The fourth trimester

Breastfeeding
We all know pregnancy has three trimesters, but what about after baby is born? Those first few weeks are so important, baby is so new and fresh; his confused and learning to cope in this brand new world. That's why with archer I have adapted the fourth trimester theory. 

Have you ever thought about why we are told to swaddle our babies? Why they seem to smooth to the shhing noise? Or by being upright on your chest? 
All these things remind them of being in the womb, our heart beat, the sound of the blood in the umbilical cord, being all snug and squished as they grow inside of us. 
I've spent these past eight weeks nurturing him, providing him all the comfort he cries for, feeding on demand and surrendering myself to his needs. I'm pouring in so much effort to one tiny human sometimes I'm forgetting to show affection to the other two males in my life.  
But there is never a right or wrong in parenting, my techniques with Archer are almost opposite to the techniques I used with Charlie. Maybe that's because I know I am not having anymore children, maybe I'm trying to keep him little forever. Maybe there are some deeper underlying issues of my own. Whatever the case, don't let anyone tell you your doing it wrong. Do it however you please. 
They are only little for so long, enjoy it, embrace it and be content with however you choose to raise your child. 



Knowing when you have reached your limit

children
The moment you realise this will be over forever. 

It's time for you to meet the world, my little one. It's time to grow, learn and develop.  I cannot wait to start this adventure with you. But before it begins can we just take a moment. 

I need a moment to appreciate pregnancy; the aches, the pains and your movements. I want to memorise the feeling of your hiccups. I want to see Charlie admire my stomach one last time, give it one last kiss and then cover it up and say “bye bye baby”. I just need to freeze these moments in time. 

It's all about to end and I don't know how to feel about it. 
I feel relief; for my body. I can now heal, I can focus on my health and my fitness. 
I feel lighter; like weights have been lifted. I know Shane and I will be able to rekindle and light the flame which my moody hormones have smothered. 
I feel relaxed; knowing I can finally take back control of my mental health.
I feel guilt; for wanting it to end. For seeing the positives of never being pregnant again. 
I feel sadness. For this will be the last time I will grow another life; have two hearts beating inside my one body. 

But I know I should be excited, to begin a new chapter. Extend our family of three and become a family of four. I am content with the thought of two boys. Running around the farm, playing in mud, making a mess and causing chaos. 
I know it'll never be easy, but we will conquer each milestone together; taking it one step at a time. 


38 weeks | Pregnancy Update

Induction
As I lay in bed and feel soft tiny fingers reach out in search of comfort and stroke my cheek, a tear rolls down my face; for the first time in weeks I believe that everything will be okay. 

38 weeks, an emotional exhausted mess. My body is aching and I can only eat one meal a day. I waddle and my pregnancy tops no longer cover this bump. All I can do is wait; wait for it all to be over or wait for it all to begin? Not even I know. 

Thursday I had a midwife appointment. I was concerned about babes positioning; as at 36 weeks he was lying ROP. Guess what? His now lying LOT, a huge improvement and heading into the optimal position of LOA. 


This must mean that my boy is just awesome... Or that the exercises I have been doing are making a positive influence on my body. 
I have had lots of questions about the exercises in doing, how to do them ect. So I'll put together a detailed article with photos and links which will be posted tomorrow! 

Back to talking about my 38 week midwife app last Thursday. My midwife advised me my OB will want to do a VE and stretch and sweep at my 40 week appointment. I had said all along I wanted no VEs before 40 weeks and no talk of induction before 41 weeks; so now facing the 40 week mark in stumped at what to do. 
Stretch and Sweep? yes or no? 
http://matterhatter.com.au/stretch-and-sweeps-the-massive-mindgame/
I read this article above which explains some of the risks involved and I couldn't agree more with the psychological risks being a high factor. In the back of my mind I'm just hoping I'll go into labour before then. 
I also had a growth scan on Thursday and even though the technician was quite rude it was nice to see baby Mac again. He looks about 8pound currently and measuring 39 weeks instead of 38; so not really a big deal. 

Tonight I'm having so much pressure, and period type aches. I'm sitting on my ball and thinking about having a relaxing bath with some Clary Sage Oil and a cup of Raspberry Lead Tea. 
Wish me luck.

Tiarne Straatman
Mummy Blogger

34 Week Pregnancy Update

34 weeks
34 weeks, time is flying by imand I can't even keep up anymore! Each day is blending into the next and I am feeling more and more unprepared. 

I had a midwife appointment at 33 weeks, where I finally got the chance to meet my student follow through midwife Gabi. She is fabulous, we chat via text all the time but meeting her and having her feel my stomach and do my obs made it feel more real. Having my OB and main midwife say they may not be at my birth was daunting but knowing Gabi will be there 100% has boosted my confidence! 
I'll be getting more bloods done tomorrow to see if my iron levels have increased into a safer level. I've still been taking the moltfer so fingers crossed!


I made the choice to begin taking Evening Primrose Oil capsules orally, twice a day at 33 weeks; I'll continue this until birth. Babe has been moving so much, it gets so uncomfortable! Something that does help is a long walk, followed by a bath and a hot cup of Raspberry Leaf Tea. Total relaxation. 
This past week I have been feeling extreme amounts of pressure all through my pelvis bum and thighs, it comes and goes in waves. Hopefully this is a sign of him moving down and engaging! 

I spent part of my Thursday in this beautiful studio! Charlie and I went in for our second last timeline shoot! Hopefully babe stays put another 4 weeks for the last one before his arrival (:





32 weeks | UPDATE

32 week update
I've hit that point, yesterday I was alone in my car.. I purchased two king size caramels koalas and ate them to myself and hid the wrappers. My cravings for chocolate are extreme. 
I'm now 32 weeks pregnant, but in the back of my mind I know according to my own dates I would be 36 weeks... Only time will tell. Baby has been extra active and Braxton hicks are becoming stronger. He also feels alot lower down and heavier in my pelvis. 
I have began drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, I started this at 31 weeks and have been trying to drink three cups per day, but currently I have only been consuming two. Not sure where all the hours in my day are going! 
Im also tossing up whether to start taking the evening primrose oil capsules I purchased.. I will be chatting to my midwife on Thursday about it and if anyone if a interested I can let them know what her opinion was (: 
I linked multiple evidence based articles and information in a blog I posted recently "LATE PREGNANCY, PRE BIRTH AND PREPARING FOR LABOUR | TOOLKIT"

My maternity clothes seem to be shrinking into crop tops and people are beginning to assume I am over due...  My bump sure is bigger than at 32 weeks with Charlie! 
Speaking of Charlie, he has decided that when he has had enough of kissing cuddling or talking to the baby (aka my belly) he puts a pillow blanket or anything else to cover it up and says bye baby... Let's hope he doesn't chuck something on top of the baby once he has arrived! 

my round petite 32 week bump during my first pregnancy with Charlie. 

*consult your midwife GP or OB before beginning any new products, even though these products mentioned are  something anyone can purchase over the counter and these quantities may be fine for myself but damaging to other people. I am not giving medical advice these are only my personal opinions and experiences*

The Pregnancy Glow

humour
Does the pregnancy glow wear off? Is it something that comes and goes with my mood swings? A glow of fire out of my nostrils, when I slice the ham to thick or realising I'm crying for no good reason for the 3rd time in one day. 

Where is the glow in my pimples, the ones I only ever get when I'm pregnant. My constant oily hair, or nails which grow as you cut them. 
Maybe it's the sun glistening off my hairy legs, I don't know because I can't even see my toes let alone my legs, or bend down to shave them. 

"Oh it's such a magical feeling" 
Well yes sometimes I can lay there and admire the small twitches and movements. But this getting kicked in the ribs and playing hop skip and jump on my bladder isn't my idea of magic. 

"Wow still 9 more weeks? Your about to explode" 
Thanks, not only do I feel like a beached whale, you just confirmed it for me.

"Your going to have your hands full aren't you"
Honestly, it might just be my hormones but I could punch you right now. How dare you doubt my abilities, I'm going to fucking ace this two kid thing. Yes my toddler will most likely strangle the baby as he attempts to show him some lovin', probably tip the bassinet by trying to climb up and see the baby and his help may not always be very helpful. But I'm going to love every minute of it. 

My feet and hands are puffy and swollen, I'm edging towards hitting the 100kg mark and I now wake up to use the bathroom atleast three times per night. 
But I'm glowing, im glowing internally, full of happiness and gratitude. I'm thankful for the ability to be able experience pregnancy, I'm thankful for my cheeky thriving toddler and my supportive fiancé. 


Red Raspberry Leaf Tea | summer iced recipie

Labour
As I'm sitting here infront of the air conditioner, 31 weeks pregnant and allowing my cup of red raspberry leaf tea to brew and then cool, something sprung into my mind... There has to be an alternative to a blissful hot cup of tea, don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoy it, but 9 time out of 10 it's cold when I get around to drinking it anyway! 
I jumped onto Pinterest and had a search around, I found a blog post on how to make concentrated icecubes. Which you can see here. It was a good start and definitely something I will keep in mind for labour as ice cubes and water was my go to with Charlie's birth. 
But I was looking for more of an iced tea recipie, I tested it out with just one cup of my normal tea, following instructions on the packet as well as adding a dash of honey. Once the tea had cooled, i placed it in the fridge to go nice and cold. I then added ice cubes and wallah you now have "so simple it sounds dumb iced tea"

I have since done some more reading about loose leaf teas and the quantities and put together this basic recipe to make one litre of iced raspberry leaf tea! 

Ingredients 
1 litre of boiling water 
4 teaspoons of loose raspberry leaf tea
Decent dollop of honey (optional/to taste)

Icecubes to serve - I used a mix of pain water and the concentrated recipie linked above. 
Frozen Raspberries - if you love the prettiness of things like I do throw a few frozen raspberries in your glass when you serve. 

Method
* brew your tea as directed on the packaging * 
Add honey whilst hot
Leave to cool
Poor into jug and place in the fridge
Serve with icecubes, and raspberries


 

December Favourites - my must have items and more

Baby Led Weaning
So glad that this silly season has come to an end, there is such a big build up, so much money spent plans made and organisation thrown out the window. Then its over, just like that...
Im excited to settle down into routine again, appreciate the little things and focus on my expanding family in the upcoming months ( 66 days to be exact ) .
December was busy, chaotic and stressful, but fun.

For myself I would not have gotten through December ( or any month for that matter ) without a calendar! Everything gets jotted down on each calendar in the house... Yes I have more than one. Another thing which I should have done months ago but it happened in December was getting re-fitted for a bra. I was having the worst back pain and since being re-fitted and purchasing some new bras as well as a bra extender for some of my beloved bras at home, the back pain has subsided dramatically! Lastly hubbys t-shirts come in handy. Keep this between you and me but whenever he gets given a t-shirt whether it be for Christmas or a birthday, I get to claim it. These over sized t-shirts are perfect for lazing around the house, being pregnant and sleeping in! That's if your dating a real man... Girls these days not being able to wear their boyfriends baggy t-shirts is so shitty, they are all skinner than them to bastards!

The most beneficial product for Charlie this month at currently 21 months of age, was snack size containers (I will add image below) . I always had an empty one in his nappy bag for whilst we were in the car, it made those easy sneaky and super unhealthy take away stops whilst travelling super simple. I would put a few things at a time in their and it saves handing him one chip or nugget, ect, at a time. If your into buying in bulk like me its also handy to make your own snacks in, I buy nuts, energy balls and dried fruits and mix them up in the container for trips or even at home. Since Christmas I have also found that the large silicon style bucket tubs are perfect for all those toys being left around! I now have one in our lounge and one in his room. Now this last favourite for Charlie might be just a personal preference but what the hey. I couldn't get Charlie to enjoy wearing thongs, they were tight and uncomfortable UNTILL I got him actual havianas, well a'fucking'men.

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 (:


28 week • Pregnancy Update

28 weeks
I finally met my obstetrician, and it was amazing. She was very encouraging of VBAC and out of my whole birth plan she only challenged me in two areas. Vaginal Exams and CFM.
VE - I requested to only have vaginal exams on arrival to confirm active labour and when I feel the need to push to confirm dilation. Dr Tzippy wants frequent checks to confirm progress and to basically put me on a time frame. 
Not Happening always remember you can decline any procedure. I will always put my babies health and safety first but if I am safe and baby is safe I will decline unnecessary proceedures. 
CFM - I requested Doppler monitoring only. Dr Tzippy wants Continous Fetal Monitoring with the exception of quick breaks for showering. My compromise to her at my next appointment will be wireless waterproof CFM, less restrictive and able to bath and shower as I please. 
The major positive from my conversations with Dr Tzippy was the fact that no matter how big my baby is, it will not effect her thoughts on allowing me to attempt Vbac! I find that super encouraging and empowering. 

I have also arranged continuity of care with a last year midwifery student, she was super supportive and gave me insight to midwifes on the ward. She was able to tell me how things play out in practice rather than just the theories that the OB who mind you will most likely not be there stand by. She will be following me throughout the remainder of my pregnancy, attending appointments with me and helping me prepare for the birth of my second son. This support is really important to me especially whilst pursuing a vbac.

More on the topic of my little bundle himself, his measuring 3 weeks ahead.... 31 weeks instead of 28! His moving around like crazy and seems to be content in his little home. Brixton Hicks have slowed even more this past fourtnight but do occur randomly at times. 


PREGNANCY UPDATE • 24 weeks

24 week
Finally some positive news on the hospital and OB hunt. Over the past two weeks as you know I was waiting to hear back from Dr Simon at WGHS. Turns out the capacity is full and they cannot take on my care. This was a huge blow to my confidence and at 23 weeks gestation hormones flying and my poor hubby coping the brink of it all sent me over the edge. 
I was at my last option LRH Traralgon is not where I would choose to birth, a lot of contradicting stories - both good and bad. I called and spoke to some midwives and asked for the most supportive vbac OB they suggested Dr Tzippy. I've since booked in an apt with the midwives and another apt with the OB. My fingers and toes are crossed I feel supported ! 

* I am trying to be super positive about this experience at LRH and leavening all negatives behind me. So please please if you have any positive stories I would love to hear them. But the negatives and bad experiences are not what I want to hear right now. I hope you all can respect that 💕

My stomach is stretching and getting more firm, my boobs are getting huge and plump and awesome all over again. I seriously love the look of my breasts whilst full of milk a natural boob job! How fabulous. 
Aches and pains are continuing to occur as my pelvis and hips and rearranging to prepare for the growing little life inside of me. This little life is also becoming more active, I'm beginning to see my stomach move and jump around as he rolls, kicks and turns. Braxton Hicks has disappeared thank goodness! HOLD UP... I write this update over the two week period and up until two days ago they had disappeared but they are back in full swing on day three now unfortunately.



The past two weeks have been so jam packed I could honestly keep writing and writing! The nursery is coming along lovely and I've purchased some gorgeous little decor items off INSTAGRAM. 
Who would like a nursery update?  I was going to do a reveal once it is completed and but maybe I should do a progress shot too? Let me know what you think 😘

22 WEEKS PREGNANCY UPDATE

22 weeks
Currently sitting here on a birthing ball trying to get rid of this back pain. My pregnancy feels like it's going as fast as this amazing chocolate moose I'm devouring and I think terrible twos are setting in early with Mr 19 months. 

I bet your all curious as to how I got on with the whole OB situation. Well it turns out the lady I was looking forward to seeing would drop my care half way through due to giving birth at the same time as me so she will be on maternity leave. So I've decided to send a refferal off to dr Davd Simon at Warragul. Apparently he is amazing with vbacs and higher risked pregnancy/birth. I'm just awaiting an appointment opening and then I'll be set! I'm so excited to meet with him and start building some raport with a care provider. 

We also had our gender reveal last weekend! It was absolutely fabulous. Great food, Great company and even better cake! 


ITS A BOY

Yes, another little boy. A brestfriend for Charlie, to play with, to fight with, to teach and to protect. 

Pregnancy update | 18 weeks

18 weeks
I've decided to do a fortnightly pregnancy update. I'm now 18 weeks and will be meeting my OB and begin discussing VBACs and all the stuff which is so new to me even though this is my second pregnancy. I thought it would be nice to share it with you all! 

This pregnancy has been completely different from day one, immediately I was uncomfortable whilst sleeping... Even when I had no belly zip zero nothing. Then came the morning sickness, with Charlie my morning sickness was from 11-13 weeks. Two weeks of non stop vomiting, dehydration and discomfort. With this little mini I had morning sickness from 6 weeks through to 14 ish weeks. Only morning sickness, from when I woke up untill about 11am. 
I don't know which one was worse? I'm glad it's over though! 

Another difference I have noticed is that my cute tight pregnancy belly isn't so prominent this time around. I feel like babe is sitting so much higher, as well as the bottom of my stomach is already so stretched that it doesn't show that rounded shape as much. 
Definitely pulling out the spanks for my sister inlaws deb next week 😂

* I felt my first little movements last week!
* I've began wearing maternity clothes.  

Who knew pregnancy would be so different the second time around? I sure didn't expect anything. The one thing which has surprised me the most though is how much I don't think about it. My life is so busy chasing after an 18 month old terror that this is honestly flying by! 


Letters to my 15 year old self

blog
Last Thursday I was listening to a segment on the radio which was about celebrities who have written letters to their younger selves. It was quite inspirational and positive to listen to. This week I've teamed up with 7 other bloggers. We are all going to share a letter to our 15 year old selves! For myself it's also a little celebration post about moving out of my teen years officially this year. Yep I'm half way to 40! 

Well hey there 15 year old me! 
Hair extentions in, makeup on, fake tan? CHECK. Oh and don't forget that overly frilly pair of underwear you for some reason think are super sexy. 
Don't forget your bottle of Pash n Pop or Trevi either girl. 
That pretty much sums up your life from 15 - 17. Alcohol, Fun, Boys, Friendships and Love. 

Let's start with love.. Or should I say heart brake? I'm sorry to brake it to you gorgeous girl but that boy your head over heels in love with. Yes, the one who treats you so well and makes you the happiest girl in the world. He will brake your heart. Smash it into tiny pieces and leave you an emotional wreck. 
My advice is, don't shut yourself down so much. There are so many people around you that care and want to help you. You may not realise it but this is the moment your depression really hits hard and it's a journey I want you to not experience. 
You need help now, not in two years time. 

You know one good thing that came from your now ex bf. A large group of new friendships. Friendships you keep even long after that relationship fades away.  One special one in perticular, after you finish reading this 15 year old me, go hug Peter Clarke really tight, even tighter than you normally do. Treasure every moment with him. Don't ask me why, just do it. He is one person who you have a lot to thank for, a gorgeous soul. 

At 16 you have already met your dream man, not that you would believe me if I said who! Just before your 18th birthday he will propose to you and 2 and a bit months before your 19th birthday you will give birth to a healthy baby. This baby brings a whole new meaning to life for lots of family members. 

If I could give you any advice, it would be this...
Don't take anything for granted, life is short! You will loose people who mean everything to you. But you can keep going. Be everything they would want you to be and more. Make them proud. Don't listen to people who try to bring you down. Your hot and they are probably, no wait they are deffinitely just jealous ✋
Stay true to yourself, your morals and your goals. You can be anything you want to be! 

Love your settled down almost 20 year old self. 

Ps, you get your happily ever after very soon. xx

The Gap || what's your perfect number

Age gap
Everyone knows I'm awful with maths, but one thing I do know is that I want to try and achieve that perfect gap! 

I would love Charlie to have a sibling. Close enough that they can grow up an play together but further enough apart so I forget all that newborn sleep deprivation! You know those sleepless nights? Screaming the house down, wanting to throw them at a wall. Arguing with your partner? You know I bit Shane in my sleep once and apparently told him to breast feed the baby! Oh golly. Lack of sleep can do some silly things to you. 
One thing I do miss though. The scent. That newborn smell, if only I could bottle it up. Would that be creepy? I'm not sure but I think I'm beginning to ramble. 

My dilemma is knowing how long it will take to actually fall pregnant? First time lucky? Two years later? God only knows. All I do know is that I believe everything happens for a reason, just sometimes I can't quite decide what that reason is. 

A heart felt story of a super mums bravery

Bump babes
A little about who you are and your story?
I’m a young mummy named Lesley, married to an amazing man named Lucas with a 2.5 year old toddler named Maxwell or Maxi as we call him who is the light of my life. I have been on life support (dialysis) ever since Maxi was a few months old. In the summer of 2010 I became very sick, no one really knew what was wrong until one day I went to the dr for a blood test and got told to " get in an ambulance immediately as my kidneys were failing” it was of course terrifying but after 6 months of intensive chemotherapy they put my rare condition ‘nephritis’ into remission however I was left with only about 20% kidney function.. The doctors did not think I would ever be able to get pregnant because of the chemo etc. then by a miracle in Sep 2011 I found out I was pregnant (we were NOT trying) I was told that due to only having 20% kidney function my pregnancy was considered very high risk and that my baby may come very early. He did, I developed life threatening severe preeclampsia and this wiped out the remainder of my kidney function. I had an emergency c-section to save mine and my little boy’s life and Maxi was born at 29 weeks and 5 days weighing only 1.1 kilos. It was the happiest and most terrifying day of my life. He spent 6 weeks and 6 days in MONASH NICU before we got to take our little prince home.. To this day I count my blessings every second as he is in perfect health regardless of his prematurity- my miracle baby.




how do you keep such a positive and confident aspect on life?
I don’t know I guess I just feel very blessed every day to still be here, blessed that my little boy survived coming into the world so early and blessed that I live in a country where I can receive dialysis and remain alive until a new kidney is found. I don’t take any day for granted.

whose your rock and how do they make you smile on those darker days? 
My husband Lucas 100%! he’s the strongest most incredible man I’ve ever known, to watch his wife on life support and see his son in a similar situation at the same time must have been the most difficult thing in the world - but he managed it and managed to pull us both through- he does all this whilst running two businesses and driving me around too (I lost my drivers license due to seizures from my kidney failure) He’s the best friend anyone could ask for and has the strongest soul I have ever encountered.



what would you say to woman with body image concerns?
That nobody is perfect that there is no such thing. For me scars in particular are beautiful they are battle wounds that tell your own unique story and proof that you are stronger than whatever tried to hurt you. I’ve had 6 operations in 2 years and many, many scars..embrace what you have and just be grateful for having your health it’s a priceless asset and gift. Last but not least don’t compare yourself to others - be your own best version of yourself as everyone else is taken. There is only one YOU!


Bump Babes || pregnancy supplement bar

Bump babes
Lesley Tozer and is an amazing super mum. She is also the owner of a brand new business, 'Bump Babes’ based in Melbourne, Australia.

She has recently launched a range of pregnancy related products. Including pregnancy snack bars specifically tailored to each trimester. 
The snack bars are titled T1, T2 and T3, obviously in relation to the three trimesters of pregnancy. 





Below are the notes I jotted down as I first tastes the bars! I will then go on to explain a little further. 

T1 : 
Scared of ginger, but was suttle and enjoyable! "Real fruity flavour". 
Chewy texture.

T1 is a first trimester supplement bar, chock full of strawberries (folate) & almonds helping to prevent birth defects and fatigue, as well as a little ginger to help overcome that morning sickness! 


T2 :
Flavour great, texture amazing pops. Sizing of bars are filling, great snack!

T2 is an apricot and coconut second trimester supplement bar. Iron and protein rich, to boost mama and babes cellular and tissue development, immune system and to prevent anemia. 

T3 :
Luxurious taste, fulfils all those late night pregnancy cravings! A slight after taste that leaves you satisfied yet wanting more.  

T3 is a third trimester trifecta of banana, macadamia and caramel. A delicious source of potassium, protein, calcium & antioxidents. Helping to promote strong healthy muscles and bones! 


Contact Lesley: 
@bumpbabes on IG 
www.bumpbabes.com website
lesley@bumpbabes.com email 

Also coming up next week we have an interview with Lesley discussing her personal battle. She is one brave and strong mumma ♥️

What I expected, when I was expecting

baby
I thought I was pretty prepared for parenthood. I thought I was ready! Now anyone who has a child will almost 100% laugh at that statment! 

Nothing can prepare you for how sleep deprived you will be. Nothing can prepare you for the constant attention and stimulation your baby will need. 
But nothing can prepare you for how inlove you will fall with your baby.
It's been the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding. 
I wouldn't change having my son for the world, but do I think I was ready to become a mother? No way. In all honesty I don't think you could ever be ready. 

I expected to have this cute little baby who I could dress up in so many cute clothes.
Onsies are so SO much more comfy for a newborn! Even now when Charlie is almost 10 months old, I still throw on a onsie to keep him all tucked in and warm if we are at home. 

What I expected when I was inlove with my bump, was nothing like reality.  But I love how my life has turned out! The unexpected is now expected.

Hyperemesis. Let's gain awareness and support!

Hyperemesis
Hey guys! I'm going to be collaborating with an lovely IG account |@sydneykidfashionblogger| to gain support and spread awareness of "hyperemesis". 

Henny from @sydneykidfashionblogger, suffered from Hyperemesis herself in her pregnancies! So who better to hear from? Yes that's right Henny (: 
She will be posting her story so you all can learn a little bit about what this horrible downside to pregnancy is and how she coped with it. 
Until then, I will give you a few of the "text book facts".

What is it? 
In a nut shell Heperemesis is excessive vomiting, nausea, weightloss, dehydration and in extreme cases your organs can begin to shut down. 

When do symptoms start?
Symptoms can start very early in pregnancy, usually ending by 17-20 weeks but can persist all the way through until birth. 



Millie's Birth Story | rylan|

Birth Story
Millie's birth story!
From 28 weeks as far as I know Rylan was breeched, I went in 4 times to try for a 4D ultrasound and he was hiding everytime! Every doctor appointment she would tell me he was heading the right way but I knew something wasn't right as his kicks were low and not as often as they should've been. At about 30 weeks I started getting severe pelvic pain to the point I couldn't get out of bed and was in an out of hospital with anxiety from the pain and general concern about everything. At 32 weeks the doctor started checking every week wether he had turned and he was always in the same position. I tried everything to try and get him to turn even seeing a chiropractor every 2nd day to try the Webster technique. At 34 weeks she sent me for an ultrasound and we discovered he was frank breech (feet in his face). I was so worried he would have hip problems as I googled it and the pictures made me stress! 
At 36 weeks I went back to my doctor and we made the decision to plan my C section, so from then on I knew my sons birthday would be July 29 if he wouldn't turn! Those weeks dragged on as I was so excited but I kept up with trying to get him to move! The 29th came and we headed to the hospital at 7am, I was so nervous knowing that I was going to meet my son that day! The nurses told me to relax in a bed as I wouldn't be going up to surgery until 1ish so they put the catheter in (which I found really unpleasant! I thought I was going to pee everywhere.) 
The day went really fast and by 1pmthey were taking me down to surgery and the nerves started to really kick in and I couldn't stop shaking. They did the spinal and I was amazed it was nothing compared to what I thought it would be. They laid me down and prepped and said they were ready to start and I was worried as mum wasn't in the room yet (she was there through my whole pregnancy as his father wasn't) and was like "where's mum?" They told me they would do the incision and bring her in without her seeing a thing. It all went quickly and I felt lots of tugging and within a few minutes my baby was there at 1:38pm! As soon as they showed me him I started to cry it was such a shock he was finally here. I was so caught up in seeing him for the first time I thought nothing of the fact he was purple and didn't cry. After a minute of them having him on the table I started to freak and he let out that first ever cry. They put him straight on my chest and I just remember saying to my mum "why does he only have one eye?" As his eye was stuck together and I was on plenty of drugs. I was so concerned that he only had one eye! Haha. He latched straight on once I was sewn up and they made me wait in the theatre for fifteen or so minutes because there was no beds in recovery and he had his first ever drink. Once we got to our room he was weighed and weighed 7 pound 3. The next day they got me up for a shower and I was surprised how much pain I wasn't in! I was expecting to be in agony. I recovered within a few weeks with a bit of a pulling sensation when I walked but all in all I was happy with my experience and it was the best day of my life! I had a little trouble with breastfeeding within the first month and couldn't keep up supply but that was the only issue I had, he was the perfect newborn! Doing it alone is hard but now I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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