Pregnant Guest blogger Norwich Mumbler
Pregnant Guest Blogger Norwich Mumbler – 29 weeks update
When they say each pregnancy feels like it goes faster, they’re not lying.
I am 29 weeks pregnant now, which means only a mere 11 weeks to go. At the beginning, 11 weeks feels like it the last forrrrrrrever, but now it feels like time is running away and B-Day (Birth Day) will be here before I know it.
I think one of the main problems is I’m trying to organise a rather large Norwich Mumbler children’s activities event at the beginning of June…and I’m due on 29th June. My husband was unimpressed when I told him my plan and said he would refuse to help me. Of course, he will help, he was just saying it out of protest that I was going to attempt this event at 37 weeks pregnant, but having an event deadline before the baby deadline is definitely making time feel like it is going even faster.
DELEGATION will be my word of the day for the event on 9th June – if only I could delegate on the 29th June too, ha!
Even though time is FLYING, I’ve been pretty good at taking regular bump pics and I’ve posted a few bump photos on my Instagram stories (for some reason it feels less public than posting them to the Mumbler FB page?). Quite a few people have commented on what a neat bump it is and I do always seem to grow a good bumpy type bump, but as ‘neat’ as the bump looks, it is now 85% stretchmarks.
They radiate from my belly button to around the diameter of a football. I know body positivity and ‘loving the stripes’ is very popular at the moment, and when the bump is full of the baby it is way easier to accept them, but it is the aftermath that I am slightly dreading.
I am trying to feel ok about them though and remind myself that my body has stretched itself to its limit not once, not twice, but THREE times and so far grown two incredibly hilarious, stubborn, kind and noisy humans. Hopefully, number 3 will be just as hilarious and kind, and a little bit less stubborn and noisy, but that it will still remind me it’s ok not to be ok with my post-baby body…it’s still damn amazing.
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Guest blog 20 week scan Norwich Mumbler
20 Week Scan Norwich Mumbler
What is the question you’ve been asked most when pregnant?
I honestly thought, having two girls, that the question I would get asked most would be, ‘So, you’re trying for a boy then?’ but instead, when we’ve told people we’re having a third, most people have gone with something along the lines of, ‘Are you mental?’ – ha!
If I’m completely honest, one of the reasons I REALLY wanted a third was because my mum’s friend is one of 3 girls and I loved the idea of my two being part of a trio of sisters when they grow up. Obviously, I can’t guarantee that they’ll all get on and want to be friends, but that’s what I’m going to aim for…we just have to get through the teenage years!
The second question we’ve been asked most is, ‘Are you going to find out what you’re having?’. We waited the full 40+8 weeks and 39+5 weeks to find out what the girls were and there was nothing quite like having my husband tell me they were girls when they ‘popped’ out - in fact, these are some of my favourite memories from their birthdays.
But this time around, I thought maybe we should find out and have a different experience by knowing what flavour the little bun in the oven is. Friends that I’ve spoken to have said the moment of birth wasn’t any less special because they already knew what they were having, it was still a surprise when they found out at the 20-week scan…and I was SO TEMPTED when the scan came. We still weren’t sure whether we would find out as the sonographer was checking the little bun over, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to say those words, ‘Tell us!’.
And then it was done, scan complete, gender still a mystery. I have no idea what I’m looking for those scans…was that a gender part? Why does my unborn baby resemble a turkey? Is that a foot or an arm?
All will be revealed at the end of June and one thing is for sure, whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’ll be part of our very own trio.
Kartin aka Norwich Mumbler
If you considering some maternity photos please email me today or use my contact form ^^ contact me tab above to chat and book in - Jess.
Breastfeeding Myths Guest Blog by Sian - No Milk Like Mama’s
Breastfeeding Myths Guest Blog by Sian - No Milk Like Mama’s consultants on breastfeeding in Norfolk
- Breastfeeding is painful
Whilst some discomfort can happen when you first start breastfeeding, truly painful is not ‘normal’ and is a sign that your baby does not have an optimal attachment to the breast. Too many times breastfeeding supporters see women who have struggled on through painful feeds, severe nipple trauma and dreading feeding their baby, with the misconception that it was normal to be painful and they just weren’t coping with this. This can lead to further issues that may take more support to unravel. Getting good quality support in place quickly if breastfeeding is painful can be key to breastfeeding success.
- Breastfeeding mothers get less sleep
It is often thought that breastfeeding mothers get less sleep. However, research has shown us that overall breastfeeding mothers get more sleep. Hormones in breastmilk help our babies fall back to sleep quickly, and the hormones released whilst breastfeeding, help mums to do the same. A breastfeed in the night can usually be a quick and calm way to settle babies back to sleep with minimal disruption.
- I’ll never be able to be away from my baby
In the newborn days it is true to say that breastfeeding can feel quite intense, but so can bottle feeding. Making feeds, heating water, washing bottles, sterilizing, none of this is easy. All mothers work extremely hard. Whilst breastfeeding may feel a little all-consuming in those early weeks, as your baby grows, your breastmilk changes. An increase in the casein: whey protein ratio in breastmilk enables babies to go a little longer between feeds, perhaps giving mum some time to relax and spend some time on herself.
- Breastfeeding will make my breasts ‘saggy’
Nope, you can blame pregnancy hormones, age and a dose of gravity for that one!
- I’ll have to stop when I go back to work
Many babies are already weaned onto solids by the time mum returns to work. Babies can eat meals, snacks and drink water when away from mum and return to the breast when they are reunited. If your baby does accept milk feeds when away from you, this can be given in a sippy or open cup, bottles are not always necessary. Health and Safety laws protect the needs of breastfeeding mothers to enable them to express at work and store their breastmilk.
- I can’t breastfeed if I’m unwell
The opposite could not be truer. It is very important to continue to breastfeed when you are unwell. Your body makes antibodies against the specific virus you have, and these are then given to your baby via your breastmilk, giving them greater protection from this. Aren’t our bodies amazing?!
- I can’t breastfeed if I am taking medication
Many medications are compatible with breastfeeding, and if a medication is not, alternatives can often be found. Please seek support to discuss this further if this concerns you.
- It is easy
Whilst breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill of both mother and baby requiring time, patience and support. Good quality, compassionate and consistent support from family, friends, and professionals enables the breastfeeding relationship to be an enjoyable one.
Sian Aldis, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
IBCLC. BA(Hons). FdSc.
Sian runs No Milk Like Mama’s and hosts a FREE Breastfeeding Support Café at Rowan House (Health & Wellbeing Centre) in Hethersett on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month between 10am and 12noon. Everyone is welcome to attend this drop in service. For more details of the services offered, please see http://www.nomilklikemamas.co.uk/or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
To book a maternity shoot or newborn feel free to contact me for a chat!
6 tips from a mum down the line for new mums, Norwich
6 tips from a mum down the line for new mums, Norwich.
- Trust Your New Mama Instincts.
It’s a cliché, you’ll hear it again and again but trust me. There really is nothing like your new superpowers… the maternal instincts. You know your baby better than anyone if you don’t feel someone is listening to it don’t be afraid to stand tough because at the end of the day its better to overreact than to have something missed. I have never regretted asking for a second opinion or refusing to leave a GP until I was listened to and so far I haven’t been proven wrong.
- ‘I’m overwhelmed and I don’t know if I can do this.’
I don’t know a mum who hasn’t experienced this in some measure: either a wave of this that passed or who was brave enough to talk to someone because it was something more serious.
Please don’t suffer in silence. At the smallest end of the scale I would say breathe, speak to your mum, some friends, your partner, someone you can trust and share the feelings because with so much parenting, ‘it’s just a phase’ even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Be easy on yourself, you are a new mum not wonder woman.
At the other end of the scale, please don’t suffer in silence there is wonderful help out there for post-natal depression, for those anxious from a traumatic birth or for any other feelings that are weighing you down. Please go to your GP for support and advice.
This is not a sign of weakness it is something that happens, and you deserve to be supported through it.
- Birth didn’t go as you expected
It rarely does – as a baby photographer based in Norwich. I hear new birth stories on a weekly basis and I want to say to any new mums to be or freshly made mums – they rarely do.
Be kind to yourself about your experience… if you had a drug free, water birth order in but ended up dosed up on all the drugs and waiting for more… well, if that’s what got you through then amazing! … you made and pushed out a human being!
However, you delivered your baby… you were incredible and you achieved an amazing thing. C-section, natural, home, hospital, epidural, drugs, no drugs… all that matters is there are 2 healthy humans at the end of it. Mum and baby.
- Friendships Can Change.
This was a hard lesson to learn. When your world shifts its centre to a tiny small human it can mean your priorities change and alongside that friends/family member attitudes towards you can also change. This is not a negative commentary, but simply an acknowledgment that life brings people in and out of it for various reasons and for many this is one big turning point in life that moves people in and out of your life.
Friends without children may not understand your new life (I know I didn’t maybe support friends who were new mothers before I became one myself) Girls nights may be rarer, relationships with partners may become strained (have you heard the one about who is more tired?!)
It all gets easier but don’t feel alone if friendships ebb and flow differently. All us mums have experienced it and if you are lucky, you’ll meet some new amazing friends through being a mum.
- Be kind to yourself.
The most important of my points. Be kind. To Yourself. There is so much advice out there for keeping a baby happy… and after all that’s your new role in life. But a happy baby needs to be supported by a happy mum.
Care for yourself as you do your baby…. Nourish yourself, rest, get fresh air and get support when it feels too much. Small things such as watching your favourite film while feeding your baby, having a bath, staying in your PJs all day and just ignoring the washing… it’s not easy but sometimes it is vital.
- Get Some Fresh Air
It’s funny how I resented being forced to have fresh air as a child. However, since the moment my children were born something switched and I genuinely now believe that fresh air can cure anything. Feeling sad? Get fresh air I am lucky living in Norwich there are so many lovely walks. Got a cold? Get fresh air. Feeling stressed? Happy? On the cusp of cabin fever? Fresh air.
Daylight is good for us, walking and moving is good for you and if you want to start exercising a bit post-baby, it’s a lovely, gentle way to start. I always used to invite my new mum friends for walks so we could enjoy it together. I did blog my Norwich top 5 baby friendly cafes 2 of which are in based in a park - win-win walk and cake!
Jess - I am a newborn and family photographer in Norwich, also feel read to read more blogs here.
Norwich Mumbler my new pregnant guest blogger
Norwich Mumbler my new pregnant guest blogger
I always knew I wanted two children. I used to joke to my husband about wanting three just to see him squirm or get cross about what a logistical nightmare it would be etc, etc. but I knew 2 was our number.
YET…along came baby number two and whilst I was ‘soaking her in’ and ‘making the most of her’ because I knew she was our last one, I had this niggle in the back of my head that perhaps we weren’t done. Lots of my friends have said they absolutely, unequivocally knew they were done, but I never felt it!
Fast-forward nearly two years later and we’d sorted out the logistical nightmares of potentially having three children when that little line showed on the pregnancy test! I have to say though, even though it was what we wanted, I was not prepared for the sudden guilt tears that followed.
Guilt for our two girls, who would have the upheaval of a new sibling, guilt that they might think we weren’t happy with just them, guilt for people who can’t conceive, guilt for people who have lost, guilt, guilt, guilt.
It took a little while to get my head around having another baby, our youngest has only just started sleeping through (she’s nearly 2!) and the thought of going back to the 2-hourly wakeups and seemingly constant sleep regressions was HARD but, after two children, I am well-versed in the fact that nothing lasts forever and everything is a ‘phase’. The days are long but the years are short, right?
My last two pregnancies have been very sicky for the first 9 to 15-22 weeks, so when week 9 came with this pregnancy I was ready. Apart from I wasn’t sick – hurrah! I was nauseous from week 6 but nothing that some bitter lemon or a sour Haribo wouldn’t fix. I was so pleased, if not a little smug.
Then BAM, it hit - I thought I’d escaped, but no. Eugh! (and I’m definitely voting for this one being another girl – ha!)
The first 16 weeks have been hard. Doing school runs and running after a ‘strong-willed’ 2-year-old, whilst trying to keep on top of my Norwich Mumbler to-do list (not to mention housework, cooking etc.) hasn’t been the easiest, but there’s finally some light at the end of my ‘morning sickness’ tunnel, so bring on the rest of the second trimester.
Check out my other blogs and we will hear from Katrin again in the future. Please also check out her awesome website, a hub for all things family related! And if you fancy experiencing a newborn shoot with me feel free to contact me for more information.
Guest Blog - Chelsea's Birth Story
Guest Blog – Chelsea’s Birth Story, Norwich Blogger;
This is Chelsea’s final blog to let us know all about her labour and birth at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital, it’s been amazing having her write and blog her first pregnancy a BIG THANK YOU, Chelsea.
Monday 3rd December at 18.27pm was when my life changed for the better. Through the tiredness, tears and sore bits came beautiful blue eyes, tiny toes, and peach fuzz hair.
My long awaited labour came at 41 weeks +3 starting at 1 am on Sunday 2nd with waters breaking and painful cramps. I laid awake wondering when the best time was to poke my husband awake to tell him ‘It’s Happening’, after all, we’re in it together and he needs his sleep to keep me sane when I can’t get mine!
2 hours later I needed to start my ‘Tens Machine’ and I can’t put it on myself so when I eventually plucked up the courage to whisper to Adam that I need him to help me, he freaked… 3 nervous toilet breaks later he was on top form! Keeping my glass topped up, rubbing my back, contacting parents to tell them the news and keeping in touch with MLBU with up to date info on my progression.
By 11 am my ‘Surges’ were 3 in 10 so i rushed over to the MLBU ward whilst laying on top of cushions and blankets my hubby had set out for me on the back seat, like my very own blanket bed listening to our homemade hypnobirthing playlist. Thank god for ‘Spotify’!
After I hobbled into MLBU in the hope that I’d be popping out my baby within an hour or so I found out I was 1cm dilated…CRUSHED…how could that be? My contractions then accelerated to 1min-30sec apart so I was kept in and transferred to Cley ward with an injection of pethidine to help me sleep as I’d been awake close to 35hrs with only 2 hours sleep, 18 of those were in labour.
The following 22hrs were a blur, from being transferred back to MLBU at 4cm, continuing my Hypnobirthing breathing in warm baths then transferred onto the Delivery Suite when I went beyond 24hrs for risk of infection. I then had the beloved Hormone drip and an Epidural (recommended from the MidwiVes).
Some hours later And after pushing for 1hr ½ with minimum pain relief as my epidural was inserted too high, I had a swarm of doctors around me trying to talk to me about intervention. In all honesty, I have no idea who was talking to me about what, I had to sign my life away with reassurance from my hubby on what was best. I was prepped for a forceps delivery and a cesarean section. I was scared and shaking sitting on the edge of the bed clutching my ‘bb hug me’ pillow when my Epidural was whipped out and spinal block inserted. I was given an Episiotomy operation and a manual placenta removal (yep just as unpleasant as it sounds).
My baby was back to back and had shoulder dystocia. My beautiful Arlo was born with large bruising on the back of his head from pushing on my pelvic bone, Lacerations under his right eye from forceps which caused swelling and an eye hematoma. His cry was a horrific painful cry, Arlo was transferred to Nicu to have a cannula for antibiotics and pain relief which is where he went every day.
Off I then went to Blakeney which is where I stayed for a week while we both recover. I discovered my little one and learned how to breastfeed him. The midwives were beyond great.
The NHS is constantly criticised but there’s never enough praise for the amazing job that the midwives, nurses, and surgeons do on a daily basis. I had a 42hr labour and I got through it with the most amazing caring staff. Who are at your bedside for encouragement and hugs when it all your emotions run wild together and my modern day hero hubby who helped me through my pain and discomfort.
I didn’t have the labour I had intended but I would do everything again. Our little Arlo is beyond beautiful and he amazes me every day, and in all honesty, once you look into those big beautiful blue eyes everything is forgotten.
Too soon for another??
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The Honest Confessions of a NICU Mum on… Co- sleeping
The Honest Confessions of a NICU Mum on… Co- sleeping
Don’t let baby sleep in your bed.
Put them down awake.
Get rid of the dummy.
Put socks on him.
Dream feed them.
Have you tried a banana before bed?
Order a white noise machine, Gro clock, and blackout blinds.
Type in ‘how to get a baby to sleep through the night’, and you will be met with so much conflicting and sometimes very odd advice.
Elijah our first child was always a pretty good sleeper, from around six weeks he slept 7-7 and after about a year he did so in his own room. Other than the odd early wake-up, or a bout of illness and even getting rid of the dummy we have always had it pretty good with him.
We co-slept for a while, it just happened naturally, if he woke up early he would come in with us and we would sleep until a reasonable hour.
I remember being told that this was the worst possible thing to do, we would ‘create a rod for our own backs’, he wouldn’t sleep in his own room and wouldn’t be able to settle himself, etc.
I liked him being close to me, it meant I could keep an eye on him, and as he got bigger I liked it when he snuck in our bed.
Bed hopping
I do vaguely remember there was a time where the three of us would bed hop, between his room, our room and the sofa but do you know what, we still slept.
I got told by someone that if it isn’t a problem for you, then there is no problem and I hand on my heart believe this. We all slept and no it wasn’t the most convenient thing in the world but it kind of worked.
Then came his brother who didn’t quite follow in his brothers footsteps, so much so even now at sixteen months still doesn’t sleep very well.
We thought we had learnt a lot from having Elijah, and we were quite open to co sleeping again if it meant that we all slept but we were not prepared when it came to our little sleep thief.
I even in a sleep deprived state ordered a Ewan the Sheep in hope it would work, it did not.
Take last night, he went to bed in his room, woke up but settled again around five times but as we were approaching the wee hours he came in with us and slept until 7am, and allowed his brother a lay in until 7.30am!
The need for sleep
Some may have an issue about co sleeping and it obviously can be very dangerous in certain situations and I am not necessarily an advocate for it, I am however very much for getting sleep.
I don’t have any worries that by co sleeping that I will have one of them in the bed until they are teenagers.
I think in the first couple of years you are in survival mode and you do what you can to get the illustrious bout of sleep that you think about all day long.
There will be a time where they wont be waking up. Clambering into your bed, kicking you for hours through the night or my personal favourite using your head as a pillow.
It is and when your child doesn’t sleep, and you really do get quite desperate trying everything and anything.
It can be even harder when you know others their age who do sleep, and it can feel as though you are the one doing something wrong.
Once you have had a baby you are in such a rush for them to sleep through the night as we believe that this is an indication of their ability in a way.
Truth be told, I don’t think much helps, they will sleep when and where they want to. A little further down the road something will click and you will be waking up with a toddler heavy breathing in your face demanding that it is time for breakfast and C Beebies.
Three or four in a bed
Strangely, you will begin to miss those times where you woke up with no duvet and neck ache, snuggled up with someone whose nappy is feeling and smelling way too full.
Or when you, your partner, your child and every single one of their teddies have to come in and you find yourself balanced on the edge of the bed not daring to move in case you fall out!
Let go of the pressure, the guilt if you are reading this after a semi-successful night where your baby/toddler/ pre-schooler/ cat and you did share a bed then don’t sweat it.
Once again, if it isn’t a problem for you, it isn’t a problem, try not to compare yourselves.
Different things work for different people, and that’s okay, however, if one of them does still sleep with us when he is in his twenties then I may come back to revisit this!
Vicki Cockerill is a Freelance Content Writer and NICU/CHD Mum to two boys, she authors The Honest Confessions Of A NICU Mum Blog, founded and runs The NICU Parent Partnership Organisation and co-hosts @KnackeredandNorwich Social Club. You can contact her via her blog or social media;
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Pregnancy guest blogger 35 weeks- hypnobirthing & antenatal classes
Pregnancy guest blogger 35 weeks- hypnobirthing & antenatal classes in Norwich
Waking up on the floor, dazed and confused…I was obviously quite receptive to a hypnotised Alpha Brain state… Or if not… I was very tired!
We saw the wonderful Jackie – owner of ‘The Orange Grove Clinic’ for a weekend of Hypnobirthing. She was great! Honest, informative and reassuring. We studied Balloon breathing, Feather breathing, and Deep breathing whilst pelvic tilting on a Bouncy ball all on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I now feel like I understand what my clever body will go through. I never thought I would be able to have a water birth or be able to give birth to my baby without medical intervention, I now truly believe that I am capable of doing whatever I wish for our little one’s big day. I feel more empowered than ever. Go, women!
We have begun our Antenatal classes this month. ‘Birth to Babies’ was what we opted for. Our team of new parent troops are lovely, and our tutor Sian is very informative and makes the evening entertaining. We group up in small numbers to express fears and then try to solve them, we test out birthing positions, strategies and discuss the role of our other halves. I’m now part of a ‘Yummy Mummy’s’ group in which we share advice and plan catch ups over must needed coffee and cake.
Sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all, so my hubby and I had a treat night away at Park Farm. Swimming in their warm pool feeling light and bouncy and lounging in our luxury suite was just what we needed. I’m a sucker for a freebie, so coming into our room with salted caramel and hazelnut chocolate, wrapped up in ribbon on the bed accompanied by a bottle of ice cold Shloer (pregnancy wish) was such a treat and I felt super special.
After our romantic getaway, we thought we would make a detour to visit to the MLBU ward. We rang ahead and they confirmed it was quiet that day so we should pop up to visit. The rooms we could sneak a peek into had dimmed lighting, twinkly lights and birthing pools, which is perfect for me to use my new hypnobirthing techniques along with my portable music sound system, essential oils spray and battery candles… Like a spa they say. All of the midwives at N&N have been reassuring friendly and we are so lucky to be having our baby in their safe hands!
On a final note, we are PACKED! Everything prepared in the boot rearing to go. I’ve tried to cleverly pack my bag that my hubby knows where to look for my ‘Give me this item now’ when I’m squealing at him and throwing raised eyebrows in his direction. Baby’s bag was the best to pack as I get to sit there all teary eyed deciding on which baby grow I love the most, and looking through the tiny socks and booties trying to match to the outfit. Hubby’s bag is filled with pants and food…. Standard.
Chelsea
read Chelsea’s other guest blogs here 🙂
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Be a self-care goddess this winter - GUEST BLOG
Be a self-care goddess this winter - Guest blog from Sophie aka Muffin and Puffin
Let's chat self-care. As the season draws in; showcasing autumnal hues, big knitwear, pumpkins, the quality street on the shelves and the Harry Potter movies every Saturday night - it seems that hunkering down and enjoying life indoors is here for the foreseeable. Truly, it’s my favourite season but also a season where I find I sit on a delicate balance of the blues and the joys. So, I thought I would write myself a list of things to ensure I look after my self and those around me to keep it on the side of joy as much as possible.
Plan
Ever look in the shops at this time of year and wonder who is going to all these Christmas parties and where are those Christmas parties that warrant so many sequins and dresses? Well, I’m not being invited to them, so I’ll make my own plans. Christmas outings, mince pies and hot chocolates with friends, woodland walks (forest bathing is IN this season) baking, movie and duvet days. I always find having small things to look forward to improves my mood greatly.
Listen
I’ve really started to enjoy podcasts… loud music makes me happy, nothing can beat insomnia-faithless while cleaning the bathroom (how rock n roll) but I’ve actually discovered some wonderful podcasts that lift my mood. Right now, I’m listening to ‘Couples Therapy’ with Casey and Candice Neistat and Dolly Alderton’s ‘Love Stories’ also an oldie but a goodie for comedy is the ‘Adam and Joe show’ for BBC6 music. Go forth and listen!
Treat
Winter can be a season of excess and with that comes guilt but eat the naughty stuff just in moderation! For me, it’s not just mince pies but online shopping. There’s no greater thrill than a package in the post!
Cook
I love being in the kitchen, but a sleepless toddler makes those meals from scratch hard to make in the evening… so instead I’m planning on making chutney and sugars and various baking items and involving her in the process. Time in the kitchen in therapeutic for me… the process of selecting ingredients, chopping and then enjoying the final result… me time and a delicious meal or treat at the end.
Hobby
I am a total one for trying new things, but I’ll admit I don’t always see them through. I desperately want to be able to crochet… I bought all the gear and worked for 6 hours trying to crochet a basic square. I gave up…. So, this year I’m working on my photography and trying to read as much as I can… hobbies don’t have to be all about craft!
Alone
This is becoming more apparent that it is something I don’t just need but is a necessity. I am an all-around better person if I have managed to have a few hours in the week where it is just me and my headspace. Now go away, it’s Netflix time.
Screens
I have been told this is a good idea… I am yet to set the rules as my job is social media and that relies on phones and screens, but I need to set boundaries with my phone and create some ‘no phone zones’! So, I’ll be making a conscious effort this winter to unplug from technology and be fully present.
Move
I won’t lie I fall in and out of love with exercise daily, I’ve never regretted a workout, but I struggle with the motivation to get there. So, I’m going to embrace the movement I do enjoy – walking. I love being outside on a cold crisp day and so does my little one. Exercise and valuable time together… the perfect combination of self-care.
So that’s my self-care list, there’s plenty more I’m sure and if you have any other suggestions then let me know!
Sophie
Sophie Lynn
Owner @ Muffin&Puffin
‘A mini marketing company’
07738533889
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Everything I haven't learnt guest blog Muffin and Puffin
Everything I haven't learnt guest blog Muffin and Puffin
Experts, solicited advice, parenting blogs, books, more advanced parent friends, my own parents… I’ve consulted all of them at one time of another and through every ‘phase’ that our daughter goes through – I should be graduating with a first-class degree, maybe even three - because this has been a 2-year slog of a 24/7 study - yet I frequently feel like I may be the dunce here sitting with a cone hat on whilst dribbling slightly and speaking incoherently as yet, another 5am wake up rolls around.
This feeling, whilst a daily creeping one, is poignant now as I’m in a reflective mood. As our little munchkin reaches her second birthday - and in the process of booking a cake smash shoot to mark the occasion - I got thinking about the last two years and all that I haven’t learned. That is not a typo… I truthfully don’t think I know more about parenting now than I did when I first held that snuffly little bundle in my arms. One thing I do know… the goal posts change the minute you think you may just have cracked this parenting malarkey.
After the initial shock of a new-born routine, we quickly fell into something comfortable - life will have changed forevermore but you knew a newborn wasn’t an easy option and it really is just a phase... you expect to be tired and emotional and loved up and exhausted and not finish any sentan ….
Then it all changes and teething happen.
Then they start sleeping through… for a day…. And you get smug and tell your friends about your ‘methods’ that work only for it to all go to pot the following night whereby you consult google and rush to buy lush sleepy cream, throw lavender oil around like holy water and pray like you have never prayed before.
Then weaning happens and you prepare food from scratch and clap gleefully whilst they have their first tastes of foods and you vow you will never succumb to Ella’s Kitchen… and then months later you will weep with happiness that fruit and vegetables can be mixed together in a pouch!
Then they HATE all food and water and milk and will only eat crumbs that may or may not have been on your kitchen floor for three weeks.
Then they crawl and it’s amazing but having yearned for that day you have to re-learn how to get showered, dressed and generally do normal daily admin with a crawling ninja that is seemingly faster than the speed of light.
Then walking – I’ve never been so proud and in all my learning I thought this would make life easier… then you realise you can no longer pop them in a pram and go shopping because they have legs and they want to use them… so you have to learn again how to negotiate life with a tiny thing that is now upright and running away from you.
Then suddenly 2 is looming and you have a small thing with a personality, with words, with understanding and it is with profound pride and pleasure that I witness this every day… but also with profound fear that I know the answer to nothing. My husband and I are constantly looking to one another for reassurances and it really is the blind leading the blind, but we are blind together and we support each other daily and we make those decisions together (really, so no one can be blamed for any poor outcome)
What I have learnt is more about me, us, humans, relationships. No one can tell you how to parent, you can pick up handy hints and tips but ultimately every small person is unique… with unique needs, with unique feelings and there are no books for that.
So, while I may not have learnt anything about what the next day will bring, I have learnt this. Take it easy on yourself and just do your best. Every day that you have kept your small alive is a win, every cry you have is because you care, every shattered wake up is because you are needed. And for days when it just feels like you have reached a brick wall there’s always gin and Instagram.
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Mollies cake smash is in November so watch out for Jess’ social media!
Check out Sophie aka Muffin and Puffin !