Third-Trimester Countdown- Week 32

So, I've gained about 14 lbs since I first started out. Way better than the last time around.
Although it feels like cravings are at an all time high, and sleep is at an all time low.
I woke up at 4:30 to change my 14 month old's diaper, and couldn't fall back asleep. I tossed and turned for about an hour until finally I decided I just can't lay here. It was actually nice to be up at 6 am. The sun was peaking through our blinds, and everything seemed so calm. A sudden craving for a Panera bagel with some yummy hazelnut coffee hit me, and I was a one-track mind.

Bagel. Coffee. Bagel. Coffee. Baaaagel... you get what I mean. Rightttt?


Oh, how I miss New York bagels. People in California don't share the love of bagels as those in New York do, and there aren't that many bagels places anywhere. Anyway, I woke up my husband, and told him I'm getting a bagel. He nodded, and fell back asleep. I actually ended up driving to get that said bagel and coffee at 6:30. It was awesome!

It was like the world was waiting for me. Roads were clear. Weather was perfect. My breakfast was delicious. Pure morning bliss

I feel a little more energetic, but not enough to start working out. I stopped that completely because I was getting pelvic pressure after doing squats and lunges. It's not about motivation, I really want to work out to stay healthy but I find it hard to muster up the energy needed to do so. Hopefully it get's better

Its interesting that this pregnancy has been more painful, and tiresome. My OB was telling me this is normal the 2nd time around. The tiresome is from chasing around little miss. The funnest part of everyday.  So... mostly I feel like this all day:

All Organized for Baby!

I was ready to pull out my hair trying to figure out how to get all the baby stuff sorted out, and for it to be in a convenient place. Of course,  I also wanted to stay within our budget. I explored my options with many trips to all the big stores, and realized this wasn't going to be easy unless I had a plan.

I kept going, getting overwhelmed, and heading home- feeling defeated. There are so many choices out there!

Begin by setting up a registry, online or at your favorite baby store (s). This will help you know what you're going to be bringing home.

After the baby shower, I had a sense of what I had received, and what I needed, and how I was going to set it all up.

So, here is how to get started:

1. The first step to getting organized for baby is designating a space/room/ or item specifically for baby. I decided this piece was going to be my changing table- see newborn survival tools 
2. Next, decide what items you need front and center. These items will need to be the most accessible- diapers, creams, lotions, burping cloths, cotton balls, etc
3. Then, I went to Target to find containers. I initially had found really cute boxes, but those weren't as practical. I decided on the dollar-a-box clear plastic boxes that they have for shoes
4. I used each box as to divide up the items as I needed- bibs, socks, diapers, creams, and baby laundry, and cotton balls
5. Designate a space for baby's clothes like a dresser drawer. We didn't have enough space to offer her a closet. So, I bought a small dresser for her to use for her clothes. 
6. I like to wash baby's clothes prior to her wearing them. I washed newborn, and 0-3 month clothes, and set them up in the first drawer. These were ready to go a month before my due to date. 
7. Section off clothes received that are not the size you are using in the gift bags received, or in baby's closet. One section for 1-3 month clothes, one for 3-6 months, etc
8. Pre-pack a duffel bag or carry-on bag with baby clothes, a few diapers, breast feeding supplies or bottles to take to the hospital. This way you are not scrambling when the time comes. I created this 3 weeks ahead of my due date. 

Getting organized before baby arrives will help so much. We had all this set up so were able to hit the ground running when little miss arrived 2 weeks early. Before we left for the hospital, my husband put on the crib sheet. We grabbed our carry-on bag with baby clothes, and were on our way quickly as soon as my water broke. 

When we brought her home, all her stuff was ready to go making it so convenient to change and feed her. The stress of getting it done before hand was so worth it, since I had more baby time! I wasn't focused on anything but her since everything was set-up prior to her arrival!

Pregnancy Brain

I have this constant foggy feeling in my head all day. It's like it never sharpens. As a result I am becoming more forgetful, and incredibly aloof as I progress along in my pregnancy.  I know it's normal for women to experience "momnesia" during pregnancy. But, I don't remember it being this bad the last time around. It's actually gotten pretty serious. I have a full blown case of "pregnancy brain." Here's how I know- 

• I forgot I left the fridge door open, and didn't notice for 2 hours
• I never remember to flush 
• I didn't see the wall I walked into (this actually happened)
• I can't remember when baby's last diaper change was
• I stepped on poor baby's hand as she was crawling near my feet. I didn't even see her there!
• I put salt instead of sugar in my coffee, and it hasn't happened just once
• My never know where my phone is, and I always forget where I put it
• I wandered around the grocery store for an hour without remembering what I needed to get, and came home with half of the items on my list. 

Needless to say, I think Dad and baby are a little worried when I'm around. I remind them constantly that this is temporary, and soon I'll snap right back into place!... or so I think

I did some research of my own to figure out what exactly is going on with me. I just want to feel normal!

 So apparently it's all just chemicals in our brain. An article on WebMD says there is a huge surge in hormones like progesterone, and estrogen that are about 15 times the normal amount in our pregnant bodies. This can affect our thinking process. So, that explains all the silliness!

 Another cause could be the stress and anxiety of what lies ahead. This can also cause our brains to re-shift priorities. Short- term memory is primarily affected during this time, so we can rest assured that that it's just the fleeting stuff anyway, not the stuff that really matters.
But, it gets worse before it gets better, especially in the last few weeks before pregnancy. So just be mindful of this, and don't be too hard on yourself, after all you're the one giving birth!

The silver-lining? It ends after pregnancy, and there is no lasting effect of the surge of hormones. It just happens for the time being, and goes away after baby's arrival. Yes!

Hooray for pregnancy brain! Not.

Newborn survival tools

I remember the newborn phase. The phase when a tiny fragile beings needs your every waking moment while you are mentally, and physically exhausted from the miracle that is child-birth. You need all the tools out there that can help you manage the sleep-less nights. 

When I was expecting my first baby, I had no idea where to begin, or how many of each item I needed. I have since figured it out and wanted to share the most important items and their quantities to avoid overspending, or overbuying. I am simply sharing with you what worked best for me. You can follow through the links, if it is something you decide is useful for your registry, or just want to take a closer look at. I found the Amazon.com prices were a great deal when compared to most brick and mortar shops. I ended up buying most of my stuff online because in my third trimester I was just too big, and too tired to go shopping. 

I would say the items here are good for about the first 3 months depending on the size of your baby. 

This is a list of all the things I found MOST useful during the time that I needed it for my now 11- month old, and will be needing this upcoming October (when I'm due)

Clothing-

• 6-8 Onesies- I just bought 2 packs of 0-3 month sizes. I kept other outfits for pictures, and other occasions separate. Although, I hardly used them.  My newborn wasn't into partying when she was first born. Now? a total party animal. Fancy clothes were better to use as she got older. These onesies were essential because baby was kept swaddled most of the time, and the onesie kept just the right temperature for her little body. Also, I didn't buy too many because I wasn't sure what would fit baby since I didn't know how big she was going to be when she entered the world. This amount was perfect. 
• 2-3 Swaddle Me Blankets- We learned how to swaddle at a class we took at the hospital, but our little miss would break out of the DIY swaddle blankets really quickly. I found these to be super helpful for sleep time. We used these for naps, and bed time. She was cozy, and happy. And I didn't have to worry about her swaddle coming undone in the middle of the night. 
• 6-8 pairs of socks- I like to not buy too many socks at one time, because over time I find the laundry eats up our socks, and we somehow end up with mismatched socks. I found this amount of baby socks just enough for the first few months

Changing-

• Diapers- Be sure to buy a variety of sizes but in one brand. I had 2 sizes ready for baby's arrival. Just to make sure we got the best fit. I wanted to use cloth diapers, but I couldn't see myself enjoying the process. 
• Changing Pad- This is a great tool to use to lay baby down on during diaper changes. I have one that is curved to protect the wiggly little worm. 

Bathing

• 4-8 Wash Cloths- of course, you can use the sink to wash baby, but I found it be a little dangerous because she would get all slippery. You don't have to bathe baby until she is about 3 weeks old, or the stump for the umbilical cord falls off.  So after that happened, we got soapy wash cloths and gave baby scrub downs to keep her clean.  We graduated her to an infant tub at 3-4 months. 

Feeding

• Double Electric Breast Pump- if you are breast-feeding, you will find this so very helpful. The hospital recommended that we not use this until after the first 2 weeks so that baby can develop good breastfeeding skills, but you can use it whenever you feel comfortable. This will help you get some help from a partner in feeding, and keep up your supply if baby is having trouble latching on. This was the case with me. Little miss couldn't stay properly latched on and I didn't want to lose my supply, so I pumped after feedings. Also, the breast pump I suggested is very ergonomic, and costs way less than other pumps. 
• 2-3 bottles- I wouldn't recommend buying too many. My little pumpkin didn't like most of the bottles I had for her, and I ended up not using them. I still have a few boxes of unused bottles because she refused to drink from them. Wait until baby is here to buy bottles, and see what works best. I found these bottles to be the most liked. 

Miscellaneous

• Pepple Watch- This one is a little pricey , but SO worth it. It has been so incredibly useful in helping me time feedings, accept text messages, answer calls, track alarms- all from my wrist. I didn't have to crane my neck to look at phone, and I was hands-free! 
• FeedBaby App- This app is free to download, and so helpful. It tracks your feed, pee, and poo schedule. It tells you how long between your last feed, or last changing. It also gives a daily breakdown of ounces consumed, and diapers changed. It does all the thinking, and remembering for you.  So incredibly useful! 
• Baby Jungle Gym- I loved using this item for tummy time. We started tummy time early, and this provides the stability, and softness for baby to lay on her tummy. I remember she absolutely loved laying in this gym. She would kick her little legs in excitement. The funny thing is that she STILL plays with it. So definitely a good buy! The one through the link is priced significantly less than the other ones, but I think does the job well. No need to pay more. 
• Baby Swing- There are so many great options with this. We got one that had music play along as she rocked back and forth. She used it for a few months, and then after she was mobile, she forgot all about it. Until then, it was so helpful to keep her entertained after my mom left. I could do housework, and cook  while watching her enjoy her swinging ride.
• Changing table- This is probably the MOST important thing on my list because I wasn't sure if we needed this. Everyone suggested changing baby on the bed, and that this was an extra. Nope. Not the case. I use this so much, and the sections helped me organize all my baby stuff. I use this every single day for changing diapers, clothing, after bathing, etc. I also found the most economical one. There was one at the store, but I ordered this one online, and found it the perfect size. Be sure to measure out the length and width of the area being put in,- we have a smaller space, and this is just the right fit. Any bigger and it would not have worked out as well. 

Whew!

These items sums up the essentials. If you have some other items you couldn't live without, Please share them with me! I can add them to my list! If you're not quite there yet, and still trudging along through pregnancy- read Pregnancy survival tools

Pregnancy Survival Tools

I was about 35 weeks along here!

Since I am walking down a similar path as last year, I figured I would share a few tips about how I survived the last time around, and how I intend to muster through this year. It's not quite a back to back pregnancy, but it sure feels like it. I was pregnant last May, and I am pregnant this May! Back to duty after a seemingly short 7 month break. 

I have made some changes to how I went about things last year, and so I have put together a list of tips that I have found have helped me make this a lot more fun, and exciting than the last time. After all, I am growing a tiny human inside me. I need to make sure "it" is well taken care of.  So..

Here are some essential survival tips for 9 months of fun- 

Excercise

• At least 4 days a week. I stopped completely during my last pregnancy in the 2nd trimester. I am hoping I can keep up the energy to maintain. Trust me, it helps so much. By this time in my pregnancy I was already 10 pounds heavier. This time I haven't put on any extra pounds yet, and I have more energy to handle my 10 month old. I just hope I can keep it up.  Hold yourself accountable to getting at least some form of activity, even walking works.

• Foam roller- since I am not getting as many massages, I place this under my aching back to roll out the kinks, especially if I am sore from a workout. It hurts initially, but then turns into something beautiful. There are a variety of these, find the one that works for you. 

Sleep Tools

• My Snoogle Pillow- useful for tossing and turning throughout the night. This contraption has eased many  long, and sleepless nights. I actually never stopped using it even after I gave birth. So it's not just a one time use item. You can use it as a pillow, and bring the bottom part through your legs to get some excellent lumbar support. My husband uses 3 pillows to get comfortable, and always tries to sneak my snoogle away! This one long pillow does the job of 3!

• Pregnancy Support Belt- eases that heavy, droopy feeling when your belly gets big. Although, I am still wearing it now during workouts. I feel more stable with it. It also supports my back if I am using hand weights. 

My Snoogler!

Supplements

• Probiotics- My doctor recommended that I take these. I didn't the last time, but have felt the difference in doing so. These ease digestion issues when taken after a meal. 

• Prenatals- of course these are a staple. I actually never stopped taking mine after my delivery since I was also breast-feeding. I also like that they go down easily, without any vitamin burps. So, we'll carry on with this

• Calcium and D3- I take these a few times a week, just to keep those respective levels up 
• Assorted cakes- double chocolate, carrot cake, red-velvet...  You never know when you need lots, and lots of sugar. 

Miscellaneous

• MyFitnessPal App- I'm sure you probably already use this excellent tool, but if you aren't download it to your phone! It's free! I know you aren't supposed to count calories during pregnancy but this app lets you know when you are eating with wild abandon. You can see those calories pile up. I also think it gives you a self-check because you record everything you eat.

• Relax- This seems like a no-brainer, but I have trouble just enjoying my pregnancy. I am working on telling myself to just breathe, and take it easy. I find I get worked up so easily these days, even over the smallest of things. This is a unique experience that I must handle with care as to not upset myself, or my growing baby. 

Baby Showers bring May flowers!

I was due in July, and the baby shower was held mid-may.  It was a little too close to my due date for my taste, but we had to push it back to accommodate everyone's schedules. 
I remember it being really hot, and my feet were swelling up like little puffer fish.

Even though we knew we were expecting a girl, we kept the theme neutral for the baby shower. There were just too many pink options. I have nothing against pink, I just wanted something different. Turns out the yellow and gray combination looks really great too!

 I got a lot of the ideas from Pinterest, and relayed them on to my sister, (she set it all up!) 

Here is how everything turned out!

These were our party lanterns. You can purchase them from the link. They were a bit of a pain to hang, but the overall look was great. 
They are so inexpensive, and look so chic! Double win!

The cake was everything I had ever wanted. I was lucky to have an experienced french baker make our baby shower cake. It was mocha flavored, with a chocolate cream filling. The cake topper was the cutest thing ever! Although, my husband and I thought the topper looks more like a boy than a girl. What do you think? 

I was gifted these little babies to offer as party favors from a friend. I didn't use them as party favors, but added pins to them to use for a game! 

These are the gift bags for those winning prizes in the games. They were filled with candles, picture frames, nail polish sets, etc. You can make these simple party favors by using party bags, and wrapping with colorful ribbon and filling with treats your guest will love!

No pain, no gain?

I was determined to have a medicine-free, all-natrural birth. Why? I felt I could handle it, and was scared of the idea of the epidural. I spent some time researching natural birthing, styles, hypno-birth, at-home births, etc. Part of my research included labor and delivery documentaries on Netflix.

Even the Duchess of Cambridge (a woman whom I respect, and we were pregnant at the same time) was rumored to be taking hypno-birth classes, aka, natural birth aka no medicine birth.

One of the documentaries on natural-birthing got me really nervous. I seriously lost a few nights of sleep. I shan't even name it. I am that terrified.

Lesson learned: Don't stay up watching birthing documentaries during your last trimester.

 It was about how the current system in hospitals about giving birth is flawed. Apparently, we're not meant to lay on our backs to give birth. It touted the current labor and delivery processes in hospitals as means to line the pockets of pharmaceutical companies. Scary stuff.

It gave me all sorts of anxiety. I turned to many moms to seek their opinions, asking a simple question: Epidural or not?

I got varied responses. Some said it makes child birth bearable, others favored the feeling of the whole event. Although, more favored epidural.

 My mom wasn't too helpful since the last baby she had was me. So, her advice was a bit dated. She kept saying that she had all of her kids (the three of us) naturally, and if she could do it I could do it. Really though, I don't think she had the options available that we do now. Plus, it was in a third-world country, so definitely epidurals were not offered in the mid-80's.

Mainly, the idea of the needle going in my spine scared me. It just irked me to no end. Plus, now my mom had stepped in and offered a challenge of "if I can, you can."
 Who cares right? I do.  I wanted to make my mom proud of me. I wanted to show her I am equally as strong. I have an innate need to please.

Of course, those five words put more stress on my mind, because I turned it into a competition. I began to think that if I wasn't strong enough to endure the pain, than maybe I wasn't woman enough. I can't say why it was a feeling so intense. It might have been those pesky pregnancy hormones. This really began to weigh me down.  Could I endure the pain millions of women have endured before me? Did I have it in me?

Fast forward to labor room around delivery time. The pain was unlike I have ever felt before. My training fell by the wayside. I was shaking, gripping my bed rails, wailing like a banshee. I tried breathing techniques. I tried listening to calming music. I did everything to relieve the searing pain in my abdomen. But to no avail. This went on until I was ready for delivery. I was so close, but had been having contractions for 8 hours straight!  I began to cry, and looked to my husband. He said, "you don't have to endure this. Modern medicine has come a long way to ease the pain of child-birth. You are not proving yourself to anyone, but yourself. Do what you feel is right."
I was mentally and physically exhausted. I couldn't go on. I could not push without the assistance of medicine.

And you know what?
I have no one to prove myself to, just myself. At that time, that was the right decision for me. It didn't affect woman-kind. Just me.

Less than 15 minutes after,  more than half of the pain melted away. I felt muted versions of gargantuan contractions. My insides rejoiced, and my courage was renewed.  I delivered my baby girl within 2 hours of that time.

Apparently, my mom didn't even flinch when I told her, she was just too excited to meet her granddaughter.

At the end of the day,

I am still a mother, and  I am still a woman regardless of getting an epidural or not. I made the silly mistake to compare the two.

Since then, I have relied on these beautiful words:

"A flower does not think of competing  to the flower next to it, it just blooms" Anon

I'm the one giving birth!

     Sometimes, I feel a sense of entitlement comes with my pregnancy. I did it the first time around, and am finding myself falling into similar habits this time as well. I feel I have the upper-hand since I am the one having to deal with the emotional upheavals of pregnancy. I have to finish the conversation. I get to watch my shows first.  I have to eat steak when I want steak. You get the picture.
 In short, I am always right. I am the victim. I need tending to. After all, I am the one who is pregnant!

Me! ME! MEEE!

Just kidding. Kind of. 

I don't think I'm really that bad, but giving myself kudos for self-realization. Hey, the first step is acknowledgment.

Anyway,

       The other day I came across this article. It states that young Dads are at risk for depression from birth of a new child - until kindergarten. The actual number has not been determined, mainly due it not having been reported. The root causes are unknown, but I can speculate some contributing factors. Bottom line- it's a serious issue that needs attention

 It raised awareness in my mind, and it helped me understand this: I'm not the only one involved in the nitty-gritty of a pregnancy. The person by my side everyday has been through it all as well.  The good, the bad, and whatever else comes in-between. That person is my one and only.

 My husband. 
He is right there with me, going through the whole process as well.  He stayed up the entire time during our 12-hour labor, held my hand while I was pushing, brought me pizza after delivery, changed baby's first diaper. The list goes on. See? I can be thankful at times. But, in all seriousness, I realized the current state of affairs needed to modified. I had to reach out.  

         To be honest,  I hadn't even asked him how he was handling the birth of our baby 9 months ago, or how he has been feeling about the impending birth of our new baby. I was so  focused on how I was dealing, and how my life was affected that I didn't stop to think to check up on my husband. It never even occurred to me. Maybe, just maybe I could take a step back from myself, and look to my right-hand man. All entitlements aside. 

       So, I sat down, and asked him. He was surprisingly candid, and shared his anxieties of financial stability, and his need to be a good father. He had felt overwhelmed in the first months after birth, but that feeling has subsided as Baby Z gets older. He was overjoyed to hear the news about our 2nd pregnancy, and looks forward to expansion.  

So, it's true - Dad's need attention too! No, they aren't giving birth, or breastfeeding, but play a significant role in child-rearing (in-home or not).  There is significant research that indicates this as well.  Acknowledgment, and understanding is paramount. If not, something can slip through the cracks. Take the time to check in. 

Depression is a serious issue whether it be in male or female, and in this case mother or father It should be addressed.  In most cases, new moms get the majority of attention during and after child-birth. Additionally, moms may have more resources to get depression diagnosed through frequent doctors visits, etc. New Dads, however, may not get the proper attention needed to ease their tensions as well. We can change this. 

 Stressful situations can additionally lead to depression. For example, the arrival of a newborn. I know my husband has been a lot more focused at his job than he was before when it was just the two of us. We had a little more freedom with our careers. We could be a bit more wasteful with our money. Things are different now. 

 We just have to be more careful with our familial decisions now that we have a little being to take care of.  The pressure to keep a job, have a steady income, provide for a family becomes very real during the first few years of baby's arrival. We sure feel it. 

But, this is a process all new parents must go through, the key is to stay healthy through it all. Stress management is so important. We can help each other navigate these waters. This is our time to make of it what we may. Stay involved. Check in with your partner periodically. 
Don't wait!


(The above is a painting in our room. It has a soothing quality to it)

Word of the Day

I was out running errands yesterday with little miss in tow, and had to stop for an oil change. The man at the counter assured me that the task would be completed with the utmost of expedience. After all it was the express service. But, then he said something about me that caught me off guard. He had used the word of the day. What word do you think it is?

 Radiant? Astounding? Charming? Nope. None of those positive picker-uppers. Instead, he said " I'll make sure this goes through our express service, because you sure look exhausted, completely EXHAUSTED!" And I am positive he put an oomph on the word, every time he used it. 

At the end of the trip, he used the E word  yet again. Hello! Synonym much? This time saying, " Ok all done. I know what it's like having children. Well, not physically but they are so exhausting. Now, you can go home and get some rest."  

Here's the sad part, I wasn't exhausted. I actually dressed up. I put in an effort to put on some light makeup, and look presentable. Quite a change from the last few months. I was proud of myself for trying. How then did I look exhausted?  Was it his assumption because I was holding a baby?  Was it a lame attempt at being cordial?

 Whatever it was, it bugged me, and I couldn't figure it out why. What does it matter if some random person thinks I look exhausted. Maybe it's my pregnancy hormones, who knows? 

but.... I will admit

All I really wanted is some recognintion. Some positive reinforcement. Anything that acknowledged how I felt. Something like: 

"Wow, great job multi-tasking!" or "Saving the world before bedtime!"

Is that too much to ask?

Sigh

                                                

One more go on the Merry-go-round

So, we found out we are expecting baby number 2 this week. It was kind of unexpected. It's not that it happened out of the blue, but I also didn't expect it to happen so soon since took us a while with our first one. I assumed that original waiting period must be the norm. This brought up some mixed emotions. Am I ready for this? is this the right time to have another baby? ( although, it doesn't matter now) Will my housework double? What will happen to my career? It was one question after another. I fought back tears as these questions played out in my mind.

I'm just scared. Scared, of the changes that lie ahead. I felt the same type of anxiety before I got married. The feeling that things will never be the same. The feeling that I am not responsible for only myself. The feeling that I must plan out once impromptu trips.The feeling that I might lose myself in the process of becoming a Mom again.

As a point of clarification, I love being a mom. It has been an incredible experience. I am 7 months postpartum, so things are calming down a little. I am no longer operating on 3 hours of sleep. I don't miss pumping every 3 hours, even in the middle of the night. I sure as heck like having the ability to walk without some sprays of Dermoplast in my private parts. Finally, I can walk past a mirror, and not be afraid of my reflection. 

 The addition of a child into the fold is an overwhelming experience. I can't say whether having two is different than one. I don't know if there are different struggles than with one. I just know life is changing once again. 

 Then again, I couldn't expect things to stay the same forever. If they did, I would complain that nothing new happens in my life. Maybe it's human nature to be cautious of the unknown.  Who knows?

But, this is what I do know: Change is inevitable. I must embrace it, rather than be afraid.  I try to remind myself of this truth. However, these are just words. I can tell myself, but feeling them; living them is what actually matters.

I am learning through my experiences everyday. This is my chance to make the most of it. I can choose how I want to look at the situation. 

So, I have assessed: I am happy to experience pregnancy once again, and look forward to another little person entering my world.  My only hope is that I can be a good role-model, and friend. 

 Raising a child is truly a labor of love. A lot of hard work goes in, but yields so much back in unconditional love. You can trade in all of the unsavory moments for a snuggle, a tooth-less smile, and a tiny hand gripping yours. In those moments, it's pure bliss.  Those are the moments I will cherish forever. 

 

Exercise During Pregnancy

Before you embark on your fitness journey, watch this.  Here are a few tips from the March of Dimes on types of pregnancy exercises to avoid. Keep it safe ladies!

You can eat anything you want!

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me I could eat anything whilst being pregnant, I would have like a million dollars. Well, maybe more like seventeen dollars. But, still, it didn't take much convincing to get sucked into the eat as much as you can, as fast as you can vortex. I ate, and I ate, and I ate until I had ballooned into an edemic mess. 

By week 34 of my pregnancy, I weighed fifty pounds more than I had started! Aside from my feet having edema, somehow, my face had it too. It had become puffy, and sallow. Luckily, I had just started my maternity leave, so I was able to lounge around all day in my pajamas. I wouldn't have to lug myself around work all day. I spent the rest of my days watching Netflix, and eating Swiss rolls on my sofa. I certainly had lost that pregnancy glow, and had turned it to pregnancy slow. 

 At this point, I had no idea of the amount of calories I was consuming. I figured, I can eat anything I want since I am pregnant.

I was so wrong. 

All this statement provides is a sense of false entitlement. It says I can throw my understanding of nutrition, health, and caloric consumption out the window. I can eat with wild abandon. I thought there was a direct correlation between food consumption and baby birth weight.  I justified my actions by telling myself that my baby would grow more if I grew more. My doctor even clarified, that we only need to consume anywhere from 150-500 calories extra per day throughout the pregnancy. If I was to guess, I think I was taking in an extra 1,000 calories a day. Now, I am talking about myself here, so ask your doctor about your caloric needs during pregnancy. Heck, you might need a 1,000 extra calories depending on your current health. 

I have since given birth, and can now postulate the reasons for my digressions. I think I can understand what happened.  I was trekking through unknown territory. I had first time mom anxiety. I don't know if there is such a thing, but I had it. I was worried about the baby, about my health, labor, about whether or not I would be good parent. Just everything. I used food as comfort. I would feel better after some gooey, fudgey brownies, or some delicious rocky road ice cream. 

I can tell you from experience, it all works it self out. 

Ultimately, it's about balance. 

I think we should shy away from encouraging pregnant women to just eat, but rather, focus on healthy weight gain. Gaining sustenance from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables rather than hot cheetos, twinkies, and fries. Maybe, not all moms-to-be approach their pregnancy this way, but for me, it was an excuse; to eat what I wanted. It took me a while to get back on track with exercising regularly, and eating right. I'll share with you how.I have since lost most of the weight I put on, I am just seven pounds away from my starting weight. I am hoping this time around I can eat for health, and not for comfort. I'll keep you updated...

I would love to hear your stories about pregnancy weight gain

Just nod and smile!

Dealing with pregnancy for the first time in your life is very unique experience. There is nothing quite like it. The mystery, and intrigue is beguiling. Questions begin to swirl in your head from the onset. What does an ultrasound feel like? What will a baby kicking feel like? What will labor feel like?  It can all be overwhelming.

 This was certainly the case with me.

To make it worse, I am the type of person that has to know things in advance. I must plan, schedule, and determine to the best of my ability ahead of time. It is important to be prepared, so that the best plan can be executed and surprises can be minimized.  It may sound slightly neurotic, but it helps give me a sense of control. So, naturally, silly ol' me, tried to plan out how everything would go with my birth.  I must have watched at least six documentaries on child-birth. I took every single class that Kaiser offers for pregnancy and child birth. Ordered some books online from Amazon. I joined birth clubs online (I really like Babycenter). I wrote out my birth plan. Basically, I did everything in my power to make this a successful journey. 

so...

Imagine my surprise when my water broke two weeks early, my baby ruptured her sack, my dreams of a natural birth were thrown out the window, and my mom wasn't present for the birth!  Things didn't go the way I planned it. Initially, I was mad. But, then I realized I couldn't be mad at circumstances.  Just accept that there might be some changes along the way. C'est la vie.

Here is what I learned:

Sometimes, you just can't plan these things out. Well, to clarify, you can iron out the details as long as there is wiggle room. I say this because you can't pin down pregnancy. Not when, where, or even the time. So, when pregnancy stresses you out- Just nod and smile! We acknowledge it's an unpaved road, but we smile because we know what the destination is. 

Disclaimer:

I have only yet journeyed through one full-length pregnancy thus far so I won't say its the case for every pregnancy. I am on round 2, and am already doing things differently. I am not planning ahead, just taking it day by day. I am not too far along, but I will keep you updated if my theory continues to prevail.