pregnancy
Growing your family, one baby bump at a time. All about the ups and downs of nature's 9 month miracle.
Motherhood
Motherhood is one of the craziest and wildest rides I have been on in my life. Leading up to the birth of my son, everything was perfect; pure joy and excitement. Then he was born 1 month early and that brought on a whole other set of challenges most mothers and fathers wouldn't ever wish upon even their worst enemy. 1 1/2 months in the NICU just waiting to be able to hold our baby boy. Finally we were able to bring him home and use our stroller, carseat, blankets and our own clothes purchased for him. The days do have their highs but there is a constant worry that I am not doing enough or being the best mother I can be. It does get hard at times but there isn't a thing in the world I would trade my little miracle baby for or change how we have lived with him so far, even though it has had its ups and way more downs. Post partum depression, stress, lack of sleep and anxiety all combined together like a poorly made soup does not discriminate. Even the best mothers and mothers of more than one child are still chosen with this horrible mental state. It is something that I am learning to grow through and learn to handle. The hardest step of the entire reality of having this mental chemical imbalance was accepting it and realizing that I needed help. It took a long discussion with my boyfriend, my baby's father, to realize that I need to be a better me, so in return I can be a better mother to my son. This statement was one that really hit home during our conversation; 'you cannot pour into others from an empty cup', it really resonated with me and made me understand that I need to fix myself before I try and raise an entire human. Thankfully I have found FB groups, friends, and family who have dealt with it first hand and have been helping and allowing me to realize that it is okay to feel this way.
By Ally Thomas 5 years ago in Families
Failsafe Labour Tips for First Time Mum's and Dads
Labour can be beautiful and when you have your new-born baby in your arms, your world will feel complete. However, the difficulties of labour for both mums and dads should never go unappreciated. As you step into the unknown, be prepared to adapt your plans to every eventuality and support each other throughout.. Every birthing experience is unique, so it’s impossible to know exactly what to expect. But, for first time mums and dads, there are many pieces of advice to bear in mind that will better prepare you for labour and help everything to run smoothly.
By Caitlin Purvis5 years ago in Families
3 Benefits of Prenatal Exercise Classes
The excitement that comes with the good news of having a baby is usually overwhelming. However, when the excitement goes down, then it’s time for one to have critical thinking about your health in general and that of your new baby. This means we must stay healthy for the sake of the baby. By staying healthy it means getting enough rest, eating healthy, as well as moving around.
By Regina Thomas5 years ago in Families
Vanishing Twin
Second-time mum here! We had planned to have our second child when our first was starting school, a five year age gap which we were happy with and ready for. Like with our first, it didn't take long to conceive. But with both pregnancies, I was worried I would take after my mother and take ages to conceive or struggle not to miscarry as she experienced for 10 years.
By Michelle Trotter5 years ago in Families
"Nine month's of creating life"
Month 1: The day comes you find out you're going to be a mother. Its like a lightning bolt across the sky, the fear of being a bad mother, the rain pouring down, which is also tears rolling down your face, the rainbow after the storm, the excitement of becoming a mother, the sound of thunder, the worrisome of every little thing that could possibly go wrong. You know everything will be absolutely fine deep down but its a scary and emotional time, but you smile and know the day was coming and you are filled with joy and love.
By Emerald Walker5 years ago in Families
All about Pregnancy and Pregnancy Test Kit
All about Pregnancy and Pregnancy Test Kit When you become pregnant, one of the first things you will notice is that you are much heavier than before. You may also find it difficult to do simple things such as take a shower, go out for groceries or walk down the street. However, there are many things you can do in order to ease pregnancy symptoms.
By Mustafa Rangoonwala5 years ago in Families
How To Decrease Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy Naturally
If you are looking to increase amniotic fluid, it is best to talk to your doctor first. We will show you 10 ways to help, including one. About 8% of pregnant women may have a small amount of amniotic fluid over time during pregnancy, but it is more common during the last trimester. Oral or intravenous fluids have been shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels. Pregnant women with very little fluid around their children can increase it, simple maternal hydration increases the amount of oligohydramnios amniotic fluid during labor or before the external cephalic version.
By Mustafa Rangoonwala5 years ago in Families
Society's View On Moms
Today's society is extremely harsh on mothers. Every single thing she does is judged and frowned upon. She tries to do what she feels is right for her children and everyone around her is whispering and voicing their opinion about her parenting choices.
By Alexis Bellaw5 years ago in Families
Having a Birth Plan Ruined My Birth Experience
*TW: description of difficult birth I have always been a planner. If there was a checklist to be made, I made it. If there was a schedule to create or an itinerary to prepare, I did it. I was, and still really am, the typical Type A Planner. So, when I got pregnant and heard about this thing called a Birth Plan, I knew it was my time to shine. I talked to everyone I knew who had given birth. I read piles of books on pregnancy and the birthing process. I knew my options and I knew what I wanted. And I definitely knew what I didn’t want. I wrote out my Birth Plan (on the Birth Plan form provided by my doctor) and gave a copy to the hospital, my Ob-Gyn, and my midwife team. I knew exactly how my birth experience was going to play out (If you’ve given birth, please don’t laugh too hard at me here). And this Plan was exactly what ruined the very birth experience I had, well, planned.
By Megan Clancy5 years ago in Families
It Is All About You!!!
Can we first admit that pregnancy is one of the most vulnerable times a woman will experience in her life? If you are anything like me you like control and pregnancy literally takes over everything (even your bodily functions). Rendering your mind, body, and soul to the epic adventure that is pregnancy is hard but amazing at the same time. Unfortunately, despite the intensive work it takes to literally grow an entire human being from scratch, there are several women who feel their pregnancy and birth we're not theirs.
By Joyful Sammy5 years ago in Families
