Henry's Birth Story

As you may know if you've been following for a while, I planned to have an elective c-section due to my traumatic emergency c-section with my daughter. On the 8th of September exactly that happened and I welcomed our beautiful boy the way I had planned and it proved to be the most wonderful experience. 

We woke at 5am full of nerves to get ready to make our way to the hospital. Once ready, car loaded and medication taken we headed to the hospital to be there for 7am. I was very quiet that morning as I was really trying to focus and prepare myself mentally for what was about to happen. To say I was scared was an understatement! When we arrived we were taken into the ward surrounded by mothers whom had already had their babies. I found it a little surreal that in a few hours I too would have my baby boy in my arms. We soon met with my surgeon, midwife and anethatist, they talked through everything with me making sure I was happy and comfortable with the procedure that was about to take place. They then told me I was second on the list so it was time to get suited and booted. 

Once I was gowned and Jamie had his scrubs on, one of the theatre team members came to meet us to take us down to theatre. This bloke was lovely and got me an extra gown so I didn't have to expose myself! He chatted the whole time making both Jamie and I completely at ease. Once in theatre we met another member of the team who also talked to us whilst they were setting up. These two guys were absolute stars and were busy taking the piss out of each other offering lots of amusement for me and Jamie. Then the rest of the team arrived, we didn't end up with the surgeon or anethatist we met that morning as they got called to an emergency. Still as they were quite quiet that day they had another team available for my section.

My anethatist then introduced himself and began to put my cannula into my left hand. He tried twice and had no such luck so then tried my left wrist. He failed again. The anethatist was so apologetic and I think he felt a little flustered! It's a good job needles don't bother me because as my bruises now show, he made a big old mess of my arms! Eventually he managed to get one into my right hand and then moved onto my spinal. I was a little nervous for this part as many women had told me this was quite painful, last time I was put to sleep so this again was new. They sprayed my back that made it go very cold and then began to put the spinal in. In all honesty it wasn't that bad at all. I could feel it being done and was a little uncomfortable but not painful. 

With the spinal in I was helped to lay down and then asked to raise my legs. I was able to do this but they felt so heavy. They waited another minute and asked me to do it again and this time I couldn't move them at all! It felt really bizarre! They then got an ice cube and ran it up both sides of my body and asked when I could feel the cold, it wasn't until it was near my chest that I could feel it, so thankfully the spinal was effective! I was terrified it would fail and I would end up asleep again, which would of been my worst nightmare.

I was told time and time again at if any point I felt uncomfortable/in pain just say something, but again I was pretty comfortable! I did get one side effect from the spinal and that was shaking, it was like I was a bag full of nerves (which in reality I was), but they soon wore off. The procedure itself was completely painless and whilst I could feel the tugging sensation it wasn't at all bad like I had imagined. Then the most wonderful thing happened, our son was born. 

They raised him above the sheet where I saw my beautiful boy and I was immediately over come with emotion and instant love. I gave Jamie a kiss and then they took Henry off to be checked and cleaned. Jamie was by his side the whole time, taking pictures and cutting his cord. Such a special moment for him too as he wasn't allowed in theatre with our daughter. When he was weighed we had such a shock, at our consultant appointment the week before, he was scanned and estimated to weight 6lb 14oz. He was in actual fact a whopping 8lb 11oz!! Two whole pounds bigger that his sister! Jamie then brought him over to my side where we spent the remainder of the time getting to know to our little boy. 

We didn't try to do skin to skin whilst in theatre, there just wasn't to room. But once in recovery we had lots of skin to skin and he instantly latched himself on and had his first feed. 

I can honestly say that my elective c-section was the most magical experience of my life. It was calm, peaceful and such a positive experience. I am so so thankful that I managed to get the birth experience I had always dreamed of, especially since my traumatising birth with Darcie. Having this positive birth experience has helped me with recovery, breastfeeding and even mentally. My birth experience with Darcie lead to me developing anxiety and now I feel like I completely new person, like this experience has healed me in a weird way! 

Now, Henry is six days old and is doing brilliantly! He is feeding well and now gaining weight after initially losing some. He is a pretty "easy" baby and only grumbles when I have to change him. We are getting used to being a family of four, Darcie completely adores her little brother Henry and I couldn't be any more proud of her. She has been such a star. 

I'm hoping now that I'm starting to feel a little more human normal blogging should hopefully resume. 

Mummy B xoxox

Introducing Henry James Frederick

Henry James Frederick arrived on the 8th September at 9:47 am via elective c-section weighing 8lb 11oz. 

The most perfect little addition to our family.

Mummy B xoxox

Déjà vu With Baby No. 2

You may have seen on social media that this week has been a little hectic. I have been so closely monitored due to a few issues. But I have to say all of this is sounding oh so familiar and baby boy is most definitely taking after his big sister. 

35 Week Pregnancy Update

I haven't been very good at updating you all about my pregnancy, but to be honest it would be a boring read if I did them weekly because week to week not a lot really changes. However, my last update was at 28 weeks so I thought it was time to give you another!

I am now 35+3 weeks pregnant, and it's safe to say things are getting a bit interesting now. If you have been a follower for a long time you will know that with Darcie I had raised blood pressure which resulted in reduced waters and being induced early which resulted in an emergency c-section. This time round my blood pressure has near enough behaved itself but in the last couple of weeks it has started to rise. So my Midwife asked to see me weekly, and then she discovered some protein in my urine, and decided to see me the next day. The next day (Tuesday) she came and my blood pressure had risen again so she sent me off to Triage at the delivery suite!

It was a long wait and we didn't get home till midnight but luckily everything was fine. It did bring back a lot of memories from Darcie's induction day as we were in the next room to where that took place! We found the experience quite comical, maybe that was the nerves. But when I was hooked up to the monitor I started having quite strong Braxton Hicks, it amazed Jamie as we could see the 'contractions' on the monitor and I think made him realise just how uncomfortable I have been. 

As well as this little bit of excitement we discovered baby is back to back, which would explain why I'm having a lot of back pain and sciatic nerve issues. He is also fully engaged, but both these things are irrelevant due to the fact that I'm having an elective section anyway. I'm now having to see my midwife more regularly, around three times a week for BP checks and fingers crossed it doesn't go any higher else there will be more trips to the hospital. I have my final consultant appointment on Monday for a final growth scan, hopefully that will be fine also and baby is continuing to be a good size. 

I hope this has explained why I have been a little quite on here and social media, but I guess as its now only 3.5 weeks till section day this is going to happen! 

Mummy B xoxox

A Changing Bag for Him & Her - PacaPod Hastings Review

A changing bag is something that all mum's need, in my opinion it is an essential necessity to keeping organised. Today's changing bag market is so vast, with everything from designer like handbags to cute kitsch bags with fabulously fun prints. There is something to suit every kind of mum out there. But what about for dads? I am very lucky that I have a very hands on husband who does more than his fairs share of parenting duties, one thing he said when looking for a new changing bag was "can we get one that isn't aimed at just mums?".

Baby Boy's Nursery Plus Giveaway!

Today I finally get to reveal the progress we are making with Baby Boy's room, it's certainly not finished yet but it is basically near enough there now. As you may remember from my plans, I was looking for a grey & white cloud theme and have stuck with that as I just couldn't get it out of my head. Baby's room is pretty small, which made choosing furniture difficult whilst still trying to remain practical. For now I think the space works well, but when he becomes older we may struggle for space - hopefully we will be able to buy a bigger place before that! Anyway, lets get going...

Budgeting for a Baby

This is one of the most magical and exciting times in your life, but also one of the most mentally, physically and financially challenging. With a million and one things probably on your mind, this advice will guide you on how you can set a budget ahead of your little bundle of joy. 

A week of ups and downs

These past 7 days have been quite tough, you may have noticed my absence on the blog front and that most certainly hasn't been on purpose. Last week we discovered that Darcie had a very bad urine infection, one that almost got her admitted to hospital as the doctor was so concerned! But luckily, despite it being a bad infection, it actually had little effect on her (only when she went to the loo!) and the doctor was happy for her to continue her treatment at home. She will have to have a visit to hospital in the coming weeks to have an ultra sound - that will be interesting trying to explain to her they are not looking for a baby! The reason for the ultra sound is to investigate whether there is anything physically wrong. I'm obviously hoping that isn't the case. On top of this I have been experiencing dizzy spells and headaches again, luckily my mum has been on holiday this week so has really helped out looking after Darcie and me. So thank you mum!

Despite the hardness of this week there has been some incredibly lovely moments. On Saturday I went to a big family BBQ with my entire family, it was so nice as we hadn't all got together in such a long time (even at my wedding my cousin didn't make it due to her about to pop with her beautiful twin boys). What was so special was seeing Darcie play with all my cousins children - the next generation. It brought so many memories back from my own childhood, I couldn't help but feel very content and incredibly lucky. 

Yesterday I also got to see baby at my 32 week growth scan. Everything went beautifully and baby is such a good size already, estimated at 4lb 12oz at 32 weeks exactly! And to top my week off completely we put baby's room together and I feel so happy that its finally done. I keep going in there and just sitting in my nursing chair dreaming of September...

Finally today was my last day at work, I have the wonderful six weeks of summer holidays off then officially start maternity leave in September - timed that right hey?!?! 

So now it's time to relax and enjoy the final few weeks as a family of three, make sure you pop back soon for a nursery room tour and some more baby/pregnancy updates!

Mummy B xoxox

Baby boy haul

This weekend has been a slightly naughty one and I have ended up spending far too much money. But it was mostly all for my baby boy, so it's a justified expense! On Saturday we (madly in this heat) decided to head to Norwich to get a few maternity bits for me, which I did end up getting, thank you very much Primark, but we then ended up spotting so many cute things for bubs. With sales on at nearly every store it was pretty hard to resist. 

The first stop was H&M, I don't normally shop in their children's section as I never normally find anything I like for Darcie, but the baby section always has some uber cute items. Unfortunately quite few pieces I liked were not available in the littler sizes so I headed to the sock section. I flipping LOVE H&M socks for babies. They were the only ones that would stay on Darcie's feet, plus they are nice and thick keeping those tootsies nice & warm without the need for pram shoes. These ones are both made of cotton and were only £3.99 for a pack of three.

Next to this section I spotted the most gorgeous blanket which fits nicely with baby's nursery theme. Again it is made from cotton, so nice and breathable and was only £6.99. Beautiful!

We then headed into House of Fraser, again mainly drawn in because they had a sale on! We browsed around the men's section and Jamie was almost tempted by a new coat, though in sweltering heat I couldn't think of anything worse! Though in full contradiction of what I have just written we purchased baby boy a snow suit, yes it was 30 degrees yesterday, but it was in the Joules sale for £19 and really couldn't turn down that bargain! 

Along with the snow suit, I fell head over heals in love with a brand called NameIt. They stocked some beautiful and simplistic designs for babies and I just wanted to buy everything! I held back  and just purchased my favourite item, this super cute long sleeved top, £9.

I thought my day of spending was bad enough but today we ended up making an impromptu trip to IKEA and got the final bits for baby's room. I'm so excited to show you the finished result which are along a very similar vain to my post I did earlier in the year about our Baby Boy Nursery plans. 

Hope you have all had a fab weekend and made the most of the gorgeous weather. I have to admit being heavily pregnant I'm not a fan of it myself!!

Mummy B xoxox

28 Week Bump Update

28 weeks. Seriously can not believe just how quickly this pregnancy is going! I will blink and it will be September I'm sure! I thought I would just do a quick bump update as its the start of my week full of appointments. Today I had my 28 week consultant appointment where I had the first of three growth scans.

Third Trimester Approaching

These past few weeks have been really difficult. On Sunday I will enter the third trimester, the final stretch, and boy am I feeling it. I haven't been well for a little while,  I've experienced light headedness, tingling sensations in my arms and legs, feeling of constant nausea,  exhaustion on top of headaches too. It's been pretty tough, though what pregnancy isn't? Gradually it has gotten worse. Yesterday enough was enough, I went home from work and called my midwife. I knew it would be irresponsible of me if I just let it go on. Luckily the midwife wasn't too concerned but she did want to see me, she asked me to pop down to a clinic session today for an appointment. 

Becoming a Mum of Two

Today I realised I just have a little over three months left until Baby Boy Burgess arrives and I become a mum of two. I'm not sure if I'm being a little relaxed about the whole thing, but I have to admit I am not worried about becoming a mum of two. Before I actually fell pregnant, despite desperately wanting another baby, I did find the whole notion of another baby a little daunting. Now that Baby Boy Burgess is just around the corner I am excited for this new chapter to begin. 

Baby Essentials - Wish List

With Jamie working till later on in the evening that can only mean one thing, I'm browsing baby items online. I remember doing this when pregnant with Darcie and I would spend ages creating lists of items I would need in order to be prepared for when little one arrives. It's fair to say that with Darcie I was very obsessed about getting everything ready straight away, but second time round I have been slightly more relaxed - even if I still enjoy looking around for bits and bobs. 

Baby Boy Nursery Ideas

Cloud Bunting | Cloud Mobile | Ikea Unit | Ikea Basket | Ikea Chest of Drawers | Could Stickers | Cloud Cot Sheet 

Now we have been told the wonderful news that we are expecting a little boy, my thoughts have immediately turned into "right, lets get organised". One thing which is relatively high on the list is sorting out baby boys nursery. He will be going into Darcie's old nursery (the smaller of our three bedrooms) and it is currently decorated in a fairly girly way, so I think it only fair we give him a proper little space that is his.

It's a....

BOY! 

Yes, you may have seen on social media that we're expecting a little boy! My inkling was right and we will now even up the numbers adding a little boy to our household. Darcie has taken to the news of a little brother so well, despite her trying to correct the sonographer by saying that her baby brother was in fact a girl! She did make us chuckle! But baby boy turned his face to the screen and started (well it looked like he was) blowing kisses, she then went all mushy and boasted that it indeed was her baby brother! She has even picked out a name for the little chap too (though me and Jamie are still trying to figure out whether we like the name or not!)

Finding out we are expecting a boy has been lovely, it now makes everything feel more real and I'm so excited to meet him and see him with his sister. 

September can't come quick enough!

Mummy B xoxox

20 Week Update & 1st Consultant Appointment

I am at the half way point, 20 weeks. My goodness, this pregnancy has simply flown by. I have avoided doing weekly bump updates as, to be honest, they would be rather repetitive and I don’t really like the idea of me posing for a bump shot! Don’t get me wrong, I do love reading bump updates but I just felt they weren’t for me. However, occasionally I like to just do a random update and the 20 week mark seemed special. 

This week was actually a big week, I had my first consultant appointment to discuss my care plan and birth plan. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I didn’t know what to expect as I was not under consultant care with Darcie, so this in itself was new territory. I read that I should be prepared to battle to get the birth I would want and how they would always push for a VBAC if it was appropriate. I already knew that a VBAC would be an option, there was nothing physically wrong with me and I recovered well from my emergency c-section, so I knew this is something they would be keen for me to try. "Try", I didn’t like the sound of that. I tried to give birth naturally (well I was induced so it wasn't completely natural) last time and it resulted in me being put to sleep and missing the entire first moments with my brand new and tiny daughter! This actually affected me for a long time and I suffered with a little post-traumatic stress. So, as you can probably imagine, I was very apprehensive about this meeting.

My fears couldn’t have been further from the truth. My consultant was very understanding and let me lead the conversation. She listened to my experience with Darcie and then asked if I had already thought about the birth of this pregnancy and what I would like to happen. I simply explained that this time I wanted to be in control and more importantly be awake for birth of my second child. She agreed, and said that a planned c-section would probably be better at minimising the chance of post-traumatic stress as I can better prepare myself for what’s to come. Then she asked me to wait and off she went to book me in for my c-section. Just like that. I have been given a date for the procedure and for the pre-op, which is before my due date of the 14^th September 2014. I was in shock how stress free and relaxed the meeting was. 

During the meeting we also discussed my care plan for the remainder of my pregnancy, due to my complications last time (high blood pressure and measuring very small due to reduced waters) they have decided to book me in for some growth scans for 28, 32 and 36 weeks. This has given me more reassurance that I will be closely monitored in case similar complications arise. Touch wood, everything is currently fine at the moment. 

So on the whole, this pregnancy has been a lot easier than Darcie, I have still had minimal sickness and generally I’m feeling well. There are some days where sickness takes over then I usually develop a migraine, but these have been rare moments in this pregnancy.  Bump wise, I think I’m measuring a little bigger than I was with Darcie at the same stage but week on week I’m starting to feel more and more uncomfortable – especially at night!

On Wednesday we get to see bubs again and all being well, we’re hoping to find out whether we’re having a boy or a girl – I’m still convinced it’s a boy! So be sure to look out for another update very soon!

Have/are you been under consultant care? What has been your experience?

Mummy B xoxox

My Gender Preference

This being my second pregnancy that age old question "do you want a boy or another girl?" seems to be something that I am asked on a daily basis. Working in a school I have lots of quizzical students who think I must have a preference - the obvious being "wouldn't it be nice if you had a little boy, then you would have one of each". That "one of each line" always seems to get me, I don't know why but it irritates me. 

So do Jamie and I have a gender preference? In short, no. We will be finding out, just as we did with Darcie - simply because we like to be organised and Jamie is too impatient to wait a full 40 weeks or so!!

Having a boy would be lovely. I have a little brother myself who I adore (despite how very different we are, and not just because he is a boy!), and enjoyed our childhood together - me bossing him around playing the little sister, until he eventually learnt to say no! Then as I got older I became protective and slightly mothering to him. I can picture Darcie being a big sister to a little brother, and having a similar relationship to me and my brother. 

Having another girl would be equally as lovely, I can imagine having two little girls ruling the house! Having a boy makes me slightly anxious, but only in the respect that all I know is what its like to have a girl!! 

My inklings? I'm convinced its a little boy, this pregnancy has been quite different and I just have that feeling. Jamie is of the opinion its another girl, though he hasn't told me why he thinks this. We don't have very long to wait, my 20 week scan is a week today!!

Did you ever have a gender preference?

Mummy B xoxox

VBAC V Elective C-section

In two weeks time I will be having my first consultant appointment about my birthing plans. Having had an emergency c-section last time (and other complications), I was automatically put under consultant care. At this appointment they will discuss what happened in my last pregnancy and birth, then assess my options for this time round, they will also discuss whether I will have more scans due to my reduced waters last time with Darcie. 

I should have a choice between a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section, for those not in the know like my mum!) and and Elective C-section. For me there are definite pro's and con's for both of these options, along the information and recommendations from my consultant, I am starting to do my own research so I can make an informed choice about how I would like to birth Baby Burgess #2 into the world.

So here are my thoughts for both, lets first of all talk about VBAC.

To breastfeed or not // My plans for baby no. 2

Being 16 weeks pregnant, I have now had a little time to contemplate how I'm going to feed bubba. Now before I get started this won't be a post about what's right or wrong, it is simply a chance for me to think aloud and perhaps get some thoughts from mums in similar situations. So if you're wanting to read a controversial post about what's the best for your baby, you're in the wrong place.

First Trimester // Baby #2

It will come as no surprise that I have found the first trimester tough at times, I'm sure the lack of blogging is a big giveaway! It's such a roller-coaster ride when you are pregnant - not that the ride stops when you do eventually have the baby! There are so many emotions you go through before that 12 week scan, all the worries and fears, constantly googling whether this and that is normal. It's no different when it's your second baby.

In all fairness I think the biggest hurdle when you're on baby #2 is the fact you already have another little one to run around after! I have suffered with tiredness, just as I did with Darcie, but I have been unable to come home from work and just fall asleep on the sofa this time round! I have developed a lot of headaches as well, I'm guessing because I have been so tired and unable just come home and relax. One saving grace, is I have experienced minimal sickness - which I am so thankful for as I really suffered with Darcie!

When it eventually came to the 12 week scan, a mixture of nerves and excitement set in, but we were soon put to ease when we saw our healthy little bubba relaxing away in there. We decided to take Darcie with us too, we are very open with her, and she really loved the experience. It's lovely to see there is already a bond forming there. 

So, I'm now 14 + weeks and starting to have a little more energy, I'm really looking  forward to baby's 20 week scan where we plan to find out baby's sex - I'm already thinking its a boy! 

How did you find your first trimester second time round?

Mummy B xoxox