Late pregnancy, Pre birth and preparing for labour | TOOLKIT

Birth
There is so much information on the internet, sifting through and finding articles and blogs which are generally helpful can be difficult. Hell, I've only just found a handful of websites which have helped me form a conclusive decision on my wants during my labour and I have been looking all pregnancy... For the new readers, I'm 30 weeks today! My 30 week update will be up tomorrow after my midwife appointment incase you were wondering.
Anyway I have decided to put together a little tool box or brief case type blog full of handy links to information I believe is relevant not only to VBAC mums like myself, but first time mothers freaking out about labour, or even second or third time mums wanting to re fresh their minds.

Phoenix Therapies - Clary Sage Oil
Now I always thought this was a super no go because of the strength and dangers of induction... Turns out in the correct dosage and method it can be more helpful! I won't be using to induce as many others do, I will be using as a calming pain relief during labour. 

VBACfacts.com - discussion on Evening Primrose Oil
This one was a very interesting read, it doesn't tell you to use or not to use EPO but it shows lack of evidence supporting the benefits as well as some studies which go in to explain how it could be linked to bleeding.
It's an informative read but doesn't help form a decision either way in my opinion.

VBACfacts.com - Uterine Rupture and epidurals
Uterine Rupture hasn't been something I have read much into when regarding symptoms ect, I believe that would freak me out more than necessary. I have researched the statistics and are comfortable with them as well as the risks in comparison with multiple cesareans. 
*ill include a diagram below of risks comparing the two. 

Pregnancy.com - raspberry leaf tea
This article explains all about RLT the dosages and when to take ect. I found this super helpful as I'm about to begin using the tea myself. 

The following two links are to other pages on my blog I thought you may find helpful.
Birth Affirmations
Birth Plans



Here are two diagrams explaining the statistics risks and benefits of both vbacs and caesareans. 




You know those letter coded positions the OBs and midwives write down at your antenatal appointments? Yes well here are pictures and the codes for you to work through and discover on your own (:


How to stay positive whilst in labour

Birth
BIRTH AFFIRMATIONS || 

Just finding and reading all these little quotes and statements lift my mood and create such a positive atmosphere. 
I generally believe they will help me through my low points during labour. 

You can print them out onto card, create a pin board or a pocket book and take that into hospital with you. 



Here are a few of my favourites which I just found via google images. There are actually a million different affirmations in this same theme. So if your kinda unofficially ocd like me you'll love the fact everything can match! 

I'm contemplating creating an ebook and making my own affirmations in a few different themes which can be printed ect. I would REALLY love feedback on this idea so please comment below, email tiarne.straatman@gmail.com, contact via Instagram or Facbook.

VBAC | educating myself or obsessed?

Birth
I knew from day dot that this pregnancy would be so different from my first with Charlie. Charlie's pregnancy went smoothly, yet I was uneducated and blissfly unaware of all the things that could go wrong when giving birth. I had no idea that I had options and I could decline procedures. 
When I found out I was pregnant with little mini #2 I was determined to educate myself and prepare in everyway so I could achieve my dream of a VBAC. 
VBAC - vaginal birth after cesarean. 

My birth story with Charlie is already on the blog, it should be in the file section of the drop down menu if the blog is behaving! Technology and I have a love hate relationship.

I started researching and quickly learnt what I did and didn't want for the birth of this baby. I learnt that your care providers and support need to be 100% committed. I learnt I have options and that when my OB try's to tell me it's too dangerous to attempt a VBAC I can slam the facts in her face and tell her I have 199 chances out of 200 of successfully giving birth to this baby! 

I also learnt that I may or may not be getting a little obsessed with all of this. 😂 what do you guys think? Obsessed or just educating myself? 

Throw back to my little family ♥️

5 changes to expect during and after pregnancy

Birth
I wrote a post the other week "what to expect when your expecting". But, I didn't touch base on what you need to prepare yourself for in regards to changes within your own body. 

Of course everyone is different, everyone's bodies are different! So these changes I experienced may or may not happen to you. 


Itchy Nipples
Surprisingly enough this was my first sign of pregnancy! Giggle if you wish, it is sort of funny. My periods ALWAYS came as they pleased so the fact it didn't say hello one month didn't concern me. What did concern me was itch nipples, it drove me insane! I ended up phoning my trusty pal google. He told me I either had breast cancer or I was pregnant.... 

Stretch Marks
I gloated to everyone bout how I was 36 weeks and no stretch marks! Little did I know... Over night I would magically triple in size and wake up with stretch marks all over my back, my stomach, my thighs and even my arms! 

Leaky Boobs
Once you give birth and your milk comes in it starts. You will leak through breast pads, through your bra, all over your clothes. Rotten breast milk becomes your perfume. 

Flab
That one part of my tummy that I can't seem to tighten! Hello lose skin and tiger stripes. 



What was your most difficult change to come to terms with?

Lastly.. Don't be scared 💕

Birth
I know labour can be daunting and scary! But just keep that final goal in mind. Your about to meet the love of your life, your newborn baby will change and flip your whole life upside down! But even with all the hard moments, the tears and tantrums. It is worth it, one little smile or hug from your little bundle of joy will melt your heart (: 

If you have any questions about labour, giving birth, drug options or Cesareans feel free to send me an email |tiarne.straatman@gmail.com| and I'll try my best to answer them for you or point you in the best direction for gaining the information you need! 💕 
Love #mummyblogger xox

My own labour and birth experience | Charlie |

Birth
Okay guys, well you asked for it! My story deffinitely isn't the best or most positive for you mum to be's to be reading but what the hell! Here we go. 

At 2am Friday morning I was 41 + 1 weeks into my pregnancy so a whole week over due! I woke up with bad pains wrapping around from my back to no belly. By 3am I couldn't sleep through them anymore, being a first time mum I rang the hospital and they told me if I thought I was okay to call back in the morning. Well I had no idea what okay was but I stayed home. In and out of the bath, shower and bed. By the morning I went into hospital at 7am and I was only 2cms dilated! 😭 I went home and spent the whole day untill 6pm that night doing anything I could to distract myself from these contractions. They were strong and  regular 5 minutes apart lasting about 50 seconds. When I got back to hospital I was 5 cms and in active labour, I asked for the gas which I sucked on. I also tried rocking on the ball and jumped in the shower a few times. The next day or two is a blur! All I can say is I didn't sleep for almost 48 hours.... Let's skip to Saturday afternoon shall we, it was 3pm and I was still only 7-8 cms. My labour was very prolonged. It was horrible and dragged on and on. My waters did not break, Charlie had came down so far that they were trapped behind him and leaked only as he moved. So there was no gush to bring him down further. They also realised at this point that Charlie was face up instead of face down, which would make it quite difficult to deliver unless he turned. 
At 3.20 I felt like giving up, I signed a constent form for a cesarean! The one thing I said I never wanted to do. I saw a heap of doctors and was dressed and wheel down to theater. My partner was Ina waiting room whilst I was meant to be getting a spinal block. Then... I said stop! Something had changed and I knew I had to push, then and their in the operating theater. They checked me again and I was 10cms! Wow I know woo go me (: they rushed my partner in and told me to push! I pushed for 30mins but Charlie wouldn't turn. So they attempted a vacuum extraction, he would not turn and he would not fit through my pelvis. All of a sudden they called emergency cesarean and everyone rushed around and my partner was taken from the room.
They sat me up and I had the needle in my spine, when I laid down my partner was by my side. It all happened so quickly. I could feel the pulling and tugging but no pain! Such a strange feeling, like rummaging around in a handbag as such! 
Before I knew it they were holding up a grey slimy baby and I heard that first gasp of breath and then the screams of life. All I could say was "that's my baby" he was beautiful, I fell instantly inlove! 
Charlie was born at 4.59pm| 29.03.14| 9pounds11oz | 💋


Preparing yourself |what I wish I knew|

Birth
Whilst I currently have my child trying to chew on my foot I first wanted to touch base on what I wish I knew before going into labour! I thought it would be hard and painful and everything like that and I was prepared for stitches down there and being sore. But no one ever prepared me for long delayed labour, emergency cesarean, forceps and vaccum attemps 😭 honestly ahhh! My labour was hell.
So here is what I wish I knew:
• Labour and contractions can take several hours, even days before you even get to a stage in which you can start to push. 
• It is possible you may need a cesarean, sometimes you do not have a choice.
• Read up about all the avaliable drugs and be accepting of what they reccommend.

Just be open minded, be aware that things may not go as planned. Plus it's all worth it when you get to hold your baby in your arms xx 
#mummyblogger

Labour, Giving Birth and Cesareans!

Birth
Hello all you lovely people! 
Coming up this week I'm going to be blogging all about those final moments of pregnancy! From going into labour to actually giving birth and emergency Cesareans. 

Now I want to know something, I had quite a struggle with my birth of Charlie and I don't want to give anyone a negative vibe going into labour. So should I share my story with you all or not?  

I also would love to hear your concerns questions or birthing stories! (: 
Email me @ tiarne.straatman@gmail.com
or DM on IG @ mummyblogger

Love 💕 yourmummyblogger xx

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