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You are here: Home / Archives for Pregnant

Newborn essentials

November 14, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

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.

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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 Β£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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby, Pregnancy · Tagged: feeding, Newborn baby essentials, nursing, Pregnant, products

38 weeks..

November 2, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

So I’m still here.. 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I had a pretty rubbish night of irregular but very painful contractions and once again my body almost tricked me into thinking it was time to start planning our trip to the hospital but no. Everything has eased off and other than a very sore belly and well other parts…ahem…I’m fine.

Cravings:

Still ice and teeth brushing but that’s about it. Exciting huh?

Weight/appetite:

I don’t want to eat much anymore. I get really hungry and then as soon as the food is in front of me I feel sick and full almost immediately. I am trying to eat small high calorie snacks as much as possible but still no weight gain in the past 5 weeks. My midwife isn’t concerned as overall I’ve gained enough weight and baby is growing well.

Baby:

At my midwife appointment this week she was concerned about the babys presentation (she thought she was breech) so I was sent for a scan that afternoon. Baby is thankfully still head down and is getting pretty big so that’s one less thing to stress about. She is still pretty active – normally whenever I try to eat which makes me feel rather queasy but I still love the feeling. I have had a couple of occasions now when I can clearly feel the outline of a foot and its a weird feeling. I don’t remember this from last time but I guess Izzy came early so that may be why.

Izzy:

Izzy is good fun at the moment, full of amusing chatter and showing off her dancing skills. We were lucky to be able to take her into the scan with us this week along with my mum and she loved it. She kept repeating “mammys baby” over and over and pointing at the screen. When we got home she was a lot more cuddly with my belly and I wonder if she is almost starting to understand – probably not but it may have helped. She also has started to call the bump “Baby ???” – the name we are considering and it sounds mega cute. We aren’t 100% sure of it yet so I won’t share but yay we finally have a shortlist ( albeit a very very short one).

Isn’t she lovely?

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Rest:

Half the time I feel like I should be getting my rest and the other half I feel like I should be trying to walk this baby out. Most of the time I find it too hard and uncomfortable to rest, unless in the bath and whilst I try to walk more its nearly always too sore to walk for long. I tend to potter about the house more and the constant cleaning up the toy chaos and chasing Izzy about keeps me busy.
We have been eating out more which saves me cooking and is a nice break from being stuck at home and we had another cinema date last night to see Thor which was fun.

Me:

I’m a little less grumpy than I was but I still have my days (sorry) and I’m quite emotional but mostly now I am just really eager to meet our baby and kiss her soft skin.

Bump update:

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Inducing labour
:

After all my hospital visits and appointments this pregnancy I’m super keen to avoid being induced-this will happen 2 weeks Monday if I haven’t naturally gone into labour so now that she is term and a good size I’m planning to try all the natural methods of starting things off. So far we tried eating Chicken Madras ( I’m normally a butter chicken girl) and aside from burning my mouth and making me sneeze it didn’t work.. I have also tried pineapple..liquorice and raspberry leaf tea. What do you suggest?

Once again I hope this is my last pregnancy update but I will probably see you here next week πŸ˜‰

Still can’t believe we made it this far. Well done baby bump.

Thanks for your support so far, its meant such a lot. Now just send me labour vibes please.

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby, Pregnancy · Tagged: Pregnant, third trimester, update

Look out.. Huge hormonal pregnant lady coming through.

September 7, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 5 Comments

After all the crap this pregnancy has thrown at me the last thing in the world I thought I would be concerned by was a flyaway comment made by a hairdresser about the size of my bump. But concerned, offended, emotional I am. Stupid huh?

Actually it’s really stupid. I’m not fat I’m growing a HUMAN being. Do you realise how astounding that is? I’m actually growing an entire new person in my belly.. A space which used to get too crowded after a large takeaway now has the task of growing my child. If my stomach looks big that’s because there is someONE in it. Not a few extra cakes or a case of beer but SOMEONE.

Yes I know the baby is in my uterus, not my stomach. My uterus which is now approximately 1000 times the size it was pre pregnancy and sitting just under my boobs.

It amazes me that other women especially other mums can be so tactless. When has a woman ever liked her weight gain being discussed? I hate that at least 3 of my friends have discussed post pregnancy weight loss with me and my child hasn’t arrived yet. I hate that I started googling belly bands after hearing that Kim K is using one to aid her weight loss. I hate that I am seriously wondering how soon after baby arrives will I be able to start the 30 day shred?

I know that when my baby arrives I will forget most of this. My days will be taken up with her and Izzy and an exercise routine will be the least of my worries but I hate that it has come to this at all.

One comment. That’s all.

Next time you make a comment about someone’s weight..whether they are pregnant or not. Think to yourself do they need to hear this? Tell them they look wonderful or glowing. Not that their bump is too big or even too small.

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Filed Under: Pregnancy · Tagged: 30weeks, big bump, fat, overweight, Pregnant, third trimester, weight loss

I love you, you know that right?

August 24, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 6 Comments

This poem doesn’t really rhyme or make an awful lot of sense but it made me feel better to write it!

I love you
You know that right?
To feel you kick
To feel you hiccup
To know you are there
Lately though
I’m finding it hard
Harder each day
Each hour
Each minute
I want you cocooned
Safely inside me
As long as can be
But my body is useless
Or so it would seem
The hours drag on
The day we will meet
Seems so far away
I don’t know how much more
I can take
I feel moany and grumpy
All day long
I groan and I whine
I bore even myself
I love you,
You know that right
I wonder if you can hear all
My moans
Sense all my stresses
Feel all my pain
I hope not
I hope your bubble is cosy
And warm
That you know you are wanted
And desperately adored
I don’t resent you, precious one
Someone asked me that
Of course not I said
It’s nobody’s fault
Or is it mine?
Did I do something wrong
Somewhere along the line
I eat the right food
I don’t drink any wine
But maybe I did something
At some point in time
It’s 1am and your daddy and sister
Are blissfully sleeping
I’m sitting downstairs
Silently weeping
Weeping for me feeling sorry
For myself
Weeping for you and praying for
Your good health
Don’t come too soon
But don’t wait too long
I really don’t think I’m quite that strong
I want you suckling at my breast
I want to watch you asleep, at rest
I won’t mind if you wake me
Or maybe I will
But I know I will be happier
Even if tired still.
I hope when you read this
At 8,12 or 20
You will know that if
You weren’t here part of me
Would be empty.
I love you,
You know that right?

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby, Pregnancy · Tagged: emotional, Poetry, Pregnant, tired

Over halfway

July 8, 2013 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

My pregnancy feels like its been at least a year long .. I remember it going so quickly with Isabelle and everyone told me it would be even faster this time around as I would be so busy with my toddler that it would fly by. Not the case. Every week/month has brought something different to worry about and I would love if the next 18weeks were peaceful so that I could enjoy my pregnancy. During my last pregnancy my mum was battling breast cancer so I feel like I’ve never really enjoyed my pregnant time – I have to admit to feeling slightly cheated.

I am ashamed to admit that as grateful as I am to be pregnant right now and overjoyed that I will have a wonderful baby in just 18weeks time I never EVER want to be pregnant again. EVER. I won’t miss my bump. My bump has caused me nothing but problems – my baby I love already .. My pregnancy not so much.

Thankfully I am now over halfway and my baby is still safely tucked up in my belly – I am so happy that we have made it this far. Every week I get further along is a blessing.

It is only now 8 weeks into my second trimester that I can feel my energy levels returning which I assume is later than most due to the stress/lack of sleep and an infection invading my body.

The heat is a bit much the last few days but I’ve been trying to enjoy garden time with my family and watching Izzy splashing about in the paddling pool has definitely improved my mood. I’ve started to feel more positive.

Last week we had a little bit more news regarding the pregnancy when I found out I was carrying Strep B (you can read more about strep B in my last post) Strep B caused our family a lot of distress 9 years ago when my sisters first child almost died after contracting it during labour so I have some negative emotions related to it but I am lucky in that it was picked up during some routine testing I had done in hospital and as such I’m receiving the appropriate care.

My bump is huge. Like really huge. I’m sure I didn’t look this big on Izzy until I was about 30weeks. I know second pregnancies show faster but woah I feel like an elephant.

Pregnant bump bikini

We had our 20 week scan last week and the baby looked well.

IT’S A GIRL!

She was a little naughty and didn’t stop wriggling all the the way through and made it very hard for the sonographer but so far all looks fine πŸ˜€

We have a consultants appointment this afternoon just to chat about some issues and after that I’m hoping for a few weeks break from the hospital and GP surgery so positive thoughts please readers!

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Filed Under: Parenting/baby, Pregnancy · Tagged: baby, Pregnant, second trimester, Strep b, worry

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