So here we are at 40 weeks pregnant and there is still no sign of my little one just yet. He’s obviously very comfortable and loves where he is right now. It’s crazy to think that we are almost at the end of this amazing journey, literally he could turn up any day now. I’m really hoping to go into labour naturally though and avoid an induction. I know that if medically required I have no choice, but something about the medics almost choosing a date when he’s going to be born doesn’t sit well with me. I’d rather that he came on his own terms with no medical intervention needed.
Over the past few weeks my bump has been tightening up like a fist, which I think maybe practice contractions. These are really irregular and they’re not painful at all. Attempting to go into labour naturally has meant that I’ve tested out old-wives tails like eating spicy food and drinking raspberry tea. Later in the week I think I’m going to get my electric breast pump out as this is supposed to stimulate the release of oxytocin which causes the uterus to contract. To be honest, he’s not that late yet and I think it’s just the anticipation and excitement that wants me to go into labour – I know he’ll show his little face soon. Either way, induction or no induction I know that in less than 2 weeks time my baby boy will be here.
I’m still feeling well and my energy levels and sleeping patterns are good at the moment. He’s sitting lower and squashing my bladder, which means lots of trips to the toilet to pee. Now that we are so close to his arrival I’ve taken an extra nap in the day when I can – everyone keeps telling me to conserve my energy for all that pushing! I took a step back with the exercise last week and went for walks only, but this week I’ve actually been going to the gym with my usual walks mixed in. This is something that I judge day by day and like always I just do what I can and don’t push myself, it’s all about keeping my body moving. I’ve noticed that if I do sit for too long that’s when my legs get achy for a short while.
As weird as it sounds, I think labour is almost the ideal way of introducing a woman to mamahood. It teaches us that although there are going to be tough times there will also be beautiful times like the arrival of a little bundle of joy. After going through an incredible journey of growing a small human to then go through the intensity of labour and to be greeted by a beautiful gift at the end sums up becoming a mother perfectly. I know that life as a new mum is going to be tough and without its challenges just like labour, but it’s also full of joy and happiness as a result of delivering a little miracle. I can imagine that the hard times that come with being a mother are overshadowed by the wonderful times and memories made with your baby. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, especially what I’m most looking forward to about being a new mama:
Mama and baby days out
Over the past few weeks I’ve found some great mother and baby groups local to us that all sound lovely. My active antenatal classes run a follow-up baby massage course that I’m going to pop along to and I’ve also found a mother and baby yoga class. I think mother and baby groups are a great way to meet other new mums, luckily there is a group in my village that meet every Tuesday morning so I will definitely be going to that. Also, I’ve spotted a baby swimming class aptly named Waterbabies, which sounds pretty good. The breastfeeding course that I went to run a breastfeeding cafe that I may try where you get to chat with other mums and pick up breastfeeding tips too. Walks in the park, shopping and meeting up with friends with my bambino is going to be so much fun.
Breastfeeding
During my pregnancy updates I’ve mentioned a few times how determined I am to breastfeed. I knew that I wanted to be a breastfeeding mama before I even got pregnant. Not only is there the amazing natural health benefits of breastfeeding for the baby, but also the great bond that it creates between mother and child. It looks like such an amazing experience and I’m really hoping that we can get established in the breastfeeding department and all goes to plan. I’m planning on expressing to keep my milk supply up and so that we have a stash in the freezer for a rainy day. It will also mean that Alfie will be able to help out with the feeds too.
Baby firsts and milestones
If nothing else, I cannot wait to see my little one develop and see his personality shine through as he grows. There is going to be so many baby milestones, especially in his first year from his first laugh, word, tooth and steps. I’m so excited that we’re going to be able to nurture him and share these new experiences with him as his parents.
Taking lots of cute baby and family pictures
Capturing special moments on film is one of my favourite things to do. I love looking back at photographs and being reminded of special memories. Babies change every day and you bet I will be there armed with my camera to capture these changes. OK, perhaps not everyday but I’m sure you get my drift.
Becoming a family of three and lots of quality time together
Alfie and I have been together for nearly 10 years and he felt like my family even before we got married nearly 2 years ago. Our family has been just us two for so long that we are so excited about our new addition and spending lots of quality time with him. Spending time with my new family and caring for my little one is going to be my number one priority. This will mean that my posting schedule on the blog will become sporadic whilst we get settled, but please bear with me. 🙂
There is so much that I’m going to miss about being pregnant, my bump for one, but equally I know there is so much that I have to look forward to as a new mama. Being responsible for someone is a very daunting prospect, but I know that there are billions of new mums before me who are doing a wonderful job and that is reassuring. It’s an amazing privilege to be a mother and care for a beautiful baby and I’m so excited for this new adventure.
How were you feeling when you reached this stage in your pregnancy? Did you try any of the old-wives tales to help induce labour?
What do you think you will look forward to the most about being a new mum?
When I reached the 40 week stage I remember going out and buying a couple of new maternity outfits (leggings and dresses) and feeling convinced that THAT would surely make the baby arrive, but it took another 2 weeks and I was SO grateful of the extra maternity stuff I bought AND I actually sold it on eBay afterwards for about the same price I paid!
That’s so cool that you managed to get your money back on your purchases. 🙂
How exciting these are all amazing things to be looking forward to x
I cannot wait! 🙂
Eek I’m so excited for you, what a journey it’s been! It must feel mad that any day now he’ll be here…
Lucy xxx
It’s so crazy Lucy, cannot wait to see his little face. 🙂
Aww sounds so lovely! I definitely hope to breastfeed when I have a baby. It might not work out but I definitely want to try it. It’s so natural and good for the baby.
It can be really difficult and doesn’t always go to plan, but I agree that the health benefits for the baby are immense.
That must be so strange to know that you could literally go in to labour any second. Very exciting though.
I would take so many photos of my kid. I take enough pictures of my cats as it is haha
It really is strange, but so exciting at the same time. 🙂
So exciting Jemma! There are just so many amazing things for you and Alfie to look forward to 🙂
I know Claire, we have so much to be excited for. 🙂
Aww this sounds adorable! Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Crazy to think when I first started reading your blog you were just starting your pregnancy journey 🙂 So much excitement! Love that you are planning ahead. Baby and mama days out are so important!
It’s crazy to think that he could be here any day now. The time has just flown by. 🙂
Love this! When I have kids (in the DISTANT future lol) I can’t wait for those ‘mommy and me’ dates/moments <3
They are going to be so much fun and I can’t wait. 🙂
SO excited for you!! I’m just over half way to seeing my little one and I cannot wait for her to get here! Good luck! I hope your baby gets here soon!!
Thanks Alyssa! I hope your pregnancy is going well. 🙂
Ah, such an exciting time for you!! I can’t wait to see pictures of your bundle of joy here soon 🙂
So exciting Kayli! 🙂
I’ve been a mom for 21 months now, and each and every one of the things you are looking forward to are absolutely the BEST. AND never get old! I loved being out with my little man when I first had him, I always thought, how cool is this, just me and my son, out and about, haha! 🙂
I’m really looking forward our mama and baby days out. We’re going to have so much fun!
Seeing your little ones milestones and all the pictures you’ll take are the best. Of course, the cuddles are my absolute favourite 🙂
I have some cute milestone cards to take pictures with and I’m really looking forward to capturing the memories. Baby cuddles are a favourite of mine too. 🙂
Aww how exciting!! It’s hard to believe the big day is nearly here! 40 weeks already! So much to look forward to! I hope your labor goes smoothly, quickly, and as naturally as possible! 🙂
Thanks Rachel! I hope the labour is straight-forward too and all natural.
I bet you can’t wait! I would definitely like to breast feed if I ever have a baby x
I’m actually beside myself with excitement ha! 🙂
SO SOOON! I can’t wait to see all the cute family photos you share when baby comes. 🙂
I know, it’s gone so fast! 🙂
This makes my heart happy 🙂 I am so excited for you! I really hope you go into labor naturally as well, that’s how I’d want to do it too! Can’t wait for him to get here and to hear all about it in a post!
Fingers crossed for a natural start to labour, but we shall see. 🙂 I’m so excited for him to arrive now.
I love the picture of the three hands all together. How cute!
Like you, I would want as much of the birth and afterwards to be as natural as possible and hope that when I decide to have children that I will be able to make this happen. I’d be pretty fidgety playing the waiting game though! Fingers crossed he arrives soon now for you. 🙂
You’ve seemed to have had a great pregnancy, it’s so great that you’ve continued to exercise as well! I love the family photo idea! They are so super cute! Did you take pregnancy photos? I have some friends who did and they love them.
I think the family photos are such a nice idea to capture such an amazing journey. We had a maternity shoot and have a newborn shoot planned too, cannot wait for that one. 🙂
Please know that breastfeeding is harder than it looks. No one told me that and it was damn near impossible. I hope everything goes smoothly and you have an easy delivery and a gorgeous healthy baby! <3
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://www.theaccidentalmama.com
I know that it may not go completely to plan, but I’m going to try my best and see what happens.
You still look incredible. Are you (what people call) “nesting” yet? Hopefully your baby boy will make his appearance soon 🙂
Thanks Nancy! 🙂 I’ve been nesting for like forever ha! 🙂
You are absolutely stunning. I felt like Jabba the Hut when I was 40 weeks. And I was also a grouchy butt. You go girl! You got this.
Thanks so much Chrissy! 🙂 I’m pretty sure that you looked beautiful whilst pregnant and not like Jabba the Hut.
I have never been pregnant, but I have always thought pregnancy would be a great time when I didn’t have to worry about sucking in my gut!
There is definitely no point in doing that when your preggers! 🙂
Not that I want to compare babies and pets, I know a lot of people find that insufferable, but before I moved country, after having my cat for over two years, I was still taking pictures of him on a near daily basis. Just saying, don’t be surprised if you do end up taking THAT many pics. 😉
I think without a doubt there will be lots of picture taking. I know I just won’t be able to help myself. 🙂
Oh my goodness it’s already 40 weeks?!! It’s been so fun reading about your journey! Very very soon you will have that precious bundle in your arms!!!!!
Glad you have enjoyed reading Amby, not long now I hope.
I love your outlook on all of this, it feels so similar to mine.
I felt like I was ready to have a baby, bahaha. But I tend to have long pregnancies. I had my second child naturally at 41w1d. I did EPO, raspberry leaf tea, lots of walking, spicy food, and even had my membranes stretched twice. This is the absolute last thing you want to hear right now, but baby always comes when baby is ready. 🙂
Haha! I know he will arrive on his own schedule, but I like to think hat the natural remedies are helping him along. 🙂
I’m only 32 weeks and I’m so ready already.
Bless you, totally understand where your coming from though. Not long now, it goes by so fast.
I am so excited for you! Great things to look forward to!
I am so excited for you – so close! The milestones are definitely things I miss with my daughter!
I struggle to exercise now. I hope I can have your determination when I have a little one inside me! Also, the picture of the three hands is too cute. Can you imagine having an extra hand every time there’s a new arrival in the family?! So cute!
Katie <3
You look amazing mama!! Can’t wait to hear all about your little one’s birth story and see pictures when he decides to make his arrival :D:D
Oh my goodness! 40 weeks??? You could pop and second now!! Oh boy, how exciting! I loved being pregnant! I would do it again in a heart beat. We have four kids though and think we are done. Those cute babies grow up and become trouble.;) But boy it’s the best time of your life. Enjoy every second!
Ah, you are SO close! You’re going to be an amazing momma!
Congrats on becoming a new mom soon! Breastfeeding is super tough during the first few weeks. It was told to me pretty accurately as “The first 3 weeks you’ll want to quit, by six weeks you are a master and by 3 months you are feeling sorry for all the mamas who have to make bottles” Surround yourself with tons of new breastfeeding moms. That helped so much for me and I am great friends now with those ladies! I’m still breastfeeding at 14 months 🙂
All of these things are absolutely incredible- being a mama is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! It’s the best! 🙂
Yes, all amazing things to look forward to. I am excited to actually meet this little guy.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
I love that picture of the three little hands… I wish we had done that!!!
You’re right, labor is the perfect introduction to mamahood. It’s painfully beautiful.
Firstly congrats and can’t wait for cuddle time when able. I will one day when it’s my turn come knocking on your door for tips and tricks lol. Well done you hun, job well done x