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Preggy update: Husbands are sometimes right too
Preggy update: I’ve been especially hard on myself the past few days. Why? Well, mainly because I am STILL pregnant and I don’t know how to make it stop! If you recall from my previous posts, my doc would like to induce me later this week because this kid is a giant and I really want to give birth naturally. So, for the past few days, I’ve been trying out old housewives remedy’s and modern mama theory’s to try to get baby Jo to make an appearance. And still nothing. -
How to induce labour at home
Have you ever tried to induce labour at home? Old wives tales and millennial mamas all have countless tips and tricks that supposedly work, but I wonder if they actually do. Of corse, keeping your bun in the oven until he/she decides to make an appearance is ideal. But different circumstances could call for you to help your baby along its way. Well, I’ve been doing my research on home induction and I’m here to share them with you.
To be honest, I never thought I’d be desperate enough to induce labour at home. I’m one of those “everything happens when it’s suppose to happen” kind of girls. But my recent OBGYN visit showed us a very big baby Jo. In fact, the guestimation is that he will be over 4kg at birth, if I carry full term. His mid section is really big and since I’m pushing for natural labour (pun intended), my sweet doc would rather not take the chance to have me carry till my due date. If nothing happens naturally, by next week, she will be inducing labour at the hospital. But we’re keeping our hopes up that Jo will make an appearance before then. In the meantime, here are a few “induction tricks” that I’ve found online. I’m curious to know: Have any of you tried this at home? Please share your stories with me!
Lots of sex
Well this is one that Hubstopher won’t mind at all. I’ve read (and I like that this is a medical fact, not something that Margaret told Greta in 1856) that semen contains prostaglandins. This hormone-like compound ripens and softens the cervix. Apparently three “doses” of this hormone is enough to spur on labour.Nipple stimulation
Another medical fact is that nipple stimulation mimics the suckling of a newborn. This releases oxytocin into your body, which is responsible for uterine contractions during labour. The trick is to stimulate the section behind the areola. You could even do this by using a breast pump.Castor Oil
Look, I’m not here to promote gut-wrenching diarrhea. But I’ve heard that castor oil is a great natural induction tool because it stimulates the uterus to contract. It does this by stimulating the intestines (which in turn stimulates the uterus). I would assume that you need to be mindful of the amount of castor oil that you ingest. (See my reference to gut-wrenching diarrhea).Other foods
There are a list of foods that also supposedly bring on those labour pains. Things like pineapple, spicy foods and dates are on top of the list. The reasoning is that they work in similiar fashion to the castor oil – they cause intestinal stimulation, which in turn stimulates the uterus.Red rasberry leaf tea
This is another one of those old wives tales that people swear by! I’ve read that this tea strengthens the uterus and pelvic wall, when consumed during pregnancy. It is also very stimulating and is said to speed along the birth process as well.Acupuncture and accupresure
There is always the option of trying natural or homeopathic remedys. I’m no expert on the topic but I’ve read that acupuncture helps to get you mentally and physically ready to birth your baby. In fact, there are certain pressure points in your feet that can help to bring on natural labour.Move it move it
Exercises – such as walking, biking or swimming – is said to bring on labour. Of corse, you’re always told to walk walk walk, when you’re in your final stages of pregnancy. This helps baby to get into position and it helps to open up your pelvis for a faster delivery.So that’s my list. But with all of that said, I don’t have room for fear or anxiety in my head. Remaining calm and relaxed is my super, top secret tip on how to induce labour at home. But I must admit, I am curious: Have you tried any of these at home? Which of these work, in your opinion? Please share your thoughts and tips with me, in the comments section!
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Not worthy for Mother’s Day
I spent the latter part of my teenage years pretending to be a mother to my baby boy. The word ‘pretend’ may seem a bit harsh, but when you’re 19, being a mother is kinda the last thing on your list of things to do. I so clearly remember the day I gave birth. Seconds after the delivery, I laid there, in shock, thinking “I have a baby now”. I, Luchae, am someones mother! How did that happen?! I mean, don’t get me wrong, I was always aware that being pregnant usually resulted in a baby. But my young, impressionable mind did not realize the enormity of what that meant, until I saw my son for the first time.
My very first experience, as the recipient of a Mother’s Day greeting, left me feeling awkward and unworthy. The friendly greeter was a much older family friend and (even though he had the best intentions in mind) I was horrified that he was making such a public statement about my previous failure. I was a teen mom! How could I celebrate such an amazing day?! Where is the celebration in all of this?! How could I be celebrating something that had brought shame to my family and anguish to my parents?
Years went by and I treated each Mother’s Day with the same disregard – it was something that OTHER mothers celebrated. And hey, I’ll help them do it! Out came the fancy card decorating and the pretty present wrapping. I would help my son give his aunties and grandmother’s cute Mother’s Day gifts. But for me? Nothing. No thanks. I don’t want it. Deep down I believed that my admission into this wonderful world of ‘motherhood’ was forced, unnatural and before its time. My role in the grander scheme of all things “mom” was to play the background – be as inconspicuous as possible – and NOT brag about it!
It was only later on – after I had learnt to embrace my position as my sons mother – that I recognised the importance of my role in his life. Sure, the situation had not been ideal and I lacked the wisdom and experience needed to take on this big job. But the love and support showed to me by family members and friends made up for that a gazillion times over. At the end of the day, I had to GET OVER myself and my own inadequacies. This kid needed a strong, resilient mother figure in his life. I was being totally selfish by not allowing him to celebrate me on Mother’s Day.
These days I am mom to more than just one and I LOVE being celebrated as their mother. I cherish what that means to them and to me.
It is for this very reason that I love and fully support the Embrace #MothersDayConnect initiative. To think that there are hundreds of young women, around the country, who like me joined our motherhood tribe feeling overwhelmed, ill-equipt and unworthy of celebration! I know how that feels.
It is with this in mind that I would like to encourage you to share Mother’s Day, this year. No, we don’t need you to make a grand gesture, or give a lecture, or collect money. We’re simply asking you to help us let as many new moms, around the country, know that: “I see you. I see your baby. Thank you for your sacrifice, Mama, and Happy Mother’s Day!” Mothers based in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Joburg and Durban will be offering up one hour of their Mother’s Day to simply sit with a new mom – one woman to another – and make her feel less alone. Your smile and kind words are more powerful than you think!
I am hoping to lead a group as we visit one of Port Elizabeth’s state hospitals (Dora Nginza) to spend a few minutes with some of the moms and new babies there. Are you keen to join me? I would like to put special packs together and maybe even offer the mommy a baked treat, as a Mother’s Day gesture. If you’re in, drop me a comment below or email me at admin@spreadsheetbrain.co.za to let me know. YOU can be a light to a mama in need, this Mother’s Day.
For more information join the movement on Facebook.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uRlU_wGIcbM%2520frameborder%3D0%2520allowfullscreen
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Dressing the bump: Penelope & Bella
I love maternity clothes that are comfortable, beautiful AND able to fit after baby is born. Who has the time (and money) to buy outfits that you are only able to wear for a short season? (Okay put your hand down, Margaret Moneybags, we’re not talking to you) I had the absolute pleasure of checking out Penelope & Bella’s Winter range the other day and fell inlove! Paula is a woman after my own heart. Her PB Originals are practical and stunning – you can tell that this Eastern Cape born beauty is a mama too and that she takes the needs and comforts of her clients seriously. I also love that she designed her entire range herself. But hey, enough words, check it out for yourself: -
Bath time with Oh So Heavenly
I’ll admit I’ve been feeling super guilty lately. My toddler is a mere 2 years (and a couple of months) old and soon, she’ll be relinquishing her title as “baby of the house”. Sob! My little pink curly girly will be a big sister curly girly! How could I do that to her?! Okay, okay, I’m calming myself down. I know that it’s probably just the preggy hormones. I’ve been finding different ways to emotionally and mentally prepare the both of us for the new addition to our space. I try to spend a lot of time with her and instigate conversations around baby Jo and what life will be like once he is here. This weekend we did a girls pamper, thanks to Oh So Heavenly, and we had a few random pamper day conversations (I mean, are toddler convos anything BUT random?) and here’s what went down: -
Dressing the bump: The maternity shoot edition
Looking for ways to style your maternity photo shoot? Wait… you’re not having a maternity shoot?! Gasp! You totally should! I love that pregnancy unlocks a special, hidden beauty, in every woman. Your skin glows, your hair is fuller and healthier and you actually get to celebrate every lump and bump on your body – instead of trying to hide it away! It is this very thing that made me so keen to get in front of the camera for my #dressingthebump campaign. (If you didn’t know, I tried my hand at modelling the Penelope&Bella, Love My Body and Yummy Mummy clothing ranges) If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to styling your preggy shoot, look no further! Here are my fave maternity photo shoot looks and settings, to give you a boost of inspiration: -
Dressing the bump: Yummy Mummy Maternity {WIN!}
March is the month of #dressingthebump. Yep, I’ve claimed it! And I am totally enjoying the beautiful maternity and body positive clothing that I get to showcase while doing so. This week I model the very stylish and comfortable Yummy Mummy Maternity capsule collection. Made of high quality fabrics, with that growing mummy belly in mind, the capsule collection is a mix of four basic maternity wear items. (Wana win one? Stay tuned!) -
6 practical gift ideas for your pregnant friend
Is it just me, or is pregnancy contagious?! It seems that I’m always surrounded by preggy women, when I am pregnant. I love it! It’s as if you have your own little tribe who can share in your experiences. They know exactly what you’re going through! (I mean, who else will “get it” when you complain about the fact that your underwear doesn’t fit anymore?!) And so, with the influx of expectant moms, I’ve found that I need to think out of the box when it comes to gift ideas, when birthday season hits. But I’m prepared (and no, my preparedness does not involve me putting a shiny bow onto a pack of nappies). Check out these awesome gift ideas for your pregnant friend:
Pamper sessions
My girlfriends and I love pampers. We actually joke about it sometimes, because it’s our go to spoil when we want to make one of our own feel special. Most spa’s offer unique “mummies with tummies” packages, for expectant moms. They include things like back rubs, foot soaks, ‘facials’ for your tummy and head massages. (Doesn’t reading that make you want to go for a pamper session too?!) Brands, such as Oh So Heavenly, also stock really sweet maternity care packages that would make for excellent gifts. I’ve tried it out and it’s delicious!
Preggy journal
When I was pregnant with my Curly, I enjoyed documenting every inch of my pregnancy. I filled the pages of my ‘Journey Journal‘ with photos, stories and heart moments that I will later share with her. If your friend is the sentimental type, a beautiful preggy journal might be the type of gift that she would appreciate.
Fancy maternity wear
Looking to spoil your preggy friend? How about a pretty maternity top or dress, as a gift. I’ve been so blessed to be able to try out various maternity ranges. Some of it can be really costly though, but I love that most ranges (check out the Love My Body range here) are flexible and they can be worn AFTER baby is born too. If you have a close relationship, you could also consider splurging on expensive maternity underwear, for your bud. When you’re pregnant EVERYTHING expands. Bra straps become tighter and undies tend to be a bit more uncomfortable to wear. Maternity undies are comfortable and breathable, and most of it can be used post-baby too (like breastfeed friendly bra’s).
Body pillows
The one thing that most pregnant women crave is a good night’s sleep. I’ve managed to get mine in, with cleverly placed pillows, cushioning my bump and all my other body parts. (Yep, no cuddle-cuddle for Hubstopher at the moment, shame.) If you’re looking to splurge on your friend, you could consider getting her a body pillow. These are designed to give your preggy friend’s body all the support it needs, in order to get a good nights sleep.
Mani and pedi
I don’t know when last I saw my feet. Okay, that’s a tad bit dramatic. I’m looking at them right now. But I can imagine that there are moms who haven’t had the time or energy to do their toe nails. Perhaps a voucher to get their nails done would be the perfect gift for your pregnant friend, who is in her third trimester and unable to reach her tootsies.
Photo shoot
Taking preggy photos is one of my favorite preggy things to do! (It’s only been three times ya’ll. I’m making it sound like a hobby.) If it’s not something that she would normally spend money on, I’m sure your friend will appreciate a voucher for a maternity photo shoot OR a newborn shoot! Some photographers even have combo deals, that include maternity and baby shoots.
Pajamas, gowns and slippers
This is probably one of my favorites, simply because you can never have too many pjs or slippers. When purchasing those pj’s for your preggy friend, take into account the fact that button ups are probably more practical (for breastfeeding). Two piece sets are more useful and more modest, for her hospital stay. Oh and practical does not have to replace “pretty”. There are really stunning pajama and gown sets that will have your preggy friend swooning.What are your favorite go-to gifts, when shopping for a pregnant friend?
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the punishment of pregnancy
I sometimes feel the punishment of pregnancy. It’s there… the unspoken, acceptable norms, that make life as a female a little bit more difficult than before. There are just so many challenges to overcome – legalities that shouldn’t be an issue – when you are expectant. Moms, did you also feel this way when you were pregnant? I did not realize how much it affected me until I visited my OBGYN yesterday. She took one look at me and exclaimed “wow, let’s see how many are in there!” Gasp, twins?! (insert instant freak out here) I’m sure we could handle two babies at the same time… right?! I mean, we already have three children, for crying out loud. What’s two more? -
Dressing the bump: Love My Body Creations
March is my birth month and this year I get to celebrate it with a huge baby bump en tow! Because of this, I am claiming this month as the month of #dressingthebump! Yep, I want to show you guys just how easy it is to be pregnant AND fabulous at the same time! I love that there are a whole bunch of really amazing, Proudly South African, maternity and shapely body wear brands that encourage you to love your body shape. Today we have a look at a stunning range over at Love My Body Creations. Stacey, the owner, is a darling and her clothes are stunning! But hey, enough talk, check out the pics:
