Breaking: The Dutchess Kate is in labor!!!

[Lil Missy]

I hope it's a boy!

[Pelican]

1. HA...

Middle of the US night...

You thought the Trayvon coverage was bad? Wait for the new coverage of the royal baby!

[chelsea0011]

96. I was in a sleepy haze last night while the TV was on when "Late Breaking News" happened at

2:30 AM. It woke me from my haze as I wondered what could have happened at this hour. It was a bulletin of Kate entering the hospital. Jeesh!

[Tx4obama]

2. From Twitter...

Breaking NewsVerified account ?@BreakingNews

Duchess of Cambridge admitted to hospital in London in the early stages of labour, palace confirms - Statement via @NBCNews

https://twitter.com/BreakingNews/status/359200791187308544

I hope it's a GIRL.

She would be in the line of succession to the throne - after Charles and William.

[TDale313]

6. +1

[Historic NY]

7. OMG......

[secondwind]

49. Me too, I hope it is a girl... Alexandra.

[JoDog]

88. My gut says

it will be a girl.

Caroline Victoria Elizabeth. Queen Victoria the Second has a nice ring to it.

[ananda]

98. I was hoping for Diana.

That would be nice.

[WinkyDink]

116. I don't think Wm will have Mrs. Middleton's name "Carol" in any way given pride of place. Why

not Queen Diana I?

[JoDog]

144. "Caroline" also is one of the feminine versions

of "Charles". So the name would honor a grandparent from both sides. There also is recent history of "Caroline" among European royals.

"Diana" would be lovely, and while I adored her, there were times when she was a divisive figure in British culture. This kid, no matter what the gender, will probably end up having about 6 names. If they do decide to use "Diana" it could be in third place or later.

Remember, the order of names has no bearing on what the child will be called by friends and family or what he/she will chose to be called after possible future coronation. Edward VIII's full name was Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David. He preferred to be called "David". His younger brother was Albert Frederick Arthur George. At home he answered to "Bertie". When he ascended to the throne, he took the crown as George VI. To today's addition to the family, he will be known as "my great-great-grandfather".

[anneboleyn]

149. Maybe "Elizabeth Victoria Diana." I do hope that Diana is represented somehow

if the baby is a girl (which for some reason we all seem to be thinking will be the case). And since the Brits use middle names -- I believe that would make for Queen Victoria II.

[davidpdx]

67. I'm rooting for a girl as well

[liberal_at_heart]

3. That's great news! I usually don't follow stuff like this, but I remember

watching tv early in the morning when they broke with the news that Princess Di had died in a car crash. I'm just so thrilled that her boys are growing up with some of her quailities of working with the poor and I think it is great they serve their country. Not too many American politician's sons or daughters serve in the military. I am also thrilled to see them so happy. I wish both boys all the happiness in the world.

[hrmjustin]

4. God bless her and her baby! And her husband!

[Tx4obama]

11. I hope all goes well. It'd be devasting to Kate if something went wrong w/ the whole world watching

[hrmjustin]

13. She has good doctors so hopefully things will go well.

[Tx4obama]

5. More ...

Breaking NewsVerified account ?@BreakingNews

Duchess of Cambridge admitted to hospital in London in the early stages of labour, palace confirms - Statement via @NBCNews

https://twitter.com/BreakingNews/status/359200791187308544

[Tx4obama]

8. AP article

Palace: Prince William's wife Kate in labor

July 22, 2013 02:40 AM EST | AP

LONDON — Palace officials say Prince William's wife, Kate, has been admitted to the hospital in the early stages of labor.

Royal officials said that Kate travelled by car to St. Mary's Hospital in central London. Kate – also known as the Duchess of Cambridge – is expected to give birth in the private Lindo Wing of the hospital, where Princess Diana gave birth to William and his younger brother, Prince Harry.

The baby will be third in line for the British throne – behind Prince Charles and William – and is anticipated eventually to become king or queen.

The medical team will be led by royal gynecologist Dr. Marcus Setchell.

-snip-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130722/eu-britain-royal-baby/

p.s. I've posted it in DU LBN.

[Bosonic]

121. Dr. Marcus Setchell, On Her Majesty's Secret Cervix.

[CTyankee]

148. Funny!

You made me laugh

[Spitfire of ATJ]

9. Fuck royalty.

[byeya]

71. Amen to that! This labor will be the only work she ever does in her life.

[Atman]

80. +237

I thought we fought like hell be rid of these royal douche bags!

[byeya]

83. We sure did fight and defeat them. I have 5 ancestors who fought in the Revolution who had

ancestors who were kicked out of their own country - Ireland - by the Brits. Throw 'em down a well.

[Whisp]

95. LOL!!

yeh, not into this royal thing either. I think it's nauseating.

I'm sure Kate and whatshisface think so too - not a private moment to be had.

[treestar]

190. that isn't totally fair

She will cut a lot of ribbons and probably work for some causes.

And raise her children.

She could even start some sort of career if she chose.

[Logical]

75. Thank you! The response to this post is embarrassing! n-t

[Shivering Jemmy]

85. Thread note

Please post all baby pics in reply to Spitfire of ATJ's post.

[Chan790]

93. To Hell with the Monarchy!

F*ck the monarchists and the entire royal family. Deadbeat lot of them don't do a damn thing and sponge off the public...they should have left the royal tradition to rot with Charles II's head.

I hope she has a gremlin.

[NuclearDem]

108. Indeed. It's fucking humiliating that in the West in 2013, we have people who still expected to be

called "Your Majesty" or "Your Highness" without any hint of sarcasm.

So fine, Kate's giving birth. It'll just add another human being that gets tons of media coverage for no greater achievement than being born/married into the right family.

[Raine]

10. CONGRATULATIONS to Will & Kate!! nt

[Tx4obama]

14. I think it would be awful for the twin that was born second...

... having to live life knowing that he/she missed the throne by only a couple of minutes.

I think Kate's belly didn't look big enough for there to be twins.

[ReRe]

20. I have a niece who IS pregnant with twins! ;-) n/t

[ReRe]

24. She is ecstatic with expectancy. Everything is going great. 22 weeks in now. n/t

[kdmorris]

68. It's probably not twins

She doesn't seem big enough and she seems to have made it to her due date. (90% of twins are born before 39 weeks). I just gave birth to twins (via c-section because they wouldn't both get head down) and by the end (37 weeks and 5 days), I measured 53 weeks pregnant (by measuring fundal height). They were due on July 5th, but due to high blood pressure, I was delivered on June 19. Of course, my twins were the biggest ever born at that hospital - 8 lbs 1 oz (21 inches long) and 8 lbs 5 oz (20 inches long) - so maybe I was just huge because my sons were!

I didn't "go into labor" (though I'm not saying it doesn't happen)... I had a scheduled delivery. Most twins are scheduled - whether by induction or by c-section, to better manage the staff that needs to be present and the risk factors involved.

I think it would be great if they have a daughter.

[Voice for Peace]

151. You just gave birth to twins on June 19? Did I read that right?

If so, wondrous congratulations are in order.

[kdmorris]

162. Yep! They will be 5 weeks old on Wednesday

First week was tough, but we are getting the hang of this now

[PotatoChip]

163. Congratulations! (nt)

[kdmorris]

174. Thank you! n/t

[Voice for Peace]

182. grand double congratulations and best of luck

I hope you are getting lots of naps...

[kdmorris]

192. Thank you

We take shifts... I sleep at night, my husband sleeps in the morning. But I still take naps when possible

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

15. Congrats to the welfare mother to be! n/t

[HangOnKids]

26. Gawd I LOVE You!

[Boudica the Lyoness]

16. It seems like most people think it will be a girl.

I hope it is. The Queen has done such a wonderful job. The Queen mum was brilliant during the war. Then there's the other Queens.... all hard workers.

Here's a link to the Royal Baby Monitor.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/royalbaby/5017568/The-Suns-Royal-Baby-live-blog.html

[MADem]

17. I'm rooting for a girl, just to shake things up. Gotta test drive that "First born gets it" rule!!

Also, the only English monarchs that have made a real impression upon me, save Henry VIII, were female. I think they do a better job, by and large.

[Rhiannon12866]

18. NBC News: Prince William's wife Kate admitted into hospital in early stages of labor

The Duchess of Cambridge, 31, was admitted into a London hospital early Monday in the early stages of labor, a palace official confirmed.

With her husband, Prince William, at her side, Duchess Kate was taken to a private wing of St. Mary’s hospital, the same London facility where William and his brother, Prince Harry, were born.

“The duchess traveled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital with the Duke of Cambridge,” according to a statement released by royal officials.

<snip>

A birth announcement written on official Buckingham Palace letterhead will then be driven to the palace, where it will be placed on the same easel used to announce Prince William’s birth 31 years ago. In addition, the UK Ministry of Defence will mark the royal baby's birth with two gun salutes – a traditional sign of respect – at London's Green Park and on Tower Wharf at the Tower of London.

http://www.today.com/news/prince-williams-wife-kate-admitted-hospital-early-stages-labor-1C9846018



Getty Images Europe / Middleton family via AFP - Getty Images

Too cute: Prince William and Duchess Kate are shown in their early years.

[liberal_at_heart]

19. cute pictures!

[Rhiannon12866]

22. I remember him with Princess Diana, was a very cute baby... This is the pic I remember:

[ReRe]

23. Baby Watch!

OK... it's a first baby, so if it's a totally nat-ur-al birth, it will be a while. Say.... 12 hours? God, this is a tiny woman. I can't imagine they would make her lay in such pain for so long. I hope they give her a pytosin (sp?) drip and an epidural and get it over with. (After all, she IS overdue!) Better all the way around for the Princess AND the baby.

[Crunchy Frog]

29. I understand she's planning a water birth.

[ReRe]

32. Oh, well... that changes everything, doesn't it?

I don't know anyone who has delivered that way. My niece is going to have her twins that way. Guess I need to study up on this way of birthing! If you know anything about it, do tell us!

[WinkyDink]

111. You understand wrong.

[Crunchy Frog]

193. Maybe. Maybe not.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/splash-water-birth-wish-of-duchess-kate-in-labour-dashes-to-st-marys-hospital-29437940.html

[xmas74]

41. Pitocin sucks

It speeds up the labor yet doesn't allow the body time to adjust to the increase in labor naturally. Pitocin shows an increased risk of c-sections too, possibly for the reason listed.

I had pitocin. I also had cytotec. I'd never do it again.

[ReRe]

42. It doesn't do those things if....

... the baby is REALLY due. And heck, I'm talking marvels that were new and wonderful 30 YEARS AGO! Never had a C-Section. I am sure they are going to take excellent care of Kate and baby.

[xmas74]

46. My child was overdue.

It can happen. It's best not to use any of it if not necessary. Letting nature take its course unless absolutely necessary is always the best. It's better for the mother and child, though not as convenient.

Besides, if she's far enough into labor that she's going to the hospital she probably won't need the pitocin, unless her labor stalls.

I had a c-section. It made me realize that one child was enough, especially since every hospital within an hour's drive still has a "one and done" policy in ref to them. No VBAC allowed in this neck of the woods and no doctor will take you on unless you drive into the city.

[ReRe]

50. Sister had C-Sections..

Always had them that way, as sis is the straight up and down kind. Tall and thin. No curves. "OliveOil" (er Popeyes girlfriend.) Sis only had two, and she is still tall and thin.

[bravenak]

52. I had that happen too. I was a week and a half overdue, my water broke and I went to the hospital.

I asked them not to give me pitocin again but the gave it to me anyway. Almost died. Couldn't stop bleeding. I was sooo pissed I made my husband get me my last meal and ate it while they were screaming at me not to eat or drink anything. Once I was full the bleeding stopped. No more kids for me.

[xmas74]

197. My water hadn't broken but I was a week overdue.

(Ex had been out of town for a couple of weeks and the night he came back was conception. We knew the exact date of conception.)

They started me on cytotec for nearly 24 hours, then moved me to pitocin. While on pitocin they stripped my membranes. I was in labor for a few days and eventually had a c-section. Funny thing was when they went to strip the membranes it was pretty easy, since I found out that they were ready to break on their own. In other words, if they hadn't decided to speed things up I was probably on the verge of natural labor but that would have had me delivering on a Sunday morning, which no one wanted.

[woodsprite]

63. I had pit/c-section with our 1st and unmed vbac for my 2nd

I think I healed better and was up/ around easier with
my first. I think it was being 7 yrs younger and not dealing
with the pushing and all the bonuses that come with it.

[xmas74]

198. My c-section was not the best experience for me.

I was overdue but ready to go into labor at any time when they decided to start inducing with cytotec. After 24 hours the cytotec had me in early labor but it wasn't fast enough. I was then given pitocin, which brought on severe back labor in short order and failed to progress me beyond a 5. 16 hours after the pit was first administered it was decided that I would have my membranes stripped. When they began to strip them they actually broke. So, after all the meds they gave me they realized that I was ready to go into a natural labor within a couple of days anyway. The only problem was that it would have more than likely been a weekend delivery and my hospital doesn't seem to have many of those anymore.

The 7 years younger would have made a big difference for you. VBAC is also a bit harder to go through, at least from what I've been told by others who've actually done it. As of this time, there are still no hospitals that will do it in my neck of the woods.

[woodsprite]

206. My c-sect started with my water breaking 3 wks early

My regular dr was on vacation, so I had the drs who were on call that night. They tried to get my contractions into a regular pattern by hooking me a pitocin drip. After 17 hours, they said they'd only let me labor another 3 before doing a c-sect. They had my IV running at the highest dose of pit and I still hadn't progressed past 4 cm, so we went for the c-sect before there was any sign of increased distress from our daughter.

When my dr. came back from vacation and checked in on me, he had it out with the team of docs on call. He said if they had laid off the pit and let me rest over night, he said that's usually all it takes to give active labor a chance to set in, then they could have started the pit again, if needed. He was not happy.

The VBAC with our son was easy, but I didn't realize how serious the my bleeding issue (retained placenta) had been or that our son had stopped breathing until I got out of surgery. I had been on heparin the whole pregnancy. They usually stop it a few weeks before your due date, but he was 5 wks early and we didn't get that chance. A tumble on some uneven driveway started the ball rolling. My doc was apologizing profusely to me because I had to be checked for drugs due to my "precipitous labor". Apparently it's the law in DE.

I had chosen the repeat c-sect option for our son, but ended up with a forced unmedicated VBAC. It would never had been my choice since I had a friend who died during a VBAC attempt (but her docs had used pitocin during the VBAC -- which is a huge no-no according to my doc).

[xmas74]

214. Everything I've read and heard states that pic and cytotec is a no-no in a VBAC.

Supposedly it's a lawsuit waiting to happen, since it increases the chance of both maternal and fetal death.

[PADemD]

207. IMO

VBAC was a breeze compared to C-section. The day after pit-induced C-section, I felt like I'd been run over by a truck. The staff kept telling me that I wasn't moving enough, but every muscle hurt.

After the 10-hour VBAC labor, I was up and walking around. C-section baby weight 8 pounds 10 ounces; VBAC baby weight 9 pounds 11.5 ounces.

[xmas74]

211. That's how I felt after the c-section.

I've always heard that, no matter 1st or VBAC, healing time is much quicker and that just stands to reason.

[PADemD]

100. I'm with you

Had Pitocin and ended up with a c-section. Horrible experience.

[xmas74]

196. I felt rushed by everyone

and I felt like every time they increased it was to rush me along. One of the nurses even made a comment about me and bed space, since maternity was full that night and they were putting new admits into swing rooms.

[newfie11]

65. I had 3 deliveries

All Lamaze but one using pitocin.
I can tell you pitocin is not something I would choose just to make a normal delivery faster.
Using this stuff the contraction hits will full force, there is no start and peak, only peak.

[kdmorris]

73. Pitocin is EVIL

I had it with my first because my labor had stalled at 4 cm. Instead of having nice valleys and hills on the contraction monitor, the contractions went INSTANTLY to peak and stayed there for 2 minutes. Then I'd get 30 seconds between contractions and then it would go immediately back to full pain. Normal labor "ramps up" from the valley to the peak, so you really only have 30 seconds of intense pain per contraction, instead of the full 3 minutes of intense pain per contraction.

I would never wish that stuff on my worst enemy.

[mainer]

155. ditto. Hated it.

I went through 12 hours of labor and they wanted to speed things up so they gave me pitocin, but no epidural. Never had such pain in my life.

[laundry_queen]

195. Agreed.

it gave me 'double peaking' contractions - meaning one ctx would be ending and the next was already going. I had a 3 hour long contraction at one point. ugh, makes me sick to think about how awful it was (I had no epidural and I ended up with a C-section and ptsd)

My next labor - a vbac - was also long, but no augmentation and it was totally bearable and I made it through. There was a HUGE difference. I think Pitocin caused my C-section b/c I just lost it and couldn't cope.

[xmas74]

201. 13 years later and my stomach still turns just thinking of it.

After being up for a couple of days between the cytotec/pitocin cocktail in my system it was decided that I needed to nap. I was given fentanyl as an iv push. I immediately passed out but woke back up 20 minutes later, vomiting. After nearly 3 days in the hospital I was given a c-section and moved from my room in maternity to the med-surg ward. Med-surg wouldn't allow my baby in the room with me so I got up and pulled myself back over to maternity and tried to take her with me. Finally, they found a bed for me in maternity and put me back.


I hate even thinking about the crap they pushed me.

[laundry_queen]

204. ugh, sounds familiar

my child is 16 and it's just like yesterday when I think of it. Sorry you had to go through that too - it's insane what some hospitals will push on you in the name of protocol.

[xmas74]

213. I was single and alone while in labor.

They knew I didn't have the support to back me up and that they could get away with it.

[Nanjing to Seoul]

25. let me the first to say. . .(clears throat). . .WHO CARES!?!?!?!

[calimary]

27. Well, some of us do. Me, for instance.

It'd be nice to have some genuinely pleasant news for a change. I'm just so worn-down.

And hey, say what you will, but I like her. I like the idea that the royals can be like regular folks and marry for love. I like that she's a commoner. I like the idea that they want to give their offspring a normal life. I like that someone like him - who was raised to be closer to the people - is gonna be monarch someday. How can he be a good king, even as a figurehead, if he doesn't have a sense of understanding his people?

[liberal_at_heart]

30. me too. It's nice to see a part of Princess Di living on in those boys.

And we have to remember that it is a different culture than ours. The people over there do fight for fairness just as we do, but they also have a great sense of pride in their country, and the Royal family is a deep part of their identity as a country.

[duffyduff]

134. Kate, unlike Diana, is a true commoner, not an aristocrat

That makes it even nicer in my view.

[ReRe]

35. Well, I DO....

I am a woman, first. And secondly, I am of British descent. Thirdly, I AM HUMAN. Each to their own interests, do you ever consider that before you boast "Who Cares??"

[Nanjing to Seoul]

47. Yes I do consider it. . .everyone has the right to their own stupid loves

You care about toe royals?

First: I'm a woman? So because I am a man, I don't care about kids? Sexist. . .nice!

Second: British descent, meaning you are not a British citizen. Meaning you're American. I have Iroquois ancestry. What's your point?

Third: You are human. Okay, so because I don't give a shit about the royal's birth, I am not human. Sexist and elitist.

Why don't I care? Because it does not affect my life or the lives of anyone outside their family. WHO GIVES A RAT'S ASS???.

I didn't care about Beyonce's little bashion of goodness either. I didn't care about American "royalty" either. Why should I care about someone in another country, especially someone who doesn't do shit?

If an American's interest is in royal sponges that make oodles of money and produce nothing, so be it. And I can look at the news and say "NEXT!"

[Inspired]

53. It was interesting enough....

for you to open this thread, read through it, and post a snarky comment. To make yourself feel, somehow, better...more enlightened...than those who are excited about this. How very elitist and somewhat 'royal' of you.

I think this is a good human interest story. I wish Will and Kate all the best.

I hope they have a girl and they name her Diana.

Maybe you could have said "NEXT" when you read the title of this thread?

[Shivering Jemmy]

89. Long reply

For someone who doesn't care.

Sounds like you care a whole lot. Sounds like it's eating you.

[RobinA]

169. Maybe You Could

not give a rat's ass with a little more civility.

[RebelOne]

66. I don't care in the least. n/t

[Nanjing to Seoul]

69. We seem to be in the minority.

[Rowdyboy]

105. Apparently a whole shitload of people do based on the comments on DU's multiple threads and pretty

much everywhere else on the internet and in the media and around water coolers etc throughout the world.... But feel free to hate on....Because,.....

let me be the first to say...(clears throat)...WHO CARES!?!?!?!

[WinkyDink]

112. Millions of people. Your opinion is, however, in the "Who cares?" category.

[L0oniX]

141. Worshippers with no life? American Idol is not on right now?

[LanternWaste]

154. Anyone who invests the time to write in this thread...

"WHO CARES!?!?!?!"


Anyone who invests the time to write in this thread regardless of the rationalizations to the contrary, I would think.

[treestar]

160. It's history

A descendant of William the Conqueror. Directly in line for the monarchy.

[calimary]

168. That's another point, too. History. We don't have that kind of history in this country.

By age alone, we're an unruly teenager in the family of nations. We haven't outgrown the kiddie table or sippy cups in comparison to some of them - that have been around for one or two or three THOUSAND years. We don't have that, here. And sometimes there's something in me that yearns for that kind of long chain of connectivity through the ages.

Maybe it's because I myself am adopted. I don't have a family history, except for one that was grafted on when I was two weeks old (as I've been told). At least until very recently, when I did an adoption search and after almost a year, finally found some information that connects me partially - somewhere.

I have no blood lines connecting me to anyone but my own two children who both came outta me. I can't look back to any ancestors or generational elders who hold any personal connection to me, or who passed on their eye color or the shape of their chins - OR their propensity for breast cancer or bad teeth, or their ability to sing, or their tendency toward personality disorders, or ANY of that. I have no clue as to what "runs in my family" because it's never applied to me. Try filling out a medical history form and having to put N/A (Not Applicable) when you're asked whether your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or someone else in your biological family had cancer or diabetes or depression or any of that. Try looking at your personal file in elementary school (that you weren't really supposed to see) and notice that, high up there near the top, somebody typed in "ADOPTED" - in big red capitol letters. A scarlet letter indeed. Seven of them, as a matter of fact. I am a living, breathing, walking, talking sequester, if you will. John Donne once wrote that "no man is an island." But I've felt like one for my whole life (my adoptive parents, who were the only parents I ever knew, told me when I was four, I think - really young).

So I willingly concede that point - about history and connectivity through the ages - and how it resonates with me personally. And pretty deeply, too, if you really wanna know.

[Sheepshank]

181. The fascination for royalty is here in the USA....including the reasons you posted above

I'd venture that 1/2 of all daughters born here are refered to as princess during their early years. Many of the wealthy continue to treat their daughters as princesses for a very long time after adulthood.

There is a curiosity for sure.

[calimary]

183. Yeah, and it's human nature to want what you don't have.

Gotta admit, when my daughter was born, I secretly felt - "gee, she's eligible for Prince William..."

Heck, we've all been through at least SOME of that, especially us girls.

Btw - she actually preferred Prince Harry.

[Crunchy Frog]

28. Hoping for a girl!

[politicat]

31. Safe delivery and a healthy baby and Duchess most important ... But a girl would be excellent.

Because that would be a great line of succession. Royalty has had millennia of no girls aloud. It's time to put the change in law into practice.

[edbermac]

33. Breaking: Ken Cuccinelli demands inquiry into W&K's sex life.

[Cooley Hurd]

57. .

[msanthrope]

72. OMG....that pic is priceless! nt

[npk]

34. Poor Harry

Even further down the royal hierarchy he goes.

[ReRe]

36. Oh, but Harry's either at his brother's side or on his way as we speak. ;-) n/t

[npk]

37. I am sure he is very proud

I was just teasing a Harry a bit.

[edbermac]

38. No poor Harry

The closer you are in line to the top, the more restrictions you have. Wills has to keep his nose clean while Harry parties hearty and gets laid every chance he gets.

[npk]

39. Yes there is always that

He does sure know how to party.

[WinkyDink]

113. Please. Like he ever before wished for his brother's early demise.

[treestar]

161. Poor Andrew

He's been going down, down, down for decades.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

40. Tracy Ulmann said it best

Why do the British continue to pay people millions of pounds a year to think they're better than everyone else?

[Nanjing to Seoul]

48. And why do Americans spend so much energy giving a shit about them? Didn't we kick

the royals out in 1781 after Yorktown?

[PADemD]

101. Gov. Corbett wants to sell our lottery to them.

[LanternWaste]

156. Yup... we engaged in a revolutionary war to deny ourselves empathy for a foreign childbirth.

Yup... we engaged in a revolutionary war to deny ourselves empathy for a foreign childbirth.

[Nanjing to Seoul]

210. there are millions of children born in foreign countries everyday. let's have empathy of them too

or is it because this one is the child of a throwback to an era that should be long forgotten and completely abolished.

please!

[byeya]

90. + +

[TeamPooka]

43. Is there a pool? 8lbs 7 oz. nt

[PADemD]

102. There was a pool, but it was deleted.

[CTyankee]

127. I think that was mine. I self deleted, primarily because it wasn't worth the hassle of moving it...

I don't really care that much, altho I thought a pool would be amusing. I guess I really didn't think it was important enough for people to get all worked up over it. But evidently, I was wrong...ah, well...

[TeamPooka]

180. I called 8lbs 7oz and he came in at 8lbs 6oz. I win!

[woo me with science]

44. And thus begins

months, and probably years, of wall-to-wall Shiny Royal Baby Coverage.

It's gonna be All Baby, All the Time. Just in time for the new Grand Bargain austerity deal, the Trans Pacific job and wage killing agreement, and our government's mass spying on its own citizens.

[chimpymustgo]

79. Shiny Royal Baby Coverage. Keep an eye on the overlords - this is a dangerous period.

[Renew Deal]

81. That's right. The baby is a planned BFEE, Rove distraction. Is she even pregnant?

This is all planned by TPTB. Bwahahahahaha

[LordGlenconner]

171. Don't worry

I don't think this will interfere with your mostly joyless existence. There will be another rain cloud coming along soon, I promise.

[woo me with science]

173. A 19-post sock opining on my life?

Coward.

Love how you guys are continually bringing in the new names, though. Gotta get those rec. counts up.

[LordGlenconner]

176. Again, don't worry

Maybe the sun won't come out tomorrow.

[PADemD]

208. +1000

Welcome to DU!

[Warren DeMontague]

45. I'm not a big fan of Royalty, in concept or in actuality. That said, I like babies and it's always

exciting to see first-time parents in action, plus those two do seem like nice enough young folks.

I wish them luck and all the best of health.

[bravenak]

51. Yay!!!!

I want a girl! Embarrassingly enough I have been waiting for this.

[liberal N proud]

54. The Great Kate Wait may be over as Kate begins to Dilate

What will the media over react on once this is over?

[Ruby the Liberal]

58. They aren't really going to do that, are they?

Post an announcement on the gate? With a gazillion media standing right outside the hospital?

[Ruby the Liberal]

60. Then why isn't the media camped out at Buckingham?

Tradition, I guess.

[muriel_volestrangler]

61. The BBC has someone at the hospital AND Buckingham Palace

I guess the media at the hospital is there to play "spot the messenger", so that they can put out a breathless "the message is on its way!" report, followed by the photo of whatever they post at the palace gates.

[Ruby the Liberal]

62. Oh, gotcha. Thanks.

Our media is only focusing on the hospital.

[dipsydoodle]

76. Its custom to do so.

[Ruby the Liberal]

184. I just saw the photo of the announcement, framed, on an easel

CNN had a pic of it.

Pretty classy!

[dipsydoodle]

185. They even use a specific size piece of paper

Its what you call foolscap : here its called legal.

[Ruby the Liberal]

186. Eh?

Never heard of that before. Here we have letter (8.5x11&quot and legal (8.5x14&quot

[dipsydoodle]

187. Maybe you called it foolscap folio ?

Probably defunct over there now. Was either 8 x 13 or 8 1/2 x 13 1/2 - not sure which.

[Ruby the Liberal]

188. Never heard that term before

I have had issues with things hard coded A4 (a European setting) that won't print for nothing here.

[B Calm]

56. If it's a girl I hope they name her "Honey Boo Boo"

and if it's a boy, "Bubba"

[Silent3]

70. Why can't a boy be Honey Boo Boo too?

Stop imposing gender roles like that!

[B Calm]

91. I like Bubba better for a boy, it just sounds

like male royalty!

[WinkyDink]

114. Are you under the impression the British royal family is American?

[steve2470]

64. two live feeds:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10155483/Kate-Middleton-birth-pregnancy-baby.html


http://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/416585/WATCH-LIVE-Kate-s-labour-progressing-well-as-William-and-the-world-await-royal-baby

[Logical]

74. Who gives a crap? This is lounge crap! n-t

[darkangel218]

77. What if it turns out to be a baby alien hybrid?

Will it still become king of UK?

[WinkyDink]

115. ...........................

[dipsydoodle]

78. Niagara Falls will be dyed blue for a boy or pink for a girl.

Just mentioned on tv news here in the UK. Similar stuff all over the world.

[Daemonaquila]

82. Breaking: People Getting Excited Over Nothing

It's revolting that this is getting news hype, much less getting people excited.

[Logical]

86. +1000, unbelievable. n-t

[Franker65]

84. It's just a baby

I can't really get excited over this - two people I don't know and will never know are having a kid.

[Orrex]

87. Great. Another welfare receipient having a baby on the public's dime.

[muriel_volestrangler]

92. In the oppressive monarchy of the United Kingdom, everyone has their baby on the public's dime

because the queen is a secret commie. National Health Service created 6 July 1948; Prince Charles born 16 Nov 1948. Coincidence? I think not.

[Orrex]

94. Whoa!

It all makes sense now.

It. All. Makes. Sense.

[Zorra]

97. Breaking: Latisha Monroe from Detroit is in labor! nt

[PADemD]

99. My guess from another post that was removed

Female
7 pounds 2 ounces
21 inches
Monday, 5:15 p.m (first time labor is usually 10 hours)
Charlotte Diana Caroline Victoria

[Byronic]

104. Charlotte!

An excellent suggestion. I'm hoping for another Princess Charlotte of Wales. The original was enormously popular. Her death in 1817 caused a massive outpouring of grief among the British public perhaps only comparable to the death of Diana.

Her father, King George IV, was admittedly useless and unpopular. His only child was the hope of the House of Hanover. Queen Victoria is iconic the world over, lending her name to an entire age, but had Charlotte not died after childbirth, Victoria almost certainly never would have reigned. Queen Charlotte might have been the legend.

[Rowdyboy]

107. It would be appropriate. Charlotte is my favorite of the potential female names though

Alexandra would be nice too.

[WinkyDink]

109. Too many "Charlottes" and "Charlenes" already, in the Grimaldis.

[Byronic]

118. but not in the House of Windsor

Despite the (understandable) mockers and nay-sayers in this thread, it IS a rather historic birth. The first time, regardless of the sex of the child, that we will witness the birth of a future monarch. I remain hopeful of the birth of a new Charlotte of Wales. I don't mean to be sexist, but a future George the Millionth, would be a bit of a letdown in the circumstances.

Oh, and can the Commonwealth realms that are still dragging their feet on the new Succession Law get a wiggle on. The tiny Future Queen Lottie is not amused!

[REP]

167. But some would still prefer

A Ceinwen ap Rees of Cymru, and not another Germanic prince(ss) who speaks no English if Wales must have a monarch.

[Byronic]

170. Indeed!

Believe me, nobody would want to hark back to the grim days of the Hanoverians. I was referring to Princess Charlotte as an individual, (seeing as the name has appeared on several shortlists) and the fact that her popularity stood in stark contrast to that of her father 'Prinny.'

I happen to be a Welshman, and have sympathy with your point.

[REP]

191. I wondered if perhaps there was a 'th' missing from your username

My family is originally from what used to be Gwynedd and Merionnydd (even after emigrating, my great grandmother's wedding in Kansas was still recorded in Bala). They settled in one of the many planned Welsh communities in the US (first Wisconsin then Arvonia, Kansas). Along with the black hair and aversion to sunlight, I seem to have inherited the "didn't we try go get away from those people?" attitude of my family.

[Byronic]

199. Aversion to sunlight!

Ha! I'm with you on that one. Although immemorial Cymru is bathed in sunshine at the moment.

I'm always terribly disappointed that whereas St Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide, and the Scots always export their identity everywhere, that the Welsh are rather more circumspect. St David's Day attracts hardly a peep on here, for instance.

Ah well.

Man of Gwent, here!

[REP]

205. Y Drych has been published since 1851

And there's all those places with Welsh names: Bangor, Bryn Mawr, Arvonia, etc. So there may not be a lot of whatever it is one does on St David's day, but we did name many towns.

Where I'm from originally, there's a couple chapters of the St David Society (here in California, no one knows what that is and no one can say or spell my name).

But when a people are famous for perfect pitch, singing and poetry - well, that's going to lose every time to binge-drinking and public barfing. Also, to be fair, even Welsh aren't quite sure if the national foliage is a daffodil or a leek.

I celebrate St Patrick's (who, if he existed, was Welsh) Day by wearing a button that reads "Fuck Off - I'm Welsh."

[PADemD]

209. Are you originally from PA?

We have a Bangor and the local St. David's Society, who march every year in the local Celtic Classic festival.

http://www.celticfest.org/festival_information

BTW, Welsh heritage here, too.

[REP]

212. Missouri

Arvonia is (was; it's a suburb now) just next door in Kansas.

[JNelson6563]

103. I hope to god that kid is black.

Wouldn't that be funny?

Julie

[WinkyDink]

110. No, actually you don't, so your joke fails. Sorry!

[JNelson6563]

123. My day is ruined, my conscience heavily burdened...

Oh wait, no it's not. Glad to see the tight-ass contingent is up and about this am.

Julie

[UnseenUndergrad]

172. Nope.

And neither are really poor, insipid jokes that play on the old "black men as sexual predators and cuckolders seducing the married white wimmens" stereotype.

Still, maybe it's the South Asian genes from Diana bursting back onto the scene.

[City Lights]

106. I'm hoping it's a girl. nt

[Marrah_G]

117. I don't get the excitement....

... but then again, I'm sure I get excited over things people don't get either.

It's always good to see people happy and smiling.

[S.A.M]

119. Is this the equivalent of Snow White having a kid?

I am sorry...why should we Americans care about what happens in the British Royal Family? Wasn't the British crown responsible for millions of death? Read your history books please. Come on people! Grow up! Stop living in Disney World!

[Byronic]

120. Hmm...

"Was the British Crown responsible for millions of deaths?"

I'm contemplating how literally to take the question.

I shall err on the side of 'no.'

Which British monarch was responsible for millions of deaths?

[Le Taz Hot]

122. Is it me or is this labor going on

a LOOOONG time. (Since I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies, I'm asking those who have been through it.)

[PADemD]

131. Average labor is 10 hours.

[Apophis]

124. Oh my god why should I care?

[spin]

126. If you find out, please let me know. Currently I find watching grass grow more interesting. (n/t)

[Byronic]

129. You shouldn't care

You are an American with no interest in European constitutional monarchy (I'm just guessing here but I feel I am on safe ground). Do not attempt to care. Do not open threads concerning this topic. They will bore you.

However, there will be people interested (however distantly) in the events of today. Those with a knowledge of British history may be intrigued by the fact that for the first time we are guaranteed - regardless of sex - that the baby is likely (barring tragic circumstances) to one day inherit a throne with a thousand year history connected to it. Regardless of your view of monarchy, this is clearly no ordinary celebrity birth.

The poor wee thing has no idea what it is being born into.

Also, some people just REALLY like newborn babies. They are cute.

[Le Taz Hot]

132. What's it to you?

Really. Why is it skin off your ass to allow people to celebrate the birth of a child without all the moaning and whining and bitching by those who think their disdain for the royal couple is somehow relevant?

Hide thread is your friend.

[City Lights]

135. Whether or not you care is entirely your choice.

No one said you should care. If you don't care, then just ignore it.

[REP]

165. Because zOMG BABEEZ!! and we're all bestest BFFs with "Kate"

Yes, there are untold thousands of babies being brought forth into this world at this time, but only one is the perfect rich white babee of our dearest of dear, close, personal friend Kate! She's so pretty and perfect and wonderful (or so I keep being told) and her baby will fulfill all my hopes and dreams!

zOMG BABEEZ! BABEEZ! (foams at mouth and rolls on floor) baaaaaaaaabeeeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!!!11!!!!!!

[Renew Deal]

178. Not sure, yet you do.

[CJCRANE]

125. It's Official!!!

Pope Visits Royal Baby

Pope Francis Blesses Pregnant Duchess

In a surprise stopover on his way to Brazil the Pope paid an impromptu visit to the Royal Kensington Hospital in London to offer benedictions to the future monarch.

guardian.co.uk, Monday 22 July 2013 16.00 BST

More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/2013/jul/22/pope-duchess-cambridge-labour-hospital

[CTyankee]

128. OMG. Please tell me this is really the Onion...

PLEASE...

[CJCRANE]

130. Had you going there for a minute

I just thought adding the Pope would make it the perfect DU news story of the day!

[CTyankee]

133. You sure did!

I can't imagine being in labor and having the Pope walk in...

Of course, I would vomit if he even dared to make a statement...

[L0oniX]

136. It's the anti-christ. Trashing Dutchess & Kate

[Iggo]

139. Me, too.

And don't forget to trash "duchess" too .

[lastlib]

137. I think she's having a baby just so she can collect more welfare!!

Talk about a "welfare queen"....!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

138. The duchess of who?

sorry if I cannot even pretend to be interested. I just added this to point out how some folk are really concerned about the royal family, but the poor all around them, not so much.

[L0oniX]

140. Why do you hate the worshippers?

[Beaverhausen]

142. It's possible for many of us to be excited about the baby AND concerned about the poor

William's late mother did much to help the poor. I think she taught her son well.

[nadinbrzezinski]

143. Ok... do so

some of us will just start to trash these threads.

[Byronic]

146. Well done!

I'm sure you and your happy band of thread trashers will succeed marvellously.

You have logic and spittle on your side. We have merely fantasy held up by a thread of gossamer.

But, you know, it's probably summer where you are. You could choose to enjoy yourself, to do an act of kindness, to chase a butterfly, to allow a bunch of folks to enjoy their harmless thread.

Or you could trash it.

Quite frankly the Earth won't wobble on its axis whichever path you choose. But if you choose to 'trash' could you please do it in a funny imaginative way, please? It's hot. Kate is about to pop, and aggression is just awfully tiresome on such a day.

[Byronic]

145. Cambridge

You know, nice university. Beats Oxford in the Boat Race almost half the time.

[olddots]

179. if this was my gig to cover I would be happy .

n.t.

[nadinbrzezinski]

189. I would not, having come from another media circus

take my word on this... it is NOT fun.

[Byronic]

200. Absolutely right

A hot, sticky, suffocating nightmare of waiting.

Media scrums are not pretty or comfortable sights.

[mainer]

147. Over 12 hours now. She'll be exhausted

I know a lot of people here don't give a shit about the royal baby but I, as a mother, can't help but feel some female sympathy for any other female undergoing the painful process of birth.

[anneboleyn]

150. Argh. I have never had children but twelve hours of labor just sounds

miserable.

[markiv]

152. Royal Labor is an oxymoron

if there ever were one

[Iggo]

164. Ha!

[markiv]

153. No, she's in Labour nt

[phleshdef]

157. BREAKING: George Zimmerman just showed up to the delivery room to deliver the baby.

[treestar]

159. lol

poor child, being born into a satellite of a surveillance state, likely to be surveilled more than anyone else in the world in his or her upcoming lifetime!

[Ecumenist]

166. She's gone into labour? Then she joined MILLIONS of other women worldwide who went into labour

the same time she did....I prefer a little girl...The world needs MORE women.

[PotatoChip]

175. It's a boy!

[anneboleyn]

177. Live now! A healthy boy, weighing 8lbs 6oz

[liberal_at_heart]

194. Congratulations to Will and Kate! I'm sure Princess Di would be a proud and thrilled grandmother!

[Major Hogwash]

202. Monday was a very good day.

How often can you say that about Monday!!

Thank you for starting this thread, Lil Missy.

[WCGreen]

203. And I thought she would have been a Torie

ie