Birth Plan Using Hypnobirthing

I shared a post a few weeks ago about my experience on a hypnobirhting course in London. I met with a lovely midwife at the hospital and talked about my birth plan this week and so today is the day to write The Plan. 

Our first birth plan was based on a belief that childbirth had posed no issues to my mum and millions of other women and that was long as baby came out safely and I didn't have pethidine all would be fine. Turns out this plan wasn't great, didn't prepare us very well, and possibly was a contributing factor in the outcome. 

I am now in a position of feeling empowered by my choices, confident in my body and knowledgeable enough to say "stop" before any decisions are made and paths started on. 

I have read a few birth plans, hypnobirthing and non hypnobirthing, to find the balance which is right for me and our birth based on us and our experiences. Birth plans are so unique and personal but maybe by sharing mine it will help others write theirs.

The Birth Plan of Mummy Morkus

Loose Parts and Sand

These last few weeks we've been playing with sea sides and pirates. L had a pirate party with her NCT besties and a very special visitor, check out my Instagram feed for pics. And we've continued this theme in our playtime and stories.

In the sensory tray I put some sand and in a basket I put a collection of lose parts.  Loose parts mean that play is really open ended, it is slow and can respond in many different ways to what and how the child wants to play. It is also really open for opportunities for talk. 

Mamas and Papas One Four Four

Image courtesy of Mamas and Papas

Last week I was lucky enough to win a spot at a yoga class run by Frame at the opening weekend of the new Mamas and Papas' store in the heart of 'nappy valley' on Northcote Road. 

Maternity Leave for Beginners

A very popular thread on mums forums is what to do during maternity leave when you are waiting for your baby to arrive. I am starting maternity leave for the second time very early. Being a teacher has few perks in life, but having the six weeks holiday before my October due date does give me what feels like an extra long time off.  

So, second time round on the maternity leave wagon and here are my top tips for beginners to this crazy brilliant wonderful time when you're off and before baby arrives.

Hypnobirthing with London Hypnobirthing

In July I attended a one day ladies only Hypnobirthing essentials course with Hollie de Cruz at London Hypnobirthing in Dulwich SE London.

I had toyed with the idea of attending a course since finding out I was pregnant again. I knew I wanted a different perspective on birth after L's birth and the fall out. I had talked to a supervisor or midwives about a new approach and she had mentioned Hypnobirthing. A friend delivered her second daughter in May and found that Hypnobirthing had given her a good mind set for birth. This gave me the final push to book on the course. 

An Art Area in the Home

Inspired by The Imagination Tree, inspired by The Artful Parent and many Pinterest pages I started creating an art area for L about two years ago in our dining/office area just opposite the kitchen. It started with a chalk board table, then I added a set of draws and slowly it's grown and changed as L grew and changed. 

These draws are organised by content so that I can find resources easier. The top now has colouring pencils, felt tips, glue and some small books for note taking. All resources which I am happy now for L to have free access to. You can adjust what is freely accessible based on your childs' age and experience and home!

Bumps and I

Your body changes in pregnancy. A given. Not a surprise. You're growing a new human and it's got to have an impact somewhere. Somewhere mostly means the tummy but also includes the boobs, hips, bum, face. 

Last time with L I embraced the bump. It popped early and I went quickly into a size up clothing. Work and work colleagues new early on due to the slapped cheek infection and so I never really had to hide it away. I grew a sizeable bump and shared regular bump pictures on my personal Facebook page. I only really noticed the other weight gain, mostly around my face, when I looked back at photos post delivery. So wrapped up in the excitement of impending motherhood and never really thinking about the impact of my unhealthy cravings, think maximum sugar minimum vitamins. 

Intuition with Wilkinson

All mums know that time is precious, we count days, weeks months as babies grow, we count minutes asleep and we crave a few more minutes in the day for time for us.

Wilkinson Sword have thought about time pressed mums with their new razor, the Intuition razor has built in time saving, it is built in ease of use and it is perfect for those snatched five minute showers.

Debrief on Birth Grief

I wrote last year about my fears about L's delivery. I wrote about how the scars of her caesarean were more than physical.

After writing that post I had a debrief with a wonderful midwife at the hospital where L was born. This was something I had been thinking of doing for a while and something which I was only ready to do when L was nearly 2 years old. It became more urgent for me to address as I realised my continued fears and anxieties following L's delivery were preventing me from wanting to expand our family, were making me fear pregnancy.

Preparing for Peach

Preparing for a babies arrival is always an exciting time, it can also be fraught with indecision or doubt as you start to approach the wonderful parenting journey!

Having done it once before I had hoped that this time I will doubt less and know more. Three months in and I am not so sure. I have my essentials list, we have lots already on the essentials list, we have until October so there is no real rush, but, I am a planner and I like a list. And already I am thinking I have lots to do.

Potty Training L

Potty training wasn't something I had given much thought to until L was about to turn 2. She had recently had to come out of cloth nappies as they were no longer coping with her wees which came in much bigger less frequent bursts.  

We were in the throws of summer and so a lot of nappy free garden time seem the best option to start potty training. 

We together brought an IKEA potty and stall. Brought a selection of potty training books, a sticker book and some lovely Frozen knickers! 

Baby no.2!

Wicked Uncle Birthday Treats

Last month L turned 2.

She had a Gruffalo cake, a family birthday tea, a trip to In the Night Garden Live and a fair few presents.

We were asked if we would like to review a new gift website called Wicked Uncle and its timing with the aforementioned birthday made it a perfect opportunity. 

Wicked Uncle is a gift buying website, aimed at uncles, aunts or hapless friends buying presents for children when they might not have much experience or knowledge of appropriate childrens gifts.

The lucky ones

This blog started with a post about mine, and the then new Mummy Cambridge's, body image and how the media has unrealistic expectations of us new mums.

On Saturday the 2nd of May the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge emerged from hospital with their second newborn. Less than 12hours old. Wrapped in a shawl and sleeping peacefully.

They all looked splendid and oh so happy. It made me smile ear to ear when Kate turned to Wills and grabbed his hand. In the same way we all need to hold onto our loved ones the most in these moments and at that vulnerable time. 

But what followed on social media was lots in incredulous "I never looked like that." "If only I had make up artists and stylists to look like that." "She is so lucky."

Labour, Love and Fear

My news feeds have been full of beautiful newborns and blossoming bumps. Pictures full of love. But, the space where broodiness was once swelled by these wonderful sights, is now filled with fear and trepidation.

Not fear of the newborn, not fear of the sleepless night, not fear of the growing family and its demands. But fear of the labour.

No birth is a walk in the park, but our labour with L was far from how we imagined it. It remains a confusing and painful memory, and missing memories still trouble me. 

Weaning Wednesday: Stand up for Good Snacks with Ella's Kitchen

The lovely ladies over at Ella's kitchen invited L and I to join them in standing up for good snacks! As long term fans of the brand of lovely nutritious food for babies and toddlers we couldn't wait to join in and to sample some of the new snack range.

For the past three weeks we have been eating a great selection of snacks for toddlers. All suitable from 12months these snacks are fab for home and away. Easy and clear labels ensure a happy mum as there are no nasties hidden in them. Also good for checking for any known allegins you need to avoid. 

Messy Play: Rice and Salt

Messy play is great for children's development. Its a chance to explore materials, their properties and cause and affect. I am aiming to set something up every week for L this year which will be a variety of materials and allow her different opportunities for play and learning. 

Happy Birthday from Bakers Days

I was tweeted a tweet which was hard to ignore. An invitation to sample cake! 

Who says no to cake?

Not me that is for sure.

Country Kids: Shorne Woods, Kent

I've lived in London for the best part of 10 years now. Five north of the river and five south of the river, with a short break back home in Suffolk in the middle somewhere. 

Traditionally does it

Before I go further I love Christmas. Love it. 

But.

Increasingly I see new 'traditions' and it's got me thinking. I am a traditional sort of gal, I like my tree real, I like it decorated in reds and golds with small lights which are white and not flashing. I like proper family feast days to mark this time of year. It is the most wonderful time of the year. And a time to wallow in the old traditions.