Written by Sarah Nicholls
Papaya, also known as papaw, is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and special digestive enzymes. The powerhouse of these enzymes is the proteolytic enzyme papain.
The papaya enzyme papain plays a key role in digestive processes involving breaking down tough protein fibers.
Continue reading “Pawpaw & avocado deliciousness for Winnie”
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
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
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
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 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/
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.
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.
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.
Photoshoot photographed and styled by Tahlia @wyldefolkstudio_
Sponsored by Baby Luno & Storksak
Packing my hospital bag for my first pregnancy was very exciting. I Pinterested all these hospital bag lists and I was so excited with what I packed into my suitcase, ready for my babies arrival. When the time came, my husband grabbed the bags and brought them to hospital with us. I thought I was so organised, but boy was I wrong. I had really over packed! I had so much stuff that I actually couldn’t find what I needed, when I needed it. I had to much of the stuff I didn’t need and not enough of what I actually really needed. I was so overwhelmed. So I made a promise to myself that next time I would pack a little lighter and bring more of the essentials rather than all the extras.
I have put together a list of what I need and wished I had put in the first time, for both my hospital bag and my babies nappy bag.
Continue reading “Packing my hospital & baby bag for the labour & birth of my second child. “
Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Eating. Pregnancy Style.
Pregnancy Emotions.
My emotions in the past 4 weeks have recently been pretty stable. David and I have been really good and although I am feeling really tired, my body is just getting on with it and handling it. There is one thing that is pulling on my heart strings a little though, is that I am going to have to share my time between Cruzie and this new Bub. I hope I don’t hurt his feelings to much, when I have a screaming baby and I can’t put him to bed like I normally do. I am truly treasuring those cuddles to sleep in his room every night at the moment. Sometimes laying there a little longer to just enjoy my one on one time with him. I also get emotional thinking about having to leave Cruz at home while I go and stay in hospital to have the Bub as well. My heart does feel completely full thinking about the first time Cruz gets to meet his baby brother or sister though. He is so sweet with his baby cousin Arliah, always blowing her kisses and patting her gently and smiling. Makes me smile so much.
Pregnancy Exercise.
So the last 4 weeks I have just been walking for 30-45minutes everyday. I feel it’s getting harder and harder to push the pram up and down the hills with a growing bump.
I have been doing yoga a little but not as much. Maybe once or twice a week. I do love the feeling after yoga, it’s just the motivation to get the mat out and do it at home while Cruzie sleeps.
I have also been doing some lite weights from the @grace_powerfit POWERFIT E BOOK. I am currently using the MY POWERFUL PREGNANCY PROGRAM ebook to help guide me, depending on my strength and energy everyday I tailor it to suit me. My veins in my leg and pelvis can feel more heavier on some days than others, so I just take each day as it comes with my workouts.
I love doing squats, so I make sure I do 20-25 a day in the shower and I do 20 push ups on the kitchen bench too.
@xothreeactive for more details on the maternity and breastfeeding active wear pictured above. 
@fitandstyle_ for the motivational #fitnessbracelets
Pregnancy Eating.
Okay, so eating. Well I think I am doing okay! I haven’t been eating as much as I usually do as I get that full feeling super fast with my bump growing. I have been having my Bulletproof coffee smoothie (filled with lots of good fats and frozen banana) every morning with my @ponoprobiotics in them. The recipe is on my Instagram if you would like it.
For snacks I usually just eat rice cakes and peanut butter or just a apple or a quest protein bar (maybe once a week), or rumbles paleo bars are good too.
Lunch is either a organic salad + tuna quinoa wrap OR tuna + sweet potato + broccoli OR EGGS + sauerkraut + sourdough + spinach.
Dinner has either been salmon or white fish with steam veggies or homemade sweet potato chips. I have also been digging homemade spaghetti bowl.
We just finished Easter so I totally smashed an Easter bunny over Easter too. I normally eat my raw chocolate most nights, but on Easter Saturday and Sunday I totally ate Easter choccie. #noregrets
I had all of my glucose tolerance tests finally competed and all came back negative so I am completely over the moon with that too.
Pregnancy Style.
So my style during these four weeks is all about maternity clothing and Kmart stretching skirts with a t shirt knotted on top. The pre pregnancy wardrobe is getting used less and less. I have been loving the simplicity of my wardrobe as I have to think less about it as I wear the same clothes often now. Unless I have an event or something on.
With my work uniform I have been using the mini bump belt to add a bit of stretch to my work pants. It’s by Fertile Mind. It is amazing, stops the restrictiveness across your belly. I love it. They have different sizes for different stages of your pregnancy! #lifesaver
For this #bumpstyle photoshoot with the talented Tahlia @wyldefolkstudio we thought we would do something a little different. All I was wearing was white lace.
We collaborated with @littlebairn a business that provides organic and all natural skin products for mother & baby, to bring you a milk bath maternity photoshoot. Boy did I love doing this. One and a half hours of pampering bliss. Although for Tahlia is was more challenging, watching our little babes and climbing the bath all the while shooting me in the bath.
A special thank you to Amy from Daisy & Co Flowers for providing the stunning flower crown.
Thank you again for tuning in to this weeks blog. I truly appreciate you reading and commenting on all the pieces. Plus you have all been so supportive and provided great advice during this pregnancy and my journey through motherhood.
Big Love Alice xoxo
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.
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.
Buy Here – Amor + Grace Havana Scalloped Feed Dress
Buy Here – MammaBelle Maternity and Ruby Olive
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
Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Style. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Eating.
Pregnancy Emotions
Week 16, wow this was where a lot of things changed for me. I had just learnt the news of some friends that were going through the pain of having a still born. She was nearly in her third trimester. Three days later I read that a Insta mum and her family I follow was going through the same heart ache. I was heartbroken too truly grieved for both of them and then for all the other mums that go through this everyday. Being a nurse I had looked after a few mummas that had gone through this too in the past and remembering their heart ache too. So after hearing this news, so many things went through my head that week. I almost had this feeling of guilt that my baby was healthy and they had lost their little angels to heaven. It was a huge turn around for me. I practised gratefulness everyday for not just my baby but for my ever changing body and respected its changes its has to go through physically and mentally. Yes I still have times looking in the mirror where I think … geeze my but is flattening and widening, and negative talk starts to crepe in, but I do try and take a breathe and remember how lucky I am to have this pregnancy and that I have a healthy little toddler too.
To help keep my mindset at peace I have had beautiful friend that is also pregnant (yay I can now announce to the world) Lauren, to share this pregnancy journey with. Lauren from @hunterandrose_lifestyle also has a little boy around the same age as Cruz, Jack and is just 4 weeks behind me. So we can relate. I am also blessed to have my beautiful friend Tania @narurally_nourished87, she has been so supportive with this pregnancy and has been so great at helping my body feel good with the right supplementation and nutritional advice.I have learnt so much from her. I am grateful to have these girls and all my friends and family in my life. I love to surround myself with people that help support and lift you higher and hopefully give that back to them too.
I have been practising yoga for some for mindfulness and I have just added meditation to my daily routine instead of just breathing exercises. Wow this has opened up a whole new world for me. I’m loving it. I have been using Headspace The App and Mind The Bump The App to guide me. Thank you to all my Instagram followers for suggesting these apps, I have been loving them. I feel I am a much happier person during this crazy hormontional journey we call preganacy and I am handling my wild emotions much better.
My sex drive is back in full swing (yay for David) (sorry to my family who are reading this hahaha) so I feel closer to Dave again and not so distant like in first few weeks of pregnancy.He reminds me all the time we are on this journey together. I guess all this sex makes up for my grumpiness in the first trimester right babe?
Also little Cruzie makes me smile every single day and I feel thankful (maybe not in the at midnight wake ups) that I am having another little brother or sister for him to play with.
If you are going through emotional times in your pregnancy, talk to someone and then try breathe and let it go. You are not alone and others go through it to just some more that others. If you can’t just let it go try and speak to your midwife or gp for other support options.
Pregnancy Exercise
Walking, walking and more walking I love my walking. I have had lots of energy so I have been training weights at HIIT Australia 2-3 times a week. I am loving my PT with the gorgeous Miss Hannah Dales too, she is helping me keep that booty is the best shape it can be hahaha ( its still going down south but hey we are doing our best). Yoga has been my absolute love and go to though. I will share the youtube at home pregnancy yoga practices I have been doing with you because I LOVE them. They are around 30-40minutes and I fit them in when Cruz sleeps at night or nap time (or he ends up on my mat trying to copy me, it is cute though).
Pregnancy Yoga – Strength & Stability
This routine is great when I’m feeling like a workout, I get my heart rate up, but there are plenty of prompts to breathe and rest in between each exercise.
Pregnancy Yoga – Energising Flow
This is my absolute favourite practice so far. I do this one 2-3 times a week. I truly feel so energised after it and I try and do my meditation just after it. Highly recommend. It also made me get some relief for my varicose vein pain in my legs as this practice does lots of leg stretching and movements to enhance circulation.
Yoga wear by @krewactive available online.
Pregnancy Eating
Yes well the Nutella cravings have completely gone thank god! Its all about the peanut butter and the sauerkraut now. I always love peanut butter though so maybe this is nothing new for me. My appetite has defiantly come back though! Loving lots of brown rice, sweet potato chips, greens, sauerkraut and white fish for lunch. For breakie is just a mixture of oats, protein pancakes or eggs on rye with sauerkraut. Believe me though I am hunnnnnngry all the time hahaha #allthefood. I was tested for a early gestational diabetes as my fasting blood sugar was slightly higher than normal but it all came back clear so I had to watch the carbs a little! Yippeeee now I can have all the carbs in the world haha! I do have to have one more test though when I am 28 weeks to make sure though!
Pregnancy Style
Styling this bump over these few weeks has been a little challenging as its growing at a much faster rate. My non maternity clothes are super tight and uncomfortable especially in the heat here in QLD. My pre pregnancy pyjamas are not even going to fit my leg and my underwear is riding up my bum. So its comfy maternity clothing and Boho smock styles from now on.
This month for my #bumpstyle collaboration shoot with the gorgeous Tahlia @wyldefolkstudio_ we have decided to work with @yummy_mummy_lingerie
online boutique, @blossomandglow.com.au pregnancy, breastfeeding & beyond online store and pieces from our own wardrobe. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as had fun shooting them.
Thank you all for reading the post, if you have any feedback or thoughts on the blog, please don’t hesitate to comment or message me on my Instagram page @aliceinhealthyland
Big Love xoxo
aliceinhealthyland 