3 Surprising Pregnancy Things

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, just a mama sharing her experiences. Always consult with your healthcare providers. Also, reader discretion is advised because I'm really getting into it. 💜

Believe it or not I spent most of my life educating myself about the early stages of motherhood (the expecting stage). From being an older sister to watching countless episodes of 'A Baby Story' on TLC and other similar docuseries... not to mention the YouTube mommy bloggers sharing their birth stories and who were my secret besties; I soaked up ALL the motherhood stories.  

Despite all this information, there was quite a bit about pregnancy, labour and delivery and post partum recovery that really took me by surprise. Here goes a few of the things that really stood out:

1. Extreme pregnancy cravings. I knew pregnant women craved food and sometimes lots of food or even non food items like chalk. However, I never anticipated that I would have strange food cravings particularly for spicey food (I'm talking about really spicey food). While pregnant my perfect lunch was extra spicey jerk pork with ginger beer. As harsh on the stomach as that sounds; It was definitely the heat for me. I later found out, via mom forums, that the soda part was actually a common pregnancy craving/favourite.

2. Epidural surprises. I have to tell you that pain management has surprised me for every single Labour and Delivery I've had. The first issue I had with the epidural was that I didn't want one. It was just the idea of someone messing with my spine that completely had me against it. Mentally I prepared myself to ask for non intrusive pain medication and to take deep breaths and sing. But let me tell you, contractions are no joke and especially if they are induced ones. After singing every song I knew I started 'singing' for the anesthesiologist to give me that epidural. 

Once I got comfortable with the idea of an epidural, in my other labours I had issues with the epidural wearing of. Didn't know that was a thing. I remember one time feeling for pain and getting a top up from the anesthesiologist or a redosing and waking up not feeling anything from my neck down. While it was great not feeling pain...there was the panic of 'is this numbness permanent?' I literally had to pretend push my baby out without feeling a thing but eventually and thankfully, feeling returned to the rest of my body. I had never been so happy to walk until that day!

Then I've also had the experience of the epidural wearing out and being so far along that getting more epidural was out of the question. 

In summary, you may plan not to get an epidural and change your mind. You may get too much and not feel a thing . You may get an epidural and wears off so you still end feeling the whole thing. 

3. Morning Sickness after giving birth. Well it's not really morning sickness but a range of medical conditions can cause you to feel nauseous and even cause vomiting after giving birth. From Hyperemisis Gravidarum (HG) to GERD to gall bladder stones...or from just the organs in the body readjusting themselves as the uterus shrinks and contracts. Having some Gas-X or antacids on hand may be helpful. 

As always, consult your health care provider before taking anything over the counter and especially if you are breastfeeding. 

From SAD to GLAD in 22

Bring the outdoors inside with bright cheerful house plants

It’s SAD (seasonal affective disorder) season and apparently today is Blue Monday - saddest day of the year. While I don’t subscribe to labelling days I think it’s always a good idea to have a good list of things or steps we can take, as moms (and humans in general) to get out of a bad funk. Here are 22 things that can help you go from SAD to GLAD. Hope it helps 💜

1. Cook/Eat Happy Foods (like dark chocolate, oats, bananas, berries etc. Even better if you make a happy smoothie)

2. Get Sunshine or Vitamin D ☀️ 

3. Improve your lighting indoors

4. Clean/Tidy/Organize your home

5. Bring nature inside with a plant 🌱 

6. Circulate fresh air in your space daily 

7. Fill your space with pleasant scents

8. Rest (when you can and when you must)

9. Healthy Inner Conversations

10. Meditation 

11. Journaling

12. Sing/Dance to some music

13. Art Therapy 

14. Individual Games Crossword/Word Search

15. Group Games

16. Watch a good Movie 🍿 

17. Watch a Documentary 

18. Have a heart to heart conversation

19. Take a stroll 

20. Practice emotional hygiene. Eliminate or take a break from anything that increases stress. 

21. Learn or practice a new skill

22. Take a trip, plan a trip or reminisce about a memorable moment that brought joy.

Exercise & Pregnancy: The Benefits

Dear Expecting Mom,

If no one ever told you, let me be the first...Pregnancy is a sport and Labour is the Championship game. Well you already know that because you made it through try offs 😅

Ok in all seriousness...

Exercise is a very important aspect of maintaining a healthy pregnancy and having a straightforward labour and delivery. Here are 10 ways in which exercise can do a pregnant body good:

1. Boost in Energy. As the saying goes ‘to exercise you need energy and to get energy you need to exercise.’ This can be challenging especially in the first and third trimester when a Mama is doggone tired. If you can muster enough will power to go for a walk, climb some stairs or do some stretches you will definitely get a boost in energy to push you through your pregnant and tired days. 

2. Builds endurance for the big push. Back to that thing of labour being the Championship game... No athlete goes into a championship game unprepared. Some level of physical training is required. Especially because your L&D most likely will not be like in the movies where your baby flies out. If you’re getting a C-Section this may not be a huge selling point but if you’re opting to deliver naturally - you better have the stamina to push for hours if needed.

3. Helps the body to ‘snap back’ after labour. This is the benefit that gets the most airtime on social media and it is a worthy benefit. If you continue building muscle while pregnant at the end of pregnancy that muscle will help burn the excess baby fat and help return you to your pre baby #bodygoals.

4. Improves mood. When in doubt, worried, anxious fretting on your pregnancy etc. exercise may be the thing you need to lift your spirits. 

5. Improve sleep because pregnancy is known to to keep a mama up. Here are some other ways to get a great night's sleep.

6. Naturally induces labour. I walked and walked the day before my due date and delivered on my due date - this works.

7. Minimizes a range of pregnancy symptoms such as swelling of the feet, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.

8. Reduces chances of a perineum tear or episiotomy. Especially if you do pelvic exercises or kegels. 

9. Regulates weight gain and blood pressure.

10. Remedy for a breech 

Takeaway

For the most part walking, yoga and water aerobics are some of the best pregnancy exercises  for women of any fitness level. 

Based on my fitness profile I was able to walk, run, dance, do pregnant cardio, water aerobics and cycle during my pregnancies. Hands down my favourite exercises were dancing & aqua aerobics (which is basically dancing in water) 

Typically, fitness buffs who become pregnant can get away with doing modifications of some of their former exercises. 

Be sure to consult with your Doctor or healthcare provider on what exercises are best for you based on your pregnancy and fitness level. 💜

Disclaimer: I'm not a healthcare provider or personal trainer. Just a mom sharing my personal experiences with you.  

15 Questions To Ask Before Delivery

So the BIG day is fast approaching, bags are packed, you’ve nested and passed the time and you just have those few last OB appointments. Here are some questions to consider asking at your next appointment in case you draw a blank or never thought to ask. 

It will amaze you the amount of information collected about you before and during your pregnancy that is not relayed to you unless you ask. This is especially the case for Doctors/Healthcare providers with multiple patients and busy schedules in a day. 

So in the spirit of taking ownership of your own maternal health: Here are 15 questions to consider asking in those final appointments leading up to delivery and especially if you want to demonstrate that you take your own health seriously. 

1. Do you need to be vaccinated or tested for COVID before being admitted? Do you need to wear a mask and or visor or other personal protective device (PPD) while labouring? What if you are struggling while breathing under a PPD? 

2. Your Blood Type, Weight & Height (in case you don’t already know)?You will especially need to know your height and current weight in order to get the right amount of epidural - in case you need it. 

3. Where is your placenta located? (because the location of the placenta can impact delivery and worst case scenario could impede a vaginal delivery) There’s not much you can do in terms of moving it but at least that’s one less thing to be surprised about in case an issue pops up. 

4. If you are Strep B Positive or Negative?(because if positive and delivering vaginally you may require an injection so as not to pass on the infection to your baby).

5. What position is your baby facing? Is the baby in proper birthing position?

6. What exercises if any can you do if your baby is in a breech position?

7. What is the likelihood of you needing a C- section?

8.What things are safe for you to do to naturally induce labour?

9. Do you have a healthy amount of amniotic fluid to support your baby for the duration of your pregnancy?A final stage ultrasound can provide a good heads up in case you need to increase your water intake. a. 

10. If you need to be induced what method of inductions are available and do you have an option? b. Will you be kept in the hospital for the entire induction period or will you be sent home? (COVID question) You’d be surprised how much this varies from hospital to hospital even within the same country. 

11. What steps should you take if your water breaks naturally at home? Some hospitals of birthing centres may require you to put on a pad, note the time and call in immediately even if you are not required to go in immediately. Always call because contractions and timing your contractions makes all the difference. 

12. What pain relief medication or tools are available to you while labouring?Because did you know that there is a cut-off point? If you ask for pain relief medication too late like when the baby is already crowning you may have to just sing or scream your way through it. (Ok really and truly now is the time to practice your deep breathing exercises for the BIG push) 

13. What interventions do they typically use if baby is in the birth canal but just won’t come out?Vacuum? Forceps? Episiotomy?

14. What type of sutures will be used in case I have a perineum tear and do I have an option?Removable stitches/Dissolvable stitches or Staples? 

15. What happens to your placenta after delivery? Is cord blood storage an option for you where you live and if you are interested? What are the fees attached? Or if you wanted to keep your placenta for  other reasons would you be able to? 

There are a ton of other questions that you may have as an expecting mom, trying to conceive mom or a future expecting mom. If you think your questions may benefit another expecting mom; please share them in the comments below to help another Mami be better prepared. 💜

Day In The Life Of A Mom of 2

October 29, 2019

I feel overwhelmed. I feel anxious. I feel frozen, lethargic and stationary. I hate feeling this way. There is so much to do and already I feel I don't have enough energy to do it all. I managed to change one baby's diaper, the other one's needs changing but here I am lounging in the unmade bed thinking of all the chores and tasks I have to do.

Luckily I did not have to make breakfast for myself. My husband made fruit and eggs and I woke and made coffee. I should have more energy. This morning, brain work is draining me. Just texted and sent back a document to the realtor. Up thinking if the handy man will be coming back to our rental unit to finish up work started yesterday. Thinking about the job certification I need to study for to get certified by Friday. Waiting to hear if our offer on a home was accepted. Fear of the future and unknown is draining me. My toddler is done being distracted...back to life... 

Reaction: Nothing gives me more amusement & aha moments (as a mom and as a person) than reviewing my journal entries. I'm big on journaling and doing a brain dump daily or as frequently as it's needed. Self reflection through journaling is a good and healthy part oh mental health not just when in distress but throughout all emotions. Pre motherhood I used to do my journaling in pretty well bound journals but nowadays I write wherever whenever which sometimes is a quick brain dump in my phone. Anybody else does that? 

As a mom of three now, looking back on this express journal entry (as I'd like to call it); I'm happy to report that I can make my bed and my breakfast now (although which mom wouldn't enjoy having these things done for them?) and that our offer on a house was accepted and that we closed the chapter on that rental unit - with gratitude. My children require even more of my energy and attention than they did then #ToddlerLife 😅 I never did get that job I was certifying for and had I known the COVID 19 pandemic and additional baby was around the corner, I would have saved some of the energy and the worry. 😀😅 

Still wish I had more energy to do all I need/want to do. All the organization projects, completing important tasks on my to do list (that I've been procrastinating) advancing my entrepreneurial goals, homeschooling my kids, relationship goals, fitness goals, spiritual goals, self development goals etc etc. One thing this global pandemic has taught me twice over is that there is no use worrying over the future and the fear of the unknown because the present is the gift and all we really have. 

" She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."

- Proverbs 31:25

Encouraging everyone...all the moms Expecting & OGs to take on each day as it comes with love, life & gratitude 💜

How to make a baby nursery?

 

Let’s face it a baby needs a designated space to sleep - safely and on his/her/their backs as prescribed by the experts; whether that’s a shared bed (co-sleeping), shared room or a separate nursery. 

Scenario 1: Co-sleeping nursery

Opinions are still divided about whether parents should share a bed with a newborn but for now we know for a fact that it’s not illegal and that parents have got to do what they have to do with the child rearing resources they have. 

Let’s say you live in a one bedroom or studio apartment where there isn’t much space for a traditional crib and there is just one bed. You can get a cot to put the baby in the bed beside you. There are several of these bassinets designed for the bed on the market. However, like all bassinets, your baby can no longer sleep in it once they start rolling over (around 3 months) because of the risk of suffocating. Alternatively there are the bassinets that attach to the side of the bed so that baby is not actually in the bed but safely within arms reach. 

For a more long term sleeping option in a small space you can invest in a mini crib that is considerably smaller than a standard crib. There are mini cribs that are convertible up to toddler beds etc. just like the standard cribs and also come in rectangular or circular form depending on what works best for your space. 

Scenario 2: Separate Nursery

The recommendation to date is that baby sleeps in the same room with mom/caregiver for the first year of life. So an essential is definitely a bed for mom/caregiver in baby's nursery or you may opt to have a section of your own room designated for the nursery.

Whatever the case may be here are some other items, aside from the crib, to consider for your nursery if you have the space or resources:

✳Dresser or Chest of Drawers

✳Changing table/Changing topper for dresser

✳Rocking Chair/Glider

✳Diaper bin

✳Dirty clothes basket/hamper

✳Extra hanging storage (if you need it)

✳ Baby nursery decor 

✳ Lamp or other dim/ambient  lighting for late night feeds.

What else would you add?

They say a picture is worth more than a thousand words. So here's another baby nursery pic.

Comment below if you'd like to share your own baby nursery and be sure to follow @expectingmami on instagram for more baby nursery inspo. 

5 Interesting Pregnant Mom Movies

So you're pregnant in the middle of another COVID19 pandemic and you want a movie or two to watch to take your anxious mind off your own pregnancy but still something you can enjoy, relate to or empathize with? Grab your popcorn or other Dr. approved snacks...I've got you covered. Here are my fave picks for a Preggo Movie Night In:

1. Knocked Up. Must watch if you're in the mood for a RomCom type of movie. Maybe you can relate; maybe not. Whatever the case is; the acting is great and the storyline pulls you in and away from reality for a while. 

2. The Back Up Plan. Another RomCom meets serendipity kind of film with all the feels. 

Trigger alert...these next 3 are about loss of some sort...

3. The Color Purple. It's a bit heavy but one thing it does give is perspective. Is the glass half full, or half empty or are you just grateful to still be pregnant? Questions to ask yourself after watching this?

4. Roma is another heavy one that delivers on storyline and perspective. 

5. Twinsters. Ok this one is not directly about a pregnant mother but indirectly the story is told of a mother her newborn twins and separation. Spoiler alert...it has a happy ending.

Have you watched any of these? What are your favorite mom or expecting mom movies? Drop a line in the comment section. Happy Watching!

Happy New Year - Happy New Sleep!

Hello Mamas, 

For the month of January, we will be kickstarting a series on pampering yourself to start 2021 off on the right foot. For many, 2020 was a challenging and weird year and we want to move forward with all the positive energy we gained from the year - with gratitude and leave all the negatives behind. 

All about that Sleep... 

We’re starting off the comfort series by talking about sleep! As it so happens today is the Festival of Sleep Day and it’s a Sunday in a pandemic lockdown. Sounds like a celebration we can all join in on and I’m all for it! Let’s celebrate great sleep because I’m convinced that pure energy flows from sleep. 

Benefits of Sleep 

Sleep gives us the opportunity to work out our daytime struggles through dreaming and resetting/reframing problems. Notice how problems always seem more manageable and solvable after a good night’s sleep? It also allows our bodies (mind included) to heal and rejuvenate. We also don’t need to wait till night time to get the benefits of sleep. It’s the reason they say new moms should sleep while your new baby is sleeping - so you can keep up and be alert night or day. Some European cultures, like Spain, even have daytime naps built into the culture which I am sure works out great for productivity and well being. 

For the stay at home mom with toddler (s) fighting nap time; it may be a good idea to remove them from the active play area to another quiet room where everyone can take a group siesta break. 

Lucky for many working moms, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to work remotely from home. So for that 1 hr lunch break you can take a 30 - 40 minute nap with or without your young ones.

Tips for better sleep 

1. Keep tabs on the humidity in your bedroom. You may benefit from having a humidifier misting some essential oils; especially during cold winter months.

2. Make sure your mattress is the right fit for you. A good mattress that supports you best, during sleep, is the best investment you can make for your sleep. 

3. Get nice comfortable, breathable sheets and covers/blankets that don’t irritate your skin. 

4. Get nice firm pillows & pillow protectors that keep out dust mites etc. and change pillows on a regular schedule that fits your budget. 

5. Take a lavender or rose scented bubble bath or shower before bed. 

6. Dress up in your coziest socks and most comfortable PJs for bed. 

7. Make sure the temperature in your room is just right for sleep. 

8. Give a good night kiss, snuggle to your littles and loved ones. 

9. Empty your mind before bed by meditating, praying, journaling, making a short to do list, ending the day with gratitude etc. 

10. Listen to your favourite soothing music, audio book or nature sounds before bed. 

Happy Festival of Sleep Sunday to You! 

What’s one thing you plan to do to improve your sleep tomorrow and in the year ahead? Any more good sleep tips to add? Drop them in the comments below.

Major Considerations Before Having A Baby

Disclaimer: Answering these questions and checking all these boxes for yourself is just a start. Child birth is such a privilege and mystery and there are still so many unknowns. Seek and get all the support, medical and familial, that you need on this journey. All the best mama! 

To start, baby fever and the biological clock are real, valid and natural feelings experienced by both men and women. It’s usually the spark that leads to the creation of a family. They say hind sight is 20/20 so this post is an attempt to look further down the road at the practical considerations to factor in as you prepare for your new journey into motherhood. 

These five questions have been formulated based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs starting from the bottom of the pyramid going up. 

1. Are you able to provide a stable source of food, water, warmth and rest for yourself and growing child? Life happens and has a way of throwing us into a loop sometimes. In answering this question it’s important to think proactively. Do you have a stable source of income, savings, investments or employment insurance? Brainstorm different worst case scenarios and consider what your Plan A, Plan B & Plan C would look like if you ran into difficulty providing or accessing these basic needs. 

2. Are you able to provide a safe and secure environment for yourself and your growing child both (a) internally and (b) externally? (a) In answering this question first think of your body as your baby’s first place of shelter. If you’ve never carried a child full term before you likely won’t know what your body is capable of. Thinking proactively: You can scan your family’s reproductive history to see if there are any familial trends. Ask your mother, parent or anyone that may know of reproductive issues that run in the family. Additionally, you can go to a gynecologist and find some things out. They won’t know everything about your body but at the very least they can check on your reproductive organs to see if there is anything to be learnt before you conceive. They too will want to know if you have any family reproductive health issues. There are so many other checks and balances that can be done by a healthcare provider before you conceive such as mental health checks, iron levels, potassium levels etc. Also in general, women are advised to take folic acid prior to conceiving. In short, good overall health can make a huge difference on the journey. 

(b) Think of where you are living now and project as far as possible in your mind. Do you see yourself raising a child where you currently live? Is it safe and secure? Can you potentially make it a nest? For how long? Many healthcare providers usually advise that if you are planning a BIG Move to ideally do it before you get pregnant or at the very least in the very early days.  

3. Do you have support on this journey? This is actually a question that your healthcare provider will ask before or after you conceive. Ask yourself who is your village? Because quite frankly, pregnant women and new moms need support. Will you rely on the love and support of a partner, family members, friends, church group or other organization? You’d be surprised at just how much help and support pregnant and new moms need. It can make the difference for a healthy, trauma free pregnancy journey. 

4. What is your true motive for getting pregnant? On Maslow’s hierarchy of needs under psychological needs he talks a lot about human behavior, esteem and motivation. You have to have some heart to hearts with yourself to uncover if motherhood is truly your heart’s  desire or if you are pursuing motherhood because of other motives outside of yourself? 

5. Is it the right timing to start this journey considering the self actualizing goals that you’ve set for yourself? Because quite frankly some women have dreams and desires that are incompatible with their desire for motherhood. So ask yourself, based on what you are currently pursuing in life is it the right time for you to embark on motherhood? 

If you’re already on the journey and facing problems just know that help and resources are available around you if you reach out for help. 

Breastfeeding During COVID-19

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently had a bout with COVID 19. During this period I did breastfeed and I did find that my youngest (under a year) was the least affected by any symptoms. Canada has not yet published any specific guidelines around breastfeeding while positive with COVID 19. However, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among others recommend that breast is still best. 

Are there any guidelines around breastfeeding during COVID-19 in Canada?

At this time, there are no Canadian guidelines published on COVID-19 and breastfeeding. Below are some resources, shared by Enfamil Canada in their recent newsletter to parents, that can help to inform your breastfeeding decision.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidance on breastfeeding and COVID 19 (https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/covid-19-and-breastfeeding.html)

• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/key-topics/covid-19)

• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (United Kingdom) (https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/)

• Dietitians of Canada (https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19)

Guidance on breastfeeding and COVID-19 may change as knowledge evolves.  Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. 

 Are you a breastfeeding or soon to be breastfeeding mom? What are your thoughts on breastfeeding during this time?