Pregnancy & New Mother’s Survival Guide

Motherhood is honestly an absolute blessing, but this does not mean that it is a walk in the park. As a mother to a busy little toddler, I have experienced a wide array of emotions and learnt valuable lessons, which I am eager to share. The initial stages of becoming a Mamma, the anticipation, the fear of the unknown, the planning and the nesting can be both exciting but also overwhelming. As a result, remaining grounded, building up a support network and taking some time out for yourself are key. So, here are my musings on the subject so far, as I am constantly learning!

Do your research and then let go!!

Upon finding out the wonderful news that I was pregnant, I immediately felt intimidated by all the information that was out there, from books to websites to apps, to groups. It all just added to the stress I was already feeling. I would suggest to rely on the advice of just a few trusted friends. For me, my sister (Mamma to a gorgeous little boy), my sister in law (Mamma to two beautiful girls) and a very close friend (Mamma to two lovely boys) were the people I got advice from and then I made up my own mind. I enjoyed reading up on my pregnancy but again I needed to limit the amount of information I was taking in. I loved The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Ina May’s ‘Guide to Childbirth’, www.babycenter.com for regular emails and the pregnancy+ app for fun facts on baby size in comparison to fruits and vegetables! I would keep it light, learn from your yoga teacher, from your midwife/consultant appointments and then keep the rest to a minimum. That’s what I plan to do when it’s time for baby No. 2!!

Connect to Your Body

Hormones, new bodily sensations, tighter clothes, sluggish digestion, nausea, fatigue, all the lovely pregnancy physical symptoms are signs to slow down. Of course we were commuting and waiting to move home when I was pregnant so I didn’t have as much time to rest as I would have liked. Had I known what life was going to be like with a new baby, I would have rested more. However, I did love my yoga practice and I fit it in daily. I loved my warm showers, rubbing coconut oil onto my bump, my fabulous pregnancy massages at UMamma in Kilmacanogue and I loved watching Vampire Diaries (yes all 125 of them) on my laptop in the evenings. This is a time to rest, to reconnect and to bond with the beautiful bubs inside you. In particular, the last 6 weeks before birth are key as Oxytocin (the love hormone and hormone for bonding with bubs) starts to be released. It also works to release and soften all the muscles needed for bubs to arrive…enough said, go get a massage, acupuncture or reflexology!

Nesting

Despite the feelings of excitement at holding your bundle of joy, preparing for a new baby can be overwhelming. Which is the best buggy, what is really necessary in terms of baby changing? When should you buy a sling? Lots of questions and well-wishing advice can follow. I took advantage of the amazing energy I felt in the 2nd trimester and did my research and then bought online. I borrowed a pram from my friend and got fresh new covers from Tony Kiely’s. We got a present of a wonderful Ergo Baby 360 sling from my Brother, which we have used up until 18 months. I got our changing tables from my sister in law and bought another in the sales. I found changing mats, bath, vests, Babygro’s and soothers from Mothercare. I found the following website great for essentials http://www.thebump.com/a/checklist-baby-essentials

Birth Plan & Bag Packing

Although my labour didn’t go according to plan, as madam was 2 weeks late, I still wrote out my birth preferences and plan. Now that I have done further research and am studying Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training, I will be more equipped and informed second time round of my wishes. You can download these plans from the net and give them to your caregiver and birth partner prior to labour. This means everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet, so to speak.

If you are going to have a hospital birth, pack your bag early. It is always good to be prepared and you never know when baby will choose to make his/her arrival. I made sure to pack plenty of nutritious snacks and I know my hubby was glad I did, he ate most of them!!

Pregnancy Yoga

Find a beautiful teacher and setting that you can share your hopes, dreams, and fears with as you prepare and learn more about the journey of pregnancy and of labour. The ladies you meet at these classes may become lifelong friends. Yoga will give the sense of calm needed up until birth and the stamina for labour.

Hypnobirthing and Gentle Birthing Apps

Find yourself an excellent Hypnobirthing class or practitioner. Many of the hospitals provide such classes or you can buy books/apps instead. Being prepared for birth is key and you will feel both relaxed and calm with a sense of empowerment if you do so.

Health and Wellbeing during pregnancy and beyond

I found Patrick Holford’s book ‘Optimum Nutrition Before, during and After Pregnancy’ to be great. The book offers many tips in terms of nutrition, supplements and recipes. In terms of exercise, it is important to stay fit and this also increases energy and stamina. For me, I did low impact movement such as prenatal yoga, prenatal Pilates and walking in nature. 

Prepare Meals for After Birth

People laugh when I say that I had 34 homemade freezer meals prepared for when bubs arrived. However, it was the best thing I could have done. Colic baby=no time whatsoever. She was feeding around the clock (as babies do), so having nutritious meals to take out of the freezer and heat up every night was fantastic and time efficient. Win win!! We also did our shopping online as bringing a new baby around the shops was my idea of hell!

New Mamma Support Network

We were very fortunate to have moved house a month before bubs arrival. I have a wonderful community of Mammas around me and I was very active in learning about such supports. We had a regular breastfeeding support group (21 months later and we are still great friends, often seen in local restaurants sampling the vino and giving out about sleepless nights!!), Mum and baby yoga and Mum and Baby massage. I also went to swimming lessons with Aqua babies which was fantastic. http://aquababies.ie/pools/glenview-hotel/.

My advice is to meet as many new Mums as possible, there is so much support in these groups as other women are going through the same trials and tribulations as you are!

Skin to Skin

Oh my Gosh!!!! I am getting broody writing this. I LOVED skin to skin, there is simply no feeling out there like it. Treasure the moment that is all I can say on this subject, it is all about being present and being grateful for your bundle of joy.

Giving up Perfectionism

Hardest one for me to date. It is so easy to compare to other Mums and to other babies. I have often wondered what I was doing wrong. However, I am not perfect, neither is my hubby. None of us are meant to be, so drop the expectations. What I am learning on this journey is that Motherhood is tough, and that the more we prepare ourselves for it and ensure that we are taking care of ourselves and our relationship with each-other along the way that is the most important thing. For us, that can mean getting a babysitter for date night, or playing tag team so one gets to play golf or go to a yoga class. They do grow up so fast and before we know it, they will be in school and we will have all that time to go to that class, go for that walk or go for that cuppa in peace. Motherhood, yes has its challenges, but it is also the most beautiful feeling and gift that the universe could give. Enjoy each moment, they are precious xxx