Tag: pregnancy

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Recipes

20 Reasons Why Bananas Are Great For Mum and Little Ones

From the moment you realise you are going to be a mum until your child is getting dressed all by themselves, Australian bananas are the ideal addition to both your diets. Accredited Practising Dietitian, Glenn Cardwell provides 20 reasons why:

Cavendish Bananas
Cavendish Bananas

 

Pregnant & New Mums

Pregnancy is the time to pamper your body and understand the impact of your eating – especially since you are dining for two. One way to give your diet a pinch of powerful production is to add nature’s non-stop energy snack, bananas.

Circular Flour-less White Chocolate Cake with Orange Blossom and Banana
Circular Flour-less White Chocolate Cake with Orange Blossom and Banana

Bananas are excellent when you are expecting because they not only contain essential nutrients for the healthy growth of your bundle of joy, but they are also good for managing morning sickness and constipation that sometimes come with having a baby on board.

  1. Relieving Your Heaving

Thankfully, morning sickness usually only lasts the first trimester but that doesn’t make it fun (however if you are like me pregnancy makes you sick all the time. Bananas have been helping me feel better for breakfast now that I’m in my 3rd trimester.) Eating dry crackers, toast or a piece of fruit like a banana in the morning before you get out of bed, and having small snacks frequently through the day can help as it keeps the stomach from being empty, which can make you feel unwell. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods can sometimes help ease nausea as well.

  1. Reduce Constipation

As the muscles in the intestine lose some of their tone during pregnancy, foods pass more slowly through the gut. The pressure of the baby on the mother’s intestines can also slow down the passage of food and waste, resulting in constipation. The solution is copious amounts of fibre, which bananas provide aplenty, fluids and physical activity. Although the banana is an obvious choice to boost your fibre intake, other fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals and legumes are good options.

  1. Energy to Burn

Bananas are an excellent source of carbohydrate energy in the form of natural sugars and starch. It’s no wonder they call it nature’s non-stop energy snack.

  1. Protect Against Spinal Cord Defects

Folate is vital in the development of a baby’s spinal cord in the womb. It is so critical that the vitamin is recommended to women considering pregnancy. An overwhelming body of evidence has linked folate deficiency in early pregnancy to increased risk of neural tube defects, most commonly known as spina bifida, in infants. One banana will provide about 10 per cent of your folate needs each day.

  1. Form Strong Gums

Extra Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required for forming new blood vessels, skin, gums, and other tissues, and even bones. One or two bananas each day will provide valuable vitamin C, as will other fruit, fruit juice and salad vegetables.

Banana and Coconut Milk Pops
Banana and Coconut Milk Pops
  1. Absorb Your Iron

In order for a healthy amount of oxygen to reach your baby via the placenta, your body (and your blood) needs about 50 per cent more iron than usual. Although a banana provides only a little iron, its vitamin C greatly helps with iron absorption from other foods. Iron supplements (usually with folate) are commonly recommended during pregnancy.

  1. Strengthen Bones and Teeth

Calcium is required for strong bones and teeth, and in nerve and muscle growth, both for mum and baby. An extra 300mg of calcium is required for pregnant teenagers as they are still growing as well as nourishing the baby. The perfect way to bump up calcium intake is to regularly drink smoothies – simply blend a banana with a cup of high calcium milk.

  1. Help Babies Grow

Extra protein is needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support the growth of the baby, and the production of breast milk. This is easily achieved by adding a delicious banana smoothie (a medium banana and 200mL of milk) to your daily diet.

  1. Boost Your B6

Uniquely, bananas are one of the richest fruit sources for vitamin B6. This powerful vitamin is important for cardiovascular, digestive, immune, muscular, and nervous system function. New or expecting mothers’ daily need for it increases by almost 50 per cent, making bananas a great solution.

Square Flour-less White Chocolate Slice with Orange Blossom and Banana
Square Flour-less White Chocolate Slice with Orange Blossom and Banana
  1. Baby’s First Food

After six months, your baby’s exclusive exposure to the bottle or the boob is coming to an end. Their digestive system is now ready for solid food. Here are a few reasons why Australian Bananas make the ideal first food:

  1. Essential Nutrients

Bananas are soft, easy for an infant to tackle, and rich with essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and natural sugars for energy.

  • Half a medium banana will give an infant:
    • Folate: 33 per cent of their daily needs
    • Magnesium: 25 per cent of their daily needs
    • Vitamin B6: 50 per cent of their daily needs
  1. Familiar Consistency

Mash a banana with breast milk or formula when introducing solids. It is more likely to be accepted quickly as a new food.

  1. Made For Tiny Hands

The banana is the ideal finger food. It can be nibbled, chewed, sucked and squished. Give your child a small amount at a time.

LadyFinger Bananas
LadyFinger Bananas
  1. Easing Teething

During teething, a cool or frozen banana can help relieve the pain of a tooth coming through.

Nature’s Long-Lasting Energy Snack For Toddlers

Australian bananas make the ideal snack for toddlers. Whether they are just starting to walk or speaking in sentences, children at this age need one fruit serve each day. This might be a medium banana, or half a banana and half of another fruit. While bananas are very popular with young children, it is also important to introduce them to other fruits, especially once they start getting teeth towards the end of their first year of life.

  1. Great Source of Carbohydrates for Energy

To fuel the activity of a toddler, they need carbohydrates at each meal. Bananas are an excellent source of the nutrient in the form of natural sugars and starch.

  1. Protein for Growth

Normal growth needs protein to help produce new cells. A small banana smoothie (150 mL milk and a half banana) as a snack or meal is an excellent source of both protein and calcium.

  1. Vitamin B6 for Blood Health

This vitamin is needed for making red blood cells, and carrying nerve impulses. A small banana will provide about one third of their B6 needs for the day.

Banana Guacamole for Kids
Banana Guacamole for Kids
  1. Folate for Growth and Brain Health

The B vitamin folate is needed for proper growth and development. Half a banana will give a toddler about 15 per cent of their folate needs each day.

  1. Fibre for Digestive Health

Bananas are a great-tasting source of fibre, so even a small serving a day for a young child will help keep them regular.

  1. Convenience

Toddlers only want to eat when they are hungry, and they may not want to finish everything on their plate, making snacks like bananas so convenient. You can simply cut them in two and save half in the refrigerator in plastic wrap for later.

Glenn Cardwell is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with 35 years in clinical and public health nutrition, including 10 years as consultant dietitian to the National Heart Foundation, five years at the Children’s Hospital in Sydney, and was a major player in establishing the WA School Canteen Association in 1994.

For the latest news and information, ‘LIKE’ Australian Bananas on Facebook www.facebook.com/AustralianBananas and Instagram @australianbananas

 

Drooling over the Circular Flour-less White Chocolate Cake with Orange Blossom and Banana
Drooling over the Circular Flour-less White Chocolate Cake with Orange Blossom and Banana
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Review

Review: Natralus Australia Skincare

If you are like me you love receiving gifts and especially if they are ones that allow you to pamper yourself. I recently received a box of Natralus Australia skincare products to test out and share my thoughts with you my lovely readers.

My skin always gets so dry in autumn and winter so having a good quality moisturiser on hand is essential. The weather in the mountains during the colder months means my skin deals with harsh winds, cold temperatures, warm heating, and of course layers and layers of clothing too that don’t help with dry skin.

The wonderful smelling Hand & Body Lotion – Rose, Lilly Pilly & Berries

I was sent the following items:

  • SOFTENING HAND & BODY LOTION – ROSE, LILLY PILLY & BERRIES
    The body lotion smelt amazing and made my skin feel so soft and subtle. I loved the fact that the natural perfume lasted and made me smell fantastic throughout the day.
  • NATURAL DEODORANT – WILD ROSE
    This deodorant is so wonderful and makes me smell like a rose all day long. It is not a strong scent, in fact, it is more a subtle rose that makes you feel like you are on holiday or it is summer still. You can get natural deodorants in Cool Spice, Lemon Myrtle, Zesty Citrus, Citrus Spring, and Sea Berry.
  • NATRALUS NATURAL PAW PAW BALM
    This natural paw paw balm is so moisturising and stays on your lips for ages. It is thicker and really helps keeps my lips feeling good and also looking amazing. I think you will be super amazed at the quality of this paw paw balm and it will soon be a firm favourite for you too.

    This is my favourite item and a must-have for anyone… you seriously need to get yourself some Natrualus Natural Paw Paw Balm today!
All the amazing natural products from Natralus Australia
Natralus My Little One Gentle Cleanse Shampoo & Wash smells so good, so marshmallowy!

Natralus My Little One Range covers all stages of care for children, including lotions, cleansers, and shampoo/conditioners.  The creams and washes are so gentle, moisturising and soothing for babies’ and kids’ skin.

We loved the My Little One Gentle Cleanse Shampoo & Wash, it was like a big bunch of crushed-up marshmallows, My Little One Comforting Touch Massage Oil helps protect bubs skin, you can also use the massage oil during pregnancy and post-pregnancy for your skin too.

The oil is “enriched with paw paw to help nourish and protect delicate skin, Rosehip oil to deeply moisture and help support your little one’s skin natural elasticity, Jojoba oil, is gentle and easily absorbed, helps to prevent dryness and leaves skin silky-smooth. Calendula, known for its calming and soothing properties.”

Thanks to Naturalus Australia for sending me such amazing products to try.



I loved them and will definitely recommend them to friends and family. If you are looking for some amazing natural products, make sure to check out Naturalus Australia.

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News

Fertility is Your Own Business

Why are so fixated on when women have children?

Why are we obsessed with other people’s choices, and why are we forcing what we want on others? Also, why can’t we just let people have a private life?

Jennifer Aniston’s latest interview in Allure discusses her personal struggle with fertility, how the media and everyone is focused on when and with who she will have a baby with, and Aniston is right no one is doing close-up crotch photos of men with arrows “fertile sperm!”

Why is it anyone’s business if they have children or not?

Why is it something we feel we are entitled to know or be part of?

Why are questions from strangers okay when the other person might be going through a tough time and is upset about the whole situation and in fact would rather not share anything as it is a private matter?

Why is it when a woman is over a certain age and in a relationship the question of when she will procreate a topic for everyone to suddenly get in on?

When I was with my boyfriend, now the husband, his grandmother was at me about when I was going to have a baby. When will I get pregnant? I was only in my early 20’s at this stage. I did want kids but not then. I got asked the same question about why I wasn’t pregnant, why are we waiting, why are we not married, and then from others in his family, why oh why are we not pregnant?

My answer to this question was I am not alone in this task. I cannot magically get pregnant on my own, and their son, grandson, nephew, and cousin (depending on who was asking me) were part of this equation too. Why am I the only one getting asked about this? Why is he not being harrassed about this too? Boys are responsible for when their partner gets pregnant too!!!

I was at a family function and the boyfriend’s nana grabbed my hand and wasn’t letting go for dear life. She was at me and started yelling, I need you to have a baby so I can die. I need you to have a baby so I can die! I just wanted to say NO, but then what if she had a heart attack and I was the bitch that killed his grandmother??? I was upset by all this and of course, others thought it was hilariously funny, however, I never thought it was funny. Again, I was the one that was attacked over having kids and the only one who asked, the boyfriend now the husband was left alone.

I am sure Jennifer Aniston would have loved to have a child if it could have happened. I am sure it would have been a joy. Some things don’t work out as you wanted. I thought I would have kids when I was younger, but I am an older mum and was lucky things worked out.

“I was trying to get pregnant. It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road,”
says Aniston, of a period several years ago. ”

Allure – https://www.allure.com/story/jennifer-aniston-december-2022-cover-interview

Why do we think women who have no children didn’t want any? Many have tried and it hasn’t worked out. They have tried, tried, and gone through a lot of emotions, stress and upset, and torment to hopefully have their long-desired family. Constantly asking why or when babies will happen is horrible, especially for a woman who desperately wanted to have children and hasn’t had the luck or the right circumstances to have this happen.

Also asking women about this topic for those that have long wanted kids would be upsetting and traumatic. How about we stop asking these personal questions as it really is none of our business.

Many who have finally come to terms with not having kids really don’t want to be constantly asked about this whole topic.

Women do want to spend time on their careers.

Some don’t want kids at all.

Some want kids but have issues and cannot have them, although they long for them, always.

This is not just a topic that needs to be asked of women. Men are part of the issue too.

Maybe if men were more aware of their fertility they would have children earlier. They wouldn’t put things off and be on the same page when women want to have kids. Why is it that the female gets harangued about marriage and babies? It is so terrible that we are in 2022 and somehow it is all the fault of the woman when she doesn’t have kids. Men never seemed to get asked about this at all……. So how do women get pregnant without men????????

I feel that Jennifer Aniston has finally come to a good place and is working through things. This is the same for everyone who has been through similar things, however, the frenzy about her biological clock is rude and hurtful. I can totally understand Aniston’s view and personally, if I was her after this interview I would not discuss the topic anymore. It is her private life and her business, and no one else!

Have you found that suddenly strangers and family start to ask you rude and personal questions about your fertility? When you will have kids, do you want kids and loads more???? It doesn’t just happen to famous people, it seems that women are a target for these types of behaviour and questions. Let me know.

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Family

Interview with Pinky McKay – BigW Bub & Me Series

Having a baby is a life-changing event and one that requires preparation.  I read books, looked online and asked other mums about their experiences.

For me I was not just having one child first, I ended up having twins as my first children. I don’t know how many do this but I am sure that it is not that common.

BigW invited me to be a part of their Bub & Me Education Program in collaboration with select midwives across Australia.

This post is the first in my three-part series about being a new mum, breastfeeding, childbirth and great things you can get from BigW for your new little person/people.

My interview with Pinky McKay

Below are my questions to Pinky and her answers, I hope that this interview is helpful for all new mums.

 

Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised breastfeeding expert
Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised breastfeeding expert

 

Q1. The expectation of what it is like to be a parent to the reality can be quite a shock for new mums. What do you tell new mums about suddenly being responsible for a little person? 

A 1. A recent survey by Big W in conjunction with The Australian College of Midwives revealed one in three (32%) of Aussie mums struggle the most with self-doubt, which is really not surprising. Having a baby is rather like visiting a foreign country for the first time: no matter how well you prepare, no matter how many frozen casseroles there are in your freezer, how many products you buy or how many classes you attend, there will be shocks.  

The relentlessness of caring for a newborn is something we can’t really imagine until it happens to us. I wish every pregnant woman could spend a day (and night) with a new mum and support her – hold her baby while she showers, while she naps, and see that crying isn’t just for newborns, mums cry too (I warn partners about this too). The biggest surprise can be the weird brain things that happen such as ‘hearing’ your baby crying when you are having a shower, then racing to check and finding him peacefully sleeping, right where you left him, neatly swaddled in his safety-approved cot.  

Q2. How do you help new mums with sleep deprivation and learning about their new baby? 

Pinky:  Before birth, I suggest how important it is to set up your support network. If I am seeing a desperate new mum, I always ask about what level of support she has and discuss ways to get support if she doesn’t have enough help. We are so conditioned that reaching out and asking for practical help is ‘weak’. It absolutely takes a village, whether this is hired help, friends and family or government-funded ‘in-home care’ (I have facilitated this for families with high needs).   

The biggest thing is about lowering expectations both of yourself and your child and filtering out the ‘noise’ about what you ‘should’ be doing –according to a recent survey by Big W, 67% of mums say social media puts pressure on mums to live an ‘insta-worthy’ life.   

While good basic care such as eating healthy meals and resting are especially important in the early weeks as women are healing from growing and birthing a baby, guarding your emotional energy needs to be a priority. Often, the pressure and anxiety around baby sleep, for instance, can take more energy than the lack of sleep. I tell mums, YOU are the expert about YOUR well baby. You can trust yourself and your baby and the amazing connection between you and your child. If you feel confused by advice, you can filter it by checking, ‘is it safe? Is it respectful? And, does it feel right? And if you have concerns, check in with your health carers, not ‘randoms’ on social media.  

Q3. I thought I knew what I was doing with my third child, but he was so different and nothing I did worked. I was doing all the things that worked with the twins but finally had a realisation that he is a different person and I needed to listen to his cues and focus on what he likes and doesn’t like. How do you help parents do this from the start if they have more than one child?  

Pinky: As a mum of five, I was always amazed at how unique each child was, from their temperament to their development. Although babies all have similar needs for security and love, it’s helpful to discuss how they vary in the ways they express those needs. They are unique, individual little beings and although we can support their personalities, we can’t ‘mould’ our child or reflect in the glory of having an ‘easy’ baby. It’s best to observe and get to know each new baby’s cues and respond to that baby in a way that’s right for them. If we do have a more sensitive baby, the good news is that we really can’t short-change them or they will let us know, and by responding promptly, they will feel secure and usually become happy, calm little people as they grow.   

  

Q4. My third child was super fussy, had reflux and found it hard to remove burps and any gas from his body. Not only did he cry all the time, not settle well and want to be held all the time I was walking around like a zombie due to the lack of sleep. Do you have any recommendations on how to settle a fussy baby or one that has other issues that are making things more difficult for him/her to sleep and to eat? 

Pinky: Rather than simply heading to ways to ‘settle’ although of course, keeping your baby as comfortable as possible is important for baby and you, it’s worth trying to work out why this is happening. For instance, could there be allergies or food intolerance contributing to reflux symptoms (your baby is never allergic to your breast-milk but may react to foods passing through your milk)? Tongue-tie can also mean babies are swallowing air because their latch and sucking is often ineffective, and a fast breast milk flow can also create issues for young babies swallowing air as they feed – reclining as you feed or ‘paced bottle feeding’ can slow the flow and make it easier for baby to manage.   

It is really hard work when you have a super unsettled baby, especially if you have other children, but wearing your baby in a carrier or wrap can help settle your baby and you can still do activities with two free hands. There are also ‘holds’ that can help relieve gas pains such as lying baby across your arm on his tummy, with his head facing your elbow and supporting him with a hand between his legs as you walk/sway. Baby massage can be a great way to support your baby’s nervous system and move the gas – clockwise circles on baby’s tummy, alternated with knee bends. 

Q5. I expressed my breastmilk for all three kids and due to the twins being premmies this was needed. However, I thought having a singleton that was born exactly at 40 weeks that he would be better at breastfeeding. It turned out that my third child couldn’t latch on and would only eat a bit and then wanted more. I would feed more and then he would wriggle and scream at me all the time. So, I decided, since it was frustrating him and me and causing me stress to express breastmilk again was the way to go. Are there ways to increase your breastmilk supply when you are stressed, running on no sleep and caring for two other kids and husband. 

Pinky: Wow! That sounds like a nightmare. Firstly, it’s important that regardless of your sleep (or lack of it), that you eat regularly – handy one-handed snacks such as Boobie Bikkies, avocado or cheese on crackers, a can of tuna or salmon and boiled eggs (cook several and keep them in the fridge) are an easy boost – and drink according to your thirst.  Your partner’s /husband’s support is vital – he is a grown-up so needs to take up some of the slack, not expect to be ‘looked after’.  Please don’t be shy about setting up a help roster with friends, whether that is doing a school pickup, taking your other kids out so you can rest and focus on feeding or bringing food. Most people are delighted to share the experience of a new baby.  

Try to set up young children with activities and snacks (‘Netflix and chill’, even if it’s a kids’ show or sit on the big bed and read stories or sit outside and get the toddlers to ‘paint the fence’ with water), so you can spend time giving baby skin to skin snuggles to boost your milk-making chemistry and allow baby to feed frequently.  

Remember, an empty breast makes milk more quickly so as you breastfeed or pump, you can try massage and breast compressions (high up on your breasts, not down near the nipples) to help empty your breasts more effectively. You will notice your baby start swallowing more quickly and if pumping you will see the milk start flowing a few seconds after compressions. If you are exclusively pumping or baby isn’t a strong feeder you can try power pumping (as well as putting baby to the breast if he will latch): To power pump: Pump for 20 minutes; Rest for 10 minutes; Pump for 10 minutes; Rest for 10 minutes; Pump for 10 minutes. A double electric pump is most effective – otherwise, if you use a single pump, instead of the rest periods, switch breasts and pump the other side.  

If you have concerns about breastfeeding, it’s always helpful to see an IBCLC Lactation Consultant who can take a history of your baby and you and give you personalised advice (conditions such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, low iron levels, retained placenta or PPH can all influence milk supply).  

  Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised and respected Breastfeeding expert. She’s an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, Best Selling Baby Care Author, Mum of five and creator of Boobie Bikkies, award-winning, all-natural and organic cookies to nourish breastfeeding mothers and support a healthy milk supply. Download our FREE ebook ‘Making More Mummy Milk, Naturally  for Pinky’s top tips to help you boost your milk supply 

DID YOU KNOW?

  • BIG W research reveals three-quarters of Aussie mums have regrets about their first pregnancy including spending a whopping $163 million on baby products, as well as spending over 23 million hours shopping ahead of the birth of their first child.
  • Social media pressure – Two thirds (67%) of Aussie mums of children aged 0-13 agree that social media puts pressure on new mums to lead “instaworthy” lives
  • Shop ‘til they drop – one in six mums spend a staggering 41 hours or more shopping for baby products before birth
  • Bub & Me time – 25% of Aussie mums say they regret not savouring the time when they were pregnant
  • Special talents – Breastfeeding is the achievement Aussie mums are most satisfied with, with one in four (24%) claiming it as the skill they are most confident in
    Highs and lows – 1 in 3 Aussie mums found the first six weeks after giving birth to be the hardest phase of their baby’s development.

Did you know that the most enviable celebrity mums include:

  • P!NK (33%)
  • Julia Morris (23%)
  • Laura Byrne (21%)
  • Kate Ritchie (20%)

A huge thank you to BigW and Pinky McKay for this opportunity. Make sure to stay tuned for the next two posts in BigW Bub & Me Series on Mummy to Twins Plus One.

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Partnership with Kiddipedia

I’ve got some exciting news. I have partnered with Kiddipedia.

 

Kiddipedia is a wonderful resource for parents. It has all sorts of advice from mums, dads and parenting experts.

Not only can you get great advice, you can also find family friendly events. There is a list for all the different states and it is updated regularly.

If you get the chance to visit the Kiddipedia site you can click on the advice link and see all the fabulous contributors, and now I’m one of them.

See my bio page on Kiddipedia.

Check out my Q & A article, it was so that the lovely Kiddipedia readers can get to know me.

I know many of you might already know some of these things that I mentioned in this post, but some might not.  Take a read and learn more about me and the blog.

Each month I will be posting a new article on the Kiddipedia website. I hope you pop over to read my new articles.

While you are there, please take the time to look at all the wonderful resources that this great parenting resource offers.

 

 

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Family

Incontinence Affects More Than You Think

I never thought this would happen to me. 

I thought never ever would it occur.  

It only happens to others right? 

And if it does it is older people that have this happen.  

Wrong. 

“46% of women affected by incontinence are under 50” 

In fact incontinence and bladder leakage effects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men.  These numbers show that there are a lot of people in Australia dealing with this issue. 

TENA has created infographics to help simplify your understanding of incontinence and prepare yourself for it.  

 

What is incontinence?
What is incontinence?

 

Although there are thousands or possibly millions of people affected, no one seems to discuss this issue.  

The idea of bladder leakage seems a taboo subject.  

I like others have not liked to discuss it, however it happens.  It is real, it is an outcome of life, and an outcome of being a mother.   

Pregnancy can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Don't worry exercise can make it all better.
Pregnancy can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Don’t worry exercise can make it all better.

Incontinence is not all the same, there are different reasons for why it happens.  

Below are the main reasons that people would have any form of incontinence.  

  • Stress Incontinence – When you sneeze, cough, jump or laugh and end up having a leak. This is due to having a weakened pelvic floor muscle. Due to the weak pelvic floor muscle the urine cannot be contained and creates a downward pressure.  This is mainly an issue for women and the reasons for the weak pelvic floor is pregnancy, childbirth, being overweight could be an issue, if you smoke that could not help and if you have constipation or had issues trying to go to the toilet.
     
  • Overflow Incontinence – This is when you have an overwhelming need to urinate and it cannot wait. Sometimes getting the toilet in time is not possible, and must be very upsetting. This could also be a sign of infection and it is best to seek advice from your doctor about this issue. Other causes could be fizzy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Overflow Incontinence – Although this can be experienced by anyone it is mainly men that have this issue. Check with your doctor and see if there are any issues with prostrate or maybe a blockage. Once all fixed everything should return to normal.
  • Functional Incontinence –  Physical injury or other health issues might affect a person’s ability to get to the bathroom on time. It might also be neurological, including Alzheimer’s, stroke and head injury, where the messages between brain and bladder aren’t getting through.
  • Bowel or Faecal Incontinence – Causes of Bowel or faecal incontinence can be a weak pelvic floor due to constipation, poor bowel habits, diarrhoea or maybe bowel surgery.  Diseases such as Coeliac and Chrohn’s can impact control over your bowel.  

Incontinence is an outcome that I don’t like.  

Not only do you carry a baby for nine months or close to it if you have babies early.  

Your body changes, you are also dealing with extra weight due to putting it on for the pregnancy and then have limited time to exercise to lose the weight.   

Although it is an annoying outcome, it is something that can be fixed or made much better.  

 

Yes you read that right, there are treatments that can help you!  

You need to understand what is causing the issue first. Once you know why you are having bladder leakage then you can start to treat the issue.  

  • Pelvic Floor Exercises – This addresses the weakened pelvic floor mostly due to childbirth. One option is to consult a continence physiotherapist who can develop an individually tailored program as well as assist in monitoring progress. 
  • Bladder Retraining – This is done under the supervision of your GP, Gynaecologist, Urologist or Continence Physiotherapist. You retrain your bladder to have longer intervals to the toilet.  
  • Surgery – This is an option if all the other treatments have not worked. Only when your doctor has recommended it is a solution that will correct the issue.  
  • Medication – Before medication is considered doctors try a change to lifestyle, such as reducing coffee, soft drinks and alcohol. A doctor will advise if this is needed and how it can help.  

 

 

Have you been slack on the kegel exercises? I am, and it is really not hard to fit them in.  

 

TIP to help you exercise

MAKE A TIME EACH DAY WHILE DOING A CHORE: One tip that helps me is to make one time a day or maybe two to do the kegel exercises.  

It could be when you are hanging out the clothes, picking kids up from school or driving in the car.  

Shhhh….Don’t tell anyone, I like to do them when I am driving back and forth from school. This way they get done in the morning and afternoon.  

Having a chore to do with your kegel exercises means that every time you do this chore you will think to do your kegel exercises. A win all round.  

Perfecting your kegels
Perfecting your kegels

 

 

Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women – Continence Foundation of Australia

There are also to exercises for men to help their pelvic floor too.  

Now armed with some great techniques, my pelvic floor muscles will be like steel.

Yep, not abs of steel, pelvic floor of steel!  Maybe this is a bad visual for you my dear readers.  

I have been wanting to get toned, fit and drop some weight, maybe soon I will be a woman of steel! It could happen….given enough time? A personal trainer would help….oh how I wish. 

How to strengthen your pelvic floor?
How to strengthen your pelvic floor?

 

TENA has got a great list of myths around incontinence management. I must say that I have been guilty of one of them, restricting water intake was my silly thing that I did.  

It is best to have more water to reduce the concentration of urine, if you don’t have enough water you can irritate your bladder and aggravate urge incontinence.  

Making sure that you look after yourself now, is going to pay off when you get older. Strong muscles will mean that when you are older you can control any leaks and not have accidents.   

This helps with quality of life and also confidence. If you are not worried about the possibility of incontinence you can do more and be more active.  

While you are exercising and working towards stronger pelvic floor muscles it is advisable to wear protection to allow you go confidently go about your everyday tasks without worry.  

TENA is offering customers free samples to help find the right product for their needs. Fill out the form and get some free samples sent to you, all in discreet packaging.  (I’ve signed up for my free samples. Have you??) 

Get Free TENA Samples to find out what works best for you.
Get Free TENA Samples to find out what works best for you.

While you are busy getting pelvic muscles of steel make sure to protect yourself with TENA. It will allow you to have confidence to exercise and enjoying life.  

 

Life is short and it is best to get on with it and participate. If bladder leakage or incontinence is holding you back, get it checked at the doctors, do the exercises and be key to improving your quality of life.   

 

MAKE YOU A PRIORITY! 

 

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with TENA. I was approached to help the awareness of the different causes and treatments for incontinence. It is a fixable issue and one that you should not live with if it is bothering you. Make an appointment with your doctor and get it fixed so that you can start enjoying all the fun things you wish to do again. 

I hope this helps you know more about this issue. 

Note: I am going to be doing more follow up articles on this issue, so stay tuned.  

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Categories
Pregnant

The Power of Vitamin B3

New Born Baby
New Born Baby

Australian scientists at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute have discovered that if women have Vitamin B3  during pregnancy it can prevent miscarriages and birth defects.

“Every year 7.9 million babies are born with a birth defect worldwide and one in four pregnant women suffer a miscarriage in Australia.”

(https://www.victorchang.edu.au/pregnancy-breakthrough)

 

The study found that a “deficiency in a vital molecule, known as NAD, prevents a baby’s organs from developing correctly in the womb.”

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of the most important molecules in all our cells. It is essential for energy production, cell communication and DNA repair.

Vitamin B3 is required and essential to make NAD. This is found in meats and leafy green vegetables, oh and Vegemite.

It is essential to have a good supply of vitamin B3 in the first trimester as this is the critical time for organ development.

New Born Baby
New Born Baby

The Victor Chang institute found that at least a third of pregnant women have low levels of vitamin B3 in the first trimester and that is with taking vitamins, also in the third trimester 60% of pregnant women needed more of vitamin B3 as their levels were low also. This would mean that pregnant women would need to boost their intake of this vitamin.

The study found that before the introduction of vitamin B3 into the mothers diet, embryos were lost due to miscarriage and babies were born with a range of severe birth defects. After adding the vitamin to the mothers diet miscarriages and birth defects were prevented and babies were born healthy.

This is a massive breakthrough that will help so many people. It is just like the discovery of of adding folic acid to prevent  spina bifida and other neural tube defects in babies. Mothers worldwide are all told to take folic acid to help their pregnancy. Adding folate to the food supply and making sure women have a more of this vitamin during pregnancy has led to a 70% decrease in the number of babies born with neural tube defects.  The same will now happen with the understanding of Vitamin B3, and in turn lead to less miscarriages and birth defects.

If you are pregnant or want to be soon make sure you get your vitamin B3 to ensure all will be well.

I know things sometimes are not planned when you end up pregnant, but sometimes they are. My pregnancies were all planned and I made sure that I took vitamins well before I conceived and also had a good diet of fresh vegetables, meats, fruit and also exercised.

And sometimes baby number 2 or 3 is a surprise, or you were trying but thought it might take a while and it didn’t so time-frames might not work for all.

If you know you are planning for a baby, my tip is to make sure you focus on your inner health, vitamins and stay well. Having a baby is a huge job for you and your body. Carrying twins or more also puts another strain on vitamin stores. When pregnant with the twins I had to take more vitamins due to extra of an additional baby and their need for more vitamins.

One thing to do is if you are worried about your levels you can always go to a doctor and get them checked. Then you will know what you need to take, plus you can always get the vitamins from food too.

Isn’t it interesting that vitamins play such an essential role in our lives.

I hope this has helped you know more about this new discovery and if you are pregnant or want to be make sure to have a Vegemite sandwich or toast more often. (I love Vegemite and can live off it)

The results from the study have been printed in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The below statistics are taken from the Victor Chang Website:

STATISTICS

  • 1 in 4 pregnant women will suffer a miscarriage
  • 7.9 million babies are born with a serious birth defect worldwide every year
  • 3.3 million children under five die from serious birth defects annually
  • Congenital heart disease is the most common form of birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 babies
  • 42 babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every week
  • 30 babies will undergo heart surgery in Australia every week
  • Heart defects account for 30% of deaths in children under five

 

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Categories
News

Maternity Leave Perks?

Picture this. I am up at 3am or so. I’m feeding my baby boy.

While I do this I like to have the television on with the volume on low to maybe muted so that I can have some light in a very darken room, plus it does help while I get the baby back to bed as this can sometimes take hours.

You can imagine my shock when I saw a story on Good Morning America about a woman called, “Meghann Foye” and her book about “meternity leave”

Meghann wants all the perks of maternity leave but without having any kids!

I had not heard of this person and also about her idea of meternity leave…. I have obviously been having too much fun on my magical holiday with my new born baby.  

Mummy cuddling her baby.
Mummy cuddling her baby.

One point Meghann made was that parents left work on time to go home to their kids. Well she can do this too. Meghann can make a point of leaving on time to go home or to meet with mates after work. She does not have to have kids to do this.

I know that putting in extra hours at the office shows that you are keen and want to do more. However this can also not be helpful to you as you will be stressed out and might burn out due to the extra hours. Maybe the extra hours are the issue… if Meghann left on time she might not want meternity leave?

I was so intrigued and amazed I increased the volume on the television but was very conscious this might delay getting the baby back to sleep. I had to learn more about this weird idea.

Well I have a nasty shock for you Meghann, maternity leave is not an exotic holiday.

It is not a time that you can just do whatever you want, although it would be nice. You are caring for a new little person that relies on you for everything.

The reality is that you are on call 24 hours a day and also 7 days a week. No sick leave, no pay, and no help really. It is just you.

When you bring home your bundle of joy you are most likely still exhausted from childbirth, you are sore and just feeling like shit actually. Although you feel horrible you still love the fact that you had the baby and think it is amazing and also a fabulous experience.

However all the lovely fuzzy feel good stuff cannot erase the whole thought and feeling that you would really like to be left alone and have a HUGE SLEEP ALL ALONE!  This to date has not happened yet….I’m still waiting. Maybe I need some meternity leave now to have some time for me. This way I will get this long anticipated and wanted sleep.

I am not sure what Meghann means by perks of maternity leave?

Is it getting up at all hours to feed a baby?

Is it being extremely sleep deprived that you mix up dates and times. In reality you are really like a zombie…. I’m sure you know what I mean.

Maybe getting thrown up on when the kids are sick? I have had this times two.

Oh….. Wait maybe it is the fact that as the mother you are now the primary caregiver and you cannot get anything done without a little person or people following you around.

I do think it is wonderful that I have had three lovely little people and I feel blessed that we could do that. I also do understand that some women don’t want kids and that is fine too.

However to make out that maternity leave is like a glamourous vacation is just not so. How about you try and spend a day or even a week with me and that idea will be crushed in seconds.

  • Housework
  • Never getting to finish tasks
  • Being constantly interrupted
  • Cleaning
  • Washing and sorting clothes
  • Getting kids to school
  • Caring, feeding and all things baby. I do love my cuddles with our new little person and of course his lovely giggles and smiles.
  • Dropping kids and picking kids up from school
  • Taking kids to after school activities all with the baby…. Yes waking him up for everything is annoying but I have no choice
  • Getting the kids to do their reading, homework and other things for school. Now this is such a drama as they really don’t want to do this. I try and do this all while trying to settle and get a baby to bed, while the older two are having arguments and being loud and annoying

Do you think it sounds like there are fabulous perks yet? The only perk that I can come up with is that I have three little people that make me feel great when sometimes I don’t. They love me and I love them to bits.

I agree that everyone needs me time.

Everyone needs to be able to recharge their battery so to speak. Some downtime, a chance to chill and to refocus and maybe get the creative juices flowing again.

I don’t think that asking for time out to help with study, work or just to have a break is a bad thing. However trying to say that maternity leave is a perk is just wrong.

One place I worked for factored in some time to just be creative in the workday. This creative time allowed the staff member to explore other areas of interest, maybe learn something that would help them in their role or allow them to work on a pet project.

Me time is something that everyone should get. It is hard though when you take care of young children. It also might be hard if you are the carer of a family member. Time out is good for everyone, and also allows you to be a better mummy or carer since you had some time out. Not being able to do something for you and not having the time to do it can get very frustrating.

What do you think of Meghann Foye’s idea of meternity leave?  Do you agree that it should be a thing? I personally think that you can have this option it is just called holidays or say study leave. Or maybe it is called something else at your workplace.

I personally think that if you don’t have kids or other pressures you can have as much me time as you want.  I do understand people have to work and other commitments, but once you have done that, you can have your time.

Also if you figure out any other perks of maternity leave please send them my way!

 

Categories
Birth

Birth of Number 3

As per my previous post called, “Our latest Family Member”, we had to go to Nepean to have our third child. I did not want to go there due to what happened with the birth of the twins. However we had no choice.

Having birthday cuddles with our latest addition
Having birthday cuddles with our latest addition

We were finally at the hospital and due to the stress of the situation hubby parked in the car park. Yes I thought he would drop me off at emergency and go and park the car later. I asked why he did this at the time and he said, “Well, we are going to be here for a while”. Yes true but for someone that is finding it hard to walk due to constant contractions walking across a carpark to emergency to then be told to go to another building was not ideal to say the least!

Once parked hubby told me to get out of the car when I was ready. He had to wait a bit due to a contraction happening just as he opened the door. My legs were like jelly and I found it really hard to move due to the contractions making all my legs, pelvis and back go into spasms and just freeze. It was very painful, and I had to wait until they were over. So if you can imagine me walking then having to stop in the middle of the carpark every 5mins that would give you a picture of what it was like. Maybe a wheelchair from emergency might have been the way to go! This was arranged when I had the twins…. Although I think the race to get to the hospital freaked hubby out and he just lost it with the idea of a wheelchair and just wanted to get us to the hospital.

Once we figured out where we were supposed to be (the birthing suites or rooms) the nurses/midwives knew who we were due to Katoomba Hospital ringing ahead, which saved a lot of fussing about explaining everything.

I was then asked, “Would I like some pain relief?”

My response was YES! OF COURSE I WANT DRUGS TO HELP ME

Someone then said what would I like, and I then said, what do you have????

Yes open to everything and all if it helps make the pain go away!

I was offered morphine (I was told that I needed to use the gas to get the morphine injection. I found it interesting that I was having gas to therefore get another drug. The nurse said the injection can hurt a bit, and she was right. I think someone I mentioned this too said that it is injected into the muscle and that would explain why the nurse wanted me to be on gas to have the injection. I thought it was strange, but it did help a bit) and once that worked it helped a great deal. It certainly took the edge off the pain for a bit. Hubby said that once it started working I looked very out of it. I did not care! Bring on the medicine to make it not hurt as much. I am not a fan of natural birthing that you will feel it all. Even on drugs to take the edge off it hurt, so I can only imagine how horrible it would have been without them.

During this phase of the night I was telling hubby that I did not want to do it anymore, that I just wanted to go home and not be here. I don’t want to do it. Please can we go home I said? He just looked at me and said, “It is a little late for that” I know it was but I was scared and did not want to do what I knew was coming.

Why can’t the husband or partner do the subsequent child? I have visions of saying it is your turn. I then can hold his hand while he pushes out our child. Science has given us so much and maybe it can work on this. I know that men having kids will probably never happen but why can’t the baby come out small via your belly button and grow on the outside. Maybe a good idea???? (Maybe a futuristic idea) Not sure but might save all the bother of pushing a baby out of your bits…. Let me know your thoughts.

While I was still under the trippy and nice effects of morphine they prepped me for an epidural. Although before this happened I explained my fear of having it again and not working. When having the twins I had one and felt everything but could not move my legs. I was constantly asked by the doctors, nurses and midwives with the twin birth to move my legs but could not. I told them if they wanted them moved they would have to do it. Annoying that they never listened. I was hoping that this birth would be different.

I did not know what to do. I did want the epidural but did not want a repeat of what happened last time. I know that there can be no guarantees but I thought I would give it another go and hope for the best.

The anaesthesiologist listened to my fears and what happened last time as did the midwife. I then decided without a doubt to see if it will be different this time. I was told all the horrible things that could go wrong and the chances of it happening. I was completely freaked out. I still thought it was the way to go.

I had it done and the epidural started working. It was so good that I managed to fall asleep. Yes I slept while still having contractions. Who knew that this was possible? This epidural was completely different from the twin birth, I could not feel anything, I was blissfully unaware of anything for a long time, well until it started to wear off and the baby was pressing on my hip bone and pelvis and I could not get comfortable. I asked for more drugs… however they said that I could not have more and it was time to get the baby out.

The midwife told me that due to the morphine and the position of the baby that its heart rate was dropping and I needed to get it out as soon as I could. I said that I would do my best. She mentioned that we still had time and that it was not in distress yet, but if it went on any longer it could be and then they would want to make an executive decision on how they vacate the baby from my belly. Gosh, NO!

I did not want to have a C-section or have any unnecessary things happen unless it was life threatening, and I do understand if the baby is under distress but I was so close to having it happen naturally.

I tried to push while lying on the bed and sitting up a bit, but it was no good. I could not get comfortable and it was terribly painful due to the baby’s head on my hip and pelvic bone…. Very sore indeed!

It was suggested that I be on my side with a leg up in the air and to help reposition the baby… it did not help with repositioning but it was more comfortable to push from this weird acrobatic position. Not the way I was thinking it would happen and definitely not glam but childbirth is not a glam affair.

I was told to put my chin to my chest, hold my breath while having a leg up in the air all on my side. Yes a strange visual!  I then had to hold my breath while working with the contraction and these contractions this time I felt over my belly and also to in my back but now I understand what contractions actually feel like. I found it hard to do all this while holding my breath. I had a terrible time as holding my breath made me want to pass out and I could not let out a sound or a grunt due to losing the momentum to push (energy or something with the breath). The midwife wanted me to do it in lots of threes so that we could get the baby out. Oh god, I found it hard just doing one!

After holding my breath I found that I wanted to throw up and they were concerned and I had a sick bag just in case. It did not happen but I felt nauseous and also had a bit of reflux during the whole process of holding my breath to try and get baby out.

During all of this a doctor came in to see how progress was going. I think the midwife wanted the doctor to check in to make sure that we had a backup plan if baby went into distress and needed help to come out. GOSH, now the doctor was talking about forceps and other things…. I hated the salad servers last time and due to the epidural not working I felt everything…. It was like I was being killed. I did not want that ever again.

The doctor left and then the midwife and nurse were talking about cutting me. WHAT THE???? YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHAT NOW?

They said that it would help the baby come out. I said no PLEASE DON’T CUT ME. I ended up negotiating them to give me more time to get the baby out.

I did not want them to cut me. No please no!

They were very keen to give me an episiotomy but I had no idea that is what they were wanting to do. I just did not want to be hurt even more if not needed.

I was so determined to get this baby out now! Hubby said you need to get the baby out. I got angry and just pushed and pushed and pushed. I was nearly passing out due to holding my breath and my acrobatic poses but I was on a mission.

The midwife yelled, wow we see a head full of black hair! Oh gosh, really this baby is going to have darker hair? I thought it would be like the girls and be bald and blonde, but you never know right. We still did not know if it was a boy/girl that was still a surprise. I however knew once I got told the hair colour that it was a boy, I just had a feeling. Strange but true. Hubby said that it could be a girl, but I just had an inkly at this stage that it was a boy.

I kept on pushing and then baby was out and here in the world. The midwife and nurse said that they should have threatened me with the doctor and episiotomy hours ago.

Alexander and I on his birthday
Alexander and I on his birthday

I was lucky that all went well, I could do it all naturally and that I did not get cut! Yes very lucky indeed. Maybe getting angry was the magic ingredient.

In comparison to the twin birth it was much nicer. We only had the midwife a nurse and hubby and myself in the room. With the twin birth we had 2 doctors for each baby, a humidicrib for the baby and about 30 or so trainee doctors it felt. The room was packed and it was crowded. I did not have any stupid things that happened before happen this time. When was about 5cm dilated and in the birthing suite waiting to have the twins I had two doctors come in to tell me it would be great if I could wait till I was 36-38 weeks….talk about stupid! I also had nurses try to give me medicine I did not need after I had the babies and the list continues. This did not happen with the birth of our third child.

I was very upset to not be able to have our last child at Katoomba Hospital but was grateful that the experience was better and nicer than the last. I must say that pushing a person out of you is hard and tough, but the ladies that helped us for the birth of our son made it a more calmer process. So thanks so much to you all. One thing that was a bit weird was that the midwives that helped me had the same names that I had. The night before the baby was born the midwife on duty had the same first name, then there was shift change and the next midwife had my middle name. It was like I was meant to be there. Odd indeed.

What was the birth like for your second or third children? Did the process and what happened differ from your first child?

Was it more of a calmer experience with the second or third child compared to your first? Let us know.

 

Categories
Birth

Our latest Family Member

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have been very busy dealing with our latest addition.

Our third child was born on the 7th of January, exactly on his due date. Yes how prompt is he. We had a little boy and his name is Alexander. The twins are super excited to be big sisters and to give him cuddles and help out.

Our latest family member Alexander was born exactly on his due date. How clever is he! Only 5% of babies do this. Maybe he will be a prompt person? You never know right?
Our latest family member Alexander was born exactly on his due date. How clever is he! Only 5% of babies do this. Maybe he will be a prompt person? You never know right?

Ever since I had my third child I have had no time. Yes you can probably relate if you have just had a baby. Up all night feeding, expressing breast milk and just trying to settle the baby. The house is a total mess, laundry  needs sorting, folding and to be put away. Things need to be tidied, chucked out or just put away. The essentials are happening, we are clean, have food and all is well, although life is a bit of a mess at the moment while we adjust to another person and trying to get into a routine. This is especially true due to having two kids who are full of beans that don’t seem to remember not to run, jump and bounce everywhere. It is not helpful once you have finally got the baby to sleep. Plus school drop offs and pick ups and also after school activities makes it harder to keep a routine. I have just planned to have food for Alexander, change of clothes, nappies and be ready if he needs anything while we are out.

This is my little boy. It was taken exactly when he was 5 weeks old. He looks very grown up here and also to a bit cheeky. I love the fact that you can see what he might look like when he grows up but also to that he such a cute little baby, well if I do say so myself. I am bias, I'm his mummy so I am allowed to be.
This is my little boy. It was taken exactly when he was 5 weeks old. He looks very grown up here and also to a bit cheeky. I love the fact that you can see what he might look like when he grows up but also to that he such a cute little baby, well if I do say so myself. I am bias, I’m his mummy so I am allowed to be.

Our latest addition is hard to settle after a feed. He did not latch on well to the breast. I did try breast feeding but he screamed the place down that he had not gotten enough milk. I thought all was good as he was asleep after these feeds and then attempted to put him to bed. Once tucked into bed he screamed the place down. He gave all the signs that he did not get enough and was indeed still hungry. Oh how could you be hungry???? You have just had some from each boob and now you are claiming you did not get enough! Oh well. I did more and more and that did not fix the issue.

Breast feeding was terribly painful and I thought it would get easier. The midwives said it was normal to have a bit of discomfort and you will get used to it. They came and saw how the baby was latching on and to see how I was dealing with the feeds. I did everything they said but due to the baby being fussy and getting into such a state he was angry and then very unsettled for feeding (It was like the baby was angry that the café or restaurant did not have his food ready at the time he requested. Terribly annoying when you have such bad service!) This is not the time to try and be putting him on the boob. I then got annoyed, angry and stressed and this was the same for the child. Not ideal.

I then came to the conclusion that I should just express my breast milk and feed the baby like I did with the twins. Our new little person seems much happier getting more milk in the bottle. He is still getting breastmilk and I am less stressed about feeding and he gets it when he needs it.

Expressing my breast milk while in hospital.
Expressing my breast milk while in hospital.

However due to him not latching on properly he hurt my nipples and this in turn made me get ill with mastitis. I left hospital to only be back one night and that one night I was up all night dealing with the baby. He feeds well when it is in the bottle but sucks in too much air and therefore holds a lot of wind. Trying to burp and wind a baby is tough when it goes on for over 4 hours!

Yes, it is stressful and exhausting. Then once you hit the 4 hour mark or less you are due for his next feed and you have to do it all over again. Plus add changing nappies for a child that screams like you are killing him while you try and get rid of the pooey nappy.

I have tried to write this post for days now and today he has been all over the place and very unsettled, so I have been adding to my post in stops and starts all day. He seems to like cuddles and wants to be with you. This is nice but when you have a house to look after, other kids and things to do it gets difficult. Maybe when he finally sleeps I can sleep too or get something else done. Lately I have been more focused on sleeping, hence why other things like house and blog have been unloved for a while.

As mentioned I was only home for a short time and that time I was hot and bothered with a fever, I also got extremely cold and had the worst headache I’ve ever had (I could not handle light and found it hard to see). I had temperatures that were 38.9 and an hour after having Panadol it came down to 39.6. So not much of an improvement. I felt terrible; very ill and like I had an extreme case of the flu or more like the walking dead. I called the hospital and they suggested I come in to be looked at. They agreed that I had mastitis and I ended up having antibiotics via an IV drip and stayed in hospital for another 3 days. Not fun, the IV antibiotics burnt when it went through my vein and made me have a very tender hand for the next week or so.

The cannula for the IV. I always hate having them done. Very painful.
The cannula for the IV. I always hate having them done. Very painful.

I did mention to the hospital before I left that I was burning up and was feeling all hot. I was told it was my hormones and that it will all settle down soon. It was obviously the infection starting and it just got worse when I came home. One of the midwives at the hospital said that I did the right thing by coming back to the hospital as she said it only gets worse if not treated.

I was convinced that I would have the baby earlier than it coming exactly on my due date, which in fact only 5% of babies do. So he is terribly clever to have done that. Maybe he heard the doctors say when he was meant to come, so thought he would adhere to that date. Maybe he might be a prompt person and always on time. I have no idea, but it is weird he came exactly when predicted.

I was so over being pregnant. I was approaching my due date and still no baby! Any week over 34 and 2 days for me was overdue; I had the twins at this time and any time after this felt like an eternity.

As I said, I was ready for the baby to come and was trying to coax it out. Here are some of the things I tried:

  • I was doing squats
  • I was having raspberry leaf tea
  • I went walking and tried to be more active
  • I ate chilli
  • I even had talks to the baby in my belly and was telling it that it needed to come soon as I was over it all. It of course did not listen.

As many women who are in the last trimester of their pregnancy you get to the point where you just want it to be all over and done with. I did not want to have the birth and was a bit worried about all that due to the drama from the twin birth and was concerned that it might be repeated.

My pregnant belly. Taken on 2nd of January 2016. Little did I know that just 5 days later the baby would be born.
My pregnant belly. Taken on 2nd of January 2016. Little did I know that just 5 days later the baby would be born.

I could not bend over. I was having pains and could feel things starting to move in the right direction but no labor had started. Damn! How annoying.

The hospital was doing their standard freak out as they were telling me that if I don’t have the baby by 39 weeks or I go over my due date they would like to induce me. What the????(The hospital said that if I go too far over my due date that could be high risk and they are not equipped for this, so if this happens then I would need to go to Nepean to have the baby) I have had an uncomplicated pregnancy. It is one child and not two like last time. I am not high risk, I did not develop gestational diabetes and have remained active throughout. I have even only gained 8kgs during the whole pregnancy so that was something that was good news for me. Although I felt like it was a lot more and I was HUGE.

I woke up at 4am on the 6th of January and noticed that things were happening. Yes 4am seems to be the lucky or weird hour that things happen. When I was pregnant with the twins my waters broke at 4am so this was strange that it all started again at this time. This was the day that the twins were going to vacation care and I had to get their lunches ready and all organised so that we could drop them off. I could not go back to bed and ended up having painful contractions that were extremely painful and I found it hard to walk and do anything. I checked the internet to see what needed to happen before I went to the hospital. The sites that I visited said that if I cannot walk and talk during contractions and if they are coming more frequently, if I lost my mucus plug, if I am in pain and not coping and so on. I thought this was all the case so phoned the hospital.

I spoke to a midwife who then said that it sounded like things were progressing and if all of the above had happened then it might be wise to come in and get looked at. She also mentioned some other things like breathing and something about pillows and my back and hubby helping. I was finding it hard to concentrate due to the pains that kept on coming and going.

Once hubby was we dropped the kids off at vacation care and then went straight to the hospital. This was just after 9am and they gave me a once over. The midwife we saw said that I was only 1 and half centimetres dilated and that I was not ready. Damn! Why can’t the baby be ready! All that pain to only be slightly ready…..very annoying.

13th of January, not even a week old.
13th of January, not even a week old.

While at the hospital the midwife told us that if we had the baby before a certain time we could come to Katoomba Hospital. If we had it after 7pm that evening then we would need to go to Nepean as Katoomba during this 24 hour period did not have a Doctor on call for the maternity ward and therefore could not have births there during this period. What the???? I go to a hospital for all my maternity care and now I cannot have the baby at the hospital of choice. Hubby and midwife suggested maybe mind power can help make the baby not come in this 24 hour period. I told both of them that I don’t think this would happen, as my body was doing things and feeling like it would be soon.

The midwife said that the way I was presenting that it will all kick off at 7pm and therefore would need to go to Nepean. I thought no way. But this lady sees a lot of women so maybe she knows what she is talking about. I thought we will see.

Hubby and I had plans to have lunch with some of our close friends so we went to the local pub all while having contractions. We went to the shops and although it was very slow going for me due to the fact contractions made me seize up and it was like all my legs, lower back and pelvis was in a muscle spasm. I could not move while it was happening, and during this I could feel the head banging to go further down…. YES painful!

7pm comes and we are reading stories to the kids and tucking them in for bedtime. My contractions were super painful and getting closer together and it was harder to talk and to do anything. They were 5-6mins apart at this stage.

I think the midwife jinxed us, as she predicted the time and the fact that it would all happen. Damn now we have to go down the mountain to Nepean due to the local hospital not being able to have us there. I called the hospital and this was a hard phone call due to being in pain with contractions coming and going. They said that we cannot come there, and that they would call ahead to Nepean and we needed to leave now due to the time it takes to get down the mountain and the times of my contractions. Oh great………a trip down the mountain in a car while I am screaming and in pain.

Hubby and I are in the car and screaming down the mountain due to impending birth (well I was definitely screaming). During our trip a P plate driver decides we are trying to race him and he revs up his car and tries to get in our way. A learner driver nearly crashed into our car, a truck nearly collected us and people did not get out of lanes so that we could get there more quickly. During the trip I of course was screaming and yelling due to the pain and the pressure was getting intense in my pelvis due to the baby pressing and pushing with even more gusto. I did not want to have the baby on the side of the road, or in the car. I was just hoping we would get to the hospital in time.

When you were pregnant did the hospital of your choice close at the time of labor or was not available for whatever reason? Did you have to race to go somewhere else when labor hit? Let us know.

 

Next posts: Birth of Number 3, Tongue Tie, Reflux or Just Fussy, and Bonding with Baby

 

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Categories
Family

Looking Back and Forward

I have been thinking about what a year 2015 was. I did want to accomplish more on the blog side and professionally but managed to do a bit of what I had planned.

  • Kids completed year 1 and did very well with reading and many other things. They have grown so much and really developed as their own person. Being in separate classes I think has really allowed each child to be what they can be without disruption or upset to each other. It allows them to be themselves and to have their own wins and accomplishments.
  • I went to Problogger and networked. I also learnt a lot and got inspired to do more with my blog and other ideas.
  • We did some much needed DIY around the house. I know have a nicer bathroom, kids in a newer room and other things fixed that I have been desperate to have done.
  • We were lucky to get pregnant and soon we are to have baby number 3. I was hoping to not be pregnant while writing this but I am still. Currently I’m 39 weeks and 3 days with baby number 3 and rather annoyed that he/she is still in my belly. The countdown is on little one!
  • I was lucky to get better after having a rough patch with being ill and especially while being pregnant it did not help. I am much better now and the only annoyance is when this baby will vacate my body.
  • Due to the new baby to be, the twins got moved into the bigger room and we have done up their old small room for the baby.

On a sad note we said goodbye to some good friends last year and it was rather painful due to that issue. It was a tough year due to that alone and being pregnant throughout this made it more difficult for me to deal with. I felt bad creating life while dealing with the loss. I know… they would not hold it against me but I did feel bad.

On the up side, we are well, have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, have good friends and are looking forward to what 2016 will bring us. The new baby is also something we are excited about and wondering when this little person will want to join the world.

The twins are excited about being in grade 2 this year and finding out what classes they will be in. We are in holiday mode currently and filling the days to keep kids busy and rest due to impeding birth is an interesting mix.

I will endeavor to attach the goals yet to have been achieved to this year and to strive towards them. Yes, I am not giving up just adding them to the list. Have you looked back on what you have done and been happy or sad? Or just it is what is was…. that said, I did all I could do and we are all okay.

What is your major thing or goal you wish to achieve in 2016? Let us know.

 

Categories
Pregnant

Excitement and Frustration

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I will be 38 weeks pregnant. I have never been this pregnant and as you might imagine I am getting annoyed. Annoyed at everything and everyone. Yes sad but true. I did think that the baby would have arrived by now and due to having twins early I am so over it and trying things to evict this little person from my body. However anything I do has not been met with labor starting or even waters breaking so back to waiting and getting bigger and more annoyed as the days progress.

C'mon Baby..... you have been told your days are numbered. You need to vacate my belly!
C’mon Baby….. you have been told your days are numbered. You need to vacate my belly!

I have also had strangers put their hands on my belly and tell me what I am having due to the shape of how I’m carrying. This did not happen last time and it has taken me by surprise. I don’t like it and was not sure what to say. I know they all mean well but I just don’t understand why my belly is suddenly everyone’s property? Did that happen to you? Many have told me that I’m having a boy due to the way I’m carrying so should be interesting when we find out.

I saw that Michelle Bridges had her baby on the weekend. I thought we were due around the same time. Maybe she was a week or so ahead. I have no idea. Now I’m thinking that maybe I should have been doing more squats to make this baby come. Since hearing of the birth of Michelle Bridges little boy, I have added more squats into my day just in case. Well you never know right?

Another frustration at the moment is that I have a sore throat that I got from one of the kids. Yes I don’t feel very well on top of being pregnant. It is not that bad, just feeling generally unwell and a head cold, but it does not help as all I want to do is sleep. Annoying really especially in summer. Oh well. I have been taking vitamins, and sucking on lozenges to ease the symptoms and make myself feel better. Teas and juices as well.

All Christmas presents are wrapped and many are under the tree (I wanted to make sure it was all done just in case I was in the hospital and having the baby). The kids ones will go under the tree tomorrow due to sticky little fingers and curious minds that might spoil surprises before the day. Do you put the kids presents under the tree before Christmas Eve? Or are you like me you make sure that no one can mess with the presents?

Christmas Presents all done and wrapped. Phew!
Christmas Presents all done and wrapped. Phew!

On the excitement end we had a family friend do the ring test to see if the baby is a boy/girl. As you know we have not found out the sex. Some people think we know and are just not saying, but we really have no idea and birth will be the only clue as to if the baby is a boy or girl. This test was done at a BBQ with family and friends. The room was quiet and everyone was very curious about the test and the results. From this test it looks like we are having a girl. Not sure but thought that I was having a girl as I felt the same with the twins this pregnancy, however I did think I was having a boy last time and was very wrong, I ended up with two lovely girls.

I have done the Chinese Gender Prediction and they say that we are having a girl also….but you never know it could be a boy. We are not fussed and just hope that the baby is healthy and happy.

I put some clothes in suction bags to keep them in case, and then I could not find them. Very annoying. However I finally found the clothes.  I still need to go through the draws as I need to put things in sizes so that it is easier to find. I’m glad the clothes were found as I did not buy much for the baby due to already having clothes that I could not find. So happiness all round with this win!

We are all curious about what the new little baby will be like and when it will decide to be here. My hospital bag has been packed for a while and we are all ready if it happens now. Maybe I should take my hospital bag with me on my travels for Christmas Day? Not sure, but it might be a wise idea. At least I will have it if I need it.

I have also been drinking some Raspberry Leaf Tea to make things easier for birth. I have been doing this for a while now. I suppose it can’t hurt right? The night before my waters broke with the twins I had two cups of this tea and then the next morning at 4am my waters broke (33 weeks pregnant with twins), I was hoping that it might have the same affect with this pregnancy but it has not been the case. Maybe it was just the right time for the other pregnancy and plus having more than one child would have made it happen earlier.

The kids are super excited about Christmas and the baby in their view is taking a back seat. I think due to the baby not being here it is not a reality for the kids yet. Once born I’m sure there will be much more interest. I do understand that for kids Christmas is super exciting and much more interesting at the moment.

The decorated Christmas Tree - Not mine but it looks pretty doesn't it.
The decorated Christmas Tree – Not mine but it looks pretty doesn’t it.

I cannot wait to see their faces when they get their presents. I do love Christmas as much as the kids. I love getting surprises, and getting up early on Christmas Day seems to happen to me as well as the kids.

Were you pregnant over Christmas? Were you concerned that you would have the baby on Christmas Day? If you were pregnant were you super annoyed and frustrated that the baby had not come yet?

 

Categories
Pregnant

Dangers are Everywhere!

I have been dropping things, and due to being pregnant they have stayed on the floor for a bit longer than I have desired. If the kids have been around they have kindly assisted me with any item that needs to not be stepped on or maybe put in the bin as hubby will get over the fact it is still on the floor.

Dropping things have not been limited to just the house, it can happen at the shops, car park or really anywhere! I have no idea why I am dropping more things? Could it be a pregnancy related issue? Or is it just the fact that I am clutz! I am not sure that you can answer that and I’m sure hubby would tell me that I am the later. (hhahahaahaha)

Yesterday I went off a shop to see if I can get some more shoes to wear due to summer, a party to go to, and the other issue of pregnancy. These shoes need to be able to be slipped on easily and of course not make me feel like a big fat bloated pig. Yes I have a tall order I wish to look stylish while getting bigger. Hard to imagine I know, but I have seen other pregnant ladies do this with ease. So maybe it could happen for me??? Let’s hope that the dress with the new shoes at the party make look amazing!

So after I got all the items I wished to purchase I lined up to pay. A man who worked there had a ladder wanted to get through. This ladder then made a sign fall on me. Yes you heard that right. I had a sign fall on me. It got bumped with the ladder making it fall from the ceiling. Now what was the sign like? Well it was just cardboard but it landed on my hands and cut two fingers on the knuckles (and yes it is my dominant hand and the one I write with). The sign then fell on my arm and bounced off my pregnant belly.

My poor fingers were very sore when it happened. Love my long nails that have now been clipped due to breaking them yesterday cleaning up.
My poor fingers were very sore when it happened. Love my long nails that have now been clipped due to breaking them yesterday cleaning up.

Other than the cuts and marks on my fingers all is well other than the shock it happened at all. I filled in an incident report and told the manager what had happened. I am fine, the baby is fine. Although I just think that I cannot leave the house without a disaster.

I have been ill and not well

I have fallen on my stomach

And now I have had a sign fall on me! Yes laugh, I have. I told the mother in law and she could not control herself. Yes very caring indeed!

Now for the bad jokes.

“I must have been born under a bad sign” 

“Is this a sign of things to come?”

“I wonder if this sign is trying to tell me something?” 

I have been told that maybe I need to stay at home to be safe or take someone with me to make sure I don’t have something bad happen.

Hubby just wants me to make sure I don’t end up at the hospital or have an accident before the baby comes (He leaves the house saying try not to go to the hospital today. He is also suggesting that I might be up for frequent flyer miles due to the visits that have happened lately). Yes it is a good day when there is no incident to report.

I know it is just the fingers but they are very sore. I am lucky it was just that. All is good, however when I bend the fingers they hurt a bit. They will be better in the next day or so.
I know it is just the fingers but they are very sore. I am lucky it was just that. All is good, however when I bend the fingers they hurt a bit. They will be better in the next day or so.

Did you have incidents when you were pregnant? Were you ill? Did you visit the hospital or doctors more than you think you visited your mates? This is how I feel about this pregnancy.

 

Categories
Pregnant

When Will it Happen?

UPDATE: History has not repeated itself…. so we will see what this week brings!

So tomorrow (Sunday) is the day on the 33rd week that my water broke with the twins. It was 4am that it happened with the girls.

Then I was in hospital for a week and they were born on the Saturday morning. Very early Saturday morning.

Wish there was more indication on when birth day will be. I just hope that I am not surprised while out and about.
Wish there was more indication on when birth day will be. I just hope that I am not surprised while out and about.

I am now at the same point in this pregnancy although it is different, I am only having one baby this time not two.

I have been worried about approaching this time again and I know that it is not going to happen again at 4am in the morning and at the same week and day as it did before. However it has been on my mind. You cannot help be worried about the same thing happening.

Due to my membranes rupturing naturally last time I am now concerned that it could happen at any point. At school drop off, at school while doing reading, at the shops, or possibly at the swimming pool while kids are having their lesson. Yes I know it is mad to be thinking about the what ifs but I have been!

At least last time it was in the comfort of my own home, I could get a change of clothes if needed and have help. If I have this happen when I am on my own what will I do? If this does occur I know that as long as I’m not in pain I have time to get to the hospital. If kids are with me, I will take them and myself to the hospital and of course ring hubby. If on my own I will get to the hospital, contact hubby and arrange for the kids to be collected from school if they are at school when it happens.

It is hard to know and I wish people could give you a more definite answer on when to expect baby this time. Considering we can know so much about the human body now and medicine has developed so much, but we cannot know more about when a baby might be born. I know it is hard. It is dependent on the little person and if they are ready to be born, your body and many other factors.

I think I am just worried that due to having one baby this time it might be a HUGE baby. Although due to my fall on my 31st week I had an ultrasound. The estimated weight of the baby was 1730 grams. So if you think that I had two babies at 34 weeks and 2 days and 1 was 1938 grams and the other was 2.1kgs, this little person is on track for one of the twins so far. I know it has been a few weeks since I was 31 weeks so presuming that the baby has put on more weight and they say the average is about 200grams per week for baby to put on then it is on track for the same time. It just depends on when it wants to be born about how big it will be. I am just freaking out a bit.

Not only am I worried about size and if, when and where my water might break, I am having major issues with my legs, and hips. I don’t seem to be able to stand for too long before I am in pain and have issues. I did not have this last time but maybe due to it being the first pregnancy and of course the twins coming early this was something I was spared. I have read that this pain in your hips and legs gets worse with every subsequent pregnancy. Oh the joys!

I don’t really want the baby to be born to early but I don’t really want to go full term either. I have a feeling that I won’t but you never know right. It could be me trying to want it to happen before it is time and my body and the baby will hang in there till the very end!

Nearly all due dates have said I'm due on the 7th of Jan 2016, however this one said it was a little earlier. But all said that I was the same number of weeks pregnant. It will be interesting to see what date it does happen on. I found this calculator on https://www.trueduedate.com/
Nearly all due dates have said I’m due on the 7th of Jan 2016, however this one said it was a little earlier. But all said that I was the same number of weeks pregnant. It will be interesting to see what date it does happen on. I found this calculator on https://www.trueduedate.com/

For your second pregnancy did have a spontaneous labor? Did your membranes rupture naturally? And if so was it in public? I keep on forgetting to take things with me if this happens. I have purchased items for this very emergency but leave them at home, so this will not be helpful in the event that this happens.

I also am rather over being pregnant and would like to have this over now please! Let’s meet our new little person soon. I am keen to know if it is a boy/girl and to start bonding rather than the bonding via kicks and tickles that is currently happening nearly all day inside me. This little person is very active. I would also like to know if it is going to look like the girls, will it have blonde hair, or the red hair like my mum has, maybe neither and it will have black hair like my dad, father in law and hubby.

Let me know what happened to you? Getting near the end is always the hardest. I was grumpy, annoyed and just uncomfortable near the end when pregnant with the twins.

 

Categories
Pregnant

December or January?

I am due supposedly on the 7th of January. I say supposedly as I have no idea if that will be the actual D day, or should I say B Day for Birthday for this 3rd little person.  Or if it will be later or earlier. I have always thought that it would be earlier but don’t know why I am thinking this way. Maybe I just want the pregnancy part to be over and this little person to finally be here.

I am also worried that due to never being pregnant beyond 34 weeks this baby might be massive! One of the pluses of  having twins was that they were tiny babies, one baby might be HUGE compared to the girls.

I do know that the kid is head down and has been that way since about 30 weeks. The twins were head down at 28 weeks so that is on par with what happened before. I am soon to be in uncharted territory and it is unnerving to say the least.  If you had twins or an early baby before were you concerned when you approached the same time you went to hospital or had the baby/babies? Let me know. 

As you can see from the below picture hubby’s aunty saw these cute reindeer booties and could not resist them. I know… they are super cute and very small and adorable. However as I am slated to have a January baby and this kid might miss Christmas all together reindeer booties might not be appropriate. Or is our lovely relative trying to tell me something? Maybe the baby will be born in December rather than January? Has she jinxed it?  Has she made sure that I will be having this kid on Christmas Day? I have the booties ready to go to celebrate now.

Hubby's auntie bought this for the baby. I'm due first week Jan. Does this mean due to this gift it might be a December baby? #baby #pregnant #pregnancy #decemberorjanuary
Hubby’s auntie bought this for the baby. I’m due first week Jan. Does this mean due to this gift it might be a December baby? #baby #pregnant #pregnancy #decemberorjanuary

This week I am 32 weeks and at 33 my waters broke with the twins. I know it is different this time. Only one baby but as I draw closer to 33 weeks I am getting nervous. I am starting to think about packing a hospital bag and getting more organised with things at the house.

I need to cook like a manic like I did before the twins were born. I managed to cook about three months of food and had it in the freezer. All I had to do is heat them up in the microwave and maybe add a salad to it and dinner was done.

So I am wondering what you think might happen? Will I have the baby in December or January? Also we have no idea if it is a boy or girl so you can nominate what sex you think this little person is as well. Many people are thinking it is a boy already.

We also need to get the baby capsule organised, breast pump and some other things that might be needed. I am conscious of the fact that if I have the baby over Christmas or close to it stores might not be open. I think it is best to get things done well in advance of Christmas and the holiday period.

Did you have a baby over Christmas and the January holidays? How did it go? Did you find that you have everything sorted before bub came? 

 

Categories
Pregnant

Falling When Pregnant

Last Tuesday I had a nasty scare. I was in the doctor’s car park and waiting for a car to go and they were taking forever. The kids and I were standing in the rain and we were waiting and waiting! The people we were waiting for had the car running and looked ready to go but they just sat there. The kids wanted to race to the office door but to do that they would have run right behind this car. What would happen if they reversed and did not see the twins? It would not be good.  I made sure that we all stayed together.

I made the decision that they saw me and the kids and were waiting for us.  So that they would be sure that they were clear of kids before leaving the car park. Kids had their hands in mine and we all made our way to the office. When we got to the point of the car they then decided to reverse! Great. Oh well, I said to the girls just quickly hurry up and we will be at the door and all will be good. The girls were worried and were running. I lost my balance and I could not right myself. I then fell face first into the mud, water and rocks that was the ground of the car park. I am a bit off balance lately and at the time nearly 31 weeks pregnant. Yes the belly is growing.

What I fell onto. Just picture it wet and raining.
What I fell onto. Just picture it wet and raining.

The kids were very upset and worried about me and the baby and helped me get up (What lovely girls I have!) Once up the people in the car left. I stumbled into the doctor’s practice and told the receptionist that fell over tummy first and I am pregnant. I had mud all over me, hands missing some skin and also a sore knee. All one side of my body was jarred and I was very freaked out and worried about the baby.

The girls were visibly upset and crying and concerned. I told them that all will be okay (even though I had no idea at the time) and that it was an accident and not their fault. It just happened. They were helping. I hugged and kissed the girls and told them all will be fine. Poor little kids were very worried.

I finally made my way to the doctors although the reason I was there was not what I was most worried about now. I started with the fall in the car park as that was more urgent than my other issue and then spoke briefly about my other issue. He then called the hospital to tell them to expect me. I was put on a monitor to check the movement and heartrate of the baby. I had to be hooked up to it for four hours. So kids and I raced off to the hospital to have this test done. Hubby was alerted to the drama and made his way home from work earlier to make sure all was well.

The kids were entertaining me while I was hooked up to the monitor. I was glad that they were happier than before and finally feeling the baby move was a good sign as well. My little baby has been an active little person (we still don’t know the sex and want a surprise. Many are saying it is a boy due to how strong the kicks are and the activity. I am not sure. Maybe it is due to the fact that this is one baby and has more room than the twins did).

I stayed there for the full four hours and the baby had very good heart rates. It was a bit all over the place but I was told that an active baby can do that. The doctor and the nurses all seemed very happy as it was well within range and did not look like there was an issue. I was told that if there is a problem after a fall it is likely to show up within this four hour window.

While I was there they also took some blood to make sure that there are no foetal cells in my blood. I have not heard back with the results, but I think if they were bad I would have been alerted.

One of the nurses asked if I knew my blood type. I said yes. I told her I was A Positive. I asked what difference my blood group has in a fall. She then mentioned that if I had a negative blood group that it could cause issues. Weird I had no idea.

Since the kids were being very noisy and mucking around hubby took them home to get them dinner and get them to bed. It was a school night as well so that did not help matters.

Other than being very sore and tired I was fine. The baby was fine and all was good. I was just worried about falling and having it happen in the first place. I was also worried about the girls and how they felt about the incident.

Wednesday morning rolled around and I got up as per usual and got kids’ breakfast and things ready for school. Although I was limping and very sore still. I noticed some spotting and thought that I would take the kids to school and then drop in at the hospital. Yes I know too much info, but better to be safe than sorry right?

I told the nurses and the doctor who was on the night before what I had encountered that morning and that I was worried. They hooked me up to the heart rate monitor again for the baby and all looked good. Good heart rate and movement so that is a good sign.

The doctor eventually checked me to make sure that my cervix was closed and that there was no sign of bleeding. All closed and no bleeding so another good sign.

That same afternoon they wanted to have an ultrasound to just make sure the baby was 100% okay. All good and I was cleared to leave. I did ask to get a copy of the results of the ultrasound but due to the specialist needing to take time to look at the scans it took a while. By this time it was after 4pm and I had to go as I had kids in after school care and had to leave to get food for dinners and then pick up the twins.

Not sure what was going on Wednesday with me. I was just glad that they checked me out and made sure that there was not an issue. It has not happened again, so that is another good sign.

I must say that the Blue Mountains Hospital have been exceptionally good. Their care has been second to none and nothing has been an issue. I feel grateful to have such a great maternity service, if the baby comes I think after 36 weeks I can have him/her at The Blue Mountains Hospital. If it comes earlier then I am off to Nepean again. Depends when this little one wants to make an appearance. It would be nice to experience the local hospital for this birth.

So my drama on Tuesday was not too bad. I was more banged up than the baby. The kids were okay and so was I other than sore and tired.

Have you fallen over when you were pregnant? I hope you and the baby were okay. They say that most falls they baby is okay as they are very protected inside of you.

It did give me a big scare though and made me worried about how the kids would view the incident. I am just very glad that I did not really hurt myself, it would have been horrible to break an arm or ankle.

 

Categories
Family

Preparing For Christmas

Have you realised that there is not long to go until it is Christmas? I have!  Again it is is just rather amazing that the year has flown by. I suppose I have been busy with life, kids, appointments due to being pregnant and everything else that happens as a parent.

As of today 3rd of Nov 2015 there is only 7 Mondays left until Christmas. I thought it might be wrong but I checked. Image shared from Practical Parenting Magazine.
As of today 3rd of Nov 2015 there is only 7 Mondays left until Christmas. I thought it might be wrong but I checked. Image shared from Practical Parenting Magazine.

A while ago I was chatting with a mum from the twins school and she told me that it might be a good idea to start organising the kids Christmas presents now. I said why? She said that she had babies in December and was organised so that her older child did not miss out, and since I am due early January it might be a good idea to be prepared. This was said to me in September so I thought, “Oh, I have plenty of time… silly now to be shopping for Christmas and especially since the kids just had their birthday”.

I went home and thought about it. Maybe this lovely lady had a good point. If the baby decided to enter the world earlier than the due date I will be caught off guard. Since this conversation I have slowly acquiring presents for the girls and hiding them away. I think I just need to get some final presents and all will be sorted, well other than wrapping them up and putting names on them.

My presents that I organised earlier now under the tree. I can hope that I am that on top of things.
My presents that I organised earlier now under the tree. I can hope that I am that on top of things.

I’m nearly 31 weeks pregnant and getting a bit nervous. My waters broke with the twins when I was 33 weeks. I know this is a singleton and a twin pregnancy is completely different, but it is just the fact that the same time in the pregnancy is fast approaching and I am wary. I know that this will not happen or is very unlikely to happen with one baby but I am just concerned. I then had the twins at 34 weeks and 2 days. I have never been more than 34 weeks pregnant so this is going to be new territory. I have no idea what to expect other than the standard aches, pains and of course annoyances.

Were you due around Christmas or your other children’s birthdays? Did you make sure to get presents prepared just in case you were in hospital? Let us know.

 

Categories
Family

Sick of Being Sick!

August was exciting for me. I was off to Problogger and it was not just the conference that got me excited. It was the fact that I had three days to be all alone. All alone in a hotel room. All alone in a different city, and I could have adult conversations. I know all the parents that stay at home to look after kids would have been happy about this mini break as well.

After I came back from the conference I was keen to write up all that I learnt and showcase some great tips. However that was not to be. I was a bit unwell before I left but thought I was on the mend. I got ill in July when we were on our holiday in Melbourne. It did seem to be going away and I thought that this was so.

Inhaler to hopefully help me
Inhaler to hopefully help me

When I returned home from the Gold Coast, I fell in a heap. At first I thought it was just exhaustion due to travelling, overload with all the fab info I digested while at Problogger, being pregnant and just being tired and needing some more sleep…. BUT it was not what was making me pass out.

My mum who was looking after the kids for me suggested I could have a chest infection. I said, NO, I’m just tired and pregnant. Also the baby is getting higher in my belly and making it harder to breathe as well. So I just thought it was mostly being pregnant.  As I was not getting better and could not keep my eyes open, I thought it would not hurt to go to the doctor for a check-up.

Once at the doctors he told me that I had a chest infection (Don’t tell Mum she was right!) I was prescribed antibiotics and not the heavy duty ones that might help. I was limited to the medicine that I could take due to being pregnant. I got the prescription filled and started on my drugs. I got the refill and took them as well and it has not seemed to help much at all.

I went back to the a different doctor (due to not being able to contact the original doctor) about a week ago and according to him, my chest and breathing is okay, but I still have a cough and I am out of breathe many times. He has prescribed Ventolin to help with breathing. I have never had Ventolin before and have never had asthma. I was told that this medicine would not hurt the baby and will allow my breathing to be better. I hope so!

After taking this for about a week it is not making me any better and I am still out of breath and having issues. Again, I’m off to the original doctor tomorrow to finally get better and get things resolved! I hope so, as I am so over not being well.

Have you been sick when pregnant? When I was pregnant with the twins I did not have this issue. I avoided unwell people and made sure that I stayed well. Having young kids that are always exposed to bugs and things just makes things harder. It seems like it is a constant roller coaster with kids and the sniffles lately.

 

Not only have I been dealing with not being well, I am now struggling with re-flux due to pregnancy….OH the joys!

I hope that the doctor can work his magic tomorrow and give me something that will make me feel a lot better.