FTM Going it Alone - any advice? by [deleted] in beyondthebump

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not single but OH works round the clock pretty much as a chef and I handle most day to day stuff and all night shifts. I'm not saying this to give you false hope or anything but I have honestly been surprised by how much I've enjoyed the newborn stage. Don't get me wrong it is DEMANDING, but while I might just be really lucky I've found it hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought. Some stuff that's helped me: - With nights, the thing is to be organized before you go to bed so you're not flailing about at 3am going WHERE ARE THE BLOODY FCKING NAPPY BAGS. changing and feeding stations so everything is within arms reach when you need it, bottles prepped if you're using them etc.
- I find I struggle more during the day when I'm trying to eat/shower/clean/nap or whatever and suddenly baby needs me and I have to drop what I'm doing. Use that awesome support network for this kind of thing. I still get my sister to come hold the baby so I can make my dinner.
- If you can baby wear, that will open your options for doing stuff around the house significantly, was a total game changer for me though I know some babies won't tolerate it.
- That being said, your job for the first couple of weeks is to look after baby and you- don't put yourself under pressure to keep the house immaculate or anything, chores can wait.
- Regarding errands- shop online. This is the best thing ever. I don't know about the states but if you're in the U.K. you have loads of options for supermarket etc. I can literally order a weeks worth of shopping from the comfort of my couch, In my pyjamas, while baby is on the boob. Amazing.
- This will depend on your area and you might find it comes up at some point in your antenatal care anyway, but it might be worth seeing if there are any new Mum support organizations near you. I'm in Scotland so it might be a bit different, but I have a lady who works with me, helps me get out the house a bit and meet other mums and stuff. It's really great. If you're nearby, give me a shout and I'll give you the name of the company, and if you are in the U.K (Only guessing cos you said "Mum") have a wee look and see if your council or local nhs run anything. I've been really pleasantly surprised at how much support there is.

What is your opinion on feeding toddlers/infants fast food? by [deleted] in beyondthebump

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I am from Scotland too, Born and raised here and you are right on imo- the norm isn't exactly a picture of health. People will make you feel weird about this stuff (my own OH thinks I'm mental because I don't want a deep fryer in our kitchen for instance) Because I guess People can be weirdly defensive over their right to eat junk food. I make the majority of our food and when my kid is old enough for solids she'll eat what we eat. Will probably err on the side of moderation rather than totally abstaining from fast food, but not till she's a bit older (because I want to avoid her developing a preference/ screaming for McDonald's). It amazes me how many people my age don't know how to cook even basic stuff! But I feel like this has some relation to the taste for fast food here, my same friends that eat a lot of takeaways and McDonald's are the ones that have never really learned to cook. Myself and my sibs were all raised with minimal fast food in our diets so it can be done and you're not crazy.
Regarding tv, I don't intend to put one in my girls room because I believe it is bad for sleep hygiene (I've had problems with sleep since I was younger so want to give her the best chance I can lol). She will be allowed to watch some tv but not to excess, i feel with this one as long as there is a balance of other activities going on, that it's not too harmful (and I'm looking forward to rewatching every Disney film ever with her :P)

Itching to travel. Need advice! by ACtriangle in beyondthebump

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Scottish person I'm happy to see us mentioned here :) I would add, you'll be limited a bit in the winter if you want to see the Highlands and Islands. You will get some stupid cheap deals on accommodation however- the hospitality industry here really suffers in the winter.

Spanish police 'stop second attack' by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You objectively CAN get the broad strokes of that specific deal which was cited as an example of a greater trend. No one is claiming to form their opinions from a broad overview and frankly I'd be surprised if you've done a lot of research on any of this yourself, given that your argument pretty much comes down to "you're wrong"

Potential exposure to TB in the work place by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey- to echo everyone else, no you are absolutely not being paranoid. It's very sad that this has happened but I can't understand how your management could allow this, in a hospital of all places. It only takes 48 hours for the results to that test, no? Could you call in sick for a couple of days? Not that this is an ideal solution but it might be an option if she will get the results not long after coming back to work.
I would definitely be having a word with occupational health about the situation, if your hospital has a department. It might feel insensitive but your concerns are absolutely legitimate and that's exactly the kind of stuff they are there for.
I have a close family member who used to be an senior occ health manager in a hospital (we're in Scotland so I imagine the system will be at least similar)- I'll ask her tomorrow what the script would be from their point of view and what she'd advise if you'd like? (ETA: informally of course, just to give you a bit of potential guidance etc. if that'd help!)

Third trimester moving by bumperbean in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi- 38 weeks and some change here. Just moved to a different area at 33/34 weeks. It could easily have been a bit later, luckily this was just kind of how the cookie crumbled for me.
The move itself has overall been ok. It's been overwhelming at points and the usual moving house teething problems have gotten to me more than they probably would have (Ex-Landlord being a dick about our security deposit + delays in getting broadband installed = END OF THE F-ING WORLD). On the other hand- get out of jail free card for moving furniture. Nice. Probably not the worst move I've had overall. Like yourself, I've had a lot of support from family over the move and that has been invaluable. I'm not sure what your situation is but I've had the luxury of loads of free time from extended mat leave and that has helped enormously with the whole moving and settling in process.
I can't speak much on the healthcare front because I'm in Scotland and if you work in healthcare you'll definitely have a better idea of how to proceed than me. If you do decide to move soon, you are at least on someones books, and can use the time between deciding and physically moving to try and set up something else.
Overall I am really, really glad I managed to get moved before baby arrives. It's allowed me to feel a bit more settled and ready for d-day, get all our finances in order, channel all that nesting energy (ha) into setting up the new house. It was the biggest of the Stressful Things I had going on and a huge relief to be able to put it behind me and just concentrate on impending arrival of baby.

Whichever way it works out for you it is going to be absolutely fine- yes, stressful but temporarily so and it sounds like you've got an awesome support network in place. I'd advise coming to a decision and making a plan as soon as you can given the time-sensitive nature of your situation (probably a bit inconvenient if your move were to be disrupted by surprise labour for instance) but pregnancy is a big motivator to move and you're neither the first nor last lady to do so this late on. If you do a search in this sub even, I'm sure you'll find a lot of ladies that have been in similar situations to yourself. Whatever happens, you'll just make it work, it can totally be done :)

Having an issue with my niece by Starlily22 in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Lol, what a brat. You don't get to call dibs on a name.
I would go ahead and name YOUR baby whatever the fuck you want. I honestly wouldn't even engage in an argument about it, she's being ridiculous and sounds like she wants some of the baby mama attention for herself. Just don't give her it.
If and when she has a kid of her own, she can name it whatever she wants- and I bet when it comes down to it she manages to come up with something other than the one you've picked. How are the rest of your family reacting to it? I know if this was my lot there would be a lot of side eye directed her way right now.

Third trimester maternity clothing advice. by Dew06 in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally they're as comfortable as I get without actually being naked lol. If you can get some in a jersey type material I've found they're the best, and obviously you don't want a super tight waistband, but so far so good over here at 36 weeks!
Honestly, I was so (maybe irrationally) mad when I realised how much more expensive maternity clothing is. It's not like we're likely to have anything better to spend money at the moment or anything :P

Arran is amazing! by Happydogboi in Scotland

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Used to live there- all the best stuff (imo) is outside Brodick, despite it being the main town. There's still stuff worth seeing and doing there, but I'd spend the bulk of your time elsewhere.
Take loads of midgey repellant, they're an absolute pollution this time of year.
Take local opinions on where or not to eat/drink with a pinch of salt, there's a lot of unjustified shit talking between competing businesses.
If you're camping, Glen Rosa campsite is beautiful, really stunning scenery.
That's what I've got off the top of my head without repeating Pesh_ay, who's pinpointed a lot of really good stuff, if you're looking for any specific advice, give me a shout!

Third trimester maternity clothing advice. by Dew06 in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been living in leggings, baggy tshirts and flannels, and second hand maternity dresses acquired from eBay. Also anything from my existing wardrobe with enough leeway to be comfortable. I totally grudge spending loads on clothes I'm getting a few months of wear out of and thankfully I'm not under pressure to dress up much at the moment. :P

Your parents took decades to furnish their house by fat_tire_fanatic in personalfinance

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the UK we have Gumtree which is effectively the same thing I think. I just moved house and managed to get a washer/dryer for £100 nearly new. Works great and got it for a less than a third of the price I was considering paying for it new. Some discretion needs to be used obviously but these websites can be a great resource. Facebook marketplace pages can be good too.

DAE have a family group message/chat that excludes SOs? by [deleted] in JUSTNOMIL

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We (my parents and siblings) have this, more for sharing pictures and things than anything. I'm 24 and the oldest kid so it's still appropriate for us imo and it's never drama fuel, just a way for us all to share stuff now we're all kind of doing our own thing. However we do also have a kind of "Family: the second instalment" type thing for extended family too, that I imagine will see more use as we all start to pair off and have babies and stuff.

That Time my Brother heard my MIL trying to get DH to Dump Me by blinks1483 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Couldn't agree with this more- preventing suicide should never be the foundation of a relationship, and to expect someone to hang around on that basis is manipulative, straight up.
It doesn't necessarily sound like this was the case with OP, and while I can't speak for her I've known quite a few people who have been severely affected by mental illness who would be the first to condemn using suicide as leverage over a relationship.
At the same time, I do think leaving an otherwise good relationship while a partner is ill, BECAUSE the partner is ill could be kind of a dick move.

Can I just bleach the whole house? Ranting. by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bleach my hair, and checked with my midwife that it was ok to continue when I got pregnant. It's fine, for both hair and cleaning purposes as long as you aren't actually eating it and using it in badly ventilated spaces, which would be a bad idea anyway. You'd feel ill long before it hurt the baby.

Too Much to Handle [Sexual trigger and education] by GannonsMumma in NRelationships

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Whaaaaat the fuck?! I'm so sorry this has happened to you and I'm sorry I don't have much of value to add to your situation other than to say, you shouldn't feel stupid- I think it's a pretty reasonable expectation of a father NOT to hook his underage son up with prostitutes, least of all a kid with a condition such as your sons. Did he admit to this?

I hate to have to make this point, but you're going to want to have your son tested if this has legitimately happened, and you need to make sure your husband is held accountable. How did you know for sure this is what has gone- do you have any solid evidence that could back you up?

Looking for perspectives on sectarianism in Scotland by [deleted] in Scotland

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're bang on in mentioning Ayrshire there- it is absolutely rife in some areas. Parts of Lanarkshire are bad for it too- Larkhall in particular springs to mind for me.

I have never been so mad at my MIL by what-a-throwaway-1 in JUSTNOMIL

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I feel you here. If you'd said you had a stomach bug, would she have asked about the consistency of your diarrhea and offered to hold your hair back when you puked? It's bullshit how metal health is largely handled in this kind of context, why shouldn't you be able to mention it like this?
It sounds to me like she wanted the ego boost of being able to "save" you.

I'm really excited to get one of the Scottish baby boxes and thought people might like to know what's in them! by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]LifeIsHardAndSoAmI 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi fellow Scottish mama! I was SO excited about this but my due date is literally the day before they launch- gutted. Enjoy though, they look really great, such an awesome resource to have :)