Munchies and Munchkins

Food and travel

You are here: Home / Archives for Pregnancy

I miss cooking

· by · 2 Comments

Firstly let me apologise for the lack of foodie content on the blog lately. I know a lot of your subscribe just for the foodie stuff and well I’m sorry. I miss cooking, I miss hours in my kitchen. If I get a day when I feel like cooking I go overboard but those days are few and far between lately.
Between the morning sickness which has decided to reappear..the extreme tiredness and just the general crappiness of this pregnancy I just have no energy or inclination to do anything.

If I do cook then I rarely feel like eating it. I can’t believe that in my pregnancy with Izzy at this stage I was making hoards of lasagnes/shepherds pie and curries to freeze for that first manic month of having a newborn. This time around I can’t see that happening. I may have to stock up on takeaway menus instead.

Why does this feel like such a big deal? I feel as though I’ve lost my identity a bit. Cooking is such a huge part of who I am.

For my foodie readers I’m planning to share a few of my favourite recipes with you that I haven’t made recently so you can look forward to that over the next few weeks and maybe it will inspire me to get back in the kitchen.

To everyone else ..sorry for yet another moan. Any tips to brighten my mood?

It’s all about the Fizzy Fun – Sodastream Review

· by · 5 Comments

When I was younger ..probably 6/7 years old we were given a Sodastream machine as a family gift from a friend. This was a big deal. We weren’t very well off growing up and we were a large family so as much as I had a fantastically happy childhood we didn’t get a lot of treats – this was a huge treat. We didn’t use it a lot, the added costed of syrups/gas cartridges for all of us to get a drink made it still a once in a while thing but that certainly added to the excitement of it. The days when my mum would tell us we could make pop were so much fun.

At the Britmums Live conference I got to see the Sodastream in action for the first time in over 20years and I really wanted one. I tried some of the old flavours and the new and they were pretty darn good. I was very lucky when I returned home to be offered one to review by the lovely ladies at Sodastream and I have to admit that the day it arrived a few weeks back I was like a kid at Christmas.

20130722-124308.jpg

20130722-124323.jpg

The new machines are a lot better to look at it and there are so many new flavours!

We were given four flavours to try and we have since bought another 3 of our own – it’s addictive I tell you.

As a pregnant woman it can be hard at times to find non alcoholic alternatives to drink especially during BBQ season when everyone else is supping cocktails, Pimms or cider. I have found this to be a great way to know that what I’m drinking is caffeine free and obviously alcohol free. I’ll be writing more about this in my favourite pregnancy drinks posts coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled.

I love the sugar free options such a Cranberry/Raspberry flavour or refreshing Blackcurrant. My OH loves the Cream Soda and Energy drink ( which I can’t test for obvious reasons but he says its delicious) and we all love the Mojito mocktail – even Izzy has had a taste.

We have taken pre made Mojito to the park fun day and we always have a sparkling water with lemon chilling in the fridge – it’s made drinking in this hot weather so much more enjoyable.

20130722-125053.jpg

I must admit we have used it a little more than we have probably needed over the past month and of course every guest has had to have a go too 😉

Next on my list to try is Pink Grapefruit/Dr Pete and the kids natural range for Izzy.

Do you have a Sodastream or did you have one as a child? What’s your favourite flavour?

This is one review which was easy to write as I cannot recommend it enough. I’m sure you will hear plenty more about it over the coming months.

* I was provided with a machine and 4 syrups in exchange for an honest review.

Mumkind – a review

· by · Leave a Comment

A little while ago I saw a company called Mumkind on twitter looking for pregnant ladies to try out their new range of maternity products. It sounded different in that for once it wasn’t stretch mark cream or a non wired bra but things to eat and drink – yes!

I was sent 2 bottles of Water Our Way

20130715-202333.jpg

2 Bump to Baby nutrition bars:

20130715-202538.jpg

And a big tub of Night Night Baby Vanilla & Belgian Chocolate bedtime drink:

20130715-202732.jpg

First up Water Our Way:

What the brand says about it:

Want to feel less tired?! Want to make water more exciting?!
Just add a squeeze to water for a great berry taste. Helps you drink more water,
keeps you hydrated and our blend of B vitamins helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
With 0 Calories, 0 carbs and 0 guilt – try it at home, at work or when out and about.

What I think:

I will admit to being sceptical about this one. A little drop of berry juice to make you feel less tired?
But… I was actually impressed. Firstly it tastes pretty good, it definitely lives up a glass of water and whenever I’ve drunk it it’s perked me up. The best example of this is when I was admitted to hospital a few weeks ago without any prior warning and it just happened to be in my handbag. I used it to pimp up my hospital issued jug of water and it definitely made me feel brighter and more alert on a rather rubbish day. I love that it’s in a teeny bottle and I can pop it in my purse/bag wherever I go. A definite item to pack for weekends away or for your hospital bag. The only fault I can find is that there is only one flavour. I like the mixed berry flavour but I do like to have options.

Next up Bump to Baby Nutrition Bars:

What the brand says:

Try Mumkind ‘Bump to Baby Enhanced Bars’ – delicious one handed top up
pregnancy nutrition bars. If you have a busy day or you feel your are not eating as
well as you would like, enjoy a delicious mumkind bar with 25% RDA* of ALL the
nutrients that are essential (and only half the calories of a chocolate bar!).
Think of them like nutritional insurance for a healthy mum-to-be or a busy
new super mum.

What I think:

I’m not a massive fan of snack bars/cereal bars so I was pleasantly surprised by these. It’s kinda nice to be eating something sweet which doesn’t make you feel guilty about it being bad for the baby ( says me currently munching a neopolitan ice cream sandwich ) I definitely preferred the chocolate version but the red berry and yoghurt was nice too – just not as appealing to a choccie lover like me. They are fairly filling and handy as a grab on the go snack or again perfect for your hospital bag.

And lastly Night Night Baby Bedtime Drink:

What the brand says:

Try Mumkind ‘Night Night Baby’– a luxurious hot drink exclusively for mums-to-be
and new super mums. Winding down and relaxing before bedtime shouldn’t be a
compromise. If you are trying to be good, even your regular tea or coffee is
‘off the list’ and cocoa or malt drinks can leave you feeling more nana than mama!
Designed with hidden benefits let our mumkind blend of key nutrients do their work
while you are sleeping. Each mug has 25% of ALL the essential vitamins, minerals
and good stuff you need. In Vanilla & Red Berry or Vanilla & Belgian Chocolate.

What I think:

It took me ages to get around to trying this as I am really off hot drinks in this pregnancy but eventually I did and I like it. A lot. Maybe it’s not meant to taste malty but to me it did. Luckily I love malt drinks. I think I will benefit from this more when baby arrives and I want to wind down in the evening as hot drinks aren’t really doing it for me right now but it’s one to recommend. Ideal for mums to be who are missing lots of caffeine laden coffees etc. I tried the Belgian chocolate as I didn’t fancy the red berry and it does taste quite indulgent and is quite thick and creamy too. It almost feels naughty and maybe you could even add some mini marshmallows and squirty cream..as an occasional treat. Yum. Could make a lovely gift for a mum to be with a pretty cup?

You can find about more about Mumkind here or on Twitter: @mum_kind

* I was sent these products in return for an honest review.

Pregnancy LIES

· by · 2 Comments

This is a bit of a ranty post.. I apologise in advance. It was originally meant for Mommatwos Sunday Soapbox and it’s only 2 days later… Oops.

Before you get pregnant or maybe even while you are pregnant people will tell you lies.. They may be white lies..myths..old wives tales. Below are the most common ones:

1. This oil/moisturiser will stop you getting stretch marks.

WRONG. I practically bathed in bio oil when I was pregnant with my daughter and guess what – stretch marks. Moisturisers are great for keeping your extremely stretched skin supple and feeling good but stretch marks are genetic. If your mum got them the chances are so will you. Sorry about that. Also getting to 30+ weeks and being all woohoo I didn’t get stretch marks is asking for trouble – mine appeared overnight at about 34wks. On the plus side – they do fade.

2. You should eat for two.

Not only do you not need to do this – you actually only need an extra 250-300 calories but also it’s unlikely you will want to. In the first trimester you will mostly be avoiding excess food and later on there isn’t room for it so eating for two is out. Eating cake however is an essential part of baby development. Honest.

3. The size/shape of your bump will differ on the sex of the baby

Twaddle. Utter twaddle. Everyone told me I was having a boy on Izzy even after my scan old ladies would say oooh it’s a boy I can tell by the way you are carrying.

20130618-094955.jpg

4. Lots of heartburn means your baby will have lots of hair

Wrong again. I almost took out shares in Gaviscon in my last pregnancy and I guzzled milk all day long as I suffered with horrid heartburn and guess what – she’s 21 months and is only now starting to have a little but of hair.

5. Along with the second trimester your pregnancy glow will appear

In my case this is wrong. In lots of cases this is wrong and it can almost make you feel guilty. I’m a lot more tired now than in my first trimester although the sickness is easing and I’m certainly not glowing. Yet.

6. Labour is like bad period pains

A fellow tweeter shared this *lie*. I’ve heard similar variations of it myself. It’s definitely a lie. I’m not sure any women I know who has experience childbirth would describe this as like period pains.

Childbirth is probably (hopefully – as in I hope you don’t experience more pain) the most painful experience you will have – luckily it comes with the absolute best experience you will ever have so it is definitely worth it. As I’ve told my yet to be pregnant friends .. I’m doing it again so you obviously forget just how bad it is.

7.You won’t be able to sit down for weeks

Now don’t get me wrong things will be a little sore ..maybe even a lot sore but you will be able to sit down. You may want to sit down more gently than normal but it’s really ok. I had an episiotomy and the first few days (probably due to adrenaline) I didn’t really notice any pain. After that it was tender but it was manageable and you will get some good pain relief in the hospital.

It may sound like I hate pregnancy and well I’m probably not its biggest fan. I am however still overjoyed to be pregnant knowing that in just under 5 months I will be welcoming my wonderful baby into the world. Pregnancy is an amazing experience and although this time around has been far from straightforward I still feel very lucky that I’m able to carry baby 2.



What fibs were you told?

My lovely lady bumps..

· by · 3 Comments

At 17 weeks pregnant with baby number 1 I was still managing to conceal it pretty well..I had a bump and my chest was ahem ..starting to swell but it wasn’t hey smack you in the face noticeable.

This time around my bump is huge. Really. I’ve only gained 4lbs due to LOTS of sickness but my belly is BIG. My boobs are definitely a good deal bigger than last time too.

A lot is different the second time around:

1. I was sicker earlier and far more severe than the first time.

2. My stomach popped very quickly… Apparently this is normal as your muscles remember the first pregnancy. But really – should I have been showing at 6 weeks? Madness.

3. My chest is bigger.. and ouch more tender. Removing my bra is an incredible relief.

4. I felt movement earlier. Flutterings started weeks ago but proper definite movements started this week.

5. I’ve been more tired – I didn’t really notice the tiredness last time at all. This time woah I’ve been exhausted .. I’m guessing a combo of extra sickness, stress due to the scares we have had and having an exuberant toddler has contributed to that.

6. I’ve only bought 1 baby item thus far. Last time I didn’t go overboard but by this time I had bought lots of gender neutral newborn bits. This time it’s been a combination of not wanting to buy things I don’t really need until we know the sex and being scared to buy anything until we past the 20wk scan.

7. I worry more.

Now don’t get me wrong whilst I am definitely finding it harder in many ways than last time there are some definite positives:

1. We are a family now. We felt complete as a family before we found out I was pregnant but this has truly brought us all together.

2. It had made me and my OH even closer as we have dealt with some tough times. Stronger.

3. I have an absolutely amazing toddler who makes me laugh each day no matter what has happened. She hugs my belly and talks to the baby ( I don’t think she actually gets it) and I just know she will be a fabulous older sister.

4. I’m pregnant again. So lucky to be. I will be a mother of two in just under 5 months.

5. When pregnant with Izzy I didn’t know anybody else (locally) who was pregnant or had a newborn. This time I have two real life friends ( one who just gave birth, the other due before me) and a whole heap of online support from twitter and fellow bloggers. A HUGE thank you goes to the wonderful women/men who have answered my questions, sent positive messages and just generally been awesome on twitter and via the blog so far. You know who you are.

Here is a bump pic update for you who have asked to see:

20130607-221853.jpg

And an Izzy pic.. Just because she is so darn cute.

20130607-221925.jpg

PS. If anybody knows why lately I can’t seem to write a blog title without using song lyrics then please let me know. Can I blame baby brain? Sure I can.

Xxx

Nobody said it was easy

· by · 4 Comments

When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter I was already nearly 8weeks along and it was a complete shock. This time around I found out at the earliest possible time.. Approx 3wk5days pregnant. Crazy huh? How I wish I had had those extra 5 weeks of being worry free this time around.

My first pregnancy wasn’t easy due to sickness and the usual aches and pains but it wasn’t full of worry and stress.. At least not about the baby. I was in a bit of a dream world I think where miscarriages and early pregnancy scares happened to other people. I had 1 trip to EPU due to an over cautious (but lovely) midwife as I had a bit of side pain but even while sat there waiting to be scanned I didn’t really contemplate there would anything wrong with my baby and I was lucky as there wasn’t. She is 21 months now – funny, bright and a bundle of energy who I simply adore.

This pregnancy has been fraught with worry. More or less from the day I became pregnant I not only felt really unwell but I had problems, scares which have on more than 5 occasions led us to worry that something could be wrong with our baby. Today was that 5th occasion. Today at 17wks when first trimester worries are supposedly behind us and I had just last night experienced feeling the first proper kicks. At the moment it seems that all is ok, the baby’s heartbeat was heard and that galloping sound has never sounded better but I’ve been referred to consultant care and I am hoping for some final reassurance from him/her in a few weeks.

I am being positive and feeling that everything will be fine but it has made me think a lot about pregnancy in general. I definitely believed prior to this year that although uncomfortable and at times unpleasant it was generally a time of happiness and excitement but really for lots of women (and their partners) it’s worry, stress and even worse guilt. Did I overdo it yesterday? Am I really looking after myself in the way that I should? Of course I know the answers to those and I know I’m doing just fine but it does make you question yourself.

Straightforward pregnancies aren’t actually that common it seems..

Of the 10 women I currently know that are pregnant ( locally and twitter friends) 7 have had at least one problem in the first and second trimesters. Some still have ongoing problems and others are coping admirably with tough news. Pregnancy is far from a time of joy and gluttonous eating for most.

Even so with all the anxiety of the past 3/4 months I can still lie here in my bed stroking my belly, feeling the slightest of flutterings and looking forward to a day in November when we will meet our strong little baby and well I just may just give him/her the biggest squeeze.

Super Seraphine – a review

· by · Leave a Comment

I was very lucky recently to be sent a pair of very lovely black bootcut maternity jeans from Seraphine. They are a pretty cool company specialising in maternity wear and they make some really pretty clothes. Yes maternity wear can look good don’t ya know?

The jeans ..on a model obviously:

20130530-200436.jpg

On my last pregnancy I wasn’t a fan of maternity wear at all. I wore my normal clothes until I literally couldn’t handle it anymore and then went more along the buy a larger size route than much actual maternity clothing. The things I do buy were cheap and not especially comfortable.

This time around my belly popped pretty much the day after conception (slight exaggeration perhaps but close) and I just couldn’t bear the feeling of any horrid waistbands digging into me. I also thought it would be nice to try and look pretty and emphasise my bump rather than hide in tent like clothing.

These uber comfy jeans from Seraphine arrived just in the nick of time and I have worn them so much over the past few weeks.. I promised to share very honest reviews of all my maternity goodies so here is what I thought:

The jeans look and feel like they are good quality. The stretchy over the bump band is very soft and a little like a hug for your skin. The sizing is generous which I think is great as I have a little comfort room now and know that when my legs (inevitably) start to swell later on that they will still fit. Yay. I chose a size 12 as that’s what I wore in normal jeans prior to getting pregnant and they are just ever so slightly loose. They are long on me and only come in 1 length but I am pretty short (5ft4)so would probably be fine on you normal size people. I had no problem adjusting the hem. The colour hasn’t faded at all in 5/6 washes – I have a toddler who loves to come at me with sticky hands so they are washed more than normal probably.

They look good on, in fact my (non pregnant) sister liked them a lot and wanted to buy some until she realised it was maternity wear. Ha. I’ve worn them with heels and smart tops and also with Vans & a vest so easy to dress up or down.

The jeans on me:

20130530-200731.jpg

I will try and take a better pic soon!

Overall I’m pretty impressed. Only 1 thing with which I could pick a fault and I have to mention it so that if you buy them then you know what to do. Until I washed these jeans twice they picked up EVERY bit of fluff imaginable so in my opinion wash before wearing. Not really a fault but good to know yes?

If you are pregnant of planning to be its definitely worth checking out the Seraphine website

Ooh on another exciting note (for me anyway) the lovely people at Seraphine are also sending me a dress to review for festival season! Woohoo. So far I’m leaning towards this one:

20130530-201212.jpg

What do you think?

* I was sent these jeans for free in exchange for an honest review.

Is Baby Brain for real?

· by · 2 Comments

I’m just over 16 weeks pregnant and it seems that with the arrival of the second trimester a sizeable chunk of my brain has decided it no longer needs to function.

Which makes me ask the question.. Does baby brain exist.. Or is it just an excuse?

In the last week I have lost numerous items..as in completely lost them. There are only so many places that 6 placemats can hide surely? I lost a half full jar of pepper and literally pulled my kitchen apart looking for it – this morning my OH asked me why there was an EMPTY jar of pepper in the fridge. Which means that not only did I forget where I put it but I also forgot I had used it all up.

I constantly forget to reply to emails, texts and tweets – Sorry about that. If its important do not feel you are being rude if you need to give me a nudge.

I almost put a chocolate fudge cake in the oven without adding the eggs. Kinda crucial ingredient.

According to scientists these days:

Forgetful mothers who prove the ‘baby brain’ really does exist

It is a condition familiar to any woman who has been pregnant.
It has now been confirmed by scientists – ‘baby brain’ does exist.
An increased risk of losing things is just one of the many odd effects pregnancy can have, researchers claim.
They found that women in the later stages of pregnancy tend to suffer a loss of spatial memory – the recall of locations and positions of objects.
The problem was apparent in the last six months of pregnancy and lasted at least three months after a woman had given birth.

So there it is – it exists.

I don’t remember it being quite so bad on my first but maybe it’s being pregnant and having a toddler combined which accelerates it?

Did you suffer with baby brain? Do you still? Any tips for helping to stay organised?

Don’t tell me what I want

· by · 13 Comments

Since I announced my pregnancy at 12 weeks the question I have been asked the most is do you know what you are having yet?

This is fine although a little early as I won’t find out until the 20wk scan.
What has annoyed me is the most popular comment that obviously I want a boy. In order of course to *complete* my family. Grrr. Just because I have a girl doesn’t automatically mean I am now desperate for a boy. I’d love a boy. I’d love a girl. I can honestly say this time around that I have no preference. Believe it or not. A girl would be fab and wahey I have all the gear.. A boy would be adorable and I do like blue but I’m telling you the truth I don’t mind. I see your face when I tell you this and you just smile and nod but I had 2 months of worrying that my baby would not make it to this point so I’m not being cliched when I tell you I just want he/she to be healthy. In fact I don’t even really want to find out. My partner does and so I will as I don’t have strong feelings against it but please don’t think I will be disappointed ( as one well meaning family member suggested ) if I have a girl again.

We do have some neutral clothes:

20130524-204827.jpg

My baby was planned. Not that it’s really any of your business. Yes you .. Lady in the local playgroup who asked if it was an “accident” that I got pregnant so QUICKLY after my first. Quickly being nearly 18months and actually after a really tough 6-8 months of wanting to be pregnant. Even if it wasn’t planned it would not have been a mistake or would I ever call it an accident. My first child was a shock.. Mainly as I had been told I couldn’t get pregnant naturally and so to find out I was nearly 2 months along was a very wonderful surprise but even then no mistake.

Yes my belly is showing already. It’s normal. Second pregnancies show earlier than first as your body remembers what to do and yes I’m sure there is only one in there.

6 months pregnant with my daughter:

20130524-204728.jpg

To my work colleagues and to many others who really don’t get it – morning sickness doesn’t just happen in the morning, ginger doesn’t always help and crackers may work once but give it time and they will surely make you heave. Morning sickness is a rather silly name for a truly horrible experience for many women – it’s not made up and really I’m not exaggerating how crappy I have felt. Sitting outside for 5 minutes to catch my breath will not automatically relieve my nausea – I’m not drunk, I’m pregnant.

First trimester sucks:

20130524-205153.jpg

If I say I am planning anything.. Festivals, meals out etc – I get the answer of ooh do that now as you will not be able to do that when the baby comes. Really? Will my life end when the baby comes? Yes it will be tough. This I know and harder still with two but remember when you told me I would stop travelling when I had Izzy and then we went to France, Portugal and 3 festivals in her first year.. Well that.

In France:

20130524-215512.jpg

At Camp Bestival:

20130524-205801.jpg

Chatting to twitter friends it seems we all get questions/comments we don’t like..what is it about pregnancy that makes it ok to actually be quite rude? When is it ok to comment on someone’s weight or marital status? These seem to be the common themes.

Whilst I’m having a moan – HANDS OFF THE BUMP. Unless I know you quite well or you ask then I may get a little annoyed. Sorry but if I gently stroked your stomach wouldn’t you find it a bit well..personal?

The bump as it looks right now:

20130524-210351.jpg

And finally yes I know I should sleep now as I won’t get ANY when the baby comes. For once nosey lady in the bank I agree.

*PS I love talking about babies/pregnancy so don’t stop chatting but from me and all pregnant women think before you speak.

Bumps, Bras and Baby

· by · Leave a Comment

I’m just into the second trimester of my pregnancy and unfortunately still feeling pretty lousy but I do have the odd day here and there where I feel fine so for that I am extremely grateful. I think I’ve stopped losing weight and my belly is most definitely there for all to see..wooo I do like a good baby bump. I am still at the stage however where I feel fat rather than obviously pregnant so no bump shots just yet sorry. I will however share with you this awesomely clear photo from our check up scan on Tuesday:

20130515-211322.jpg

All is fine with baby and if all continues to plan we won’t need another scan until 20wks which is a big relief.

I haven’t had any real obvious cravings yet although lemonade lollies have helped a lot with the nausea. My food aversions aren’t quite as extreme as they were a few weeks ago and I’m managing to eat meat again finally. Tiredness isn’t too extreme really but on the days where I’m sick I get pretty worn out quickly. 4pm seems to be my only really difficult time when it comes to keeping my eyes open.

Izzy is coping well with the more tired/less energetic mum and has been opting for lots of cuddle time. She also loves to stroke my belly and kiss it saying ahhhhhh baby. I really don’t think she gets it but its rather cute.

During the pregnancy so far I’ve been really lucky to receive items from a number of pretty amazing brands such as Blossom mother and child, Seraphine, Isabella Oliver and Bravado to review for the blog. Look out for reviews over the next few months, I promise to included lots of pics and honest opinions.

First up I want to tell you about a bra I was sent from Bravado following a twitter appeal for pregnant/nursing bloggers. When I opened the packaging I was a bit disappointed ( sorry I said I’d be honest) as it was a rather shocking pink. The colour was a limited edition and I can imagine a lot of people loving it but pink isn’t really my thing. Anyway initial opinion set aside I immediately removed my current instrument of torture and tried it on and it was instant bliss. It seriously is BY FAR the comfiest bra I’ve ever worn – it was also at a point when my pregnant chest was at its most tender and it felt like a comfy blanket supporting my dear friends. I’ve worn it under outfits ( when the pink can’t be seen ) also to bed.. its the only bra I’ve been able to wear to sleep lately and also just for lounging around the house. It offers a lot more support than most maternity bras I’ve tried and gives a great shape too. It washes very well too. I’ll keep you posted on how the bra holds up throughout the pregnancy. The one I was sent to try is: Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra The colour I have is no longer available but it’s available in a range of others.. I’m quite tempted to purchase the black.

I’ll post pics when I take some bump shots but for now my bed is calling.

Night x

*I was sent the bra for free to review in exchange for my honest opinion.