I am now at the end of the third trimester; my little one is due in two weeks. We are excited! But I also thought I should note a few helpful things down that have kept me sane along the way.
A Birth Course?
Friends recommended the Calmbirth course to us early on, which we in turn booked early on - they are so popular! In Sydney these classes fill up very fast and so far we believe it was money well spent - for strengthening our relationship, for putting us on 'the same page' in terms of our expectations (or letting go of them!) for birth, and for feeling supported and as mentally prepared as possible! We picked a local course for us (which was one of the most positive experiences I think I have ever had!) though we hear the 'original' that is held over a weekend down in Bowral with founder Peter Jackson is also amazing.
Books.
At this point I find myself reading less and less that is pregnancy related, and more for relaxation and enjoyment. One book I thoroughly recommend is 'How to be a Woman' by Caitlin Moran (thanks Sara!) which I found funny and empowering (though the section on her first experience of birth might be worth skipping for now!)
Cravings.
Ha ha ha cravings. I've had a few and they seem somewhat more desperate than earlier on, they also disappear as quickly as they arrive! A few weeks back it was cup noodles, but in general the cravings that have stuck with me have been for dairy products (in particular, milk and yoghurt), hot chocolate and lately, the smell of anything lavender. However, this is not yet entirely satisfied, as I am yet to find anything 'lavendery' enough. Hmm.
Like in the first trimester it seems my senses are now redirecting me towards items that are organic and/or natural, and pretty 'basic' in their composition (my sense of smell is still very keen and anything that smells 'too complex' is a little overwhelming).
My big unexpected 'win' on the lavender front was the beautiful gift I received from my friend Justin at my recent Baby Shower. He gifted me with a range of beautiful products from 'Byron Nature's Gift' which are handmade in the Byron Hills. I could practically eat and drink these items and they have been so good for my skin and nose! I already have the 'Nurturing Mum Body Lotion' packed in my hospital bag and can't wait to buy it for other friends!
Laura's Hot Chocolate Craving Recipe
Yes it's true hot chocolate has become part of my daily ritual, and I admit I am quite particular about it! As with many aspects of pregnancy, things just have to be a certain way. I have Dutch friends and find it very hard to move accept anything other than Dutch cocoa. So here is exactly how I like it:
1 mug of milk (I prefer unhomogenised, full cream)
1 tablespoon of good Dutch Cocoa (I like Droste or Van Houten)
1/4 teaspoon Ovvio Vanilla Bean powder
2 teaspoons of raw honey
Method:
- Heat and whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan (I use one similar to this that I found in my local Woolworths)
- Pour back into mug and serve!
What happened to exercise?
Earlier on you may have read that I was doing pregnancy exercise classes with Preggi Bellies. Though the classes were great, they were probably the most delusional (and costly) decision of my pregnancy. You are asked to pay upfront, based upon an estimation of when your baby is to be born. Of course, I started having a few health annoyances about 6 weeks ago and that meant I had to stop going to class. When I was ready to go back... well Preggi Bellies wouldn't permit me to. Of course I am allowed to return once the little one is born but I already have other plans for that, so I'm pretty disappointed (as is typical with Australian gyms, no refund). So my hot tip on these types of programs is think very carefully before signing up and paying alot of money...
Lately I have started a much more sensible pre-natal yoga program at The Life Pod and I wish I had been doing these classes all along instead of going to the gym. I certainly seem to be getting alot physically, mentally and emotionally from the classes and better still, it's pay as you go!
Have I been sick?
In short, yes. The third trimester has probably been my most challenging and I certainly wasn't expecting it. My issues are around heartburn, reflux and indigestion - I tend to vomit 2-3 times each day, and some days are much worse than others, and without warning.
Of course it is different for everyone! But after 6 weeks of tussling, I need to type out what works for me:
- Rennie (recommended by my midwife) never worked for me, from the first time I tried it, it simply made me feel more sick;
- Gaviscon worked quite well for a number of weeks but has recently been losing it's effectiveness for me;
- When I feel the acid I have found the best immediate remedy is 2 x tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar followed by a small sip of water (be brave, it burns!)
- After meals a hot wheatbag placed on the top of my chest seems to give me comfort;
- Doing a little bit of Heartburn reflexology on my hands after meals seems to help one way or another (no I'm not an expert on this and by all means do your own research).
I have tried many of the natural remedies discussed on the internet but without much lasting success. I found this advice amongst the most realistic and helpful. Of course, always keep chatting with your midwife and/or doctor, they remain the most knowledgeable and have the final word on these matters.
Getting comfy for the birth.
I'm still working that bit out, and a few bags are slowly being packed. Given the choice and an unlimited budget, I would certainly pick out the 'Hatch to Hospital' box below (although I'm not sure at how those undies would go after birth, huh?) At US$248 with a falling Aussie dollar, it's not exactly a bargain!
I also really like this Noppies nursing sleepwear - and I have to admit I haven't given it much thought up until now but guess I will be shortly, anything to stay warm and comfy because soon it will all be about the little one!
And on with this birth we go, see you on the other side of it all!
