Pregnancy Diary – Rae

by Janine Rudin

I’m Rae, 36 years old and married to Peter. I am a mum to two sons, Henry aged 4 and Zachary aged 18 months, and step-mum to two girls aged 15 and 12.
I’m also pregnant with my third child.

20th May – 14 weeks

This has been a funny week. I’m extremely tired still – not helped by the fact that both boys have had some sort of virus. They haven’t been really ill but have been coughing lots which has led to disturbed sleep. I’ve also caught it and have ended up with a sore throat and migraine – and of course I can’t take anything stronger than paracetomol, so I’ve been feeling pretty sorry for myself. Twice I’ve taken the boys to bed and fallen asleep with them. I figure if that’s what I need, then I’ll just take the sleep, though it doesn’t make for a particularly exciting life!

I met friends for a meal on Thursday which was lovely. We met when we all attended Janine’s antenatal classes for our first borns: they are starting school in September! I know everyone says it, but once you have children, the time really does fly. I can’t believe I’ve got a little boy who is almost old enough for school….

Apart from the tiredness, I’m feeling pretty OK. I still don’t really feel pregnant. Peter reckons I’m starting to show a bit, but I reckon it’s just bloat/cake! My jeans still fit, though I guess I should start digging out some maternity clothes soon-ish. I’ve had a few twinges of sciatica which I really hope will pass. I’ll discuss it with my midwife at my next appointment and book in with a chiropractor if I think it needs attention.

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7 tips for a happy and healthy pregnancy

by Janine Rudin

1. Eat well
I know too well how this is not always easy because when we feel sick, tired and, generally, a bit rough it’s easy to eat junk and fall into the biscuit barrel. And some days we can feel like we are never full! Try to eat a decent meal a day, with a splattering of fruit throughout the day to balance out the chocolate! Remember to drink water too – being dehydrated can make you feel tired and give you headaches.

2. Rest and sleep
Getting through a day at work or with your toddler means you have to keep going but, when it comes to the evening, if you are shattered try not to fight it – go to bed! You are making another human being and the tiredness can feel like you have been drugged so you need to rest.

3. Exercise
You might feel that you want to wait until you are out of the haze of the first trimester, when you have a little more energy but even just going for a walk is going to help you feel re-energised and healthy.

If you fancy a class to meet other expectant mums and improve your fitness, The Birth & Baby Network has Aerobics, Pilates, Aqua Aerobics and Yoga instructors, who provide courses specifically for pregnant women.

4. Relax
Relaxation is not indulgent it’s essential, especially in pregnancy. Being able to totally relax means you de-stress and ease tension, which is good for you and your baby.

Book yourself in for Relax & Breathe, pregnancy massage or reflexology sessions to help you relax and de-stress.

5. Aches & pains
As your baby grows and your body changes, you can develop aches in your back, neck and/or pelvis. It’s worth contacting a Chiropractor for an assessment, to see if you could benefit from a treatment.

6. Prepare for birth
At some point during pregnancy, most parents decide they need more support to help them prepare for the birth of their baby. Antenatal classes are a great way to gain information and ask all the questions you need to feel more informed and reassured.

7. Talk
If this isn’t your first baby or you are feeling very anxious about the birth of your baby, it can be worth talking it through with someone. This can help you get to the root of your anxiety and provide you with opportunity of easing any stress you may feel in pregnancy. Ask to speak to you midwife or you can contact Birth & Baby Basics for support.

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Reassurance and support in pregnancy

by Janine Rudin

Pregnancy can be a magical time of excitement, fulfillment and change but, for many women, it can also be a time of vulnerability and a million questions.

Reassurance and support can come from your community midwife but, due to demands on their skills, time with them can be short and you can often remember the questions you wanted to ask as you walk out the door!

What do pregnant women need reassurance about? Day to day it is often about being healthy and safe and preparing for labour.

So where can you go for this reassurance and support? There are obviously a huge selection of websites and books to choose from and, for some, this will be all they need but many women still want to talk to a person to gain a clearer picture rather than making their way through different advice and information.

Your midwife – if you need more of her time, ask for it! Chances are she will be busy but if you request more of her time, she will give it to you.
Find yourself a pregnancy fitness specialist – pilates teacher and / or fitness instructors
Use a chiropractor with experience of pregnancy to help new aches and niggles
Treat yourself a massage with an experienced pregnancy practitioner – relax and let any stress fade away
Book some good antenatal classes – ideally small groups where you get to talk and to ask all the questions you need to gain information and reassurance
If you want to breastfeed your baby, it can be useful to find out more in pregnancy – your midwife will be able to tell you about the Breastfeeding Workshops at the local hospitals and Children’s Centres and it will be included in your antenatal classes. There is also La Leche League Tyne & Wear (http://www.llltyneandwear.edgoose.co.uk/) for more information and support.
Take a wander around the Birth & Baby Network and you’ll find everything from antenatal classes and a chiropractor to pilates, aquanatal and massage. And if we don’t have what you need, just ask us.

There is nothing wrong with seeking out this extra support as your body, as well as your life, starts to experience significant change. Physical and emotional wellbeing are important in pregnancy, so look after yourself and put you and the bump first!

(image by Donald Greenhalgh)

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Wellbeing

by Janine Rudin

Your Wellbeing

The practitioners who are part of the Birth & Baby Network provide a range of support and service to enhance the wellbeing of pregnant women and new mums.

Antenatal classes with Birth Basics

As well as providing you with information to help you prepare for labour & birth, the classes also provide you with the opportunity to ask all the questions you need to gain reassurance. The sessions help you deal with any fear you have about birth or life with a new baby.

The Relax & Breathe sessions provide an opportunity for expectant mums to relax and distress, while learning simple but effective breathing skills to stay calm and in control in labour.

Doula service

It may be that you need extra support and reassurance in pregnancy, as you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Using the postnatal doula service can provide you with extra support and reassurance, as you get to grips with life as a parent, which also means you can get more rest.

The Home Package includes:

Emotional support
Support with bathing and feeding your baby
Baby massage, early bonding and baby development
Practical help around the house
Providing the opportunity for you to rest
Taking baby out for a walk, to give you the chance to sleepAnd it is an affordable service at only £10 per hour.

Pregnancy Massage

If ever there was a time to pamper yourself, then pregnancy is it – after all you are growing another human being!

Booking yourself in for a massage is not an indulgence, it can make a huge difference to how you feel.

You get to relax and say goodbye to stress, and so does your baby. Some uninterrupted time to chill and just be with your baby bump can’t be under-estimated – it’s a great way to bond, while also helping to ease your aches and pains and boosting your mood.

Julia McCarthy from Sanctuary House provides pregnancy massage and recommends that pregnant women use a therapist who is trained and experienced at providing pregnancy massage, “you need the peace of mind that the practitioner is safe, using appropriate massage oils.”

Chiropractor

The Chiropractor may be able to help ease pregnancy and postnatal aches and niggles by realigning your back and your pelvis to deal with the extra stresses and strains that comes with carrying the extra weight of your baby in pregnancy.

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