pregnancy blog – aliceinhealthyland

Using Trauma to Shape Calm in Motherhood and Breastfeeding.

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021Leave a comment

Written By Alice Bingham on behalf of Medela Australia

Just under two years ago, I had a wild experience with my third birth.

I went between three hospitals in just one day.

I had an ambulance with sirens, a 20hr breach labour which then transitioned to an emergency c- section under general anaesthetic and welcomed our baby girl at just 35 weeks. All while having heart symptoms going on and a possible Pulmonary Embolism.

I ended up spending the week in hospital with heart monitors on myself and tests run all week, all while trying to care for our newest addition who had a few health things going on herself with being a premie. It was quite the experience, one that I will never forget. When I look at my happy little 21-month old now, I pinch myself that we are both okay and doing well.

In fact, we are expecting our fourth child in February 2021.

This has had me reflect a lot on my experience with birth and breastfeeding my third baby in 2019 – how can I use this to prepare myself and my baby for a beautiful breastfeeding experience after a year where nothing’s gone to plan?

A reminder to embrace the chaos with presence.

The first 12- weeks of any newborn’s life can be a bit of a blur for any mum. And mine was no different. I had two little ones to care for, and was also recovering from a c-section and a feeding schedule for our preemie baby.

I was given the Medela Symphony pump immediately and was told to pump a minimum of eight times in 24 hours.

So, I was very grateful for the Medela double breast pump in the hospital as it was fast and efficient, which I needed as the feeding routine was extremely exhausting for me.

On day three, my daughter’s blood sugar level remained low. I asked to speak to a Lactation Consultant and a Paediatrician to see if a different feeding routine would help her blood sugar levels stabilise. Our current schedule of 10 minutes on the boob topped up with expressed breast milk, then pumping again wasn’t working. The team and I decided to change her feeding schedule to give her expressed breastmilk (EBM), then 5 minutes on the boob and then double pumping again for top-ups. I would also set alarms for breastfeeding and alarms for pumping using my Medela Harmony breast pump. The beauty of pumping was it made me sit down, which is essential for recovery.

My two children, then 3.5 years and 18 months, would also come and sit with me or play on the floor near me. Some days they would all be crying at once; I just had to take a deep breath and remind myself I was doing my best. The days were long, but the weeks would fly by, it was all a bit of beautiful chaos. And this is one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt with motherhood and breastfeeding – embracing the chaos, with mindfulness and presence.

For any other mum or mum-to-be who may be finding motherhood and breastfeeding difficult – I hear you.

But if you can take time to find your breath and come back to this moment, it’s one of the most powerful ways to find strength, peace and joy in these moments of chaos. I found great comfort in journaling too. A simple way to practice gratitude and reflect on the day. Plus, my journal is filled with many raw and wonderful memories of those postnatal days. I often look back on these pages to see how far I have come.

Lean on your support army wherever and however you can

The year 2020 has brought some great uncertainly for a lot of us in the Australian community, with restrictions and lock downs. Postnatal after our third child, we required a lot of appointments once we left the hospital. We ended up seeing lactation consultants, had daily weigh-ins at the hospital, saw midwifes and child health nurse practitioners for the first 12 weeks of our little girls’ life.

This had me thinking after everything happening right now, would we receive the same support if we required that care again with this child? During this pregnancy I haven’t been allowed to have my children at antenatal appointments or my husband at the scans or appointments. I also had to have emergency surgery a few months ago when pregnant, we were given some news that meant our baby may have not made it, I would have loved to have had my husband there with me, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, he was not allowed at the hospital with me. So, I had to take the news by myself and just chat to my husband over the phone during my hospital stay.

Thankfully, this baby is still doing well though post-surgery and as I write this, I am 26 weeks and filled with gratitude.  There have been some positives though, during this pregnancy, I have been lucky enough to have the support of my own midwife. She has been able to come to our home for visits for my check-ups, if I have my other young children at home. Plus, David can be here as well.

I have seen some great improvises from our local hospital and the staff doing their best to support families and the post-natal care they provide for them. Now thankfully with restrictions easing, I feel a lot more positive about having our fourth child next year.  Wherever you can – call on your support networks – from experts and loved ones. But if you are having trouble – telehealth is a great avenue to find support from a lactation consultant. Or engage in online communities where you can find and talk to likeminded mums. Rely on breastfeeding aids if you need it

Next time I hope to give the brand new Medela Harmony breast pump ago.

I think having this will give me the freedom to pop out a little more in the earlier days to my close friends and families houses. Or even to pop in the car and drive to the waterfront. Pumping with a view is oh so blissful! The Harmony Manual Breast Pump is light, compact and portable making it easy to pop into your nappy bag and go.

Being on a time schedule with breastfeeding a premmie can be challenging if you need to be back home all the time to do it. I think this will allow me some more freedom. I am highly impressed with the 2-Phase Expression technology as it can mimic your baby’s natural suckling rhythm, which is ideal for going from baby to pump for your breasts. I think this pump will make my life a little easier, with four children in five years, I am up for anything that will guide that! So, as a final prompt to myself and other pregnant and breastfeeding mums today, in this extra time of change – take life slower, more mindful and be kind to ourselves – and always call on help when need it.

Together, we’ve got this – and whatever life throws our way.

ABOUT MEDELA AUSTRALIA

Medela exists to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of human milk. Medela has actively been supporting Australian mothers, babies, and their families in Australia for more than 19 years.

As Australia’s hospital breast-pump innovator, Medela, has launched their Harmony™ manual pump at $69.95, to their Medela Flex™ technology range which adapt to fit every mum’s personal breast shape and lifestyle needs.

Developed and clinically tested with a team of research scientists and breastfeeding mums, the Medela Flex™ family help mums produce up to 11 percent more breast milk, more comfortably.1

The Medela Flex™ technology range is now available from major pharmacies and retail outlets including Baby Bunting and Chemist Warehouse, as well as via the Medela Store Online.

For more information visit https://www.medela.com.au/

Hypnobirthing with Your Sacred Space.

December 30, 2020January 1, 2021Leave a comment

By Alice Bingham

A few weeks ago David and I did part one of the Positive Birth Program (Hypnobirthing) with Your Scared Space. But before I tell you all about it I want to share how amazing the universe is about connecting you with people when you ask the universe to have your back.

Talk about alignment, before I was even pregnant I was having thoughts about how a fourth pregnancy would look for me mentally. Given my experience with our third pregnancy and birth, I wanted to do some research about how I can feel more emotionally supported and educated. Funny enough she came up in my feed, die to a friend recommending her. I decided reach out to Danielle from @your.sacred.space before I was even pregnant, months before if truth be told. I told her I was planning my fourth pregnancy. I knew that if we were to welcome number four, this would be our journey. After our third bubs birth, this was something I wanted for David, I and our little family.

If you haven’t been following this blog Alice In Healthyland for long, in a nut shell this was my experience with our third child. I had two vaginal births first off and with our third child, an emergency c section under a General Anaesthesia, I had a query PE and had some heart issues going on. We had a week long stay in hospital and my daughter was also born at 35 weeks and required some special care. All of my births have been completely different, because every pregnancy and every baby is different. My third birth, took time to process and I spent months trying to replay a few things that could of been etc. in my mind.

David and I really enjoyed the Hypnobirthing Class with Danielle, it was truly something else. Having experienced birth already 3 times I was taken back by how much I had learnt on the day. On the day we sat with 5 other couples and we explored the world of hypnobirthing. We each got our own yoga mat, ball to sit on and seats. Plus a goodie bag and a portfolio to follow the day. The day was broken up into different parts of learning from Danielle, birth videos, education on the anatomy and physiology of birth, and engaging with your birth partner. As a couple, I felt extremely close to David that day, and he really enjoyed the whole experience as well. All the men in the room were entertained and were constantly made to feel apart of the process.

It was magical, empowering and honestly like a fear release around the topic of birth. We laughed together, we got in the zone and we became educated about some topics that are often taboo.

Feeling humble for this experience and educated about this little ones journey earth side. No matter the path this little one chooses to join us, I know David and myself feel informed and supported by each other. ✨

Since the workshop, I have been implementing the tools given by Danielle into my daily practice planning for birth. I have put up birth affirmations around my bedroom. I have written in my journal what I am manifesting for our birth journey and I am playing the Hypnobirthing tracks and affirmations tracks most nights as I drift off to sleep. All part of the process to feeling positive around our future experience and feeling educated to take on the knowledge and have a say in how we welcome our little one.

At 29 weeks this pregnancy my body started to experience contractions for 3 weeks. I spent numerous days in this time at the hospital for hours a day. I found that instead of laying there anxious alone with my thoughts I would put my phone on speaker. Listen to my hypnobirthing tracks to calm my mind for sleep. To try help my little one and myself relax and welcome the calm back from the news that day at the hospital.

Listening to my hypnobirthing Birth Tracks ✨

Affirmations placed around the mirror to read daily.

I look forward to our private session with Danielle in a few short weeks. I will keep you updated on how we go.

Want to get in touch with Danielle from Your Scared Birth?

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/your.sacred.space/

Website – https://yoursacredspace.com.au/

Danielle is a mumma to two hypnobubs, a Hypnobirthing Aus ™️ practitioner and she passionate about helping women empower themselves.

Milk Bath Maternity Shoot with Brisbane Photographer – Tahlia – Wylde Folk Studio

January 18, 2019June 9, 2020Leave a comment

Photographer – @wyldefolkstudio_

Hair – @c_ba_hair

Model – @aliceinhealthyland

Crown – @bohemiamblossomcrowns

Make Up @lust__minerals

I have been friends with Tahlia for a little over three years. Prior to that we may have passed each other by as we both grew up around Brisbane and went to the same gym. Our real connection started when we caught up with our little babes, Cruz and Summer. It’s been beautiful having our friendship blossom over time as well as watching our growing family create the same friendships and bonds too. You know when the universe just guides you and you just know that we were destained to be best friends (just like the movie Step Brothers when they go DID WE JUST BECOME BESTFRIENDS? moment).

Tahlia loves natural, organic and light inspired work. She does not distort her work with large amounts of editing. She believes that gentle touch ups and colour adjustments is all you need. Tahlia sets a beautiful environment for her clients and always makes sure they feel at ease with her presence. She knows how to make them laugh and sings while she photographs your children. You can see it’s her passion and she loves what she is doing.

Tahlia has photographed so many memories for our family and for my business and blog @aliceinhealthyland. So I was so grateful to have her shoot this special moment in my pregnancy and capture the bump with our two little babes. Cruz was scared of the flowers in the bath haha #mumlife but we managed to capture some cute snaps with him and the bump.

Tahlia is offering my following a special discount. State my name ALICE and you will get $50off your booking of a Maternity, Newborn or Family Photoshoot. Thanks so much beautiful! Such a lovely gesture.

A special thank you to the girls CBA Hair for styling my hair, Bohemian Blossom Crowns for making Winter Rose and I’s flower crowns and to Lust Minerals for supplying the make up. Necklace is by Eden Zoe and has my little ones initials on.

The lace garments are just from Kmart or EBay.

My Little Booky Wooky – Speech Pathology Shortlisted Book Of The Year 2016

August 3, 2017August 3, 2017Leave a comment

When I was pregnant with Winter Rose I received a message from the gorgeous Bianca Ebeling telling me about the book she had created. It was called "Let's celebrate" by @mylittlebookywooky and it was designed to stimulate a newborns vision by using black and white images.

My eldest little boy Cruz is such a little book worm, we hang out at the library a few times a week and borrow new books out. He just loves them, especially the images. I usually change the story around too haha. So hearing about this book I was instantly interested in hearing more.

I received the book and flash cards and was so excited to use once my little one arrived. I placed the flash cards on the wall next to the change table and placed the book in the cot awaiting my babes arrival. Cruz was so in love with the flash cards. He chats to the animals and I tell him what they are. He thinks it's great. Plus it's a great distraction while trying to change my wriggling toddlers bottom. Haha!

Since Winter Rose's arrival we have been placing the book next to her. It's amazing to see how over the past 4 weeks she is really starting to focus on the images. In just a week she was able to lock her eyes on the book. Now week 4 and she is reaching out to the book. It blows my mind how interested in the book she is. During witching hour I often lay her on the bed on her side and she will just settle when I place the book next to her. She goes from crying to such a calm nature. Just wow!

The book will defiantly be something I will be buying for other mummas in the future for baby shower gifts or birth arrival gifts. I would also recommend this to other expecting and new mummas too.

I have asked Bianca a few questions below so that we can all find out a little more about her and her book. Thank you again Bianca.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself Bianca?

I am a mum of 2 little cheeky monkeys aged 3 and 1. My husband and I moved from Melbourne to Geelong 4 years ago for a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle and we haven't looked back. My background is in finance but my biggest sense of achievement comes from being creative. Developing my books has been extremely fulfilling.

What drove you to create a book specifically for newborns?

As part of my mother's group I attended a session with the local librarian who was explaining to us new mummies that we should be reading to our babies from the moment they are born and that the best books for 0-6 months are black and white books. I actually didn't read much to my son so I took her advice on board and found a black and white book and my son started reacting to it instantly. He was completely captivated by the images. It blew our minds. He had previously really struggled with tummy time and would cry so much and really didn't want to do it. I thought he would never achieve lift his head however with the black and white book in front of my him, he started really trying to lift his head to see the images and within less than a week he was holding up his head for short periods. There were many other benefits that we witnessed over the few weeks we had the book from the library and I just knew I had to get one for myself to have permanently. Unfortunately no bookshops or baby shops stocked such books. Hence I had this idea…

What is the idea behind the black and white illustrations?

When babies are born their eyesight is still developing and they find it hard to focus on the world around them. High contrast images are much easier for babies to see in their first few months and provide them with something simple and engaging to focus on, and in this focus or intense concentration they can allow their minds to rest. A baby cannot see pastel colours properly for several months after birth. It is recommended to surround a baby with as much black and white as possible in the early months for visual stimulation and development.

Now the book only has illustrations, no words. What is the reason behind this?

This is one of the best bits about the books. Anyone can pick up the book at tell a story about what they see on the page. In my first book there is a page with a hot air balloon and clouds. There are so many ways to approach this. You can simply tell your newborn baby what you see on the page. Or you can make up a story about a hot air balloon that flew away and went travelling around the world. Or perhaps you got engaged in a hot air balloon. Another story opportunity. Talk to your baby, read, make up stories. Let your baby hear your voice, a range of vocabulary. Also, every parent/caregiver will have a different story to tell based on what they see. The fact there are no words in the book means you aren't bound by the words and you can let your story telling imagination run wild

How important is it to read to your child?

Reading aloud with your child is so important. It stimulates their imagination and curiosity, it teaches them new vocabulary, it opens their eyes to new ideas. It helps develop their language and listening skills. Children who are read to at a young age do better in their schooling years. One of my favourite quotes that I believe hits the nail on the head is "reading to children, even before they can understand, teaches them to associate books with love and affection". I see this in my children. I remember when I had my daughter last year, I would have her snuggled into my arms and I would read her books throughout the day and it was my favourite activity with her. We promote the love of books with our children and set up a little reading nook in our house. Both my daughter and son spend a lot of time there each day looking at and playing with their books. They love bringing favourite books to my husband and I and sit with us and we read to them. My son is nearly 3 and I can see that a lot of his vocabulary that he is using is from the books we read and it excites me and makes me incredibly proud.

Want to know more about @mylittlebookywooky ?

Click here for Instagram

Click here for Website

The ins and outs of surviving the 4th Trimester – Shannon Stokes

June 27, 2017June 9, 2020Leave a comment

The ins and outs of surviving the 4th Trimester

Written by Shannon Stokes AKA @mums_bubs_nutritionist

Since I will be experiencing my forth trimester soon and I have a lot of mumma followers that are pregnant, I have asked for some nutritional information and some basic survival technicques from naturopath Shannon Stokes from Mums and Bubs Nutrition Clinic. She is a mum herself to two littleys and has survived (just) the 4th trimester twice.

Take it away Shannon…

The journey to becoming pregnant is a magical one. Its either a ‘surprise’ I am here type scenario, a long awaited and joyous time. The journey itself is nuts! Pregnancy is a whole other kettle of fish, a completely natural yet unnatural experience. Getting pregnant, staying pregnant and just being pregnant is an insane journey, and that is just the beginning.

You are a mumma! Congratulations, baby is here you have been through a marathon of hurdles, a tonne of happy gas, 9 epidural attempts, a vacuum delivery, 12 different hands up your clacker at once, an episiotomy or 9th degree tear. You now have that little bundle of joy in your arms. Perhaps you are feeling those kooky love spell feelings straight away, or perhaps you think, oh jesus what have I done? All totally normal feelings. I remember thinking oh, he’s not very cute, in fact he is a bit strange looking and gee my vagina is killing…. me where are those frozen condoms at, all in the same breath!

… All of that aside, baby is here and it’s a whirlwind few days in the beginning.

How does one survive through this sleep deprivation? The healing of the whole birth thing is one thing, but then perhaps breastfeeding is hurting like a bugger and you have grazed nipples or sterilizing a bottle seems to take forever and a day at 3am. You aren’t alone, this period is earth shatteringly exhausting, scary and exciting all rolled into one. Cue the 4th Trimester! So mumma, whilst we learn to look after this babe ( I am happy to leave that to the never ending advice from the mum tribe, in-laws and experts) I am here to help YOU make some tiny changes in your day to keep you thriving.

It starts with you and ends with you. Everything else in between is that tiny babies’. Upon your first morning wake up, (ok, so the first moment you get up for the day) refresh your self with a big glass of filtered water, and take a deep breath. That’s it for now. No matter what is happening, this is a must! Then tick it off daily as it is non-negotiable.

Below are some of my favourite 4th trimester survival guidelines for all new mums and even dads.

1. Do NOT stop your multi, infact this is a time to ensure your nutritional status is up with that of the very best it has ever been. Even if you aren’t breastfeeding.

2. Eat foods rich in good fats, think avocado, coconut oil, nuts seeds, oily fish such as sardines, salmon, qood quality extra virgin olive oil drizzled on eeeeeevvvverything.

3. Make sure you are having macronutrients with each meal and at least a palm size portion of protein at each meal. (macronutrients are the essential nutrients needed in large amounts to sustain energy and basic health. The 3 macros are Protein, Fats and Carbohydrates)

4. Take a quality probiotic daily

5. Don’t focus on trying to lose the baby weight, give yourself a break.

6. Ask for things, I wish I did this more with my first. Ask for help! (you can’t get away with asking for washing to be folded and home cooked meals to be dropped when they are 3.. dammit)! Even ask for a box of nappies to be dropped off. Use that ‘new mum’ thing a little..

7. Say no! if you aren’t up for visitors then say no, if you aren’t up for your cousins and nephews coming over and running a muck, just say no, but don’t feel guilty or think twice about it, they will understand…. And If they dont then.. meh… they will get over it.

8. Accept that some days are bad and some days are good, ebs and flows ladies, mountains and rivers.

9. Spend 5 minutes a day with your legs up the wall, relax those hips and lower back, take 10 deep breaths. (Again, non-negotiable)

10. Spend 10 minutes a day minimum outside in bright morning day light to ensure your body knows its day time and to help regulate those sleep /wake hormones

11. Don’t feel guilty, if you want to look at your phone while feeding bubs, do it. If you want to stay in bed, do it. If watching Oprah is your jam, do it, indulge a little and enjoy doing it. Stop feeling guilty. Guilty feelings radiate negative energy. If it has been a few weeks in a row then, maybe ask for a little help from a loved one and reach out if you are doing it tough… remember its all of those crazy hormones doing crazy things.

12. If you aren’t coping, reach out. You will be surprised to know that a lot of mothers find the fourth trimester insanely hard. No matter who you are, how together you think everyone is, its not the case. Speak up and your tribe will answer.

Enjoy those long loving stares into your babies eyes, explore their features and be fascinated with the whole process.. this too shall pass and then all of a sudden it’s a Tuesday night and you are writing about how to cope through the 4th trimester to a friend in need. Everyone struggles and if you think that its all too much, please reach out. It does get easier and it does get better. Trust me, I never thought I would see past the sleep deprivation either.

Thank you so much Shannon for your time if you wish to contact Shannon or learn more about her, her details are as follows.

Website –

http://www.mumsbubsnutritionist.com.au/

Instagram –

http://instagram.com/mums_bubs_nutritionist

Thank you for reading x

Alice In Pregnancyland #32weeks-38weeks

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017Leave a comment

Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Eating. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Style.

I actually cannot believe I am typing the last blog of the Alice In Pregnancyland series. (for now haha) I remember chatting To Tahlia about collaborating with me for the #bumpstyle shoots and now here we are at 37 nearly 38 weeks finishing off the bump series. I have really loved building a friendship with Tahlia from @wyldefolkstudio_ while we did the photoshoots she is such a kind hearted person. I now have a friendship for life with her. Not to mention how blessed I was to collaborate with so many gorgeous labels and maternity brands. throughout the 9 months. A huge thank you to everyone that followed the series and continued to send through such beautiful feedback. Big Love to you all.

Pregnancy Emotions

The last few weeks I have been on a emotional roller coaster. I have been so excited to meet the little one, I have had mum guilt with my one on one time with Cruzie, I have cried happy tears and I have cried god knows what tears. To me having a good cry really does help me just let it all out, breathe and then let it go. All these new emotions feel like it’s my heart is expanding and I am ready to meet our new little one now.

I finished up work at 36 weeks. Best decision as I was going to work to 37 weeks, the heaviness of nursing and being on my feet got to me a little. So I am so glad to be on maternity leave. It feels so different not having to go to work again.

I have been making the most of my time with Cruzie too. I have been taking him to singing and reading at the library, reading and extra snuggles at night time, park hangs and babycino dates. I am loving being off work with him again.

Everyone has been asking how Cruzie has been? Does he know? I think he knows a change is coming. He won’t let anyone rub my belly but David, he pushes their hand away or pulls my top down. We brought him a little dolly and he has been kissing it, changing its nappy, pushing it around in a pram. It’s so cute to watch. I think he will be a great big brother.

I keep telling myself that I need to slow down as my body is tired, but its true “nesting” is a real thing. I keep thinking of new things to do and clean. I forget to rest and I am on the go all day. Then I have the worse braxton hicks and back ache in the evening. So I should listen to all the advice and just put my feet up. Haha easier said than done though. Plus entertaining my little man. He sleeps well in the afternoon so I should just lay down then and watch some Offspring on tv. Maybe tomorrow? haha.

I went and seen my midwife for a 36 week scan and check up. The cheeky bubbas legs are sitting frog legged but the head is right down there. I keep thinking in my head that the baby will be here early because Cruz came early but I shouldn’t get my hopes up. I discussed my birth plan and what I wanted. My birth plan is to have a natural birth, hopefully not be on the monitor like last time, have a bath or hot shower, use essential oils and just have David in there. David is my rock and he really did help me through the breathing techniques last time. I do still feel anxious about the birth experience and labour but I am just trying not to think about it, what will be will be.

Pregnancy Eating.

With eating I have been a bit all over the place.

I wake up so hungry and have to eat before I go for a walk. For breakfast I normally have smoothies or protein pancakes. Thats its the I just swap it up between the two.

Then for snacks I have almonds, nuts, apple or a bliss ball. Sipping on so much raspberry leaf tea to ha.

Lunch is lots of greens and a source of protein or a chia sourdough with cheese, figs and cucumber sandwich or the same combo on rice cakes.

I am obsessed with Bolognese at the moment with zoodles (zucchini pasta), I am addicted love it. I also love white fish or salmon with greens for dinner, I have gone off all brown rice and sweet potato probably because my belly already fills so fall at night.

Cravings – organic milk chocolate from Flannerys Health Shop … YUM!!!!

Pregnancy Exercise

Walking 30-45minutes around the block (filled with hills) but very slowly as I get pelvic pressure. I put my podcast on and enjoy the metime I love it. Makes me feel better. I love doing about 20-40 push ups daily on the kitchen bench and 20 squats on the shower too. About 3 times a week I use my little 2kg weights and do a little arm workout too. If I have having an exhausting day I just don’t exercise at all. Maybe just do a stretch. The last week I have really slowed down, but thats okay, my body needs the rest.

Pregnancy Style

So besides loose boho styles and a few tight comfortable maternity dresses I have been living in maternity leggings and a jumper. Argh so comfy. I do love dressing up the bump, but I feel my wardrobe has become very limited and don’t really want to add to it till the baby is here.

For this #bumpstye shoot I wore a dress I purchased for a hens day a few months back. Its called the FAWN WRAP DRESS and I brought it from the @theselfstyler online. Guess what they just restocked it too. You can buy it HERE. Its perfect to take you through your pregnancy journey and will be great for breastfeeding too. Its not actually a maternity dress but it should be its so comfortable.

Tahlia and I decided for the last bump photoshoot we would find a beautiful spot with long grass (secret location) and invite David and Cruz to come along for some family photos. We had a lovely afternoon watching the sunset and Tahlia came with her family too, so nice. I hope you all enjoy the photos.

Thank you again for reading.

Big Love,

Alice (in healthyland) xoxo

Pregnancy and Fitness…who’s to judge?Written by Lauren Rose Kelly

June 16, 2017June 16, 2017Leave a comment

Written by Lauren Rose Kelly

Let me set the scene. I am not one of the many ‘insta-fit-mums’ with the minimal body-fat, eight-pack and no cellulite. This is me. I am 30, pregnant with my second child and this is my pregnancy fitness journey. I will touch more on my pregnancy fitness with baby two (below).

Before I get into my journey I want to touch on something that is bothering me on this topic. I originally had intended this post to be about all the fitness options available for pregnant women, instead I began to feel (hormonally) overwhelmed by the key-board warriors ‘attacking’ mothers and mothers-to-be on social media because of their lack of education on the topic. I have the up-most respect for the ‘insta-fit-mums’. I admire their commitment to fitness, health and finding their new balance while pregnant and most of all I admire their strength when it comes to the ongoing (never ending) public criticism they receive about their pregnancy. Can anyone else see a common theme here…? THEIR. A pregnancy journey is exactly that. It is individual. Every woman and her body are different. Recently, I read with great disappointment an article in the Courier Mail on pregnancy ‘insta-fit-mum’ Chontel Duncan. I don’t know her at all, but I do understand her journey is hers and I don’t believe or see anything wrong with advocating for a healthy and fit Mum throughout her pregnancy. She did not say that a pregnant woman has to train like her but instead find a balance that is the right fit for THEIR pregnancy. Again that word their. Why is a woman’s pregnancy and her pregnancy fitness journey anybody else’s to comment on?

I recently saw another ‘insta-fit-mum’, Emily Skye announce her pregnancy on the social media platform to excitement from her followers to mixed criticism when she said she was off to do her ‘normal’ workout. The comments were ridiculous and uneducated. From one follower stating that pilates caused her to have a premature baby, to another stating to just walk because otherwise she will cause damage to her baby. I am baffled. Where has the education gone? Why are we still in a society where women are told to ‘sit and eat-for-two’. Why cant a woman train? with safe variations, like she was pre-pregnancy? I will leave you with that…

My Journey

Here is my journey. I have had several people ask me how much weight I have put on because I look ‘small’ for my gestation. Question, what is the size of a pregnant belly at 32 weeks? Exactly that there is no perfect size. For me I have never really carried weight around my stomach and found that an easier area to keep toned so both times now my stomach is low, compact and tight. As for weight this is something I have debated about sharing and I have decided not to. Whilst I check-in on my weight, my midwife and OB never have.

So what do I do to maintain my health and fitness throughout pregnancy. To some it may seem like ‘too-much’, but this is MY journey and I am sharing it to help educate women that keeping up your fitness and health throughout pregnancy can and will benefit you. Besides the intensity and modifying exercises throughout each trimester I have ben doing reformer and mat pilates two to three times a week and F45 two to four times a week depending on how I am feeling. I also chase after a 12kg, nearly two year old and puppy who love long walks and park play.

Pilates is something I have always been passionate and addicted to especially as my recovery with Jack was relatively easy made thanks to this fitness revolution. This time I have a reformer at home making it convenient to exercise before Jack wakes without having to go anywhere. F45, especially as I have entered into my third trimester, has been a lifesaver. The motivation, support (physical and mental) the program provides me is exactly what I have needed, especially on the cooler winter mornings. I love doing a 5am workout, coming home and preparing things for the day and knowing my workout is done.

Mentally, emotionally and hormonally this is my fitness regime, that is supported and monitored with my OB and allied health professionals, which works well for me and my pregnancy.

So without professional fitness qualifications here are my TIPS for your Pregnancy and Post-Partum Journey.

Check out – You want real advice check out UB Mumma for professional health and fitness advice.

Don’t judge – don’t judge the ‘insta-fit-mums’ they are humans like you and me and not bulletproof.

Stop comparing – Don’t follow/stalk/screenshot/ postpartum fitness images and sites if it won’t benefit you. Guess what just like your pregnancy journey your post-partum journey is yours as well.

Originally posted on www.hunterandrose.net

Maternity Photoshoot – Celebrating our second child.

June 13, 2017June 9, 20204 Comments

Photoshoot captured and styled by Jennifer Horner Photography

Hair and make up by Suzie from An Eye For Style

MENTION CODE “ALICE” TO RECIEVE $50 CREDIT

TOWARDS YOUR MATERNITY OR NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT.

Jennifer Horner - Alice In Healthyland — 35 weeks pregnant

Jennifer Horner is an amazingly talented photographer from Brisbane. She shoots maternity, newborn, family & children and motherhood sessions. Jennifer is an incredibly gifted woman and I am so thankful that she was able to capture such a treasured moment in my life.

From the first email of contact, to the first moment I met Jennifer, she was extremely professional but so friendly to chat with. I found her very easy to connect with, (which is great when you are standing there just in your underwear in front of just her and the camera haha) and she made me feel welcome and relaxed in her studio.

After connecting with Jennifer via email, she sent out a questionnaire and information pack about the the maternity shoot for me to complete and send back. Asking a little bit about myself, how many children I had, my husband, the colours I loved and what I had in mind for the photoshoot and what she could offer. She was very happy to answer any questions or queries I had in the lead up to the shoot and was prompt with her replies. I thought this was a great way for Jennifer to get to know me before she meet me.

The morning of the photoshoot I had my hair and make up done by Suzie, owner of An Eye For Style and then headed straight to the studio for the shoot. When I arrived, Jennifer had the studio set up ready to go (it was beautiful, filled with lots hanging blooms from the ceiling and a great playlist of tunes in the background). She had all the gowns & kimonos colour coded and ready for me to start trying them on straight way. She also had other options not far to offer if need be as well. I felt extremely comfortable and had lots of laughs with Jen, as she prompted me into different positions as she would snapped away with her camera. Jen would quickly change the backdrop or scene while I slipped into the next outfit too. All very well organised. She would show some of the images on her camera to me throughout the shoot to which I loved.

My experience with Jen was exceptional, I would highly recommend her to my friends and family. She is not only creative and talented, but so welcoming and always making sure I was happy and comfortable throughout the whole experience.

So thank you Jen for capturing this precious memory of my bump. I look forward to one day gifting these images and sharing stories of my pregnancy with my children.

Want more from Jennifer Horner?

Website – http://www.jenniferhornerphotography.com.au/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JenniferHornerPhotography

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jenniferhornerphotography/

#aliceinpregnancyland – Week 28-32

May 21, 2017May 21, 2017Leave a comment

Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Eating. Pregnancy Style.

Pregnancy Emotions

As bump and I moved into the third trimester my anxiety thinking about the birth started to increase. I know I totally got this, but when I laid there at night sometimes and start to think about the pain I was in during my labour with Cruzie. I spoke to my midwife about my concern and she said it’s very normal in the build up of a second birth to feel like this. Cruz was posterior so his spine on my spine so it was a lot of back pain and due to being on a monitor the whole labour I couldn’t travel far to walk it off. I stood next to the bed exhausted with the pain of contractions I was experiencing. However this is just a small part of my memory of the birth I was thinking about. My midwife told me that when these thoughts popped into my head to just think instantly of the moment of the relief I felt when they put my baby on my chest and told me I had a son. So that’s what I have been doing. I think it’s helped a lot.

I also voiced my concern with @themidwifemumma and we both decided that it was great to have her answer not only my questions about pregnancy and labour but my followers too. So last week @themidwifemumma took over my Instagram Story and spoke for an hour about some of our concerns. I wanted to say a huge thank you as she totally put my mind at ease. Feeling very blessed for that experience.

I would say my moods have been a little all over the place again. Feeling very excited about our new arrival but also been a little grumpy towards David at times too due to being tired. I also think that it’s because I’m pregnant and he isn’t haha. No seriously I do love the feeling of carrying out child and feeling those sweet baby kicks. David has been amazing too. So supportive and helpful at home. Overall I would say I have been mostly happy during these weeks. I feel very blessed to have a healthy toddler and a healthy Bub in my bump.

During this time I had my 30th and I turned 30 weeks on the same day. David, Cruz, Bump and I went to Sydney for a holiday, it was so nice to have a little family time together. I really enjoyed exploring and just hanging out with my boys.

I have still been thinking about the one on one time with Cruz too. How it will be limited. But I have been reassured by friends that as a family with more children you all just hang out together and your first child will adapt.

I am super excited to see Cruz as a big brother as he just loves other babies. He gives his new baby cousin lots of kisses and cuddles, it melts my heart.

Last week I received my new pram, I will soon be able to push my two babes around the streets. I am feeling very blessed to be a brand ambassador for the UPPABABY VISTA Double Pram. I am so in love with all its features and Cruz was so excited to hop in his new ride on our daily walks.

UPPAbaby Vista

Pregnancy Exercise

Due to my varicose veins I haven’t been doing to much high intensity exercise. I have been walking for 30-45 minutes most days. That’s a workout in it’s self with the pram up and down the hills.

I do 20-40 push ups on the kitchen bench about 5 days a week and some light dumb bell workouts.

To be honest I have been a little slack with the yoga too, only doing it once a week. Just not feeling it as much at the moment. I enjoy walking a little more than yoga and have been getting the same relaxation feels from just that.

I have been enjoying lots stretching. I find the legs in the air yoga pose helps with my achey back, legs and sore feet from veins. Hot magnesium baths have also help too.

POP Maternity – Active Wear – Galaxy Capri Tight + Blue Pop Singlet

Pregnancy Eating

I am now at the stage of pregnancy where I feel so hungry for my meal, but then I eat and I get the feeling of fullness after like 4-5 bites… WHY? I want to eat all the food haha! I have just been lots of eating light meals. Sipping on lots and lots of pregnancy tea as well. I love @mamabodytea.

Breakfast – Smoothie or Eggs and Spinach or Protein Pancake (more so on weekends).

Snacks – Apple or Coconut Yogurt and Blueberries or a Rice Cake with Peanut Butter or Rumbles Paleo, Pete Evans Chindii Cookies.

Lunch – Some sort of protein (mostly tuna) with vegetables or salad, with sauerkraut on a quinoa wrap.

Dinner – Salmon or Fish with green vegetables.

I have also been making my healthy chocolate a bit a night, to to have a piece right before I go to bed. The recipe is on my Instagram here.

Pregnancy Style

I have been wearing a lot of the same things over and over but I actually don’t mind. I don’t really want to buy anything else Maternity at I don’t have long left. I’m lucky that most of my purchases have been pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly. Still loving my $10 Kmart Tube Skirts with $7 T-shirts knotted, Maternity Tights with Jumper Dresses , Maternity Leggings and Boho Style Dresses. Oh and I live in my CONNIES! Ultimate comfort!

This months #bumpstyle shoot with my gorgeous friend Tahlia from @wyldefolkstudio was fun. We collaborated with my own wardrobe and Mamma Belle Maternity. I have also featured The Blushing Fox and Mama The Label. We need went out for a lovely morning tea with our babes. So nice having someone to collaborate with that I can call a good friend. Thank Tahlia for always being there.

132a1142 — Matchy Matchy with Cruzie . Mamma Belle – Monochrome Mamma Grid Print Dress

132a1212 — Mamma Belle – I am Fierce’ Animal Print Dress

The Blushing Fox – Isabel Empire Shirred Dress Jet Black

Alice In Pregnancyland – #week20-24

March 29, 2017April 19, 20173 Comments

Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Eating. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Style.

So I made it to the 20 week mark, which means Morphology Scan Date! I always get so anxious, excited when I have hospital appointments and scans. I do about 3 nervous poos before and countless wees because I just want to know that Bub is healthy. I hadn’t really felt the baby move to much yet, just a few little fish bubbles randomly. So I was keen to see our little Bubbaroo.

The scan went well, it was about an hour and a half as the cheeky Bub kept on hiding their face. I cried again see the little one on screen, argh instant love. The Morphologist was surprised we wasn’t finding out the gender. It honestly does not bother me what we have, because as soon as I seen a dancing Bub on the screen I knew they looked healthy to me and i felt blessed. For David (my husband) it was a little harder. When the Morphologist told us to shut out eyes because she was going to scan the cheeky bits, David whispered to me “argh this is so hard I just want to peek’ hahaha! We both stayed strong though. It was also confirmed that I had an anterior placenta, hence why I hadn’t felt much movement. This all changed over the next four weeks though, I feel the baby doing jump flips and see their little feet kicking my ribs. Cheeky bubba. I think my bump looks very similar to my pregnancy with Cruz, maybe a little more wider.

I also met my Obstetrician at week 21. He was fantastic. We are going public, everyone has been amazing and so informative so far. He confirmed the scan all went well which was reassuring. I have really bad varicose veins in my legs and down below, so its compression stockings and sexy high knickers for me… Wootwooo isn’t pregnancy glam hahaha. I just have to monitor for DVTs as a few of my veins have erupted in my legs. I hope it doesn’t erupt down below because, hey that will not be pretty. He also stated it was time for me to stop training at HIIT Australia because of the force on my girly bits with the veins. I was pretty sad about this as I love the feeling of hitting the gym and the me time, but safety first always for the Bub.

I am super excited that I have a student midwife too. I had one with Cruzie and I just loved seeing the same familiar face at appointments and at the birth. So pleased.

Pregnancy Emotions

During these weeks, was when I started to think about my labour, will it be the same as Cruz? Can I do this again? I knew what I was in for this time? I started to work myself up a little bit with fear. So I have been doing some meditation, to help ease those normal thoughts that most woman go through. The meditation has helped lot to keep my labour anxiety at bay and prepare my body for change. I have been using the Mind The Bump App which ideal for pregnancy. Plus I get to met my little bub at the end of the labour so its a huge positive.

We had lots of sleep troubles with our Cruzie, so there was a week there where I felt emotionally drained from the lack of sleep, I cried a lot, but I think even if I was not pregnant I would still of been upset, maybe just not as much.

The mind/body issues have died down a lot, in fact I have found a new love for my bod. I feel good with this bump on show. I have been really practicing my self love skills, I have so much respect for my ever changing body. I am enjoying when people point out the bump too as I find this is a gentle reminder to my self, that I am pregnant. I get so busy looking after Cruzie that I forget that I am pregnant sometimes. The time is flying by so fast. Crazy to think I am well over half way now. Having the scan though has made me more emotionally aware that I have a little Bubba coming. I feel more emotionally connected to the little one now I have seen Bub. Especially when it reminds me that its in there with all those jump flips and sweet baby kicks.

I feel that I am building that emotional connection with David again, it makes me smile watching him with Cruz, hearing them both giggle while they play and hang out. I am so grateful that soon I will get to hear another little voice in the house that I can listen out for and smile about. David has been truly so helpful and supportive with all the hormontionals that have come with this pregnancy, I feel very lucky, my heart is full.

Pregnancy Eating

So I have my full appetite back. My cravings have been sauerkraut (by the jar), organic eggs, spinach leaves and white fish. David and I have been studying a lot about “gut health” so as for meals, we have all been eating the same in this house. Lots of veggies, good fats, white fish, salmon, fermented veggies, sweet potato and organic eggs. Due to my varicose veins I have also been taking Vitamin C Powder (lots of it) and drinking so much water. I haven’t really craved sugary things at all, since the first trimester so I guess thats a positive.

Pregnancy Exercise

Well as I stated earlier, I had to stop training at HIIT Australia. My back has been sore and so have my feet from my veins. I have been walking for 30-60minutes daily. I have one day off a week from that. I really love walking, I find that the walking really helps to kick start my day and its great for the circulation in my legs too.

I am continuing my prenatal yoga about 4 times a week which I LOVE. I am still loving the Energising Flow with Tammy on youtube. I wear my maternity yoga pants from Krew Active every time to feel like a right YOGI haha. The light workout really stretches out my achy body and I feel like it keeps some tone to my body with the holding of the stretches.

Krew Active Yoga Pants and Breastfeeding Friendly Crop

I also love to do push ups fro extra support on the bench, I try do this every night. I also do 10 squats in the shower morning and night. I do my pelvic exercises right before ved at night (I do forget these alot though ekkk).

Pregnancy Style

Well if I am not in my yoga pants or my underwear at home (because its so hot, QLD please cool down), I am loving Boho flowly dresses and I am also loving rocking a firmer dress/tube skirt to show off the bump. I have found some great maternity/breastfeeding styles for daily wear from Mamma Belle Maternity, The Self Styler, Amor + Grace, and also just fromTarget, Kmart. I love that you can buy styles now that can be worn post birth too.

This months #bumpstyle shoot with Tahlia from @wyldefolkstudio_ was such a laugh. Thank you again Tahlia for the collaboration every month, I am so grateful for your talent. If you would like to collaborate with Tahlia in the future, you can contact her on her email found in her bio on her Instagram page here.

We had such a fun time, styling this big ever growing bump of mine. We found a great location outside by the water, to do the shoot. I hope you enjoy the bump style photos. Will tag the labels I wore in the comments.

Amor + Grace – Havana Scolloped Feed Dress.

Perfect LBD for your bump and post pregnancy for breastfeeding.

Buy Here – Amor + Grace Havana Scalloped Feed Dress

MammaBelle Maternity – Maternity & Breastfeeding Dress and Ruby Olive Teething Jewels.

Buy Here – MammaBelle Maternity and Ruby Olive

Perfect for your growing bump and breastfeeding post birth.

Dress by @theselfstyler – INDIANA in the golden temple print

Buy dress here – The Self Styler – Indiana dress in Golden Temple.

Thank you so much for tuning in and reading. I am forever grateful for your love, comments, support. Thanks a million to all involved in making this blog happen, I am truly enjoying sharing this journey with you.

Always value your feedback too, so feel free to share your thoughts on the blog or on my instagram page here @aliceinhealthyland.

Alice xoxo

Mwah

Want more from these gorgeous labels?

@theselfstyler – click here

@mammabelle_maternity – click here

@rubyoliveonline – click here

@amorandgrace – click here

@krewactive – click here

And of course my beautiful photographer – Tahlia @wyldefolkstudio_ – click here