I have now reached the half way mark of my third pregnancy. I am amazed at how quick this has gone. Maybe it might have something to do with the fact we did not tell people until I was 12 weeks to start with. Or it could have something to do with being super busy looking after two very active little girls now, so time seems to fly.
18 week scan. Profile of baby number 3. We don’t know if it is a boy or a girl. We are going to have a surprise.
All looked good at the 18 week scan. All bits and pieces were where they should be and the baby looked well. So that was great news. I had the scan done just before I went to Problogger so that made me not stress about things.
I have noticed some differences with having just one baby.
I don’t think I am that big at 20 weeks as I was with the twins.
When pregnant with the twins I had a lot of fluid that made me lose the strength in my hands. Yes I got carpel tunnel when pregnant. I could not do anything and it was very upsetting. This time being pregnant with a singleton I have had no such thing. Could be due to having less fluid as there is only one baby. Maybe this complication might visit me later in pregnancy (I hope not). I was lucky it went away after I had the girls.
Yesterday I got a lot of re-flux that did not start until the last month or so of the twin pregnancy. It could be that I ate too much and needed to have smaller meals, but I just loved my fruit and muesli that I could not help myself. Today I will try and have smaller servings throughout the day to see if this symptom goes away.
I have felt movement very early on but that could just be due to it being my second pregnancy.
I am still feeling nauseous and very tired but have not thrown up. With the twin pregnancy I threw up a lot and felt ill all the time. I still feel ill but maybe that is just the way I cope with the pregnancy symptoms.
Today (20th of August 2015) I’m 20 weeks with baby number 3. I’m at the half way mark if I go to term. If you had premmie twins before and then had a singleton, did you go full term? #pregnant #pregnancy #twins #singleton #20weekstoday #parenting
If you had twins before and then had a singleton, did the the singleton come early, was it on time, or late? Let me know!
After I came back from Problogger I fell in a heap. I thought I was tired due to being pregnant and of course information overload. However it was not, I went to the doctor and found out I have a chest infection. Brilliant I thought, sick and pregnant is not the best combination. I’m on antibiotics and trying to get more sleep.
I have my midwife appointment next week so if I need anything like the flu shot or the whooping cough vaccine I hope that can be done, or I get better before now and next week. Not sure when these things are given, but will ask next week. I’m sure it will all work out.
Hello. I do apologise for not blogging sooner. Here is what has been happening lately.
We had 10 days in Ballarat and Melbourne, flew home to then fall in a heap. Before we left for our holiday hubby got ill with a bad cold. I then got sick with it while away and thought it was gone but have a few things still lurking. All okay but just annoying, and does not help when I feel tired already.
Now I have a lot of laundry to do, and due to kids deciding to wear nearly everything and get it dirty. The pile is not going down. Although I have left the lounge covers to do later as they are not urgent, but make the laundry basket have clothes over flow. Not good really. It all should be organised soon.
Washing and more washing!
On top of making sure that we are all sorted like we were before we left for holiday, we are having renovations start next Monday. They are long waited for and much needed, but trying to race around to move things and create space is just annoying.
We need to move things around so that one room can be worked on and that means moving all furniture and items into one room and that takes a bit of planning.
I know I will love the after effect of the renovation and it will all be worth it but trying to get it all done when you are:
1. Constantly tired
2. Every time I bend over I feel like I’m going to be sick
3. Need to go to the toilet nearly every 5 secs
4. Thirsty and then I need to do point 3 more often
5. Hungry so need to eat, which then leads to the feeling of being sick even more
Is so hard! I suppose it could be worse, I could be 8 months pregnant and doing this. Currently I’m only 15 weeks.
Looking forward to the finished product.
The kids went back to school on Tuesday and they were super excited to see all their mates. Julia was so excited about being a big sister she asked her teacher if she could have some time to tell the class some special news. The teacher had no idea and from what I heard Julia was very proud and beaming when she told everyone about the impending little sister or brother on the way.
We have gone back to our regular routine. School and then after school activities, Karate and Swimming and then home. It has taken it out of me this week, it was so nice to not have to be anywhere or make lunches for kids.
Are you feeling it this week? Have you been more tired due to school going back?
As I write this I am thinking a nap might be nice, but I need to do some work to make it easier for us to move things for the renovations. I do think the bed sounds like a great idea at the moment.
Maybe a cup of tea might help me wake up a bit and then get to it.
How are you coping after holidays and school going back? Let us know.
I have been dying to tell you all. However I have kept quiet.
I’m 12 weeks pregnant with the third baby!
Documenting the pregnancy so far. Yes I know I have a belly… maybe that is due to having twins before this little person.
We are having another little bundle. This new person is due in January 2016, the first week to precise. We have some conflicting dates but they are all in the first week. Who knows the baby might decide to come earlier? Or later, you never know right? Did your second baby come on the due date? Or was he/she earlier or later? I am keen to know.
Yes I will be all hot and bothered and very pregnant in summer, I love summer and I hope that I am not too big and bothered in my favourite season.
We have decided to not find out what sex and leave it as a surprise. Hubby and I are super organised and have picked out a name for a boy and a girl to be prepared. I made sure to sort out names for the twins before they arrived and we had no idea they were going to be girls, so we were prepared either way. I did not want to be in the hospital and having an argument about what we call the baby. We will be keeping mum on these names as I would like to have it as an announcement when the baby arrives. Did you have the name for your baby sorted before you gave birth? Or did you decide once baby was here?
And you might be thinking is it twins again? NO we are having one this time.
Both the seven and twelve week scans confirmed just one baby. Also the twelve week scan showed that the baby was healthy so that is great news. I wanted to make sure that all was well with the baby before we told anyone.
I of course have been feeling horrible and it started early. I think from the first few weeks I have been nauseas and really feeling terrible. This made me think it could be twins again, and we would have been fine with this. However having one will make life a little bit easier the second time around. I can finally experience breastfeeding one child!
I’m still fighting all day sickness otherwise known as morning sickness. I have not been sick but have tried to be, and have been feeling queasy all day and night. It is just awful! I also need to eat food more regularly or else I feel ill, but then after I eat I feel ill. I am dammed either way! I just hope it passes. When I was pregnant with the twins I felt like this throughout the whole pregnancy and I am feeling the same this time, but not as bad with two babies.
I’ve also been very thirsty and don’t remember this being the case with the twins. Maybe I was and I have forgotten. One annoying thing is that you drink heaps due to being very thirsty and then have to constantly go to the toilet! Although one good side effect is that I have been warmer than usual and being in the Blue Mountains this is a good side effect. One of the only ones actually!
I am not the glowing pregnant type. Also due to my boobs being bigger normally they are really sore and uncomfortable without a bra (Maybe too much info my lovely readers). I don’t get ladies that jog and remain so active during their pregnancy (I wish I was one of these active and fit ladies). I have been zapped of energy and just want to close my eyes and fall asleep any chance I get. I’ve been falling asleep during the evening and missing crucial parts of the shows that hubby and I watch. The next show I am sure that we have missed a whole episode to then find out that I fell asleep and missed an essential part of the show. At least I have it to re-watch, but it is annoying.
Due to this being my second pregnancy I am showing a lot earlier than I thought I would be. I have also felt flutters for a few weeks and it is definitely the baby as it was the same feelings I got with the twins. Although I felt it later with my first pregnancy, I have read that it can happen earlier with second pregnancies. Thank goodness for winter as I have been hiding my growing belly with jackets and jumpers. It has got me worried. I hope by the end I will not be too big.
Having two kids and being pregnant does really make you extra tired. When pregnant with the twins, I could take a nap and have a rest and not be bothered. This time around I have to keep on going until the kids are asleep. Due to kids having school and other activities such as karate, singing and swimming lessons, the weeks have flown, and I look up and twelve weeks have already been and gone. With my first pregnancy I documented more things and took more photos each week. I managed to take one selfie at 10 weeks and will do another one at twelve weeks. I’m sure other mums and parents are in the same boat.
The baby’s profile and you can see one hand raised.
My plan of sipping cocktails by the pool and having a nice glass of red wine while at Problogger are not to be. However I will be drinking mocktails and still having a great time. By August I will be definitely rocking the baby bump and looking a bit bigger than I do now.
I will need to think about my wardrobe and finding some comfortable and stylish clothes to wear to the conference. Did you find it difficult to find some nice maternity clothes when you were pregnant? I have been looking but some are just tents and others are just boring. I don’t want to look bigger than I am, and I would like to look nice at the same time. I think this is a hard ask for pregnancy wear.
I did see online that there are some nice options but the stores that stock these labels are in the city and I have not been able to get there to have a look. I hope to do this soon, well before Problogger. What are your favourite maternity stores to get some fab items? Let me know. I need some ideas in this area.
The twin’s reaction was mixed. One was somewhat excited and happy and the other looked like she was in shock. I think it is huge news of the kids to digest and they need some time to understand what is happening. One did ask if I needed to go to the hospital today. I did say that I’m not having the baby yet so I don’t need to go. However when she asked me she was patting my side and looking concerned. Nice and very caring of her. I suppose the kids have a while to get used to the idea of having a baby sister or brother.
Both kids like the idea of being a big sister and teaching the baby things when it is a little older. Not sure what things they will teach this new person and it might not all be good. Did your child get excited when you told them you were having another baby? Or not look interested at all?
I did get a DVD with the twelve week scan and the kids were more interested to see the baby moving and to hear the heartbeat.
Since my twins were tiny at birth I am rather concerned that due to there only being one baby it might be HUGE! I hope not! My sister had a baby that was on the smaller side, and when I was born I was about 3kgs. So that is not HUGE. Yes I am having some weird thoughts and concerns. I hope I’m not the only one that does this.
I’m off on holiday from Sunday and will be documenting what we get up to. Make sure to check my Instagram Feed to keep up to date as well.
Did you find it hard to keep quiet about your pregnancy or did you spill the beans before twelve weeks? I just didn’t want to tell the kids for fear something went wrong, and have to deal with their reaction and explaining it all.
Let us know how you coped during the first trimester. I don’t like it. Although my sister did not get morning sickness with her baby. So I must have hit the jackpot! Everyone is different. Send in your comments.
With Kate Middleton due to have her second child any day, there has been a tonne of advice about going from one to two children.
It has taken me back to my early days with my mother’s group when I first had the twins.
Okay, well I had two children right off the bat but had I not had twins, I may have shared the anxieties many of the women in my mother’s group. [Don’t get me wrong – I still had anxieties, ‘wow, how am I going to cope with twins?’]
The mum’s in my group wondered: How were they going to manage going from being mum to one, to mum to two and still leave the house?
How would they get out the door weighed down with enough stuff to appear as if they were leaving home never to return?
How would they get their older child off to school when new bub is napping?
They were all so worried that the difficulty factor would be so overwhelming it would be easier to just stay in.
“I have accepted the fact that I will need to find a new normal! I’m still working toward what that is going to look like, but I know that we will get eventually there. And although there are days that are tough, when I look at these two sweet babies of mine I know that it is oh so worth it!”
Well, I can tell you from navigating all those challenges but without a running start, that you will do it.
Of course Kate will probably have a nanny for each child making life a tad easier.
For the rest of us mere mortals, I would share my own experience. I remember when I was worried about how I would cope with the twins.
I did stay in the house for a bit and was very concerned that I might not be able to work my pram. What if there was an issue? I would be on my own! I practiced putting the pram up and down in the house and when I was confident I ventured out with the babies.
It did not matter if it was to window shop at a major shopping centre or just chill under a tree at the park. We were out of the house and for me that felt like a success.
I had the pram in the boot, I strapped kids in car then once we arrived at our destination I somehow managed to assemble the pram and get two babies onboard. When that mission was accomplished, I was on top of the world.
If you had seen me then, you would have spotted a woman walking around the shopping centre with a big smile plastered on her face. I know it was a small thing to do in the scheme of life, but I thought it was an amazing accomplishment. I got out of the house with two babies! Yeah, Me!
“Children reinvent your world for you” Susan Sarandon
Sibling Love
I have spoken to many mum’s bracing themselves for the shock of having two children.
Reading about Kate’s impending birth – and the interesting Women’s Weekly cover all about how George will cope (anyone else think that a bit odd?) it hit me, I have no concept of having one child.
However, for those about to know what caring for two children is like, here is my two cents for what it’s worth:
It’s okay to feel a bit daunted
It is hard but it won’t be hard for long. You got number one to sleep through the night and got him/her potty trained. That part for me was fun –double the challenge but once we were through it, we were done. Bravo.
Soon your little baby will sleep longer and you will get more rest. It will all just work fine.
Remind yourself that you did it once and you can do it again.
Having a schedule is great too. Make sure that the baby sleeps and eats at certain times.
The new baby has to adjust to life in your house, if you have some noise don’t suddenly become a super quiet household due to your new little person. I know sleeping time needs to be quite but you have to live life as well. A little bit of noise will not hurt, as long as it is within reason. I think the baby will adjust.
Don’t forget playtime and having a bit of sunshine does help you feel good and helps baby as well. Make sure to pick the safe times in the day to be out and about.
Having two kids is great; they can play together and will hopefully be great company for each other. It is nice that we have given each child a sister and having that support is lovely in life.
The most important thing I think is: Getting out and about
I must say the biggest challenge is getting out of the house and to all the normal appointments that you keep. Just putting yourself out there no matter how small the step is a wonderful achievement.
You should have been a fly on the wall when I managed to get kids in the crèche at the gym and be in an aqua aerobics class, now I felt that this was deserving of an award! Have you done something similar that you were super proud of when the kids were babies?
Not only did I get two kids fed, dressed and in the car. We arrived at the gym at the right time, I got them into care and I made my exercise class. Again I was the mad woman in the pool smiling at how brilliant this all was. I might have looked strange, but I did not care. I was at the gym. I was exercising and I got there with little babies with me. I was very happy! Did you have moments like this?
Getting out and about with your new baby
Are you about to have your second child?
Have you had other mums or parents confide or seek advice on having two kids rather than one? Let us know.
“Every baby born into the world is a finer one than the last” Charles Dickens
I do wish Kate Middleton well and hope all goes well for baby number two. Also if anyone else is set to have their second, third or more I wish you all well too.
Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
NOTE: Just so you know I realised after purchasing all the ingredients that the online recipe can be altered for the number of people who you would be cooking for. I only used 2 capsicums cut in half to not make too much for an individual meal. However I did end up with a lot left over and that went in the fridge for the next night’s dinner.
The following ingredients are for 4 people. If you need to change this. Click on the number and change it with the up or down arrow on the link above for the recipe.
Making the stuffing: Cooking the beans, rice, and with all the other ingredients.
Ingredients
1 1/3 cup cooked brown rice
1 1/2 small zucchini diced
3/4 small red onion diced
4 red capsicums
1 cup kidney beans drained & rinsed
3 1/2 tablespoons of heaped fresh coriander finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
3 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
Salt & pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil + splash for cooking
I substituted the following: Instead of coriander I used parsley, due to hubby hating it. Instead of purchasing pine nuts I used almonds due to having them already. I added some parmesan cheese to the top of the capsicum so that it would add to the flavour and give a nice consistency.
I used almonds instead of pine nuts. I already had almonds at home and thought it would be cheaper to use what I already had.
Jackie from Body Beyond Birth told me that you need to pick food choices that work for you. If you don’t make things from scratch all the time it will be hard to keep up. Eat well and incorporate it into your every day life. Make it easy for you.
Instructions
I put my oven on to 180 degrees as my oven is gas is old and funny. The instructions on the recipe say 150 for an electric oven. Make sure to your line your baking tray.
I halved and cleaned out my capsicum pieces. I like to make sure that they are ready.
Cook brown rice, drain, pour back into pot & cover off heat for 10 minutes.
Cook zucchini & onion in a fry pan with a splash of olive oil on medium-high heat for a few minutes
Once softened & starting to brown, take off heat & set aside.
Combine all ingredients together except capsicums.
Spoon mixture into capsicums.
I added parmesan cheese and left off the olive oil drizzle in the recipe.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until soft & cooked through
Serve immediately
The capsicums ready to be stuffed.
I know I added some things to this dish and it was not exactly as listed. It tasted amazing and the addition of the lemon rind made it have an extra burst of flavour. Having the almonds made it have a nice texture and it was a great addition to a fabulous and easy dish.
Making it a main meal option
If you would like to make this as a main meal you can.
You can add mince or meat if you are not vegetarian. One good tip is to make sure that the capsicum pieces are a little bigger if it is a main meal, or have a few more if smaller.
You can play with what you add to the stuffing for the capsicums, and have different fillings for different menus. You could have a totally vegetarian dish and then switch it up by maybe adding some cheese in the stuffing mixture, or say shredded chicken and other root vegetables. The choices are endless and you can be as creative as you like.
Rice & Bean Stuffed Capsicums ready to eat. Yum. Just right for a side dish or for a main meal.
I hope this helps with some dinner ideas or maybe for lunch? You can have it for both. This is super easy dish and helps to make sure that you are getting more vetables in your diet. Well I suppose it depends on what you put in the stuffing.
Healthdirect Australia who manages the national Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service conducted a survey to find out the concerns parents have being new parents, about pregnancy and the birth of their child or children.
Did you know that many parents have thoughts that they are unable to share with others. Sad really. Every parent has probably had the same thoughts and sharing will make you not feel so alone.
Pregnant and wondering what it will be like being a mummy.
“The online survey of 1,011 expecting or new parents found that 53 per cent reported experiencing some issues that were so personal they couldn’t tell anyone.”
I do understand not wanting to share very personal information but at times having a person who you trust can help a great deal.
What were your biggest fears when you were pregnant?
Mine was just around the health of the baby and that the birth went well. Initially I was thinking that we were having one child, but that thought soon ended and the worry over a multiple pregnancy entered my head. I was fine but my doctor was rather concerned.
From the survey they were:
Something being “wrong” with their baby (49%)
Miscarriage (42%)
Coping financially (34%)
Baby crying… please go back to sleep!
Emotional support is a big thing that is needed in the first stages of parenthood.
71% needed significant emotional support in the first six months of parenthood
Men and women looked to their partner, friends and family as well for their support network.
GP’s was next on the list
Online forums was noted to be a good source of support as well.
I for one was super tired and a zombie like person after the birth of the twins. Constantly getting up every three or so hours to feed babies, change them and to make sure all is well with little people made me very, very, very tired!
It is no surprise that one of the biggest challenge once you have a new baby is the lack of sleep that parents face, especially the primary care giver. The next major issue was if your little bundle does not sleep at all. I was very lucky my kids slept well, I don’t know how I would have managed with babies up non-stop and I with no sleep either.
Factor in recovering from birth and if you have other children to care for as well. This would push your limits.
Sleepy baby
One third of respondents reported experiencing miscarriage. 32% sought counseling. It is difficult to talk about loss, feelings and pain.
“Pregnancy, Birth and Baby was set up specifically to help people struggling with issues around pregnancy and birth, and that includes pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal and infant loss. We’d encourage anyone dealing with a tough time to call us on our 24 hour help line on 1800 882 436, or visit our website at www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au.
I have my down times when everything feels horrible and like I am a complete failure. Yes I suppose everyone goes through this. Terrible mother moments, and self-doubt creep in.
I then look at all the good things that I have done.
My kids are:
Happy
Healthy
Smart
Love hubby and me
Giggly
Funny
Active
Considerate
Helpful
Caring
They are also sometimes naughty, silly and don’t listen but that is kids for you.
On the whole. I am doing a good job. I think you are too. Don’t beat yourself up over some little things. So what if the house is a mess. So what if you did not have a shower to drop kids at school. If you brushed your teeth and hair and managed to get kids dressed and sorted for school that is an accomplishment in itself. You can always have a nice relaxing shower or bath while kids are at school or care. This way you can relax!
Focus on the positives. Take small wins and if someone offers to help you accept it. When the kids were babies I had family come over all the time to help me out. It was a nice time and much needed.
A father with his new little baby. Finally sleeping. Now not to move!
Oh and one other thing. If you are pregnant and about to give birth. Freeze about three months of meals in a freezer. If you have to add rice or salad that is easy, but having all the hard cooking done makes things ten times easier, especially when you are tired and don’t have the time or energy to cook.
Don’t worry about reaching out for support or help. This is what these organisations and groups are there for.
Anything that helps and makes you feel better is a positive and is good for the family.
See below for all the info about HealthDirect Australia and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.
ABOUT HEALTHDIRECT AUSTRALIA: Healthdirect Australia is a publicly funded company, established to provide all Australians with access to trusted health information and advice, when and where they need it. We deliver a number of health services, including Pregnancy, Birth and Baby- free 24hr advice and through pregnancy, childbirth and the first year of parenthood. For more information visit: www.healthdirect.gov.au.
ABOUT PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BABY:Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is an initiative of the Federal Government and offers free, confidential information and support to women and their partners through pregnancy, childbirth and the first year of parenthood. The service is also available to friends and relatives.
Becoming a parent can sometimes be challenging or overwhelming, and it’s reassuring to know there is expert help and support available whenever you need it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
By phone: call 1800 882 436 at any time of the day or night. Our staff can answer any questions you may have, give you advice on what to do next, and redirect you to other useful services.
Video call: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is one of the world’s first health services to offer a secure, high quality video call option, 7am – midnight, 7 days: http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/video-call
Online: The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website provides information for expecting and new parents on a range of topics. The information is easy to understand, up to date and has been subject to Healthdirect Australia’s strict quality assurance processes: www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au
Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
2015 is my year to focus on me and changes for the better.
I had grand plans:
Get fit.
Get toned.
Eat well, or at least healthier and cut down on my portion sizes.
Have you still kept up your goal from Jan 1st 2015 to be a fitter and healthier version of you? I’m sending you a big virtual hug for all those that manage to keep going with a busy and hectic schedule.
Yes I have tried but as mother to two active and on the go kids, plus doing everything else a mum orta do I don’t end up fitting in exercise. Does this sound like what happens with you?
I don’t know how you end up feeling if you neglect the exercise, but if I end up missing out I get annoyed, frustrated and a little crabby that I did not manage to fit it all in. Silly really but that little bit of time for me that allows my body to unwind, stretch and relax does make a massive difference in my day and mood. It also allows me to feel better and therefore be happier.
So how can this be fixed?
Just doing 20 minutes of exercise a day. It can be in the morning before kids get up. While they are at school, or sleeping.
I was approached by the lovely ladies at Body Beyond Birth , Becky and Jackie. To trial their 12 week program. I of course would love to be fitter and healthier so I was happy and delighted to trial their amazing program.
The program is aimed at busy mums. Becky and Jackie have wonderful instruction videos that are Pilates based and help tone your core and pelvic floor (Yes we need to remember to exercise this area!) Yoga videos are available to watch also as well as meditation
The recipe pages are divine, look yummy and are good for you! They have recipe’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The site also has great print outs of what are actual portion sizes and other great nutritional info that is a good read.
Breakfast Smoothie from Body Beyond Birth
What are my thoughts so far?
I only joined last Tuesday. I have done my first week. I love the exercises as they make me feel taller. The stretching and toning the core is exactly what I need. I need to focus on my back and stomach to ensure I don’t get more back aches and of course take care of my pelvic floor.
The week one exercise video was good and all about form and control of the exercise.
Week two’s exercise video was great as it is progressing with some holding techniques and allowing me to stretch and work other areas of my core, stomach and back.
When I first signed up, I did not know where to place myself. You can put yourself as a beginner (stage 1), Someone who exercises a bit (stage 2), or someone who is full on and wants to push the limits (stage 3). I chose stage 2 and this seems right for me. However during my phone conversation with Jackie she said that if you are at the wrong stage and the plan is too easy or too hard they can move you to the most appropriate level for you. Jackie said, “I want for people to be happy with the exercises they are doing. We don’t want to have it too hard for some people or too easy. We are happy to fix this for a client if needed”
I love the fact that you can take this exercise program anywhere. All you need is an iPad or Tablet device and you can do your 20mins of exercise.
The exercise videos from all weeks are available to access during the program. If you would like to redo week 1’s exercise video you can and then progress to the week 2’s or other weeks depending on what you would like to do.
Yoga with Zoe, from Body Beyond Birth
Outcomes
I will be sharing my outcomes on the blog each week. So please stop by and see how I’m going. I should have done the my measurements but have not so will do that soon (I will not be sharing but would like to know if the program has helped and made a difference)
Please feel free to drop by Body Beyond Birth to check out their fab site and see if you would like to do their 12 week program as well. Or you can just do their 7 day trial to see if you like it. Give it a go or drop them a line.
Do you find since kids it is a struggle to fit in exercise? Let us know what you do to make sure you fit it in.
Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Many people assume if you have twins you must have had IVF. Worse still, total strangers think it is perfectly fine to ask you to confirm just how your children’s conception came about.
Friends who are “older” – including those without twins – complain about attracting the same curiosity from people they barely know.
And same sex couples (“who is the father/mother?”).
The answer oh curious stranger is, “none of your business!”
Cute little baby. Who cares how you were conceived you are wonderful and beautiful.
Perhaps when I receive such questions, I should respond in kind by asking the stranger if he/she had sex to have their child/ren?Maybe I could throw in some other up close and personal curly questions such as their medical history and maybe what they earn?
For the record, I never answer questions about how our girls were conceived.
The reasons are simple.
I don’t want to set up a “natural versus assisted conception” thing
It is not just my story to tell – it’s a story shared by my family
And It just doesn’t matter
Do you get asked if you used IVF? Would you feel okay asking a complete stranger if they had to have medical intervention to have their kids?
Why would I share such intimate details with a complete stranger? I don’t see any benefit in having this discussion.
Of course I would have to be living on another planet not to know couples that have used IVF due to one or both parents having an issue with fertility, or one parent having a congenital issue they don’t want to pass on or because they are a same sex couple in need of an egg or sperm. Or for whatever reason. There is certainly no shame in taking advantage of the wonders of medical science but it is damn personal stuff.
I sympathised with Nicole Kidman when she was forced to justify to millions of strangers all over the world her use of the term “gestational carrier”. Sure it sounded a little unusual but I think she was just saying, “hey this baby is my precious child and the technology involved is not the focus”.
It does not matter how you conceived your children as long as they are here, happy and nurtured. Whether the journey started with fours years of trying, one night of passion, or IVF, AI, GIFT or whatever is irrelevant.
It is no one’s business but yours. If you choose to tell family or friends that’s up to you. In my book, being asked by a stranger how you conceived your kids is just weird.
Have other parents of multiple birth children encountered such a question? Are we particular magnets for such inquiries or have single bub parents heard them too? Maybe the assumption is that all twins and triplets are IVF babies? Hey, prior to the first IVF bubs being born in 1978 people did have twins and triplets you know.
Has the frequent use of reproduction technology created a new social acceptance about quizzing people about how their much loved children came about?
Let us know your thoughts. Why not continue the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Meet Dora the Explorer at the Sydney Baby & Toddler Show
More Free Tickets to WIN
Hi all, Did you miss out on tickets to the Sydney Baby & Toddler Show? I have just noticed that Mamee Australia are giving away more free tickets. All you have to do is to like their Facebook page or the Twitter page, and then you can get a free ticket. Easy, well I thought so.
I wanted to make sure to share with my readers just in case you would love to go. So why not stop by the Mamee Facebook page and get yourself a ticket. You can also connect with Mamee on their Twitter page.
Where is the show and when is it on?
Friday 11 – Sunday 13 October 2013
Sydney Exhibition Centre
Darling Harbour, Halls 1 & 2
Tickets at the door are $20 so you can save this much if you win a free ticket. Not sure how many are left but you may as well give it a go. Good luck and if you go, have a wonderful time.
Meet Dora the Explorer at the Sydney Baby & Toddler Show
More Free Tickets to WIN
Hi all, Did you miss out on tickets to the Sydney Baby & Toddler Show? I have just noticed that Mamee Australia are giving away more free tickets. All you have to do is to like their Facebook page or the Twitter page, and then you can get a free ticket. Easy, well I thought so.
I wanted to make sure to share with my readers just in case you would love to go. So why not stop by the Mamee Facebook page and get yourself a ticket. You can also connect with Mamee on their Twitter page.
Where is the show and when is it on?
Friday 11 – Sunday 13 October 2013
Sydney Exhibition Centre
Darling Harbour, Halls 1 & 2
Tickets at the door are $20 so you can save this much if you win a free ticket. Not sure how many are left but you may as well give it a go. Good luck and if you go, have a wonderful time.
Mother-of-nine Lovelyn Palm breastfeeding her twins Emilia and Evelyn. Picture: Ashlee Wells Jackson
Instagram and Facebook are removing images of mothers with their babies. They are citing that the images are lewd and therefore need to be removed according to their policy.
Ashlee Wells Jackson a photographer has started the “Fourth Trimester Bodies Project to celebrate the post-pregnancy body – stretches, stripes, scars and all.” I believe that these images are beautiful and not lewd or obscene in any way. It is a celebration of women, their bodies after having a baby and motherhood.
The Fourth Trimester Bodies Project is asking that you bombard Instagram and Facebook with images to protest and show your support . Also please sign the petition to help change the policies so that these images will not be removed in the future.
I have signed the petition, I urge you to do so as well.
I am sure we can all help create change. Get your camera and get snapping, then upload them as soon as possible.
Picture: Ashlee Wells Jackson
Ashlee Wells Jackson I hope you don’t mind me using your fab photos to help the cause. I have made sure to credit you.
