CHLOE!!
Just realised I hadn’t told you the name of our second beautiful daughter..
It took us a while this time and we are still stuck for a middle name but Chloe or Baby Chloe as Izzy calls her seems to fit.
Food and travel
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 2 Comments
Every month I receive a gorgeous foodie related book from the Parragon book buddy scheme. Each book is very different.
The September book was Make it in a Jar – a beautifully photographed book with some fabulous ideas for gifts and recipes using mason/preserving jars. There are lots of ideas for desserts, drinks and even pizza – all made and served in jars, massively cute.
My favourites include:
*Banana splits:
*Peppermint hot chocolate
*Mojitos to go:
There are really some really lovely ideas for gifting so ideal for this time of year.
This would be a great gift for anyone who loves cooking/baking or crafting or just a self indulgent treat for yourself.
I’m buying one for a family member as I think she will love it.
Book is available from Amazon at extremely reasonable prices.
*As stated I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
One of the very many things I worried about when pregnant was that I would find it had to love my second child as much as I loved my first..I’m sure I’m not alone here.
I worried it would be different. Added to that an awful pregnancy and traumatic labour and I thought I may find it hard to bond also.
I really needn’t have worried at all. As with Izzy the rush of love for my second daughter was instant. The relief of her being healthy and right next to me so I was able to finally know that she was ok was incredible, I won’t pretend the last week has been easy because it really hasn’t and I’m still feeling anxious and traumatised from the birth but I also feel lucky,blessed and LOVED.
Love is such an incredible emotion. It helps you through most of the difficult times in your life. I feel so loved by my little family and my larger family (parents and siblings) that I know everything will be ok. Maybe I won’t feel amazing and shiny happy for a little while but I know that I have so much love surrounding me like a bubble.
Strangely my love for Izzy seems to have doubled at least in the past week, watching my sweet generous girl fawn over her new baby sister and show so much joy at her arrival has made me melt.
I’m LUCKY.
“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”
– Agatha Christie
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 13 Comments
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 13 Comments
Giving birth is amazing right? Natural.. Incredible.. One of those days you will remember all of your life.
What if it isn’t a blissful..happy day? What if you hated it?
What if you didn’t feel like “you could go back and do it again in a second”?
What if following the birth instead of elated you felt petrified? Scared to close your eyes because of flashbacks and utterly traumatised?
It’s hard to admit feeling that way.
I really really struggled with whether to write this blog post and its not going to be my birth story or the sharing of any gory details as in my head I’m still not ready to rethink it all and well there are some things that I don’t need to share on here but I am writing it because I am SURE that I am not the only one who has felt this way.
My pregnancy was hard and far from straightforward. I was anxious and stressed..tired and worn down before I even reached the week of my labour. My labour didn’t start spontaneously and I was in hospital for four days prior to giving birth. I missed my daughter. Everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong. Every little delay that could have occurred did. My body did not seem to want to take that big step towards active labour and instead I contracted for days getting more and more exhausted and sad. Yes sad. I was incredibly sad. All day long but especially when members of my family left the hospital. I felt so alone and I really started to feel scared. By day 3 I was spending most of my days in tears.
By the time I gave birth I couldn’t have felt less physically or emotionally ready for the experience and I really felt (still feel in a way) as though I let myself down. Not that I did anything wrong. I somehow managed to deliver with just a little gas & air (I wish I had had more pain relief in a way) and did everything I needed to do but I was a mess. I was far from the strong woman who gave birth to Izzy two years ago and in my head I just felt out of control.
As I said this isn’t a birth story so I won’t go into more detail but it was without a doubt the hardest day of my life.
Talking about it is hard but writing this feels strangely therapeutic.
The night after giving birth the midwife who delivered our wonderful daughter came to chat to me. A very lovely midwife who was looking after me on the ward could see I wasn’t coping with how I felt about the labour and so asked her to come to see me. And it helped. She reassured me about the things I felt went wrong, was just generally lovely to me and explained about how traumatic my labour had been. Talking to her made me feel as though the way I was now feeling was not weird but similar to how anyone can feel after experiencing a traumatic event. I’ve now discussed meeting to chat to someone (arranged via the hospital) who deals with after birth thoughts/counselling and I think it will help again.
I still feel anxious and as if something really bad happened – however the fact is something truly wonderful also occurred and that is that our second amazing daughter arrived and she is healthy..happy and has barely moved from my chest since that moment.
I’m sure I will write more on this subject but for now I will just say that if you feel this way after your childs birth don’t try to bury it or hide the way you feel as it will only make things worse. Talk to someone and accept that unfortunately for some birth is harder than expected.
Imagine climbing a mountain and every time you reached what you imagined was the top you found there was another peak to overcome. Imagine how tired you would feel and how at times you would just want to give up.
Other people would tell you it’s just another climb or you can do it ….but really only you know how hard that climb is.
That’s what my pregnancy has felt like – a series of climbs with no resting valley in between. What has kept me going is knowing what the view from the top of that final peak will be like.
Even now so close to the end there are still a number of steps to climb but I know I can do it.
Within the next 24-48 hours I should reach the summit. Finally.
Can’t wait to meet our precious girl.
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment
I won’t keep you long as I’m tired but yes it’s my due date and yes baby is still safely tucked up in my belly. She’s obviously comfy and warm and knows that snow is expected next week so wants to stay put. I can’t say I blame her really.
So yes full term..this week has been interesting. I’ve had a million am I, aren’t I moments but all came to nothing ..obviously.
Yesterday I had a stretch n sweep.. That’s not some new fitness/cleaning craze but a lovely little sweep of the cervix by my luckily very gentle midwife. It’s far from pleasant but its not painful as such just a bit well not nice and I’ve got to have another one on Monday and then Wednesday.. Argh. Unless baby comes .. Please baby girl.
I’ve tried all the methods of natural induction and they don’t work.. I think they only actually work when baby is completely ready to arrive.
Hot curry just burnt my mouth and made me sneeze.. Pineapple made my tongue sore and clary sage oil makes me incredibly relaxed but that’s about it.
I feel rather over stretched in the belly department but I don’t feel too huge everywhere else right now. My family and friends are being ever so nice to me and I’m being a lot less grumpy in return.
I’m still worried about lots of things but I’m trying to chill.
Last update? I really hope so.
In the first few weeks of having a newborn life is kind of a haze. Nothing can really prepare you for it. The combined pressures of being responsible for this tiny human and feeling more tired than you have ever felt in your life. There were a few things that really helped us in that stage last time and this time around I’ve also found some new products which I think will be a massive support to us at this time.
Swaddles/swaddle muslins – Swaddling is all over the news at the moment and a lot of people are avoiding it due to worries about hip problems. I believe if you swaddle safely there isn’t any risk. Always allow for some movement in hip and leg. There are lots of useful videos and tips to show you how to swaddle correctly. We have been sent some gorgeous Cozio swaddling muslins from Faye and Lou and we are really looking forwards to using them. Swaddling saved our sanity last time.
Sensor Monitor – I know Sensor Monitors aren’t for everyone but I think it really helped ease our worries with our first and I know we will want to use one again. We are currently using a Tommee Tippee monitor which is amazing!
Snuggles/comforter etc – I didn’t really appreciate how useful a comforter/snuggly toy was until Izzy was about 6 months old. For Izzy we use a pink square of fleece with a small teddy attached from one of the main supermarkets. We have about 5 and I rotate them so they don’t get too grubby, they were only £4 each and they are still a sleep cue for her. As soon as she sees it at naptime or night time she rubs it on her face and starts to wind down. We haven’t chosen one for the new baby yet but I intend to use it earlier and definitely always buy back ups!
Nursing pillow – My Theraline pillow has been amazing throughout my pregnancy and I’m looking forward to using it for nursing too. I’m planning to keep this upstairs for nighttime feeds and then use a 3 in 1 nursing cushion from Little Bird Told Me as I can also use that for tummy time with the baby.
Musical toy/white noise – we used a Fisher Price soothe and glow seahorse with Izzy, placing it just under her Moses basket and pressing it when she tried during the night.. We also played white noise videos from YouTube when she was particularly unsettled via our phones. We did contemplate a white noise machine but we found they were a little expensive. Hoping to use Izzys seahorse again this time and just giving it a good wash now.
Muslins – You will need a lot of muslins. They really are so handy for mopping up milky spit up or draping over your shoulder for winding. We have some leftover from last time, some really pretty ones from Faye and Lou which we will use for days out and some cheap new ones from Aldi.
Vests – Lots of vests. On days when there are poo explosions..and there will be many you will need so many vests.
Sleepsuits – As above.
Sleeping bags – We didn’t use these at newborn as we swaddled but as soon as Izzy outgrew the swaddle we used Gro Bags or similar ones from our favourite shops.
Cellular blankets– handy for when you need an extra layer on your baby but they can still breathe through the blanket due to the little holes.
Buggy – we are going to be using a Jane Trider, we are lucky enough to act as ambassadors for Jane. A really fantastic brand with safe, luxurious products.
Car seat – we have our old car seat from when we had Izzy but I am getting more and more swayed by the idea of getting this one:
Jane Matrix Light 2
Along with a recent Mother and Baby nomination, the system has won a raft of prestigious industry awards. Its patented Isofix system, which is a world first, means that it is extremely safe and parents can lock and unlock it with just one movement. It’s the healthiest way for a baby to travel – especially on long journeys.
Sling– I am determined to make more use of slings/carriers this time around. We have a gorgeous sling from Mamaway UK which I am really excited to use. Click here to take a look.
Transitional clothes – I remember a few weeks after Izzy was born eagerly trying to slip into a pair of my pre baby jeans – it didn’t happen and just made me rather depressed. This time around I’m being more realistic. It takes a while for the baby weight to go and I’m not going to worry over it. I have some gorgeous maternity/nursing clothes which I’m going to wear – in particular these jeans from Mamaway UK:
Sorry for the terrible pic but they are supremely comfortable and you can buy them here
They are designed to be worn both during pregnancy and post natal so don’t feel bad about still being in maternity jeans.
I also have a beautiful pair of bamboo lounge pyjamas from Seraphine along with a gorgeous grey nursing shawl which I have already worn about a million times.
I’ve also got some bits which I’m saving specifically for when baby arrives including this lovely 3 piece set from Envie de Fraises which looks so comfy but also more stylish than a simple leggings and tee.
A snack box/table:
If you plan to breastfeed (or even if you don’t ;-)) you will need snack supplies.. You can get really hungry and thirsty while breast feeding so be prepared before you start. A funky water bottle would be a good purchase and some appealing snacks. I used to find that I found the first morning feeds the hardest as my body was crying out for calories so starting keeping snacks upstairs too.
Breastpads/sanitary towels:
You will need a LOT more of these than you think. When your milk first comes in your cup literally runneth over and breastpads were for me an essential. Likewise for maternity or sanitary pads – you bleed a lot after a vaginal delivery for a few weeks.
iPad/kindle/books – sometimes you can be feeding for a long time and I found having something to read or watch was a nice way for some me time. Maybe buy some new books or get a Netflix subscription for your tablet?
Luxury bath products and lavender oil:
A few drops of lavender oil in your bath can help with healing of stitches and is also relaxing and smells good. Bath time was MY time when I had a newborn and I think you really need it. Treat yourself to some lovely bath bits. I had a gorgeous Laura Ashley gift set from my family at my (kinda) baby shower meal so I look forward to indulging.
Those are my newborn essentials.. What are yours?
I’m sure I’m forgetting some things so expect this to be updated again soon!
* please note some products in this list were received for free in exchange for a review.
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 3 Comments
Firstly don’t go getting excited. I haven’t had the baby and I’m not sitting here supping on entinox (gas&air) but I never would have imagined I would STILL be pregnant. My “official” due date is tomorrow, my own estimated due date was last Friday so by MY date I’m almost a week overdue and I really feel it.
For the past 2-3 weeks I’ve had more nights of irregular painful contractions than I care to remember..I wake each day with an incredibly sore belly and no baby. The night before last was particularly bad and my midwife thinks I may now be in slow labour..MAY.
Today I see my midwife for what I really hope is the final time before baby comes and she will examine me to see if things are happening..if not I may be given a stretch and sweep – I’m really hoping that’s not as uncomfortable/awkward as it sounds. On Monday if I am still waiting I will see my consultant who will also try to move things along. I really want things to happen naturally for me as I seem to hear more and more negative stories about inductions every day – in fact to be completely truthful with you I am starting to get a little bit scared. Scared that my baby is getting too big for me to deliver (I know it’s daft) scared of being induced and it taking days of horrid unnatural labour but mostly scared of the risks that can increase due to being overdue.
My body is tired, my mind even more so. I want to stop thinking I’m in labour and then to be disappointed. I really want to lie on my stomach. I want my baby lying in my arms and my toddler and man at my side and for EVERYONE to be just fine. Mostly I want the stress of this pregnancy to be gone.
I’m really sorry for the moan. Again. I know how incredibly lucky I am to be pregnant and we are overjoyed to know our baby will be here soon but I will admit to you all this is hard.
Thanks for reading and supporting me through my pregnancy, your comments/emails help more than you could know.
Xx
· by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment
Hands up (sorry) if you have no idea what HF&M ( hand, foot and mouth) is?
I will admit that until I saw an episode of Get Well Soon where Dr Ranj explained to Deep that he had HF&M I didn’t have a clue. To be honest Izzy was watching it and not me so I was still a little clueless two weeks when Izzy started showing symptoms of it.
I thought she was cutting her back teeth. She was very very miserable, she had a really bad nappy rash and she even told me she had bad teeth. So we dosed her up on teething remedies and tried to ride it out. Then she started refusing to eat and then to drink. It was really unpleasant. That day I put her in a nice bath to ease her nappy rash which was getting pretty nasty and it was then I noticed the rash had crept down her legs and I spotted one spot on her hand. HF&M sprung to mind and I called my GP who asked us to go down that afternoon. On examination the Doc immediately said it was definitely HF&M and her poor little mouth was packed FULL of ulcers because of it..her pain must have been incredible.
There isn’t any medication for it. Just pain relief and my daughter really suffered for a few days.
Thankfully she is over it. She’s a little pale and washed out but otherwise fine. I’ve had to have blood tests to check I’ve got antibodies against it because I’m 39wks pregnant and hopefully those results will be all fine.
Some info from the NHS site:
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect young children.
It doesn’t usually pose a serious threat to a child’s health, but it can be be an unpleasant condition, particularly if it affects younger children.
Typical symptoms of hand foot and mouth disease include: cold-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, cough and a moderately high temperature of around 38-39°C (100.4- 102.2°F)
a non-itchy red rash that develops on the hand and the feet; sometimes the rash can develop into painful blisters and painful mouth ulcers.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a self-limiting condition, which means that it will get better on its own without treatment. The symptoms will usually pass within seven days.
However, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 if you’re unsure whether your child has hand, foot and mouth disease.
You should also contact your GP if your child isn’t drinking any fluid or their symptoms last longer than seven days.
There is currently no cure for hand, foot and mouth disease, so treatment involves making your child feel as comfortable as possible while waiting for the infection to take its course.
Possible treatment options include:
Using paracetamol, ibuprofen and mouth gels to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers as well as drinking plenty of fluids to help relieve a high temperature.
I’m glad it’s over with now but on the plus side we have managed to say goodbye to her dummy. She has had it just for sleep since she was 6 months old and has asked for it every night since she started talking. When the pain in her mouth became really bad last week she refused it and since then hasn’t wanted it at all so we have hidden it from view and I actually think she won’t go back to it which saves us having to try and wean her off it!