Big baby, drug free birth?
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Category: Pregnant
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Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33549
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Topic: Big baby, drug free birth?
Posted By: Emmi_
Subject: Big baby, drug free birth?
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:01pm
So, I know that scan sizes can be more unreliable later in pregnancy, but I had a scan this morning estimating 4.6kgs (10lb 2.3oz), the sonographer said that it is generally pretty reliable give or take a pound... Oh and you can see the fat rolls on her legs and stuff, so not just a case of big bones 
So I was hoping for a drug free birth... What is the biggest baby that you have given birth to drug free? This is my first baby (if that makes any difference). And was there any aftermath? (Like tears etc) I was also wanting to know if anyone has had a baby that has been too big to fit through? Bubs isnt engaged yet (apparently at 39w she was a fraction engaged, but has stayed out since then) I am hoping she will during labour but TBH not convinced she will. Im 165cm, and never thought I had a small pelvis, but find it unusual that shes not engaged yet (which makes me think shes too big..) As much as I want to avoid drugs and a c section, I would prefer a healthy baby, so if a c section is likely then I would like to prepare myself for it (and be pleasantly surprised when she just pops out with no hassles!) My MW (who has a low induction and c section rate (c sect being 14% I think)) doesnt seem concerned about how big she is (she was estimated to be 2.5kgs at 32w) saying that if she doesnt fit then we will just do a c section (which yes I know, but could you be a little nicer about it?) HMm sorry for the long post... If you have any experience with big bubbas then I would love to hear your story (good and not so good ) TIA!------------- 
+1 May 09 Angel 
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Replies:
Posted By: luvmylittlies
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:05pm
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One of my good friends said that her easiest birth was the largest baby (5.2kg). 5 hours from start to finish. She thinks that because they're bigger the weight of the baby on the cervix progresses things faster. Her next baby was 3.2kg and she was in labour for 3 days! ------------- Adoring Mum to Talisin 8/9/11 and Kiara 18/01/10 |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:07pm
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I don't personally but I remember one of the girls that was in my due date thread with Daniel had a big baby. Granted it was her 2nd but he was still a very very big boy. don't remember the weight since it was 3 yrs ago.
Its more their head size that is the part to worry about rather than weight. Bubs could be a little chubba bubba but with a small/regular sized head and come out fine. I managed a posterior bub with an "above average" head size while sucking down gas. My MW afterwards said that I had a very good mentality. In my head I was pushing that boy out and that was all there was too it. No second guessing myself. |
Posted By: pekay
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:13pm
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DD was 9lb2oz when born, and about 5 days beofre she was born she was measuring at about 9lb6oz on the scan...so it was pretty accurate for us.
I did have an epi for labour, but I am 100% sure I would have had one even if she was smaller!!! I am a small person, short and small frame (although over weight  ) and she slid on out...lol! Keep in mind, she was in a pretty good position.
Good luck! |
Posted By: SophiasMummy
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:15pm
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I had a 9p6oz (4.25kg) delivered with her hand up on her face, with no drugs or gas in 6 3/4 hours total. She was not fully engaged at any point in my pregnancy, moved up a down a lot in last few weeks. I had not had niggles at all then at 5.30am I had first contractions and she was born at 12.15pm. I ended up with 2nd degree tear, but healed pretty well and was out walking her in the pushchair by about 2 weeks after she was born.
So it can be done, we did not realise that she was going to be so big as I did not seem that big, so we were all a bit surprised. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:15pm
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Thanks guys Her head circumference is 35cm (well estimated..) not sure how that relates to average or not?
I had heard that too, about bigger babies equal easier births, but thought that was like 9lb rather than 10.. I have always looked forward to labour and birth, and I think I need to calm down and focus on what I need to do and not the what ifs so much. I can only do what I can, and what I cant control there is no point in worrying about -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:30pm
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Thats a nice size head! -------------   
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Posted By: pekay
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:32pm
| DD's was 36.5cm, and just looking at her plunket book, that sits above the 97percentile line, so yes, 35cm is big. I too came out with a 2nd degree tear, and although I said she slid out...I was actually pushing for about 90minutes. But yes- Still very possible for you!! |
Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:39pm
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I had my 9lb 6ozer without too much trouble, I know thats not quite as big as what they are predicting for your's and it was my second but me being a tiny 5 foot I think it was huge!
My first wasn't tiny either and I didn't have any problems althous the second was probably easier.. maybe required a little more pushing but really 10 minutes as apposed to 8 isn't that much. I had no drugs and no tearing or anything. It is definately do able, its often not the size that causes complications, (often position, head si as others have said smaller babies have often been more difficult to get out. All the best!! ------------- 
 
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 2:08pm
lol i remember saying the exact same thing before i had toby... his weight was estimated at being 11 pounds. He wasnt that big - but he did have a very large 39cm head. And it turned out he was my easiest birth. Pushed him out in five pushes. I had requested pethedine - but only based on my previous birth experience - and it hadnt had a chance to take effect because i gave birth less than five minutes after it was administered. Our bodies can do amazing things when given a chance and trusted in! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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kebakat wrote:Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 2:09pm
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Aiden was 4.04kg (8lb14), 52cm long and with a huge 37cm head (same as DD), and I had him completely naturally with no pain reflief or anything and not a tear at all.
Im 160cm short (lol) and 57kgs /size8-10 pre pregnancy. I only had a 20 wek scan and told midwife not to tell me how big/small she guessed he was. I didnt want t know cos it makes u worry for nothing. You will be fine! |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 2:12pm
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Thanks guys!
gee I feel a little silly after my wee freak out now  -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 2:17pm
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My 9lb 2oz baby came out easier than my 8lb 13oz baby, in saying that though she was my second baby and had a smaller head (34cm compared to 36cm).
For number 1 I used gas and pethidine, for number 2 I only used gas for about an hour. A friend of mine has had 11lb 2oz and 11lb 3oz babies, both home water births and she didn't have any trouble, though they were her 4th & 5th babies. Hmm don't know if that is actually any use to you at all sorry! I like your thoughts here:
You'll do great, and don't worry about feeling silly, I'm sure we've all freaked out about somehting! ------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: RicKer
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 3:47pm
I cant really help with the big baby labour topic but regarding size estimates. My DD was estimated to be 8.5-9lb at full term but i went 3 days over and she was 6'1 
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Posted By: Anonymous55
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 4:05pm
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Nina was 9lb 9oz and she was my first!
It was an induction at full term and I had no tears or grazing and had no drugs, just some gas for a while. Don't be too worried! 
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Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 5:28pm
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Hmm my DD was 9lb 10oz born and at 36w was estimated 7lb 3oz, she was induced but established labour was only 3 hours, 50m of which was pushing her out, I only got a small 2nd degree tear and no pain relief at all. However her HC was only 34cm and she had lots of fat rolls :P
PS she was born the day after her due date. ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 5:47pm
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My 'wee' girl was 11lb 8oz (5.215kg), 37cm head and 56m long. 32hr labour followed by emergency C-Sec cause things weren't progressing the way they should have been. My cervix just was not playing the game that day! lol Had no idea she was going to be THAT big altho at our 32wk scan she was weighing approx 2.5kg as well. Even just before the C-Sec the Docs were guessing she was only going to be 8-9lb at most lol. Kinda glad I didn't push her out now cause I'mnot a big person..... I'm tall but quite thin and don't think she would have fitted. A lady who was in my Antenatal group had Emergency C-Sec the day before me cause her bubba got stuck in the birth canal and she was only 9lb 6oz.
Don't be too freaked out about C-Sec if that's the way it ends up going. I had blocked the thought out of my head cause I was terrified of having one and was soooo scared when they told me it was my only option. Looking back tho it was easy peasy and I'll be the first to put my hand up for an elective when #2 comes around! I would have loved to have birthed naturally (was planning water birth with no drugs) but I don't feel like I've been cheated of anything iykwim. My little brother was 10lb 13oz and Mum had him naturally, no drugs. He was the 6th child tho so he just 'fell out' hehehe His head was 40cm at birth as well. Mum said it wasn't the most pleasant experience but she got over it pretty quick. Good luck! Hope it all works out the way you want i to.Big babies are great! I'll be terrified if my next baby is small or normal sized..... will be scared I'll break them! lol -------------  
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Posted By: jessiesmum
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 5:48pm
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I honestly don't think the size of the baby has much to do with pain in labour. It's way more to do with the position of the baby. A posterior (its back to your back) baby will be a much harder, more painful labour and also can be the reason their head doesn't descend, labour doesn't progress etc.
I'm afraid I can't speak from experience as my DD was 3.7kg with a 36.5cm head, no pain relief and a tiny tear that didn't need suturing. But I know people who have had huge babies (11lbs etc) with no pain relief. My baby was estimated 3.7kg at 37 weeks (I'm only 1.55m and 47kg pre-pg) with a big head and I've talked to my MW a lot about tearing (I'm terrified) and she says it's all about controlling how quickly the head is born. So when she says don't push - she really means it! I don't know about scans later in pregnancy - they can make things more stressful than need be. I mean, a pound is a huge variance! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
DD 2007, Angel Baby 2009, DS 2010 |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 6:40pm
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My 3rd was a bonny 10pd 1oz and he was my fastest and easiest birth by far! ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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Posted By: nicandtyler
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 9:16pm
my ds was 8lbs 11oz (estimated to be around 8lbs) (first baby, not as big as some of the others! ) 52cm and 37cm head, and the day before i had him i had a scan showing he was posterior but when i got to hospital he was the right way round (phew) i had gas and pethidine and a 2nd degree tear and grazing, but only a 7 hour labour which was pretty good, and he was out with 4 pushes, but its totally the positioning, my mums a midwife and we were talking the other day about sizes of babies at birth and whether or not a bigger baby leads to a more difficult labour but she said its not the size of the baby its the postition they are in, and sometimes they dont engage until its time for them to come, good luck with the birth, im sure baby will come out perfectly! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
April '11
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 9:20pm
Thanks for all the positive messages everyone So nice to hear that my birth plan shouldnt be in total tatters I really do appreciate everyones stories! I will be sure to update once she decides to make an appearance!  -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 22 May 2010 at 7:03am
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I hope she doesn't keep you waiting too long. All the best! ------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: Laurz_20
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 11:22am
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I had a scan at 40+ 3 days and was told that my bubs was 11lb 11oz. I went to the ob and they wouldnt even consider letting me labour. I was so gutted as I wanted a natural birth. Bub delivered by c/s the following day and was 9lb 11oz so scans can be quite wrong. Good luck with everything:) ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: zcm
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 11:18pm
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I was told the day before I had my baby that she was posterior, I have no idea if she turned before I went into labour or not but I had a 2 hour labour and she was 4.3kg and a 35cm head circ. 1 small tear but no stitches - easiest birth I've had! No pain relief either - only got to the hospital 15 minutes before she was born so no time.
Good luck! ------------- Mum to two boys and http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: JAFAjaffa
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 10:32am
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My baby was estimated to be 4.8kg at 41 weeks and when he was born a few days later he was 4.7kg. So the scans can be accurate, or they can be wildly inaccurate!! Don't worry too much about it - I came out of the scan giggling nervously and wondering how I would get the baby out!
I had a natural, drug free birth that was 12 hours from first contraction to birth. I had 2nd degree tears but I didn't even notice it at the time and the healing was quick and complication free. Alex is my first baby too. I'm reasonably tall but DH is 6foot 4 so I was never going to have a small baby! I was pleased my birth plan went pretty much as I expected it to, but I was prepared for anything to happen on the day!! Anyway, all I wanted to say was that it is totally possible to have a natural birth and a big baby - and I've also been told that big babies are great feeders and sleepers (not sure if this is always true, but certainly was for us). Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 12:14pm
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JAFAjaffa - I got told about big babies being great feeders and sleepers too and it is definitely true for us. Isla feeds like a wee trooper. Never had any issues with feeding and she has been sleeping through the night for quite some time now. Normally does at least 9hr stretches over night and sleeps well during the day too -------------
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 12:40pm
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Oh I like the sound of that! -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: Chickoin
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 1:56pm
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My big bubba slept through from 6 weeks too. Go the big babies!
I had a scan telling me Jody was 8lb, she was 9lb4 when born. Although I didn't have a natural birth, I was induced and had an epi, the epi failed so I won't bother with one next time. I did tear, when her shoulders came out, but I feel that was because of my position (on my back, legs in the air) and because the mw's were worried about her getting stuck so I pushed like a maniac! Next time I want to birth on my knees, upright. Or have a water birth. And I will be asking for a warm flannel on my perenium to help avoid tears. -------------   
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Posted By: Kalimirella
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 2:28pm
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Hmm agree with big bubbas good feeders and sleepers, mine doesn't sleep through yet (ha she is far too young) but she will sleep at least one stretch of 4-5 hours. She has never had a problem with latching on or guzzling down. ------------- Kiara is 3 and Teagan is 2, now we're expecting our long awaited 3rd! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: JAFAjaffa
Date Posted: 24 May 2010 at 6:21pm
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Yep Alex has always been an excellent sleeper at all times and has been sleeping from 7pm until 7am consistently since 3 months. And he eats truckloads! He's on solids now and he basically sits in his highchair with his mouth open waiting for me to shovel food in. It's very funny!
Big babies are totally awesome. I want another! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: whitewave
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 3:28pm
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Interesting about baby sizes in labour - my son was born 1 month prem and was 2940g when born. The 2nd stage took aaaages, and he was a
nightmare to push out, eventually needed forceps to get him out. I have a theory that smaller babies with small heads are harder to push out, because there's less weight behind them, and less gravity force. And, probably thanks to the forceps, I tore a bit too. So a larger baby may indeed be easier! Can't wait to hear how it goes! |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 3:51pm
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Well Im booked in for an induction on Fri morning, so I will make sure I update you all on how big she actually is once shes out! -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: JAFAjaffa
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 8:14pm
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Please do - I am so curious now! And I bet you go into labour naturally before your appointment - I had an appointment on the Monday morning at 10am and I went into labour at 3am that morning. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 26 May 2010 at 8:25pm
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oohh I hope so!!! -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 27 May 2010 at 4:21am
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Ooh, all the best for Friday morning, or hopefully before! ------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 1:45pm
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well I showed up at the hosp at 7am yesterday morning, 3am dilated. My waters were broken at 8, drip started at 10. Internal at 2 and I was 4cm with no pain, internal at 5 still 4 cm. Got pethadine at 7. Internal at 10 still 4cm, got an epi just after that and the call was made to have a c sect. Bubs was born at 12.18 this morning by emergency c sect, weighing 4.570kgs. Apgar 10 and 10. Biggest cord they had ever seen, and fantastic placenta that could have lasted another 2 weeks. -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 1:52pm
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Wow another 2 weeks!! That's great news that it was still in good condition!! Hope you are managing to rest!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 1:53pm
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Congrats Emmi!! ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 3:17pm
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Congratulations Emmi! ------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: JAFAjaffa
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 5:52pm
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Congrats!! Boy/girl? Name?? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 6:07pm
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little girl (well not so little) but not named yet :) ------------- 
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Posted By: AngieBabe
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 6:09pm
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Doh! I was hoping Emmi's DH would've given in by now (considering her trials yesterday), and bubs would have the name she favoured! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 29 May 2010 at 6:21pm
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He may have, i havent had any updates for ages but i know she was having a girl and that is definitly what popped out :) -------------
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Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 30 May 2010 at 3:09pm
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any name yet ??
My friend had a 12lb 10 ozer baby , au naturel , she tore . Badly . walked round like she had a carrot up her butt for weeks .... ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 30 May 2010 at 4:44pm
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Yeah dps friends aunty had a 13lb baby and tore really badly too.
My grandmas cousin had 11lb babies naturally but no tearing or anything ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 30 May 2010 at 6:30pm
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yea my friends mum had 2 sons. one was nearly 11lbs and the other was nearly 12lbs. she had no trouble and see was about the same size as me (5ft4). yikes!! -------------
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Posted By: H8r8ford
Date Posted: 02 June 2010 at 1:54pm
| My brother was 10lb 4oz and he was homebirthed with no drugs and there was no tears or complications at all. I had a 8lb 6oz baby at home with just gas but no other drugs but i had a bad tear. So I dont know that baby size makes much of a difference?? |