - yesterday's contractions sound promising, even if they were only practice ones!!

take care girls!

Hi all,

Kelly - thank you for the response re the article - I didn't mean to sound wholly negative about it - I really meant that at the time I read it I was in such an emotional state at being told it might be necessary by my OB I wish that I hadn't read it as it freaked me out even more!

Relle - thanks babe - am doing pretty well today. Ella has gone off with her grandma and I am starting my forced 3 days rest and apart from the tears I had when she left, I am doing ok! Will keep you informed of any progress!

Ella - have a great time in Perth! How lovely - 3 weddings ! I will post any progress here - but hopefully (for my sake!) by the time you get back I will have pushed this little bubba out!!! Take care.

No more contractions for me - just some horrific pain last night when the bub moved - felt like the head might be hitting some kind of nerve as the shots of pain down through my groin was like a red hot poker. Thankfully nothing since!

Catch you all later

Gigi xx

Hi ladies,

Just a quick update - still here and coping with on and off pain. Last night the pelvic pain came back and I was in a bit of a state but much better today. Getting very tired though and have a little girl who is out of her routine due to sickness and it's a hard road getting her back to her good sleep pattern during the day. All I can say is thank god she's brilliant at nighttime because I seriously wouldn't cope!

Anyway, will keep you posted but no signs this week that it's imminent. Saw Dennis on Monday - I think he was a bit surprised that I hadn't called after last week to get things moving. His first comment to me was " I thought you were sick of being pregnant!" - anyway, all was good and he just said to play it by ear - if I wake up tomorrow with severe pain after no sleep that he will "expect a phone call" to get things moving.

39 weeks today! So that's good.....but I need to curb this impatience and just hang on another week I think...will see how I go.

Hope you are all well, catch up later

G xx

Gigi - glad to hear things are not too bad. You are doing well to hang in there, well done! Sorry to hear Ella is not well and you are so right about them sleeping through the night, it would be so much worse if she wasn't a good night sleeper. Good on you for reaching the 39 week mark, not long to go now. Looking forward to hearing the news soon.

Hi Girls - way to go Gigi on getting to the 39 weeks - I am sure you will get all the way!

OK you girls with girls can stop bragging about the good sleepers now! lol Cooper has had gastro for 6 days and cause he is not eating he has not been sleeping and the other night they were waking one hour apart each ie: Campbell 1.30, 2.30, 3.30,etc and Cooper 2.00, 3.00, 4.00 etc. I could have killed them both!

We have our neighbours doing renos, so everytime I put Cooper down, the builders wake him up through the day as well!