Five weeks early - My scary funny birth story

Everybody’s labour and birth story is special. Our baby’s birth can leave us scarred mentally and physically, some move on quickly others linger over the details. There are two words to describe the birth my baby Scary and Funny.

Those two don’t usually go together, but with some hindsight they apply to my story.

Our beautiful baby

At my 35 week hospital check up, I had been sent home on strict bed rest due to high blood pressure. I woke up the next morning looking forward to planning out the rest of my relaxed maternity, but there was no time for that, as my waters broke.

Saying goodbye to our dog Wally

Well, I wasn't sure if my waters broke because in the movie people are ALWAYS standing up when their waters break. I was lying in bed. I wasn't in any pain, but after a few minutes on the toilet, with no let up of said waters, we came to the conclusion my waters had broken. *Funny*

As I wasn't in any pain, and there had been no 'show', I was in no hurry to the hospital (I did call ahead) I showered, packed the last few bits and said goodbye to our dog Wally before heading off into the unknown. I had to stop my husband from making me laugh and weeing myself on the 35 minute journey to the hospital, but we did laugh the whole way there with excitement. *Funny*

At the hospital around lunchtime, they confirmed my waters had broken, but assured me that I was not in labour after monitoring the baby’s heart rate. They gave me a steroid injection for the baby’s lungs, another one would be administered in 24 hours. The doctor told me that they would try and keep me from going into labour for at least another week.

The fitted a cannula in my arm (OMG that was soooo painful) and sent me off to the ward.

I had been feeling light “cramps”, sort of like period cramps, but tried to ignore them since I was not in labour. A few hours later, these cramps got worse. I also had a huge urge to do a number two - but try as I might nothing was happening there! When dinner came around, I thought I might try a bite, and in between severe ‘cramps’ that were now taking my breath, I polished off quite a bit of stew. *Funny*

Checking baby's movement after my waters broke

 When a nurse did appear I said I would like to be checked again, she brought me down to the Labour Ward (in disbelief) and I was checked first by a young doctor and then by my consultant who announced I was 5cm dilated. When they asked what time I last ate and I told them "a few minutes ago” they almost collapsed. *Funny*

That was the end of the funnies, as baby was breached, I was quickly prepared for an emergency section. I signed my life away, got the plastic gown on and was wheeled away from my husband. In between what I now know to be labour pain, I was given the spinal and prepped for surgery. *Scary*

They started to cut me before my husband entered the room, and I felt every bit of it. Obviously I was not in pain, but I couldn't believe the feeling of them slicing me open layer by layer, I almost hopped off the table as they pulled and tugged inside me. It felt like they took out every piece of me before they found the baby. I was petrified. *Scary*

First picture with my baby

When they did pull out my baby, I held my breath for what seemed like minutes, but was really only seconds before she cried. And then I cried. A girl, our baby girl, our daughter. Abbey Rose.

I cried with happiness and relief, I cried with shock and amazement and I also cried for the unknown. At 35 weeks, would she be ok, had she grown enough, could she survive? They placed her on my chest for two minutes and she was perfect.

But then they were gone, my baby and my husband. She had to be fully checked and my hubby had to go with her. I wanted him to be with her, but I also wanted him to be with me. Because I was still scared. *Scary*

Our baby had to spend two weeks in hospital in the Special Care Baby Unit, to gain weight and to be monitored. *Scary*


Also Check out:
Premature and Tiny: Abbey Rose
Surviving the Special Care Unit
The last leg: The Third Trimester

What a pain in the pelvis!

We all know to expect some pain and aches during pregnancy, it comes part and parcel with growing and carrying a baby inside your body, but there are some unfortunate souls like myself who get to endure a little more pain than the norm.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) entered my life at 20 weeks pregnant and did not exit until after my baby’s birth.

I thankfully had a healthy pregnancy, but the pain and discomfort brought by this condition did leave me drained, tired, unmotivated and of course in pain.

The symptoms for me were back, hip and ass pain and severe stiffness. It is caused by a hormone called relaxin which softens your ligaments to help your baby pass through the pelvis - I obviously had too much of it and my pelvic relaxed and moved too far apart, causing inflammation.

When in pain, you should rest - right? Wrong!

Sitting or lying down in the one position for over 20 minutes, resulted in me looking like a 90 year old - a very stiff 90 year old. (My granny is almost 90 and would jump over you, she is so fit!) Trying to get in or out of bed, get off the seat, or out of the car was near impossible. The joints stiffened and any sudden movement brought intense pain.

Thankfully my doctor recognised the symptoms right away and recommended physiotherapy, I know some doctors can dismiss it, but if you are in pain, do persevere. My doctor had a lot of sympathy for me and told me to follow the physio's instructions to prevent me having to go on to crutches or be put on bed rest in the third trimester.

The physio found that my pelvis was off centre and my left hip had moved out of place. She did several therapies, which hurt at the time, but did ease the pain in general. She also gave some do's and don'ts. I have added to this list some of my own advice and tips. 

Pelvic Girdle Pain Dos and Don'ts

Most importantly she told me not to push through the pain, which I had been doing and to avoid sitting on couches and to sit on a hardback chair.

Housework left me in agony and driving over an hour a day for work didn’t help either. Pregnancy yoga helped me relax, but some of the stretches did put me in pain.

As I could not go for walks or do any exercise, I put on a stone in weight by the end of the second trimester.

What eases the pain:

- A mixture of rest and exercise. I was told not to sit for more than 20 minutes at a time and to try and walk for 15 minutes.

- Stretches. Some of the yoga stretches and others I saw on YouTube or my physio told me about did help to ease some pain in the evenings

- Physiotherapy. I attended a physio in the hospital about once a fortnight. Although the therapies did hurt during the session, the pain was lessened for a few days after

- Reflexology. I am scared of needles so didn't try acupuncture. I am not sure that reflexology helped to eradicate the pain, but it did help to calm and loosen me up. A calm mind helps everything!

The good news is that after baby was born, my pelvis returned to normal and the pain was gone. Bad news is that I can most likely expect it again if I do get pregnant in the future!

Did you suffer from SPD? And if so what helped you along the way?

Also check out:
Maternity Wear Essentials
Learning a life lesson with pregnancy yoga
The honeymoon of pregnancy: The second trimester

The Do's and Don'ts of Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) can make your pregnancy journey a complete pain in the ass (physically!) so here are some Do's and Don't s that I found helped me.

Avoid crossing your legs

Don't:

- Stand for a long time

- Sit for a long time

- Carry a toddler on one hip

- Cross your legs while sitting

- Sit on the floor

- Sit in a twisted position

- Lift heavy weights (including shopping bags, wet washing, vaccum etc)

- Push heavy objects like a supermarket trolley

- Carry anything in one hand only (like a handbag or shopping)

- Get dressed standing up

Do:

- Get phyisotherpay regularly

- Be as active as possible within pain limits

- Ask for help with household chores

- Rest when you can

Get professional help to ease pain

- Sit down to get dresses or undressed

- Wear flat supportive shoes

- Sit down while ironing or other jobs

- Try to keep your knees together moving in and out of the car

- Sleep with a pillow between your legs

- Roll in and out of bed keeping your knees together

- Take the stairs one at a time

- Use a rucksack or an over the shoulder handbag to carry your daily items

You can buy these spikey massage balls online
to target stiff muscles in your back

Tips:

A plastic carrier bag or sheet on the car seat will help you swivel in and out of the car.

Try to cut out drinking water at night, to lower the number of toilet breaks you need.

Get a shower mat, if you don't have one - you do not need to slip!

Massage your lower back with a spiky massage ball.
If in severe pain, ice the front of your pelvis to calm down inflammation, and put heat on your ass and back to help ease muscle tension.

Also check out:
What a pain in the pelvis
Maternity Wear Essentials

Maternity Wear Essentials

There comes a point in your pregnancy, when loosening the top button will not suffice, you need to buy some maternity wear. Some people find it fun, others think it is horrible, either way it can be a daunting task.

Whether you are starting to show at 12 weeks or not until you are 26 weeks, you need comfort above all else, clothes should be practical (like machine washable and durable) and you do want to look like you still have some sense of style.

Maternity clothes are not cheap, so you need to choose your items carefully, remember you will only be using these pieces for a few months so there is no need to break the bank.

Here are my top tips to maternity wear:

1. Borrow, borrow, borrow

http://www.timarco.com/

Ask around your friends and see if you can have a root through their old maternity clothes, if they are not pregnant, they are not using them, so there is no harm in having a look at least. A few cute tops or dresses could be perfect.

2. Maternity Underwear

Do not suffer in under wire, past the 12 weeks mark if you felt any movement in your boobs, go get measured. Maternity and Nursing bras look like medieval contraptions, but they are sooo comfortable. Get rid of that under wire and prepare to breathe again. My boobs moved up the size scale three times during my pregnancy, so do get measured, a lot!

3. Slip on Shoes

Luckily, most of my pregnancy was spent in flip flops, when I had to move into socks, I almost collapsed - such effort! Slip on shoes are easy and comfortable, your swollen ankles will thank you and you will use them after birth too, when every second of time saving is essential for getting out the door.

4. Leggings

I am not really a leggings kind of gal, but boy, oh boy did I live in them during my pregnancy. Great for under dresses or just with a long top. They are comfy and stretchy - an essential item(s).

5. Maternity Jeans

You don’t need to say goodbye to skinny jeans with this wonderful invention. This would be the one item I advise you spend some money on, a good pair will go with everything and you will feel good and a little normal in them.

http://www.aliexpress.com

6. Maternity vest/ tank tops

I lived in these during my pregnancy. Whether you wear them alone or under another top, they really are so versatile. Get a few of them, maybe a few nursing ones too, so you can wear them if you are breastfeeding your baby.

7. Bump friendly cardigan/ jacket

These are great and again go with everything, you feel covered and some even make you look slimmer.

8. Tracksuit bottoms

For walking, for napping, for watching TV, driving etc. Get ones that look good enough to go shopping in, such a good investment.

9. Dresses

What you need to look dressy is a wrap dress or even a maxi dress. Show off your bump, because if you don’t you might just look fat. You are not fat you are growing a baby!

10. Accessories

Now is the time to bring out the bling! Long necklaces, dripping earrings, bracelets, rings, scarves and handbags. Focus the eye of these items, and keep in style with the season’s print, colours and textures through your accessories.

11. Size Up

You do not need to buy everything from the maternity section, try a size bigger than your usual and look out for big flowing tops, shirts, and skirts. Also if you buy the darker shades they usually look more slimming.

12. PJs

Every day that I came home from work or an event, I got into my pjs. Buy pjs and a night gown that you love, ones that are comfy and cosy. You will be spending a lot of time in them during your pregnancy and after you had your precious baby.

What are your maternity wear essentials?

Also check out:
12 things to do in the second trimester

12 things to do in the Second Trimester

The second trimester is a lovely time, you can spread the good news to everyone without having to deal with any huge amount of aches or pains. You also get to enjoy being pregnant before you really have to process the exit strategy!

But aside from ‘being pregnant’ what else should you be doing? Here is the definitive (in my opinion!) things to do from week 13 - 27.

1. Book Antenatal/ Childbirth classes

In Ireland you are reminded to do this by the midwife in your hospital, but if not, do enquire and get booking. You usually don’t actually attend the classes until early third trimester, but if this is your first time pregnant you do not want to miss out.

2 Shop for Maternity Clothes

Yes your pants are tight and your boobs and belly are protruding, ditch the tight waistbands and prepare to enter what can only be described as heavenly, guilt free clothes! Check out my post on maternity wear essentials, try to pick out basic items and if you can buy a size or two bigger as you will need them post birth.

3 Maternity Leave

Now that you are in your stretchy pants it is time to talk business, discuss and set down your maternity leave at work. Get your dates in order and find out what your rights are. I found that doing this part usually leads into …

4 Research childcare

At some point you may want to return to work, so you should discuss with your partner and family the best childcare options. Crèche, playschool, childminder - keep your options open but have your research done.

5 Lists

I love lists (as you can see), they motivate me and keep me in reality! Now is the time to get out the pen and paper - list down what exactly you need for the first 6 months of the baby’s life - forget about clothes, think more like cot, high chair, car seat etc. See what you can get second hand and what you must buy new. Also write down what you need to buy for your hospital bag and start picking a few bits up. While you have the pen in your hand maybe plan out your finances for the same time period.

Me and my husband on our Babymoon

6 Babymoon/ adult time

I took my honeymoon in the second trimester and really enjoyed it, depending on your finances (see number 5) plan a holiday, trip or day away with your partner, friends or family. It will be lovely to get away for a while, and also you will cherish that time later on. Read about our babymoon here.

7 Sleep

This may be the time to start sleeping on your side. I sleep face down usually and found the transition quite hard, prepare your bedfellow for the huge amount of pillows that will now take up ‘your side’ of the bed. While we are on the bed and nice and comfy - nap. Take them whenever or wherever you get them. Don’t think about being lazy, rest is good for baby and for you.

8 Exercise

Some may feel that this should be higher up the list, but with my SPD it had to sadly take a back seat. Try and walk or do some light activity to keep you nimble and strong. Also do not forget to stretch, yoga is great for balance and breathing too. The most important exercise is the KEGAL, practice daily, preferably while talking to someone else … it just makes it more fun!

9 Baby Names

Towards the end of the second trimester it is a good idea to start narrowing names. Realistically you do not want to be thinking of any more than two names per gender. Decide and ponder them for the rest of the weeks to come, pop the name into as many scenarios as you can think of!

10 Keep a diary

I have a terrible memory, some days I feel like a goldfish, so I have to keep a journal. It is not so much for feelings and thoughts, but more like daily events/ occasions/ things I want to remember. You do not need to write down every thought for the 42 weeks, but maybe a few of the milestones and symptoms. Even if you hate pictures of your bump, do take a few of you as a larger lady - believe it or not you will miss it and forget what it felt like.

11 Me Time

Not Mummy Time ... not yet, this is Just Me Time. A bath, a spa, an evening reading or watching movies. Paint your nails, curl your hair and do what makes you happy. Be selfish and do not feel guilty, once your precious bundle is here your priorities will automatically change.

I tried a fish pedicure as part of my time - I loved it!

12 Baby Time

Read, sing, talk, play music and spend time with your unborn baby. My sweet baba didn't have much room to be kicking and playing games, but I know loads of mothers who can touch their belly and get the baby to kick them back. That is amazing - surreal really, treasure it. If you can get the daddy to interact too, do so, you want baby to know their father, you will need to pass over your bundle at sometime when they burst into the world.

Enjoy x

Also check out:
12 things to do in the First Trimester
The honeymoon of pregnancy - The Second Trimester
Maternity Wear Essentials

Pregnancy vlogs on YouTube

I have never been a huge fan of YouTube. I liked to listen and watch music videos from time to time, but I never seemed to have the time to sit down and watch a video, I am much better at reading blogs - which are more discreet without the noise!

But being pregnant, I had to rest more, especially with Smphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD), and well sometimes you can only read so much! Also for the first time in my life I wanted to compare myself to others - I wanted to see what other 16 week pregnant ladies looked like, what I should expect in the third trimester, what were other moms doing, buying or worrying about!

So I became obsessed with pregnancy vlogs, I watched them weekly and I loved them. My husband on the other hand hated them and felt they would stress me out. They did not, I did not compare myself negatively, but positively, and I enjoyed taking the journey with other ladies in waiting towards the birth of babies.

So for those of you who want the extra pregnant company I will share with you my favourite pregnant and mom vloggers. I followed these ladies through their pregnancy, birth and now I watch their babies growing (when I get the few spare minutes!).

Hope you enjoy, some are inspirational, funny and slightly strange!

Jess and her four kids

GabeandJess

https://www.youtube.com/user/GabeandJesss

Mom of four under five, I have no idea how she does it! You can watch her pregnancy and baby vlogs from her teenage pregnancy, her twins and her newest arrival. She is also getting married soon, if that interests you! Her life is like a soap opera sometimes!

Anna Saccone

AnnaSaccone

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheStyleDiet

Anna is one of my favourites, she is Irish and mum to Emilia and Eduardo, two of the cutest kids. Their family also post daily vlogs on https://www.youtube.com/user/LeFloofTV Her week by week pregnancy vlogs were brilliant and honest. Such a lovely family.

Bubz

Bubz

https://www.youtube.com/user/Bubzvlogz

Bubz is inspirational, funny and beautiful. She really is my favourite and I still look forward to her vlogs, she is from Northern Ireland, living in Hong Kong with her husband Tim and the chubbiest baby ever Issac. She knows her beauty and also gives tips on exercise, life and personal goals.

Danielle with hubby and baby Olivia

Danielle Baby Bliss

https://www.youtube.com/user/DanielleBabyBliss

Danielle is mum to two fab girls, she is an American living in Germany. She is a vegetarian who tries to live a sustainable life. She is also doing daily vlogs now, but her week by week pregnancy vlogs were fantastic.

DainaG showing her monthly products

DainaG https://www.youtube.com/user/DainaG23

Daina is Canadian and she struggled through pregnancy, which was refreshing to watch. Her vlogs were really helpful. She is a beautiful lady with a cutie girl and her monthly favourite videos offer great advice on beauty and toddler tips.

Hope you enjoy!

Learning a life lesson with Pregnancy yoga

I was struck down with Smphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD) at around 20 weeks pregnant, which ruled out most exercise for me, especially walking. This made me very lazy, helped me pile on the pounds and made me very anxious about childbirth. So I decided to do a pregnancy yoga course for six weeks.

I had never tried any type of yoga before so I was a real beginner and didn't know what to expect. As usual when I am trying something new, I was a little nervous, but as soon as I walked into the room, I was calm. The smell of burning incense, the cushions laid out on the ground, the lovely colours and the soothing music combined into the perfect atmosphere.

https://www.tumblr.com/search/hippie%20incense

The one hour class started by explaining how to breath properly, and it moved on to stretches, gentle poses and balancing exercises. Everything is slow and gentle and if you feel uncomfortable you are encouraged to stop. There were ladies present at different stages of pregnancy and it was lovely to talk to other pregnant women.

At the first class, I was slightly annoyed by the 15-20 minute meditation section, which felt like napping, we were told to lie down, cover with a blanket, close our eyes and listen to the music. I thought I was being conned out of money - eh I could nap at home for free!! But as the weeks went on I did use this time to free my mind and try to connect with my baby.

If you have weak ankles or plantar fasciitis you may find the balancing exercises tough, like I did. Also after a few weeks the yoga seemed to aggravate my SPD.

I would highly recommend the course though. After just one session my lungs felt ten times bigger, I could breathe easily and I felt that the stretching elongated my body giving my womb more room. It was of course relaxing and it was one hour a week to free my mind or any worries, stresses or to do lists and just tune into my body and baby.

Above all that, I feel like I learned how to breathe properly and that is a real life lesson. The breathing exercises are excellent for calming your body and are invaluable for labour pains. Moving forward from pregnancy I still use the breathing techniques frequently to clear my head before sleep and also during exercise classes to get more oxygen into my body.

It also improved my sleep, helped with some back pain and gave some ideas for different birthing positions.

Also check out: The First 12 weeks
First Maternity Hospital Visit