Wanted natural birth, now getting induced
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Topic: Wanted natural birth, now getting induced
Posted By: Berg19
Subject: Wanted natural birth, now getting induced
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 9:57am
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I had planned for an all natural water birth, doing everything the way i wanted. And now my little man doesn't seem to want to come out by himself! Im really upset that all that preparing I've done for a natural birth, and had it all planned out in my head etc that now its all changed and am unsure about everything!
I feel like i' am uncapable to give birth by myself, and have lost all my strength that i had built up to get ready for natural labour! I wanted to do it myself, without intervention and now i guess i can say good bye to all of that! I know in the end its about getting him out safely. Which i want to do, but wanting to hear from anybody that was/is in a similar situation? A few words of advice or anything to help with what is going to happen! Thanks  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Replies:
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:12am
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Well I didn't plan much at all re labour but still got booked in for an induction then went into labour naturally so could still happen for you? Still it didn't go to plan by any stretch of the imagination so maybe keep that in mind - even if you did go into labour by yourself it doesn't mean everything would go smoothly. The way you cope will ultimately determine how well you get through and how you look back on the experience.
I decided I was still in control of myself and my attitude even if I couldn't do much about the labour so I focused on being positive and calm. You def need to tap back into that strength coz the one thing I knew with Jake was that my focus and my determination to stay calm saved his life - the specialist confirmed that after he was born. Can't help with the actual induction but I do hope everything goes smoothly hun xox -------------   
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Posted By: Aprilfools
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:15am
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Haven't been in this situation but just wanted to say all the best!
The only advice I can offer is to try and come to terms with it in your own mind so that you can start off feeling as calm and ready as possible. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:18am
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an induction doesnt mean you cant still have some of what you wanted. i was induced with all three pregnancies and with my second i spent most of my labour in the pool. talk to your midwife about what you want and how you can still achieve some of this. You dont have to be induced when they tell you, it may mean extra checking with scans etc tho to check the fluid levels and the placenta. if they use the synto drip then they will have to monitor you and you will be very limited as to what you can do. however your body may only need help getting started. some things you can do to help are keeping active, so once they have given you the gel and monitored you for half an hour or so get up and walk about...
all the best! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:21am
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I'd just like to mention as gently as possible that induction is not compulsory, meaning that the decision is yours and only yours, no matter how much pressure you are put under. Due dates are still only estimates, and not an indicator of when baby will arrive. I have known of women who have gestated to anywhere between 42 weeks to 44 weeks and all went into labour spontaneously, including one woman who birthed her baby boy at 45 weeks (at home in the water no less).
You have a beautiful body that is designed to give birth, you are by no means broken, and I personally believe that your baby will come when he is ready. I went to 41+1 and wasn't worried in the slightest, and my midwife was fully aware that I would be declining any offers of induction purely on the basis of so called "post dates". You ARE strong and you can definitely do this !! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: LouD
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 11:06am
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Just to add to what hippymama said, as long as the placenta is still feeding baby theres no reason why you cant wait it out longer.........My MIL had her 3 at 17days overdue........as long as your not putting your baby or yourself at risk by waiting then i say shove the inducement!!!
But on another slightly different note, dont make too many "plans" to have a perfect birth, cos all plans go astray and then you may have feelings of disappointment towards yourself again afterwards if things dont go exactly to plan and you really dont want any of those sorts of feelings creeping in when all you should be focussed on is the beautiful baby boy you have just brought into the world I am having my third csection, and yeah i wouldve liked to have had at least one baby naturally but unfortunately some things just dont happen, but i am grateful that i can have children full stop regardless of how they come into the world |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 11:11am
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I'm in a similar situation - had planned for a home water birth but scans showed a low-lying placenta which means definitely no home birth and probably no water birth. Quite possibly a ceasarean. I was really upset for some time, but I am slowly coming to terms with it now.
I guess for me the biggest issue was that I'd built in my mind the things that would help me feel safe and relaxed (being at home, in water, with DH) and suddenly 2 of those were being ripped away from me and there was nothing I could do about it. So I've focused on the things that will remain (I'll still have DH and hopefully I can at least labour in water), and I'm desperately trying to get my head around the extra interventions it might mean. When I'm feeling positive, I'm focusing on that I'll have DH with me and he's awesome, that I can labour in the water, and that the hospital is a safe place for me and baby. Also that everything that is happening is a step towards meeting my baby and once I have him/her, everything will be worth it. I am strong and I can do this, whichever way it goes. I don't know if thats any use to you, but thats how I'm dealing with it. If nothing else, you are far from alone in this. I also wanted to agree with Hippymama. If your baby is fine other than a little overdue, you don't HAVE to have the induction. My MW and I had discussed that we won't be inducing until 2 weeks past the last of my estimated dates (I had several estimated due dates - mine and from scans) although I'm not sure if that may change now that I'll be under specialist care. Good luck and hopefully you are going into labour naturally as I write this  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: surfergirl
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 11:21am
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Totally know how you're feeling. I have even paid to do a hypnobirthing course and have been told that this wee madame is breech and only has a 5% chance of turning. I have even tried ECV and actupucture and yoga to turn her. I am lucky that I have been offered a breech vaginal birth, but it will have to happen at Chch Womans and all the reading I've done doesn't make me very confident about this (also the OB and widwife didn't look that keen...), so it looks like we'll have to opt for a c-section. I have done a lot of soul searching about waiting til I go into natural labour to see if madame will turn, but the fact that it will most likely end in a emergancy c-section has pushed me towards the elective. To be honest I still feel a little up in the air about things. But, my midwife asked if I got pregnant to have a baby or to have a natural birth. And I did get pregnant to have a healthy baby - and the best chances of her being healthy are if I go with the elective. So, I have focussed all my energy and positive visualisation on having a great c- section and a body that is strong and will heal well. I'm not going to pretend that I'm not disappointed, but I will have to live with this decision and might as well start focussing on what i can do to come to terms with it.... Best of luck, I do hope you get your natural birth, but if not focus on the baby. It will all be worth it! ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 11:25am
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Well my water birth plans ended when I developed Pre Eclampsia...
I will say that make sure your mw is very clear on what you want.... ie, can you labour in the water (dont see why you cant if the only reason for induction is being overdue) and you may still very well give birth in the water too, definately worth checking! Given the nature of induction some women will find that labour becomes very intense very quickly after their waters are broken. If you would like to try just the gel and lots of walking to get things going ask them. I was quite adamant that they were not going to break my waters but after 35 hours I had only dilated 1cm so waters were broken. They could have broken my waters hours earlier but were allowing me time to do it on my own. Make sure your support people know what you want, I didnt want an epidural but I went into shock from how quickly labour started after my AMR and just took it, if DH had said no you dont want one I would have gone a bit longer with out it (still would have ended up having I reckon, but not so early). I understand how you feel about not being able to do something so natural. I still feel like a failure. Try your best to come to terms with it now hun, you dont want to be going in feeling like this, it will only make your birth experience harder! (easier said than done I know!). Oh and I know plenty of women who's babies have decided to come of their own accord when threatened with eviction! One was actually already in labour when she arrived at hospital so was monitored briefly and sent home until she was further along LOL -------------   
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Posted By: SarahJane
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 11:53am
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The most sensible birth plan to make...
Go with the flow, make plans, and prepare for the unexpected. Prepare for all eventualities and hope for the best
I think it is just part of the preparation of being a mother, learning that it is impossible to be 100% in control at all times, and that sometimes your offspring will do their best to confound you best laid plans
All the best, and ask your LMC all your questions, and get as much information as you can. Knowledge is power. |
Posted By: Caniry
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 1:43pm
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Hi, I can totally relate to what you are feeling - I wanted the natural water birth too but ended up being induced at 42weeks 1day. I agree with hippymamma - the decision is your's. I was very anxious with my first and worried there was a reason he wasn't coming - but next time round, (provided everything else is normal) I will not be induced for post dates.
Definitely have a chat with your MW to talk about options. Good luck to you - hope your little one doesn't keep you waiting for too much longer! |
Posted By: Berg19
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 1:56pm
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Thanks for all the reply's!
So you are allowed to choose which way your are induced? I never thought this would happen so haven't done much reading up on this topic. Everyones so right about not having to do anything i don't want to, im waiting until next Monday to even decide anything I've decided so i'll be 42+1 (According to scan). I no that due dates are just estimates, so hopefully they were wrong and he decides to come out on his own this week! But i do feel alot of pressure from my MW to not go past 42 weeks, and im pretty sure she had told me i would change care into the specialists at the main hospital. But i will try to keep thinking positively, telling myself i CAN do this! Surfergirl that comment you said your MW made, thats quite true! And hope your lil one decides to turn around. I guess when i sit down with my MW and talk it all over i can sort out what i want to do, and how to want to handle it. In the end it is about getting him out safely, but i just can't begin to imagine all that intervention and him being taken from me when he should be having skin-to-skin. And the other pain is all the monitoring i'll have to do, i live an hour away from the hospital and don't drive so becomes an extra hassle. But thanks for all your kind words to support I'AM strong and i will try with all my might to still try and get a few things i wanted! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SarahJane
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 2:22pm
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Awww hun, I so know about the skin to skin. My best laid plans were put to rest when my DS arrived 10 weeks early and I didn't even see him until 8 hours after birth after my surgery.
It was something that I had to grieve a little over time, and I had to let go of my idea of perfection and jut relax into the way that things were. You do have some control, and knowledge is power, but part of that control is knowing when to just let things flow. What will be will be. Good luck, and ask lots of questions of all those around you so that you understand *why* they are telling you what they are telling you. |
Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 2:27pm
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I'm not much help on the induction advice, except to say that for a few people i know (myself included ), all it took was booking the induction for natural labour to begin! DD was born 9 days over due date, but next time round, I think I would leave it longer if necessary (as long as the placenta was working fine and all other health issues were ok). Have you had a scan to check for placenta function/level of fluid etc? That might set your mind at ease that everything is going as it should, and your baby just needs a little extra cooking
ETA: I forgot to mention that I honestly think me *giving up* on having a natural birth, and just relaxing about the whole process (not stressing about induction as I was doing) was the instigator for my labour starting by itself. -------------  
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Posted By: mybeautiful3
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 3:50pm
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(((((Berg19)))))
For now - I would suggest doing as much reading & gathering of information as possible - knowledge is power!!! The most important thing here is to get the correct information - when you meet with your m/w ask her to explain all your options available for a possible induction - have a list of questions that you take in with you...just to make sure you cover all the bases & don't forget any burning issue you might have! As long as baby & you are fine - never rush to make a decision - you have the right to gather all the facts...think over them in a neutral & relaxed environment...and then proceed with an informed decision - by doing this you are empowering yourself to be your own advocate for your birth! On the skin-to-skin topic - even if u have some form of intervention,there should be no reason why you shouldn't be able to bring him to your breast after birth! But who knows - maybe this little guy has a trick up his sleeve b4 next Monday ;) ------------- Just  my job as a Birth Doula!
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 3:52pm
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I was induced with my second and actually had the best labour of the two....and it ended in a c-section which was the one thing I didnt want. I still look back and say, I enjoyed that labour. If he had been a little smaller, I might not have needed the C-section either.
My induction was very gentle and as noninvasive as possible. It started with a) a scan that showed concerns that the placenta wasnt holding up and b) my concerns about returning home...a 3 hour drive away from the hospital to a MW I didnt trust. The OB suggested induction and I decided it probably was the best in my situation. I was admitted in the morning and they inserted a gel on a tape (so that a little of the tape hung out like a tampon string). That way, if bubs didnt like the induction, it could be quickly and easily removed. The plan was to wait till contractions started 12-24 hours later...with more gel inserted after 12 hours if nothing had started. I had to be monitored at the start and then every now and again. That was ok...I enjoyed hearing the heart and watching the contractions that I couldnt quite feel...or confriming those I could that they were real. After about 3 hours of twiddling my thumbs and going nuts I begged to be set free....and was allowed to go within 1 block of the hospital as long as DH was with me. So, he went to put money in the car meter and I went to the cafe....I was unattended he he he....and wouldnt you know it...contractions started!!! So we finished our coffee and went back to the hospital. I continued having contractions all day but they still wouldnt say I was "in labour". at 8pm I went into the pool to relax as I was fed up and bored and tired but not ready to wind down. I LOVED THE WATER!!! I stayed there for the next 4hours!! By this stage, I was in labour, happy in the water, using gas and getting the hang of that (which I never did first time round). I felt totally in control!!! So in control that I requested an epi well before I actually needed it and even let the woman who was screaming in the next room go first....ok, I started to regret that decision. I got my epi, they broke my waters and 2 hours later I was fully dilated and thats when they realised that in those 2 hours James had moved and was stuck. The call was made to go to C-section and even though I begged and begged not to...we still went there. I knew deep down it was the right call but my epi had worn off and I was in pain so not thinking rationally. So that was not the "ideal" birth but I can honestly say the induction part was so easy and gave me so much more control over my labour. If he hadnt got stuck, I know I would have birthed him easily. I also know now that I could have done it without the epi (since the damn thing ran out)...but I requested it as I was getting tired and it was getting more intense and I didnt want to wait hours once I had got to the point of not coping...which is what happened first time round. And just to add......the only thing I really had in my birth plan was a healthy baby (he was...I got skin to skin and BF whilst in recover) and a new MW...which I also got. |
Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 8:06pm
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i was being pressured (not by my mw) to be induced when i was 10days overdue with ds2 by the dr's at middlemore i was up there for the usual overdue assesments, they did a scan which put his size to be 7lb15oz and said there was enough fluid to go another 4-5days.
even after they told me that they tried to pressure me to have my waters broken as "i was very ready" i told them if the baby was that ready to arrive then ill go home and i stuck to my gun on that. in the end he was born with out help that night after a very quick 50min labour/birth. make sure that they discuss their reasons for anything with you before u say yes to anything. ------------- Mummy to 4 boys Samuel - 18.6.05 Rory - 15.7.06 Mason - 13.06.08 Emmett - 24.01.10 Baby #5 - cooking |
Posted By: ALittleLoopy
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 9:13pm
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Just popped in Berg to day, dont give up hope yet hun!
I rooting for ya to have a natural birth!! GL HUN, cant wait to see some pics of your new baby boy over in Young mums thread! lurker out** -------------    CHEM 6/12+ |
Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 03 November 2009 at 10:06pm
| Hi, I think it only natural to want it all to happen naturally. I had a rocky pregnancy with high BP and the last time it just spiked and that was it - next night I was admitted for induction. I remember feeling somewhat deflated - suddenly it was all going to be happening without my body starting it all. I had the tablet inserted for 24 hours - nothing happened, next night I was rested and then the next day the gel was applied and we where on the way - I can honestly say that the lure being inserted into my hand and my waters being broken where a little traumatic - every thing else was just bliss - the induction, epidural, birth (haha don't remember it) and no problems after at all!! I think too for me part of it was like bubs is all nicely tucked away in there - what am I going to do once bubs was out! Even though its all a little scary for you - like you say its about getting bubs out safety - ask questions until your are comfortable that is what they are there for. I'll be signing up for the same again! All the best. |
Posted By: Aithne
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 3:04pm
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GL Berg us chicks in the young mums thread are all thinking of ya like Nic said.
I was booked in for an induction when i would have been nearly two weeks along but my MW said she would do a stretch and sweep a couple days before to see if that would help anything. The morning of my stretch and sweep i went into labour naturally so im hoping the same kind of thing for you. And you definately can do it hun!! |
Posted By: jano1
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 7:58pm
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Hey just wanted to say I was induced at 42 weeks, my girl came out after 2 days by emergency c-section. I wanted a natural birth but things didn't go according to plan. Just try and stay focused on the end result- a happy, healthy baby. Unfortunately I had no other options but am hoping for a VBAC (and no complications) next time round.
My MW was really good about not pushing towards induction and was happy for me to keep waiting past 42 weeks to go into labour- as long as you have open lines of communication with your MW, you will feel more positive, no matter the outcome. Good luck
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Posted By: Berg19
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 8:30pm
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Thanks so much for all the advice and birth stories!
I think now I've had some time to get my head around it, im not feeling too bad about the whole induction thing now. I still think im grieving a bit about not (well maybe still might) get everything i had planned. I've come to terms that as long as hes safe and healthy then thats the best outcome for all of us. Whichever that may be. Fingers are crossed i go into labour naturally over the next few days but I've learnt to listen to my body, and right now i feel like nothing is going to happen on its own. At least at the hospital they still have a birthing pool and if anything goes wrong or if i decide i need pain relief its all there for me. And hey, theres a cafe downstairs so i won't have to put up with yuckie hospital food! MW has booked me in for Monday, 8.30 getting things going. So now im trying to think positively about the whole situation and look at the brighter side of everything! Hopefully that helps and i'll still be calm and in control. But MW won't be able to be there on Monday so im not sure if i will get a back up MW or just the hospital team, but i will find out. Thanks again everyone for sharing your advice and giving me support!  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 9:42pm
Good luck  ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: ALittleLoopy
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 10:13pm
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GL berg!! wishing you a smooth and painfree birth hun! ------------- CHEM 6/12+ |
Posted By: maysie
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 10:20pm
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Just wanted to let you know that I was induced at 41+1 due to leaking waters and (aside from the induction drugs) ended up having a straight forward and relatively easy drug free birth. It was about 3 1/2 hrs from the drip going in to Lily coming out. I was on a monitor the whole time but my mw used a wireless one so I could move around. Unfortunately I couldn't be in water (which was the only thing in my birthplan I didn't want to be flexible about!) but ended up with a healthy gorgeous wee girl - the most important thing. Not all inductions end up as c-sects and not all require pain relief. I'm sure if my labour had've gone any longer I would have considered using something but I was fortunate it was fairly quick. I took 5W and raspberry leaf tea in the preceding weeks and also in the week beforehand took a few homeopathic induction remedies. I think these helped my body prepare for the birth and also recover.
Don't feel bad on yourself about how your labour happens. It is totally out of your control (it really is!) but what is controllable is your mental preparation and acceptance that a healthy Mum and Baby is the best outcome! You are not a failure if you don't have a natural birth and you will know this as soon as you hold your little one in your arms and see what you have created! All the best!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 04 November 2009 at 11:13pm
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Oh yes I know how you feel, with my son, I got to 41 weeks 4 days before I finally went into labour, induction had been booked for the 24th June, I was due the 10th June, but I went into labour early hours of the 21st.
My labour was close to 48 hours long, and after gas, pethadine and an epidural, I stopped dilating at 9cm and was rushed in for an emergency c section, where I lost a lot of blood and had a transfusion. Breastfeeding wasnt going well so I stopped at 4 weeks. I felt like my body was totally useless, i was really upset for ages. Then with my daughter, I went over due again, MW did an internal at 41 weeks and my cervix was doing nothing at all, it was tightly shut and not favourable at all, so I was gutted! I had hoped for a natural birth this time, but instead we decided to go for the elective c section. So I feel a bit like my body is useless and doesnt know how to have babies. However breastfeeding is going very well this time
But really all that matters is that my babies got here safe and sound even if they needed a lot of help coming out lol ------------- |
Posted By: escadachic
Date Posted: 06 November 2009 at 6:28pm
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Berg had her baby boy last night. Go here if you want to read about it: http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/Forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=28064&PN=1&TPN=12. -------------   
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Posted By: Aithne
Date Posted: 06 November 2009 at 8:30pm
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Oops sorry girls forgot to write in here too. Thanks Kelly for putting the link up for everyone Will text Berg and let her know you all say congrats
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 07 November 2009 at 1:35pm
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No induction necessary That old threat of eviction heh! -------------
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