Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 37

This has been a bit of a mixed week. The week started with my very last tutorial in my training as a  Cuidiu Antenatal Teacher. It has been a tough 3 years juggling the work load, monthly tutorials, work and family but I have really enjoyed it. The course is second to none. It has a roll on roll off structure so new students learn from the more established students as we go. It takes a while to find your rhythm as you can feel like you have been thrown in at the deep end! The tutors are amazing and support everyone at the level they are at. I have made some life long friends through the course.  It give such balance and everything you learn is evidence based, constantly comparing studies and trials. We ensure to create activities that include all learning styles and avoid lecture style classes, which are inclusive of all our clients (taking into account their background, needs and chosen care provider).

The core of every course is Informed Decision Making – ensuring each parent makes an informed decision for their individual pregnancy and birth experience. It has given me such a grounding in my knowledge and I would highly recommend the course to anyone involved in work with pregnancy/new parenting. The day ended with cake and snacks and everyone in the course sharing a wish for me for the future (to say emotion was high is an understatement!) It was so lovely.

Sunday was Mother's Day. Paul was working, so Seth and Leon made me some toast and brought it up to me with home made cards. It was so sweet. We took it easy for the day and just kind of sorted things around the house and watched some TV together. My mam dropped down for a while and I gave her her card and flowers.  Then we went to Pauls parents for dinner, which was lovely. 

On Monday I had another reflexology appointment with Jessie Walshe from Barefoot Reflexology & Balms. It was just lovely, baby kicked and moved around during the treatment as Jessie and I chatted (we are both Cuidiu Breastfeeding Counsellors in the same branch, so we know each other a long time) Jessie really feels like my body is ready and baby will come soon .... here’s hoping!

Bren had a check up in Jame's Hospital too, which went really well. The hospital was really happy with his healing and all is looking good for now. He is still smoking, so they explained again if he doesn’t give up the cancer will 100% come back. I don’t understand how he can still be smoking after everything he went through and knowing it will come back if he doesn’t stop. My mother-in-law was told to give up almost 2 years ago after find out she has a blockage in her heart and she is still smoking too. I’m not sure what to do to encourage them but I guess they just have to make the decision that they want to be around for their grandchildren or not. 

Birthday Celebrations 

Tuesday was my 31st birthday. Again, the kids were busy making home made cards for me – Seth even bought me a box of chocolates and a candle with his own money which was so sweet. I had a really relaxing day and then Pauls parents, my mam, her partner and my Nan all came down for a take away and some cake. It was lovely just to spend time with close family and relax. I did wonder would baby make an appearance and we could share our birthday but she seems happy in there for now ;)

On Thursday I had a routine check up in the Rotunda. That morning I was pottering around getting the kids unifroms ready for school and I steppped back onto a lego motorbike in my bare feet. I fell straight back onto my back and caught my back (just at my bra strap) on a bedside table. I felt so silly, it just happened so quickly! Paul woke with a jump not knowing what was happening and the kids came running in to see what the crash was.... I was ok but shaken. Babing didn’t move for about an hour, but I would say that was more to do with my adrenaline being released. I pulled the ligaments under my bump and I was achy. I got a full once-over and they did a scan. All was perfect with baby, BUT.....now she has been jerked out of my pelvis and is in an unstable lie (oblique - so lying diagonally across my belly).

If she stays like that my VBAC will not be an option as there would be a risk of cord prolapse (where the cord comes down ahead of the baby). I have a lot of fluid too, which also increases the risk. After further discussion, I agreed with the consultant to come back next week and make a plan (they would be keen to do a Caesarean if she hasn’t moved by then). She wouldn’t sign off my birth preferences as things were, as she said minimal intervention would not be possible with this situation. I left feeling deflated and emotional. 

Paul was concerned about the risk of cord prolapse and wanted to know more about what to do if that happened. I filled him in and we headed home. I was very achy so had a long soak in the bath and listened to Gentlebirth tracks to try to calm down. Both Mim (our doula) and Mary were on the phone and sending links to studies/tips of things I could do. I felt so supported. My logical brain knows there is loads of time for baby to go head down again but my mama brain is so disappointed – like all my hard work has been for nothing. I had an evening of moping and feeling sorry for myself but after a good sleep and all the lovely positive messages online, I woke feeling better and ready to get to work on optimal positioning again.

I will keep you posted how it goes. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reach out this week. It really did make such a difference to feel all the positive vibes, love and kindness. A kind word and heartfelt good wish can go a long way! So thank you all, for taking me out of my wallowing hole xx

Until next time....Jen x

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Week 37: What is Happening To Your Baby

This week your baby is the size of a Cantaloupe 

• Your baby is the size of a large cantaloupe this week. 
• Your baby's due date is getting closer (though only 5% of baby's are actually born on their EDD). 
• If baby arrives now they would be considered early term (up until 39 weeks0. 
• Their lungs are usually mature at this point of pregnancy. However baby still has more growing to do - especially when it comes to putting on weight. 

Week 37: What is Happening To Your Body

• You may find new stretch marks are appearing on your belly at this stage and that they keep coming over the next few weeks until baby makes an appearance. 
• If baby has dropped you may find yourself going to the toilet even more frequently (I know - you are probably thinking, how could I be going any more than I am now!!!). 
• You may feel Warm Up Surges (or Braxton Hicks as they are more commonly known as), as your body gets prepared for labour. The difference between these and actual labour surges are that when you get up and move around, or sit down and rest they disappear. 
• You could feel nauseous (which may be a sign you are going into labour). If you are feeling extremely nauseous make sure to inform your GP or Health Care Provider as this can be a sign of other complications. 

Week 37: Pregnancy Tip 

These last few weeks can be frustrating as you wait for your baby to arrive. This is a lovely article that talks about those last few days of waiting for your baby. You are more than likely going on maternity leave soon. Have some nice treats lined up for yourself - things to look forward to and to distract yourself with.  A spa day? Getting your nails done, going for a nice reflexology treatment, meeting a friend for a cuppa - whatever it is will be different for everyone. Baby will be here eventually and all will change. Hang on in there. 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 36

Celebrating Seth's birthday

The weekend kicked off with Seths birthday party – the snow was beginning to thaw but about half his friends still couldn’t make it. Seth didn’t seem to mind and had a great time with his pals that came. Paul’s mam is in Lanzarote this week and couldn’t get a flight home with the weather, so is staying an extra week. After the party Bren came down and we all got take away and watched a movie. It was a lovely day and I was delighted Seth was happy with his birthday week. 

On Monday I had a terrible attack, it felt like a gall bladder attack with pain shooting through my back and high up on my tummy/chest. I took to the bed with hot water bottles and willed it to pass. I was getting sick and was feeling pretty rough. I had my gall bladder removed after I had Seth (pregnancy related, after several severe attacks including one trip to A&E). I was due with my GP for my 36 week check anyway so I spoke with her and she thinks it was just bad gastritis – as I will always have that weakness now my gall bladder is gone. She gave me a prescription for renitidine to take if I need it. I have decided not to take it unless I have another attack. 

At the check up she checked on baby. She is still measuring a bit bigger but my GP is fab and has no issues with that. She always makes really positive comments like “she is a good strong baby, it’s wonderful to see.” Baby’s heartbeat was perfect and as always she was kicking and moving away so all was well. I was thrilled to hear this. Baby is still sitting in a posterior position but is well down at the pelvis now so hopefully with a bit of luck she will turn soon or in labour. Before I left I got a blood test, as my GP wanted to give me a full screening due to the pain I experienced. I felt much better after the appointment. 

Jen, bump and Johanna King 

During the week my family had our photo shoot with Johanna King Photography. It was brilliant! She has a documentary style photography and captures moments and memories in our normal family life. We did some homework, made scones and played a board game. All things we do often. We dressed in our normal clothes and didn’t get “done up” like we would typically do for photos. Johanna had such a lovely way about her. She made everyone, including the kids so relaxed and we almost forgot she had a camera. We all just chatted away and she snapped at leisure (no extra lights or flash) It was so special to us, to have an opportunity to capture our lives as a family of four – in this transition phase. It has just been us and the boys for so long, it is wonderful to freeze that moment in time forever. We are so excited to see the finished product and can’t wait for her to come back and capture some precious moments when our little girl joins our family. If you are in any way on the fence about getting family/maternity/new baby photos done please do get in touch with Johanna! I guarantee you will not be disappointed – PLUS Johanna is offering a special discount to anyone who quotes DoulaCare Ireland when booking – so get in touch ;)

Later in the week we had my Nan and Pauls dad down for dinner. My Nan lives alone and Paul's Mam is still in Lanzarote so we had them both down to pass the evening. Paul did them a lovely roast beef and we did roast potatoes, yorkshires and veg. It was yummy (I am vegetarian so didn’t eat the beef but the rest was delicious).

After they left my friend Gwen and her husband Cian called over with “a few bits for the baby”. Well....as Cian arrived and kept going back to the car I was a little shocked but secretly thrilled. Gwen had sorted through her three girls baby clothes and brought about 8 bags worth over. All I could think was “Paul is going to go mad” as we have a fairly small house and there is stuff everywhere as it is! But actually he was pretty happy as h was worried our daughter would look like a boy in all the clothes I kept from Seth and Leon LOL. I will hopefully have time to go through the bags over the weekend and get any newborn items washed and ready. After a quick scan there seems to be everything from newborn to 2 years! Lots of lovely girly stuff too so baby will have a nice mix of clothes :) 

I’m edging my way to ‘term’ now (37-42 weeks) and I have to say I am so ready to meet my baby. With the boys I really wanted to stay pregnant as I loved it and I do feel I may have held onto them by not fully releasing my body to labour. I have really enjoyed feeling my little girl move and the special bond we share. There is something so magical about being so connected, with just us. I have, as you all know, struggled physically this pregnancy and I do feel happy now to meet my little girl. I have just got in some supplies to help prepare my body for labour.

Until next time...Jen x

Week 36: What is Happening To Your Baby

• Your baby is the now the length of a romaine lettuce 
• At the end of this week your baby will be considered full term. 
• If your baby is still in the breech position you may be scheduled for an ECV this week (a procedure to manually turn the baby into the head down position). 
• Their skull is still not fused together - to help you birth your baby into the world during labour. (This won't happen until after baby is born). 
• Your baby's digestive system is still not fully formed - and actually it won't be until after baby is born. This is because as your baby has been using the umbilical cord for nutrition, their digestive system doesn't work inside the womb. It will take about a year or two after birth for it to be fully developed. 

Week 36: What is Happening To Your Body

• You may find it easier to eat smaller meals more often as your baby is taking up so much space it can be hard to eat full sized portions. 
• If your baby has dropped down into your pelvis - while this can free up your breathing it may make walking more of a challenge (and give you the feeling you are waddling!
• Your lower back especially may be aching. It can be helpful to schedule some body work this week to help support you. 

Week 36: Pregnancy Tip 

How do you feel about dates? The fruit that is!!! Well now is the time to start developing a taste for them as studies have found that women who ate up to 6 dates a day for the four weeks leading up to their EDD were more likely to go into labour spontaneously.  Other findings included a shorter labour and more likely to avoid using Syntocin/Pitocin (a synthetic hormone used to induce or speed up labour). 

They are high in sugar - so would need to be avoided if you have Gestational Diabetes. It also can be tough to eat 6 dates a day, so we recommend making some energy bars. This recipe is very yummy!!! It's a firm favourite with the kids in my house (and they would be quite discerning in what they eat). (Mary). 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 22

Sending their letters to Santa

This week was a very mixed week. We had our first week of feeling like it’s almost Christmas! We attended or community Christmas fair, where they had lots of stalls, carol singers and the annual tree lighting. We met some friends at it and the kids really enjoyed themselves. There was a lovely atmosphere around and a great sense of community. After the tree lighting we went up to Pauls parents for the kids to send their Santa letters (as a tradition we put the letters in the fire and the magic brings them to Santa – Paul always did this as a child so we have carried it on) The toy show was on Friday which is always a real mark of Christmas beginning for us. We had treats and hot chocolate and all snuggled up together on the sofa. 

Earlier in the week my father in law had surgery to remove the tumour on his voice box. I went and spent the day with my mother in law as they were both very nervous. It was a long day but Bren was allowed home that evening and we were all relieved to have it over. They took some biopsies and we will go to get the results in 3 weeks. It’s an awful wait but hopefully we can keep his spirits up and it will all be behind us by Christmas. 

Wednesday I was back to work doing what I love. Then Thursday was my mother in laws birthday. Myself and the kids always bake for family birthdays. Seth decided he wanted to make scones, which he did all by himself. I just helped with measuring and put them in the oven. Myself and Leon made a yummy chocolate cake. Once Paul was home from work we all went up and got an Italian take away and had cake. It was nice to mark the day and lift all our spirits. 

Chatting to the newest group of doulas taking their DONA Postpartum Doula Training with the amazing Ann Grauer from Nurturing Doula Dreams. 

On Sunday I went in to speak with the newest group of DONA Postpartum Doulas training with the amazingly skilled Ann Grauer of Nurturing Doula Dreams. They were a wonderful bunch and I am excited for the parents of Ireland to have access to their support. Three of our birth doulas were there, expanding their knowledge and skills – which is fantastic as they can now offer Postpartum support too! As always it was great to catch up with Ann who was my trainer and has been my mentor ever since. She is such an inspiration. 

So over all it was a funny week. Some low moments but also lots of highs. I have been feeling very tired this week but that is probably all the emotion too. Baby has been kickng lots and lots and it is lovely to get that reminder that baba is there and doing so well. 

Until next time...Jen x

Week 22: What Is Happening To Your Baby

Your baby is the size of a coconut this week 

• Your Baby is the size of a Coconut this week 
• By this week your baby is starting to resemble a very tiny newborn baby. 
• Tooth buds are developing under their gums
• Your baby's lips, ears, nose, eyelids and eyebrows are becoming more distinct and you can clearly distinguish them. 
• Your baby's grip is becoming stronger and they may hold tight onto your umbilical cord (which is perfectly fine for them to do btw so no need to worry about that). 

Week 22: What Might Be Happening To Your Body

• You may notice changes to your nipples and and the areola's around them. You may find them getting bigger and darker. 
• You may find yourself going up a shoe size! Yes your feet can grow when you are pregnant by half a shoe size or more (I was a size 6-6 and a half before I got pregnant and I am now a size 7!!!). 
• Your innie belly button may have now become an outtie (but don't worry it won't be permanent). 
• Your hands and feet can start to swell this week - this can be due to an increase in the amount of fluids in your body. If it's minor it's usually normal but if it's severe and sudden you do need to mention it to your GP as it could be a sign of a serious complication of pregnancy: pre-eclampsia. 

Week 22: Pregnancy Tip

If you find your hands are swelling it's a good idea to take off your rings and keep them somewhere safe - just in case it gets too hard to get them off as the weeks progress. You don't want to have to cut them off you. Some women like to put them around their neck in a necklace to keep them safe and nearby. 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 21

I started this week off at my local Cuidiu Breastfeeding support morning. As one of the volunteer breastfeeding counsellors it was my turn on the rota to cover the group. There were lots of small babies there, some with a few issues, so thankfully one of the other BFC's - Orla -attended. Everyone left with their questions answered, a few cups of tea and some cake in their bellies so all around a good morning. I love giving back to our community in this way and hope that breastfeeding rates will grow with the support. 

Straight after the group it was off to a postpartum client on the South side. This client was a lovely new mum, a paediatric nurse herself – who just wanted a sounding board and some help with the big ‘firsts’ like bathing and cutting nails! It was a lovely shift. 

After my shift I drove to Drake Chiropractic Clinic in Sandyford, run by the very knowledgable Ros Drake. I had been meaning to try it out as Seth was OT and Leon was OP so I always wondered was there a reason within my pelvis for their positioning. While I laboured to 10cm and pushed, Leon was a caesarean birth in the end – so I imagined with all the pushing and pulling my body was probably in need of some realignment. I know Ros from attending conferences together and I was not disappointed with her care. She was professional and friendly and explained everything as she went. It was the strangest sensation as she readjusted different parts of my body. No pain but as I heard the cracks and my neck/back/hips etc moving that little bit further than feels comfortable part of me resisted. I did feel good after and was happy to hear that things were looking pretty good. On Tuesday I had Leon at the fracture clinic in Temple Street to review his broken toe. There was still a noticeable crack but they were happy with the healing process and said in 3 weeks time he should be 100% again. We don’t need to go back again unless we are concerned about anything (as Leon has been pretty much walking on it as normal since it happened I think we are good!) 

Then of course on Friday we had our anomaly scan! There was a good wait as the Rotunda are starting their online charts system (meaning patients no longer have their paper chart and every department logs into their system on a computer and writes notes there) I feel it’s a good thing as every department has access and there will be no missing charts. It does however mean that we can no longer snoop in our chart and see what they have written about us! I guess I will have to wait for after baba is born when I request a copy of my notes. At least with everything typed I will be able to decipher the doctors writting unlike Seth and Leons charts. 

You can request a copy of your hospital notes for you and your baby under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

Our little girl at 21 weeks 

At our scan we found out that our baby is doing perfect. Myself and Paul were both so relieved as I have been so sick I was worried baby would have been lacking in the correct nutrients. The sonographer said she hadn’t seen such an active baby in a good while and that baba wouldn’t stay still (sure I knew that with all the movement I have had recently) After watching the chambers of the heart pump the blood, and seeing all babas organs, checking measurements and so on, we found out that we are having a little GIRL!! I couldn’t believe it. I really thought we would have another boy. Paul was very quiet, so when we left I asked was he disappointed. He said of course not, but he was terrified. He said he doesn’t know what to do with a girl – he only knows how to parent boys. So after a good chat he has come around to the fact it is a new adventure and we will learn together. 

Seth was absolutely thrilled with the news as he had decided he wanted a sister. Leon was not so impressed – as he ‘doesn’t want girl stuff all over the house’ LOL! My mother and grandmother were thrilled and Pauls parents cried down the phone. Babies can bring so much joy to a family unit and I am so excited for next year! Now to start thinking of names... Any suggestions will be gratefully received. 

Until next time...Jen x

Week 21: What Is Happening To Your Baby

© 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

• They are approx the length of a carrot this week
• They are becoming extremely active inside with lots of kicks and nudges as they somersault around your womb. Baby has more control over their limbs so this movement will be more co-ordinated. 
• Your baby now has very clearly formed eyebrows and lids. 
• As their taste buds are now developed there's a good chance that whatever you eat this week - baby will taste it too! 

Week 21: What Might Be Happening To Your Body

• Due to the increase in oil production in your body you may find yourself suffering from acne. Talk to your GP about what you can do. Most over the counter oral acne medications cannot be used during pregnancy. 
• Your heartburn or indigestion may be getting worse
• You might be able to feel warm up surges (or Braxton Hicks as they are often called). This is totally normal as long as the surges disappear when you switch position. If they don't give your GP or HCP a ring. 
• Your skin can develop stretch marks. Despite what the cosmetic companies will promise there is no way to get rid of these if they develop. You can improve the condition of the skin by keeping it moisturised. Mary has a lovely Nourishing Bump Blend which feels and smells lovely on the skin and is completely natural and safe for you and baby. 

Week 21: Pregnancy Tip

Don't forget to leave some time to pamper yourself during your pregnancy. Especially if this is your first pregnancy. You will never have this time again or the luxury of having nobody else to worry about. So book yourself in for a lovely pregnancy massage, or a spa day, or get your nails done - what we find pampering is different for everyone, but whatever it is - make time for it now. Some Mums will enjoy going for regular reflexology or acupuncture - it can feel lovely and also help with the pregnancy aches and pains. Many Mums will attend Pregnancy Yoga classes and these can be a lovely way to meet new Mums, take some time for yourself and pamper yourself as usually with a class like this women say they feel amazing after it. Body work such as going to an osteo may not be pampering but it can be something that helps you to feel better in your body and can also be great for positioning of baby - so this can be helpful to try as well. What you choose of course has to be something that you enjoy, or feel good about going to and gives you a lift. Enjoy yourself whatever you choose. 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 20

This has been a great week. I am feeling good in myself and coming through the sickness. I am eating a wider variety of food and feeling like my energy is up. This week my herbal remedies from Cork arrived. I have been taking them and hopefully they will help to build me up. 

I have been focusing on growing DoulaCare Ireland and this week I attended some fantastic meetings that will hopefully open up amazing opportunities for us in 2018. I will of course keep you posted once deals are done ;)

I had postpartum clients two full days this week and then my lovely November birth client needed me. She was admitted unexpectedly as at her 39 week check they found her waters to be extremely low, which her care team explained could be a sign of the placenta failing. Her induction began on Tuesday, I spent 6 hours with her helping herself and her partner to get their head around the situation. We all sat and chatted and I was a sounding board. We listened to GentleBirth tracks, joked between us, and ran through questions to ask her care team. Once all their questions were answered my clients were happy to consent to induction. 

Reasons for low fluid (oligohydramnios) can include:

• Mothers waters are slowly releasing
• Being more than 42 weeks pregnant
• Medication mother is taking
• If baby has a medical problem with their urinary system

Other common reasons for induction include:

• Post dates – babies approaching 42 weeks gestation
• Advanced maternal age – women 40 years plus
• Big baby – often a guess weight
• Issues with placenta (coming away from wall of uterus or not working efficiently)
• Waters have released without labour begining

Some of these reasons can be negotiated and navigated with your care team - it can be helpful to be aware of the current evidence surrounding best practise for some of the reasons mentioned above (which is where taking an independent antenatal class can be such a help as these issues are usually covered. Classes that the hospital offer tend to focus on what the hospital policy is rather than what is evidence based care).  

I popped back to my client on Wednesday, after a postpartum shift for a few hours. Again we spent the time chatting and supporting my client in getting into the right head space. On Thursday things kicked off so I spent most of the day with them, and their beautiful baby was born at 6.15pm in such a positive end to what was a long  process. It was very emotional as this will more than likely be my last birth client for a long time. I am getting too big myself in pregnancy and once baby arrives I know I would not be comfortable being on call. It was a wonderful birth to end on and I am still on a high. They are such a lovely family and I look forward to our postnatal meet up in the next week or two. 

During the birth it was so lovely to be welcomed into the maternity unit. On 3 separate occasions midwives came to say hello when they heard I was the doula on the ward. This is just so wonderful to have such good relationships with the staff and it really helps to grow the feeling of a birth support team around parents. When we went up to postnatal ward I was again greeted with fantastic midwives who remembered me from past clients. It was all a really positive experience and I am so thrilled to end things for now on such a high. 

Also one of my good friends Ruth and her boyfriend Brian got engaged this week while on a romantic sun holiday. I am so thrilled for them both and you could feel Ruths joy and excitement bursting through the photos in our whatsapp group! (Ruth was sone of the girls I went away with a few weeks ago, we have been friends a long time) Ruth moved up north to live with Brian so I am unsure if they will have the wedding up there or perhaps even in the sun somewhere fab. It’s always nice to have a wedding to look forward to :) 

My baby has been moving so much and on Thursday night Paul finally felt baby kick :) We were thrilled. I can’t wait for the kids to feel too. 

Next week we have our ‘big’ scan. We are hoping to find out babas gender too. I will fill you all in more next week...

Until next time....Jen x

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Week 20: What Is Happening To Your Baby

Photo by Mike Dorner on Unsplash

• Your baby is the size of a bananna this week
• This is the last week baby will be measured from 'crown to rump' (they were measured like this because their legs are curled up in a foetal position - from next week however measurements will be taken from top of head to tips of toes!). 
• Your baby is swallowing more this week - really helpful for their digestive system 
• Your baby is starting to produce meconium - this is a greenish black sticky substance that will accumulate and be stored in their bowels and you will see it when they first pass this in their nappy (or if you haven't managed to get the nappy on them, it might end up on you or your birth partner!!!). Some babies will pass meconium in your womb or during the birth.
• Your baby is forming sweat glands this week

Week 20: What Might Be Happening To Your Body

• Woo hoo!!! You are now half way through your pregnancy (more or less!! Baby may not arrive until 42 weeks!!!). 
• You could be snoring for the first time ever!!! Blame those hormones again. The increase in Oestrogen can result in the mucous membranes in the nose swelling. It can help to sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly. 
• Sleeping can start to become very challenging from this week. See our Pregnancy Tips below for some ideas on how to help your sleeping. 
• You may find you have a vaginal discharge which is getting more noticeable as the weeks go on. This is normal and you can expect it to keep increasing until baby arrives. It helps keep bacteria at bay. It it becomes green, yellow or starts to smell do let your GP know. 

Week 20: Pregnancy Tip

It can be tough to get a good night's sleep when you are pregnant. Some things that can help are: 

•  Listening to the Sleep Sanctuary on the GentleBirth app. It is very soothing and Mums will often find they drift completely off having listened to it. Do yourself a favour and get yourself some SleepPhones if you are listening to the App regularly btw - they can help with the sleep because they are not as uncomfortable as ear buds.
• Mary's Sweet Dreams Essencia Blend is also a great blend of aromatherapy oils to help promote sleep. It's safe to use when pregnant, smells amazing and is especially designed to help you relax and drift off - and works great in conjunction with the Sleep Sanctuary track. A body pillow can help ease aches and pains and make you more comfortable in bed. Switching off the phone at least half an hour before you go to bed can help as well. And trying to grab a cat nap during the day if your sleep is disturbed is important so you don't get too exhausted. 
• Check out this EUMom article from GentleBirth founder Tracy Donegan to get more tips to help with sleep. 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 19

This week was lovely. Over the weekend I turned 19 weeks and went away for a night with my good friends. We all worked in a restaurant together in our teens and have been friends ever since. I was the first of the group to have children, but over the last few years the girls have started to grow their families and none of us get to see each other as much as we used to. We have meet ups for birthdays, weddings and christenings but rarely go out randomly. So once a year in November we have a girls night away.  This year we went to Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

As my November birth client just turned 37 weeks I drove my own car rather than car pooling just in case I had to leave (last year I had to leave the Monart to go to a birth!)  Of course for both mentioned clients I have back up doula support,  but when it’s your birth client you want to be there for them, no matter what. 

We all met in the lounge and had a quick bite to eat and a chat. Then we checked in and went down to the spa. It is a bit crap when you’re pregnant at these things. I couldn’t use most of the rooms, or the jacuzzi but enjoyed lying around on the heated beds relaxing. I also used a nice foot spa and some scrubs. 

Night away with friends in the gorgeous Dunboyne Castle Hotel 

We had a lovely meal but I wasn’t able to eat much. It tasted so good but I just felt full and was also feeling a bit sick. The girls enjoyed wine and I was content to have a Coke followed by hot water and lemon. There are studies out to suggest any alcohol in pregnancy could potentially be harmful to a developing baby so I have always erred on the side of caution and avoided it completely during pregnancy.  

We stayed up chatting until 3am so I was shattered the next day but it was lovely to catch up with everyone. 

Monday marked back to normality. The kids were back in school so there was the usual search for school uniforms and a mad dash to Lidl for lunch box essentials. I was the breastfeeding counsellor for our branches breastfeeding support morning. You can find your local Cuidiu group here http://www.cuidiu-ict.ie/supports_breastfeeding_breastfeedinggroups It is always great to try get to a breastfeeding group during pregnancy. Other options are

• La Leche League
• Friends of Breastfeeding
• Local HSE groups run by PHNs

Leon, my 6 year old broke his toe in a play centre this week, so we spent a whole evening and into the night in Temple Street. His toe/foot is very swollen and bruised so lots of TLC for him. I have been giving him Arnica and running epsom salt baths. He is super brave and strong, he is just getting on with it and hasn’t complained at all. It’s getting him to slow down that is the challenge! I borrowed a buggy from a friend for a week or two in the hope that if we are out we can use it for a bit to give him a rest. 

I have another busy week meeting clients to talk about bookings for the New Year and also have postpartum clients all day Wednesday and Thursday. It is good to be back into the swing of things while also having a balance and making time for self care. 

Until next time.....Jen x

Week 19: What Is Happening To Your Baby

© 2011 Veganbaking.net, Flickr | CC-BY-SA | via Wylio

• Your baby is approx the size of a mango this week
• Your baby is developing all of their 5 senses this week - the areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch are all expanding massively. 
• Your baby's arms and legs are in proportion to each other and the rest of their body this week. 
• The vernix caseosa is forming on your baby - this is a greasy, white, protective coating that helps protect baby's skin in the amniotic fluid. They may be born covered in it btw - and this is good for them (so no need to wipe it all off as it can protect their skin in the early days outside your body as they get used to clothes and nappies and air etc). 

Week 19: What Might Be Happening To Your Body

• You may find yourself suffering from round ligament pain - this can feel like a sharp stabbing pain in your lower abdomen, or it may not be so severe but can be uncomfortable. See our pregnancy tip below for how this might be alleviated (and check with your GP if you have any worries about the pain there). 
• You may notice parts of your skin are darker than others (caused by a temporary increase in pigment). When these patches appear on your face they are known as chloasma or the 'mask of pregnancy' (they usually fade shortly after you have your baby).  Do make sure to protect your skin when out in the sun and keep it in the shade. 

Week 19: Pregnancy Tip

If you are experiencing round ligament pain it might be helpful to start trying some Spinning Babies Techniques. Spinning Babies offers exercises that can restore balance in your muscles and pelvis (and therefore can often help with optimal positioning of baby) and also relieve discomfort throughout pregnancy. There's a lot to take in on the website but the main exercises are known as the Three Sisters. A number of our DoulaCare Ireland doulas have taken the Spinning Babies training and it's a great tool to have in their toolbox of support. It is something they will be happy to show to yourself and your partner during one of their prenatal meetings (if you are interested in finding out more). 

Jen's Pregnancy Diary: Week 10

This week was full of excitement. We told Seth and Leon they were going to have a new baby brother or sister. They were both very shocked but happy. We chatted over dinner and they had lots of questions. Leon didn’t believe I had a baby in my belly because I don’t have a big pregnant belly. We showed him a picture of what the baby would look like and that it is still tiny. It was a great conversation over dinner. Seth wants a little brother and Leon doesn’t really mind. 

We told our families this week about our pregnancy - it was very exciting.

The next day we held a family party in our home for Bren my father in law. We exchanged presents and just before we sat down to eat we handed him a birthday card and told him there was a special surprise inside. Seth took a little video of the moment he found out he had another grandchild on the way! I found myself crying. It was a lovely moment :)

I have still been very nauseous and getting sick daily. I am excited to tell people and for the kids to know. Even though I am really tired at night I am finding myself unable to sleep. I have also started having crazy pregnant dreams.

I am starting to be uncomfortable in anything other than leggings. I did some online shopping and will need to get the hubby up into the attic to retrieve my bag of maternity clothes! There are some really lovely options out there now. I also just heard that Pennys now stock maternity wear so I will have to check that out soon! 

Until next time...Jen x

Week 10: What is Happening With Your Baby

© 2012 Fried Dough, Flickr | PD-MK | via Wylio

• Your baby is the size of a strawberry 
• They are becoming really active in your womb - kicking, tumbling and stretching. You won't feel this yet as their limbs are still so tiny. 
• Your baby's heart is now fully developed and beating at approx 180 beats per minute. 
• Your baby is starting to look more like a human this week, though as their is brain is developing their forehead will temporarily bulge at this point
• Your baby can now lift their chin up from their chest - so their head is more upright. 

Week 10: What Might Be Happening With Your Body 

• Your blood volume is increasing significantly this week. By the time baby is ready to be born it will be almost double the amount it would have been before you were pregnant. 
• You may be feeling dizzy at times as the pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the walls of your blood vessels. 
• You may find you are suffering from constipation as the muscles of the bowel relax
• Your waist continues to expand and may be disappearing at this stage. 

Pregnancy Tip 

It's a good time to start thinking of how to break the news to your friends/family/work? Some people like to do a pregnancy announcement on social media and there are some great examples here and here on how people announced their pregnancy. Do let us know how you told everyone - we would love to hear from you: info@doulacare.ie or message us on Facebook