You may have just found out you are expecting, if so – congratulations!!!! Perhaps you have been pregnant before and sailed through the first trimester, or maybe it’s your first pregnancy and you have no idea what to expect. You may be asking yourself the questions “what is happening to me and my baby at 6 weeks pregnant?” “Are cramps normal?” “should I feel this sick?”
Fear not, the first trimester can be a little challenging for some expectant mothers whilst others report having no symptoms whatsoever.
So here we are at 6 weeks pregnant, read on to find out what is happening to both you and your baby when you are 6 weeks pregnant.
nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of the day
heightened sense of smell
Sudden dislike to food
abdominal bloating and gas
breast tenderness and swelling
Frequent urination
Emotional/Mood swings
Brown Spotting in some cases
Fatigue
Baby development
At 6 weeks pregnant, your babies heart can often be discovered during an early scan. Your babies heart rate will be beating around twice the rate of yours.
At 6 weeks, there are many changes in embryo development. Overall, the embryo is less than half an inch in length often described as the size of a pea.
The following changes are happening to your little one already;
The arm and leg buds are developing
the neural tube is developing, the neural tube is the tissue that forms the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and spine
facial features are beginning to develop including the eyes, nose, jaw, cheeks, and chin
the inner ears are developing
the kidneys, liver, lungs, the pituitary gland
the trachea, larynx, and bronchi
the heart, dividing into four chambers and pumping blood
primitive germ cells responsible for the formation of male or female genitalia
A very basic heart can sometimes be seen beating in ultrasound exams at this stage. It will currently be beating at around 150-160 beats per minute, about twice as fast as your heart.
Things to do
Take Folic acid
Medical research has shown that taking enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby. Neural tube defects are responsible for conditions such as spina bifida.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6-weeks-pregnant.png6301200Carla Letthttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngCarla Lett2021-06-30 11:40:302021-06-30 11:53:37What is happening to me and my baby at 6 weeks pregnant?
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
At 11 weeks pregnant, the end of the first trimester is just around the corner! During the second trimester, many mums regain their energy and start feeling much better
If you are here, you are most likely wondering: Can I feel my baby move at 11 weeks pregnant?
Pregnancy Symptoms at 11 Weeks
For many women, the nausea and mood swings have already begun to fade, or disappeared all together.
During this time of pregnancy, many women may notice a dark vertical line along their tummy. This is calledthe Linea Nigra (Latin for black line). You may also notice that your nipples have darkened- this is so that your newborn can see your nipples easier for breast feeding. This is caused by the same hormone which caused the Linea Nigra.
You may also experience some leg cramps and body cramps.
Other common symptoms are dizziness, new likes and dislikes for foods, stretch marks, sore breasts, indigestion and heart burn, thicker and shinier hair and greasier, spotty skin.
At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is around 1.5 inches long- about the size of a fig! Your baby is now able to sigh, hiccup, stretch and kick. Her facial bones continue to form, and her body proportions are becoming more and more like a newborns.
Your baby’s fingers and toes are now losing their webbing, and beginning to look more human. Your baby has tiny little finger nails and ears.
Your baby’s development is still continuing at a rapid rate, and as the days go by, your baby starts to look more and more human.
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
Diet
During pregnancy, you should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. The idea that you should “eat for two” whislt you’re pregnant is a myth. Eating excessively, or unhealthily, can put your baby at risk for issues like high blood pressure, and can increase your risk of gestational diabetes.
Exercise
It is important to exercise to keep fit whilst you are pregnant. Experts recommend 150 minutes of exercise a week, but it is important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
Can you feel your baby move at 11 weeks pregnant?
You usually can’t feel your baby’s first movements- called quickening- until around the 18th-20th weeks of pregnancy. Some mothers may not be able to feel their baby’s movements until as late as 25 weeks. If this isn’t your first week of pregnancy, you may be able to feel your baby’s movements as early as 12-13 weeks of pregnancy!
At Home Doppler
Although some midwifes recommend against having an at home doppler, many understand the need for constant reassurance for some mums. Please note if you are using one please understand that sometimes the heart beat can be difficult to find and you may even end up picking up your own heartbeat instead of the babies.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Can-I-feel-my-baby-moving-at-11-weeks-pregnant.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-06-28 17:29:072021-06-30 12:39:54Can I Feel my Baby Moving at 11 Weeks Pregnant?
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
When you find out you are expecting your first child, it is an experience you want to cherish and savour. However, there is no denying that the new world of parenthood you will be introduced to can be overwhelming. If there is one true thing, it’s that everyone has an opinion on pregnancy and motherhood.
But while unwanted opinions can seem to be par for the course, there is also a wealth of knowledge and information you will come across. Suddenly parenting takes on a whole new level of overwhelm as you try to decipher what you should be doing, what you should be avoiding and the best way to prepare for your new arrival.
But how can you decipher the good from the bad, the required knowledge from the can be dismissed information and more importantly, how you can be a good parent!
Newborn Clothes
Many people like to wait until they have passed the 12-week mark before they start to tell people or buy anything for their new baby. It is understandable as there is always the worry that something will happen before this time.
One of the first things people will buy once this point has passed is clothes. And let’s be honest, there are some really adorable baby clothes on the market right now.
From your basic plain sleepsuits and vests to elaborate designs and patterns that can elicit that loving “coo” from admirers to full outfits that are not only cute but perfectly designed for babies of any age.
Should You Wash Your Newborn Clothes?
Fabrics go through a lot before they touch your baby’s skin, from hand-me-downs to brand-new purchases. Clothing, for example, is frequently stored in warehouses that may also house a variety of bugs and rodents right next to your child’s new onesie.
Furthermore, formaldehyde is sometimes used to keep baby clothes looking fresh during shipping. Who knows how long hand-me-downs have been in storage, collecting dust or possibly even mould? At the end of the day, whether it’s chemicals, pests, or dust, you want to keep your baby safe from the outside world.
You also need to consider what the clothing can contact when being stored, for example, household dust, pet hair if you have pets or cleaning chemicals you use daily.
While it can be tempting to hang up the new baby clothes you have bought or have been given from family and friends, many dermatologists will advise you that washing your baby clothes before you put them on your newborn is the best option to help you remove any irritants that can adversely affect your new baby skin and their health.
When Should You Wash Your Newborn Clothing?
To remove as many irritants as possible and keep the clothing items fresh and clean, it is advisable to wash them as close to your due date as possible. However, we know that babies don’t always stick to the plan or arrive on their due date. Around 1 in 4 babies arrive on their due date. In 2017, 73% of babies were born before their due date.
So with this in mind, washing your baby’s clothing in the weeks leading up to their birth can help you be prepared in the event of going into labour early. Once you have washed your baby items, you want to make sure you keep them somewhere where they won’t come into contact with anything that can add irritants to the fabric or become dirty before you need to use them.
What Should You Use To Wash Newborn Clothing?
Some parents prefer to wash their baby’s clothes with non-biological detergent. Biological detergents contain enzymes that aid in stain removal; however, some parents are concerned that these enzymes will irritate their baby’s skin. There isn’t much evidence for this, but you might want to be on the safe side. A gentle fabric softener may aid in preventing itching in your baby’s clothes.
Many people use this rule whether they are buying newborn clothing or older kids clothing too, as children’s skin can be sensitive as they get older. So it is worth bearing in mind that the practice of washing children’s clothing isn’t just beneficial to babies but also to older children and teenagers too. And children can go through a lot of clothing as they grow over the years, meaning you will constantly be looking at updating their wardrobes with good quality kids clothing for many years to come.
How to Prepare Newborn Clothing to be Worn
The following steps can help you to sort through everything you have bought and make sure it is clean and fresh, and ready to use for your newborn.
Get Your Items Organised – Sort the items first by colour. After that, secure zippers, buttons, snaps, and other closures before turning the garments inside out. To avoid ending up with solo socks before your baby has even had a chance to wear them, wash baby socks, bibs, and other small clothing items in a mesh bag.
Choose Your Washing Detergent – the next step is to choose a detergent you are comfortable using. Try to avoid using highly perfumed detergents to reduce further irritants that can upset your baby delicate skin balance. There are many non-bio detergents on the market that are ideal for use on baby skin. In fact, they are perfect for the whole family if you decide to switch to a different brand for everyone.
Wash and Dry – Launder your child’s clothes as usual, following the instructions on the fabric care label. In general, hot water should be used to wash diapers and cold water for everything else. Use a gentle-to-normal washer setting, especially for the first wash.
Put Away – Then, once you are happy the clothing is clean, you can organise your items into any furniture you may have the baby ready for when you arrive home after the birth.
What Should You Wash?
As a general rule, pretty much any clothing or material items should be washed before you use them with your baby.
Baby Clothes and Fabrics – Throw your baby’s onesie, bib, burp cloth, hat, or socks in the washer with your chosen laundry detergent before the baby arrives. Then, when you bring your precious baby home for the first time, you will have nothing to worry about.
Blankets – It is best to wash blankets on the gentle cycle in the cold setting with a laundry detergent. You can get warm and cosy snuggling up with your baby, confident that nothing is going to upset them.
Soft Toys – It’s a breeze to keep baby’s favourite cuddle buddy clean. Place the stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag for added protection, add your liquid laundry detergent, and wash on a gentle cycle before hanging to dry. They’ll be spotless and ready for your baby’s arrival in no time!
Can You Use a Fabric Conditioner on Baby Clothes?
A fabric conditioner is a great way to soften any bought items, and as such, it is ideal for use on newborns clothing. However, you might feel more comfortable using a hypoallergenic fabric conditioner such as Comfort Pure. This removes any risk of allergic reactions or irritating your baby skin.
Used in conjunction with a suitable detergent for newborn clothing, using a fabric conditioner can help you keep your baby clothes soft and ready to wear.
What Should You Know About Newborn Clothing?
In many cases, your baby will go through multiple outfits per day due to nappy changes, spilt breast milk or formula as you get into a feeding routine and from any spit up after feeds or when winding the baby. As a result, most parents find it easier to forgo the cute outfits that can be fiddly to put on and take off during this period and use sleepsuits only with popper buttons for comfort and ease of dressing and undressing.
Ensuring you have a supply of baby sleepsuits and vest means you can be ready for any changes your baby needs throughout the day without worrying about ruining a new outfit. Once your baby gets older and becomes more confident with your routine and dressing, you may find it better to add in outfits.
When choosing newborn clothing before your baby is born, it can be helpful to buy a variety of different sizes to take into account potential birth weight should they be early, on time or late. You can then choose with you in your hospital bag, so you are prepared for different birth weights.
Most of the time, newborn specific sizes will cover a range of different birth weights and can be suitable for babies born between 7-9lb in weight. But it is advisable to check the birth weight and size between different brands, so you have a good selection and aren’t caught short without anything to fit your newborn as much as possible.
All that is left now is to find the perfect newborn clothing for your baby to help you prepare for their arrival.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/newborn-baby-clothes.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-06-08 09:55:522021-06-08 09:55:52Should You Wash Newborn Clothing?
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
Choosing a pram can be a struggle for parents, which is why we are here to help and support you with your perfect pram purchase. We know that prams can be very expensive, and choosing one that is great value for your money can be very stressful. There are so many things to consider when it comes to finding the pram that is is right for you.
Today we are sharing our Kinderkraft Moov pram review.
The Kinderkraft Moov Pram- advertised as the travel system that “has it all”- combines not only functionality, but modern design. It comes at a great price and is perfect for first time parents because of its simple design.
The functional travel system can convert between a carrycot, pushchair and carseat- all possessing their own unique features many parents absolutely love.
The car seat part of the Kindkraft Moov Travel System, which is suitable from birth to 13kg, has a three-point seat belt with easily adjustable length and soft pads- to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe.
The car seat is made from an extensive lightweight shell with high-quality plastic which makes it very light and easy to transport.
Carrycot
The carry cot is suitable from birth to 9kg and also converts into a seat unit for extra functionality. The upholstery is also made of material that is easy to clean, which is definitely a great feature for parents; we all know how messy our little one’s can be!
Push Chair
The ergonomically designed push chair is suitable from birth to 22kg.
The multifunctional pushchair features a durable steel chassis, making it a very sturdy pram, inflatable rubber wheels (with shock absorbers), for easy-travel on all terrains. The frame also features a convenient central foot brake and spacious shopping basket.
The push chair is easy to fold with the simple, compact folding system allows you to save room and store your pram easily.
It has three seating positions: lying, sitting and reclining with a convenient system, needing just the movement of one hand to adjust the seating position.
The push chair has a 5-point safety harness to keep your little one extra secure, and a peek-a-boo window in the hood so you can keep an eye on your baby, whether your baby is front or rear facing.
The push chair has an elegant and adjustable handle, which adds to the modern design and allows for ease of use.
What’s included with the Kinderkraft Moov Travel System?
The Kinderkraft Moov travel system comes with an apron, changing bag, mosquito net, rain cover and seat liner, as well as the 3-in-1 travel system.
“Value for money Easy to fold Built to last I didn’t have very high expectations of this travel system but it’s been amazing my little girl has just turned one and we are still using it, it’s great and sturdy, I’ve only had to pump the tires up once but it was so easy to do. The basket underneath is an amazing size and always easy for me to pop shopping under there, the hood is great as it acts as a sun shade in the summer because it moves forward so far but you can also angle it to one side. I am so glad I purchased it and recommend it to everyone “
By loloboyle:
“We bought this on an offer and couldn’t be happier! Great value for money and does the job really well – easy to use and manoeuvre. Would definitely recommend for value!! ”
By Chloep123:
“Love this pram. Brought for my 2nd so, its lightweight and easy to push, even one handed when needing to hold my eldest hand. Easy to fold. The seat unit and carry cot are one so you just need to use some clips to change it, perfect if you’ve no storage space to store a separate seat. The car seat is easy to use, only downside I have found is the car seat doesn’t come with a raincover. But easily fixed. Would 100% buy again.”
The Kinderkraft moov was a life saver for us, the car seat was light and easy to transport, the car seats were recommended to me by a friend. This travel system is extremely lightweight making travelling so much easier, the front wheels are very easy to manoeuvre. This whole set is such good value for money. This Kinderkraft pushchair is easy to fold which is very handy as we don’t have much room in our house for my little boy. My friend got a new pushchair and spend over £800 and she actually prefers ours. The only issue i have found is that there is no raincover hood on the car seat but that wasn’t the end of the world for us.
This was a great travel system for us, i had so many compliments and some of my friends actually ended up getting the same pram. It meant that we didn’t have to spend lots of money and this is still an excellent pram. As a first time parent it can be easy to get the most expensive as you can assume that anything that is a good price will not be good enough but this pram is so good i will be reusing it for my next baby. The only problem i found was there was no raincover for the car seat but that wasn’t the end of the world. I was a little worried the moses basket wouldn’t be confortable enough but sure enough it was.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
When a new baby is on their way, it isn’t just the parents that are excited! Friendly, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, the list goes on, are all waiting eagerly for their future little bundle of joy to make their appearance!
What is a baby shower?
A baby shower is the most traditional and modern way to celebrate your little ones arrival, where all your friends and family come together to shower not you with love and express their excitement for their newest family member to enter the world! It’s a time for everyone to come together, and “shower” the new parents to be with love, joy, good wishes and gifts. Many baby showers involve games, for ideas see our list of baby shower games.
When should you have a baby shower?
It is completely different and down to each parent as to when they want to have their baby shower, but most baby showers are held 4-6 weeks before the new addition is due to make their arrival. That way guests will have a gender in mind so they know what to buy – that is if you’re not keeping it a secret – and it also gives parents an idea of anything that they may be missing!
We at MyBump2Baby have pulled together this amazing gift guide of small businesses, to offer you some amazing gifts that are perfect for the new little arrival in your life…
Watson Kids Clothing
WatsonKids is a handmade children’s clothing company that creates personalised, quality clothing and gifts. Our collection is growing all the time and now includes T-shirts, jumpers, raincoats, blankets, bibs, hats, bags and much more. We offer a lovely range of colours and patterns to create the perfect gift for your little one. The combination is up to you. Choose your colour of the jumper, then add their initial using any of our gorgeous fabrics. Whether it’s a trip to visit Grandma, a day out at the zoo, nursery or just jumping in puddles, our range caters for every adventure. Each item in our collection is stylish and fun but also practical and durable and made to be washed over and over.
At WatsonKids we know how hard gifting can be, especially for a new mum, baby shower, first birthday, Christening or just to let them know you’re thinking of them. Our range offers something a little different. For the newborn we have gorgeous personalised muslins, teethers and bibs and as they get older, our bathrobes, jumpers and dungarees are just perfect. We all want our gift to stand out and be special but reasonably priced without losing sight of that all-important quality, and this is at the very centre of our company ethos.
We have recently launched our gift boxes which include a range of perfect combinations of the most pretty and useful things for a new arrival. Beautifully presented, wrapped in tissue and sealed with our logo sticker, our WatsonKids boxes come ready prepared for you to take to the baby shower or if you can’t go in person, we will happily post it directly to the lucky mum with your best wishes.
Luxury Gift in a Box offers a collection of gorgeous gift boxes any new baby will love priced from £25. Our cuddly bunnies and lambs, comforters and rattle sets are suitable from birth and all our baby gift boxes include our ever-handy super soft 100% cotton muslins. We have the cutest little bamboo tableware set with a bowl, plate, beaker, spoon and fork with a farmyard animal design which is perfect for weening. Our baby gifts are all beautifully packed in a gift box, lined with tissue paper and finished off with a ribbon all ready for gifting.
We’ve not forgotten mum and dad and we have a thoughtful range of pampering and relaxation gift boxes ideal for the new parents who will no doubt appreciate a little relaxation time, with prices ranging from £18. All our spa and pamper gift boxes are gift-ready so can be sent directly to your loved one. You can add a personalized gift message which we will include with your gift and we offer optional gift wrapping. Our website is easy to use and UK delivery is free.
My name is Michelle and my business, Michelle’s Handmade Treasures was created last year, as a hobby, during the lockdown, when I was looking for something to fill my time.
Having always loved art and being creative, I decided to see if my creations would be popular with other people. It has flourished into a small craft business, with my creations being sent all over the country, and even as far as America.
One of my most popular items are my colourful rose bears, these are made up of foam roses, in many colours, that will last forever. They are great gifts for many occasions, including birthdays, baby events, anniversaries or even to tell someone how much they mean to you. You are able to choose from many colours and designs. From a simple bear all in one colour to a panda bear, although one of the most popular designs are the multi-coloured rainbow bears, which are sure to brighten up your home and the dullest of days.
There are two different size bears available, a medium bear, measuring 20cm high and a large bear at 35cm high. These bears make a unique gift, a little something out of the ordinary. Each bear is made to order and dispatched usually within 2-3 weeks of the order being placed and I am able to post all over the UK, and the world.
You are able to see my designs and prices on Facebook, my page is called Michelle’s Handmade Treasures.
Glow In Style is an online styling service for expecting and nursing Mums and beyond.
Our services are a personalised experience catering to your very needs with budget and desires in mind. Your very own Personal Stylist will assist in hand curating fashionable trends to send to you to try in the comfort of your own home.
We also have an Essentials Box with 4 items that we have tested and tried out and chosen for our customers. It comes in a box and no need to go searching for it yourself.
mush mush baby specialises in handmade clothing for adventurous little ones. They are designed to be gender-neutral, using beautiful prints that complement any family member. Our sizes range from 0-4 years and are made by myself here in the UK, in my little workshop in Northamptonshire. We can also make matching accessories for adventurous mums and dads and take custom orders for older children too!
Our clothes are designed with a focus on being functional and relaxed as well as fun and stylish. As a mum to a very active toddler, I understand the challenges when it comes to finding clothes that can be quickly changed and comfortable enough for your little one to run, climb and play.
We source fabric that is excellent in quality, making sure that the item you receive will last, survive multiple washes and be able to be passed down to another little one or friends and family. We are constantly changing our fabric range and only source a few metres of each material. This means all items are limited edition. Our garments are handmade and we really do love to make beautiful clothes for the most special little people in your life.
Whatever your budget, buy your loved one the gift of maternal wellbeing, preparation and support.
We spend a great deal of time preparing for birth, thinking about the baby’s physical needs, buying nice baby gifts and breastfeeding…
Though not so many give much consideration to the changes that Mum will experience. There will be a new part of her persona born too as she transitions to motherhood.
There will be many shifts in her identity, many changes in the family dynamics, relationship roles and ever her self-confidence. If adequate postpartum support isn’t available, many women can be left feeling underprepared, isolated (even overwhelmed) during what we want to be the most magical of times.
As well as bonding and nurturing her new tiny human, Mummy Me Time focuses on the emotional wellbeing of Mum. With gift vouchers available in part or full payment, we provide new Mums with an online Postpartum Community, 1 to 1 or Group Support.
Please check out our website for a full list of services available or contact Gemma at [email protected] to discuss gift voucher preferences.
With over 12 years crafting beautiful keepsakes, and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can rest assured that your memories are in safe hands. My little lady outgrew her first clothes so quickly, and I couldn’t bear to give those special babygrows away … but equally, I didn’t want to hide them in a cupboard! I decided to make her a quilt and cushion, and the rest, as they say, is history! I’m now based on the beautiful island of Anglesey, in Wales.
I specialise in memory bears, keepsake cushions and memory quilts. I take the memory-filled clothes of your favourite people and create beautiful keepsakes for you to treasure.
Each commission is entirely unique because YOU and YOUR FAMILY are entirely unique. I’m here to make those memories beautiful for you and your family and friends.
Why not have a nosey around my website and have a think about what you would send me … tiny baby clothes for a snuggly quilt, a first school uniform for a beautiful teddy, or Grandad’s ties for a keepsake cushion?
Choosing a keepsake artist to trust with something so precious is never an easy decision. Experience, attention to detail and compassion are essential. I hope the reviews from hundreds of happy clients on Facebook can help make your choice a little easier.
I love new ideas, so if you have something in mind and can’t see a keepsake that’s quite right for you, just let me know and let’s see what we can come up with together!
So, whether you’re looking for a creature to sit proudly on a shelf, a quilt in which to snuggle or a cushion to have a cuddle, there’s a perfect keepsake that you can treasure.
Hilariously honest Milestone Cards for new Mums, brought to you by Adulting Cards.
These 29 hilariously honest photo cards are designed to celebrate the wearer of the messy bun (crown of Mum) and big-up all the sleep-deprived; caffeine-addicted wonderful Mamas out there! It’s time to cheer for new Mums everywhere; not only for the days they are thriving but for those who’re only just surviving!
We all know and love ‘Baby Milestone Cards’; ‘I sat up for the first time, ‘I ate solid food’… but what about Mums’ Milestones!? After all, she’s the one feeding, changing nappies and cleaning up poo all day long and still managing (sometimes) to dress herself in the morning.
Adulting Cards are about marking Mum’s milestones, big or small!They’re about letting her share the struggles and victories, one mini-milestone at a time! Babies are great and all but Mums are AWESOME!
Milestone Cards For New Mums are lovingly designed to celebrate new Mums – If you’re looking for ideas for a new Mum or the best baby shower gift, these milestone cards are the perfect gift and a must have for every Mummy with a new baby! Or if you are the new Mama (huge congrats) these are a new Mum must- have so go ahead and treat yourself and pop them in your hospital bag!
At Nettlefold my pretty stationery, wall art prints and happy bits n bobs are the perfect gifts for kids, and big kids, alike!Based in The Cotswolds with animals, nature and happiness at the heart I do hope the products bring a smile to your face.
When my beloved Mum passed away, I found myself not only saying goodbye to her, but also to my childhood home ‘Nettlefold’. It was there that I found a treasure-trove of memories including a stack of poems written for me by my wonderful Grandad, Lawrence Wheeler. Being pregnant at the time, I was closing one chapter of my life as another was starting and the moment felt serendipitous. I wanted to share these special words with as many people as possible; a peak in to the happy make-believe worlds I shared with my Grandad, in the hope they’d remind us all of the magic of childhood and the strength and importance of family.
FEATURED PRODUCTS:
Animal Friends – greeting card collection. Perfect for that thank you notes from your new arrival to all the friends and family who’ve sent you gifts
Happiness notebook & keepsake keyring – a book for those all-important birthing, Mum-to-be notes and brain dumps at 3 am! And a keyring keepsake, handmade in the UK from pewter as a token for that new Mummy to know how happy you are for her new bundle of happiness.
Bunny bunting – it is said that a Bunny gift to a new child is to wish for them a prosperous life. This FSC certified wooden bunting flag can be hung next to a crib and you can write your own personal note of happy wishes on the back.
Our Organic Baby Sets are made from organic cotton jersey, its softness if perfect from Newborn and for those with sensitive skin. We have a wide range of unisex fabrics, the majority of which are exclusive to Zoe + Zach, these include rainbow and animal designs.
Our Baby sets are available in size Newborn to 9 – 12 Months and come in three different variations.
Set 1 – Harem Romper and matching hat and mitts
Set 2 – Harem Leggings and matching hat and mitts
Set 3 – Footed Leggings and matching hat and mitts
The Harem style of these items means they are suitable for both disposable and reusable nappies. All items are handmade and finished with organic plain fabrics that are chosen by the customer from our range. This adds a further level of uniqueness to the item. All seams are overlocked to ensure your garment withstands the test of time, and the primary garment and hat are finished with a Zoe + Zach label.
Zoe + Zach is a small, family-run business. All items are cut and sewn by hand and packaged using recyclable materials.
Mumsy Makes Crochet is an independently run crochet business owned by Loralie, a mum of two beautiful tiddlywinks, Elijah & Rosalie along with her Husband Bobby. These beautiful items range from home decor to baby booties, gifts and lots more.
Every item is handmade to order so no two orders are ever perfectly identical. Every item is hand crafted with love and care by Loralies own two hands!
All items can include a gift message if requested, meaning they can be sent to anyone, anywhere, anytime, worldwide!
Check out the bestselling items including this wonderfully happy sunflower bunting and the cutest little baby booties you’ve ever seen!
Beautifully handcrafted items at affordable prices, what more could you ask for?!
FlintsDen is a manufacturing and sale company created by a Mum who decided to take advantage of her ability and create organic products for children with high-quality fabrics like cotton premium, muslin and bamboo. Blankets are also made with velvet and minki fabric.
I am constantly learning and making my products the most suitable for little ones. I am aiming to make safe, high quality, luxury but organic products with colours. So your kids can enjoy the environment they are in and parents want to buy more of.
Mother May I is designed to look after mum just after birth and through motherhood.
Our first product is the Mother May I – new mum gift box and includes:
Door sign
Eye mask
Face mask
Hand sanitiser with clip
Lavender and geranium pillow spray
Insulated travel coffee mug
X2 packs of biscuits
Scented pregnancy candle
Comfy socks
Dry shampoo
For just £30. This can be bought as a gift for Mum or by Mum for herself! It’s a tough new reality with a newborn and I wanted to get something that makes Mums feel special also and a bit treasured.
At Gooseberry Pink we specialise in creating beautiful clothing and gifts for mum-to-be and baby. Our gifts are the perfect way to show how much you care and allow you to share in the joy, excitement and celebration of pregnancy, or a baby being born.
Ideal for a Baby Shower, our Pregnancy and New Baby Gift Boxes are an extremely personal and thoughtful gift for a special mum-to-be.
Pregnancy Gift Boxes
Our Pregnancy Gift Boxes are unique in how they honour the mum-to-be and her beautifully changing shape. A truly considered gift that helps you share in the magic of this exciting new chapter of her life
Each gift boxe centres around one of our “Designed for Pregnancy” tops – designed to fit and flatter throughout pregnancy. Made in luxuriously soft organic cotton it features a pretty design uniquely places to “hug” the bump.
The gift set also contains a sweet baby bodysuit decorated with an element of the design from the maternity top – beautifully tying together the pregnancy and new baby journey.
One of our plain super soft organic maternity tops can be added as an optional extra, or to replace the bodysuit if preferred.
Finally, a matching eco-friendly card is added to the gift box, and everything is enclosed in our luxury tissue.
The perfect way to celebrate the new mama journey!
Baby Gift Boxes
Our Baby Gift Boxes offer a perfect solution if you are looking for a Baby Shower gift towards the end of pregnancy. Packed with gorgeously coordinating elements, they are a delight to open and enjoy.
Beautifully presented, our themed Baby Gift Boxes are a wonderful way to express how you feel.
Every Baby Gift Box contains items of Gooseberry Pink’s organic cotton baby clothing featuring a fun design. All baby garments are made from the softest, purest organic cotton, perfect for baby’s delicate skin. Also included in each gift set is a delightful organic cotton toy and a matching eco-friendly card. Each Baby Gift Box is available in a choice of 3-6 months or 6-12 months.
What sets us apart?
At Gooseberry Pink we are passionate about ensuring that the products we design should not impact future generations by damaging the world we live in. We believe there is a better way so we ensure that all of our products are ethically sourced and manufactured in ways that are kinder to the world, and the people in it.
All of the garments in our gift boxes are made using super soft 100% GOTS certified organic cottons.
We use only water-based inks which are non-hazardous, non-toxic and biodegradable, contain no animal by-products and are completely vegan friendly.
We strive to ensure that everything in our gift boxes, including the packing, is ethically sourced, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
What better way to welcome a new baby to the world?!
Hi, I’m Suzanne from Halifax, West Yorkshire mum of two teenagers. I am an ex-nurse and an Extend lash technician.
Lockdown enabled me to explore my love of crafts in particular wreaths/wall/door hangings. I make them for lots of different occasions, birthdays, Christmas, new baby, nurseries, Easter, Halloween, Valentines. I make them in all different shapes, sizes, colours, fabrics, flower and different techniques.
I particularly like making for babies and nurseries, also children’s bedrooms and baby shower gifts.
These can be bought from my Etsy shop or I can make them order and to your individual specification, if you have a theme, colour scheme, or an idea of what you want, I’m sure I can make it for you. These can be with names or glittery shapes or even a fairy or dinosaur.
Each creation would be individually handmade with love and then beautifully gift wrapped before sending it out to you.
I am also excited to soon explore and sell my love of rag rugging too.
I make wall hangings and pictures using ragging and also novelty rugs in different shapes ,size and colour from heart shapes to goldfish!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, requests, requirements or challenges!
Cherish baby’s early memories with this beautifully bespoke scrapbook. With all that you need to create your book included.
What’s included?
8×8 inch scrapbook in a choice of brown or white.
Personalised front cover (with name & D.O.B included)
Bespoke poem on the inside cover – a poem dedicated to your baby to inform them of what is inside the book and how loved they are.
Bespoke headings (not to worry if you’d like us to think of these, but if there’s something unique to your baby, I.e. “meeting big sister”, “moving house” etc. We will create as many as you’d like!)
Gold polaroid style photo frames (x10)
Gold and white notecards (x10) (to be stuck into the book or in the envelope provided on the back cover).
The Pregnancy Calendar and The Deluxe Pregnancy Calendar is a beautiful original gifting experience for mum-to-be. The interactive, Gold award-winning, gifting calendar includes 24-30 full sized luxury gifts, for expecting Mums. Gifts include pregnancy and birthing essentials and pampering treats, making any expecting Mother feel exactly as she should, cared for. Also inside the calendar, there are baby gifts and it all comes in a beautiful keepsake calendar for baby’s first memories. The perfect gift for a group baby shower present, or from family or partner.
Do you have a rainbow baby? A much longed for or ‘worth the wait’ baby? Celebrate their arrival with a unique and beautiful print, personalised with your baby’s name, time and date of birth, and birth weight.
After going through 5 years of infertility struggles including 2 miscarriages and failed IVF, I wanted to capture the joy that comes from finally being blessed with a rainbow baby. I learned that you never forget that the storm happened, whether it be years of infertility, failed IVF, failed surrogacy, miscarriages or a stillborn baby, and how difficult and heart-breaking that path was to walk. And yet… somehow… here IS the rainbow you waited so long for, a symbol of joy and hope. There are no more storms now.
With seven different images to choose from, each design is a unique play on the idea of a rainbow being delivered into your life. Which one will you choose for your rainbow baby’s nursery?
Each picture is completely bespoke to you and your family. Once you’ve chosen a design, I always change the hair style and skin tone of the characters in the pictures so that your print accurately depicts your family. I can add older siblings and pets too.
Let me illustrate the magical story behind your baby’s birth. Some of my past orders include prints for:
A ‘Worth the Wait’ baby born to a Mum who tried for twenty years to have a baby and suffered six losses on the way.
A family who had two living children and who’d had four miscarried babies named Button, Blossom, Robin and Star. These four babies were all honoured in the print.
Rainbow baby Amelie who has a very special brother Zachary in heaven. Zachary’s symbol is daffodils so these were added to the illustration, and the caption underneath reads ‘and just like that, the rainbow you ordered for us was delivered.’
A print for a Mum and her son as a mothers day gift for their first mothers day safe from domestic violence.
A print for a boy who was fostered and then adopted and wanted a picture to tell his story
The A4 prints all take 1-3 weeks to be created and are available framed or unframed.
Mumma by Nature is a Breastfeeding specific clothing brand where all pieces are hand designed and hand make in the UK. With a range of tops, dresses and hoodies created with mommas in mind.
We have a new innovative range of clothes designed with different ways to access to be able to feed that suits all body shapes and preferences too!
A wrap style with a clever modesty panel underneath, fitted perfects to it’s completely hidden until you need it.
A Hidden Zip style tops, tunics and dresses for quick and easy access.
A loose fitting but shaped overtop with specifically chosen fabric so it is suitable for the one up one down feeding style where Mumma and baby don’t over heat!
And our best sellers; our hoodies and crew jumpers, that have perfectly placed, hidden zippy access with a super cosy inside too!
MBM is on a mission to make you feel confident, fashionable and comfortable while you breastfeed your little one! We’ll help you to feel like YOU, and give you the confidence to feed whenever your little one needs it. Breastfeeding mummas needs ‘those’ clothes in the wardrobe that you can quickly grab and wear, and you KNOW you can feed easily, quickly and comfortably anywhere, but look and feel amazing too.
Fabric is sourced and hand cut by myself, then passed on to my amazing team of ladies who then sew them for me. I then package and dispatch as well. We work on a 2 week turn around and can even take on bespoke orders for specific fabrics if needed.
All of our pieces are built to flatter and feed in, discreetly and confidently.
You deserve to feel like you still, fashionable as well as practical when it comes to feeding your beautiful baby! This range is designed to feel like it is part of your pre-baby wardrobe, suit the practicality of your breastfeeding journey, and continue to be worn long after you have stopped breastfeeding, without anyone knowing (unless you tell them, of course!)
Our “New Baby” collection may sound typical, but it has a very important twist. These beautiful gift boxes were designed with the new mum in mind!
More often than not, new baby gifts are for the baby only…why is that?
At Enter Heart, we think it’s equally important to send the new mum a message that we see her, that we know and empathise with her and most importantly we are here for her.
Mums to be and new mums go through so much! Whether it’s the ups and downs of pregnancy, sleep deprivation, postnatal depression, or a combination of everything – it’s important that not only we celebrate her new arrival but also, that she knows we are thinking of her.
Our jewellery provides a token of appreciation and a keepsake to mark the important milestone of having a new baby. Our pieces are all created to last, from quality silver, so when the time is right, it can be passed down for generations to come. Our jewellery is presented in elegant, eco-friendly packaging, together with greetings cards that can be personalised. You can choose one of our cleverly named curated boxes or create your own in our innovative box builder. All our products and packaging are 100% made in the UK and we offer free delivery on all orders. Use the code MyBump2Baby10 for a 10% off your order!
With so many amazing small businesses involved, I for one am definitely spoilt for choice! Anyone would be so lucky to receive any of these gorgeous gifts.
Anything we have shared in this gift guide has been with the help of the businesses that have taken part, we cannot be held responsible for any issues between our readers and the sellers. The aim of the Baby Shower Gift Guide is to help families support more small businesses in 2021. It can be difficult to find the perfect Baby Shower gift for the special person and new arrivals in your life, but we hope we have made this easier for you!
Lauren Back is a mum of 3 & has a huge passion supporting small businesses and growing families in Newcastle Upon Tyne and throughout the UK.
Lauren is head of the influencer network at MyBump2Baby and is also area manager for MyBump2Baby Newcastle Upon Tyne. Head over to her area to find everything pregnancy – pre-school related in Newcastle Upon Tyne plus Lauren’s parenting blog.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Baby-Shower-Gift-Guide-2021-copy.jpg4981198Lauren Backhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLauren Back2021-05-31 22:29:162021-06-17 11:34:54Baby Shower Gift Guide 2021
Congratulations – you are 6 weeks pregnant!!! You may have just found out or you may have known for a couple of weeks now. You are currently in the realms of early pregnancy which is very exciting.
The first trimester can be exhausting as your body is working extra hard to grow your little baby. Many women will have to get through the whole first trimester before getting their first scan. It is important to remember that you must access professional medical advice if you are worried about anything.
Lots of expectant mums admit that they don’t enjoy the first month or two of pregnancy as they are constantly analysing how they feel, and it is hard to socialise with friends when you are feeling like you are ready for bed at 2pm in the afternoon.
This week you may find that your pregnancy symptoms step up a notch as your HCG levels start to rise.
Many pregnant women comment that 6 weeks is when their nausea starts and some women even end up vomiting.
Pregnancy Week 6 symptoms
Pregnancy week 6 could see your symptoms increase as your body is supporting your baby’s development.
Experience morning sickness
Some women experience severe nausea
Frequent urination
Extreme Fatigue
Swollen and sore breasts
Larger and darker areolas around the nipples
Emotional and mood swings
Increased blood flow could cause dizziness
What is my baby doing at 6 weeks?
Baby development is all systems go this week, this is the week your baby’s heart could be picked up on an ultrasound this week. Your baby’s development this week also involves the kidneys, liver and lungs too.
Your babies facial features are starting to develop with jaws, chin and cheeks starting to form a face you will be kissing in 7 months. Your little one also has indents on both sides of the head, these are ear canals in the making.
Your baby looks like a little tadpole at the moment, your little one has a tail with leg buds tucked into the torso. Your baby doesn’t look like a baby just yet but it will very soon, by the time you get to your 12 week scan your little one will resemble a little baby.
What is happening to me at 6 weeks pregnant?
Now we have looked at your fetal development what is happening to mummy at 6 weeks pregnant, lets have a look at what is happening inside your body and why?
Frequent Urination
You are in and out of the bathroom a lot at the moment and this can be due to an increase of blood flow to your pelvic area which is great for sexual pleasure but not so great sleeping through a whole night without having to get up a couple of times. Your kidneys are also getting rid of more waste and as your uterus is growing it is also pushing down on your bladder. Frequent urination does not mean you are drinking too much and do not be tempted to limit the fluids, it is much easier to get dehydrated during this time.
Heartburn and Indigestion
Heartburn is pretty much a guarantee during your 9 months of pregnancy because your muscle at the top of your stomach relaxes. You can minimise the chances of heartburn and indigestion by avoiding citrus, tomato, greasy and fried food, this can be difficult when you feel nauseous as you may find you crave these foods during early pregnancy.
Breast Tenderness
Your breasts during early pregnancy are extra sensitive, your breasts are growing and your nipples are sticking out more than usual. It is worth mentioning what feels good and what doesn’t to your partner. Some women struggle to shower due to the sensitivity of the breasts under the dropping water. Your breasts are preparing to feed your baby and the darker areolas around your nipples turn your nipples in to a bullseye and make it easier for your baby to latch on when it comes to breastfeeding.
Nausea and vomiting
These are classic signs of a normal pregnancy, nausea and vomiting often increase around week 6 of pregnancy. You may find you have food aversions and it is important to remember that this time will pass and try and eat small meals throughout the day to help with nausea.
What size is my baby at 6 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is the size of a pearl from a necklace, a jelly bean and the size of a sweet pea this week.
How can I look after myself at week 6 of pregnancy?
Of course, as expectant mothers, all we want is a healthy pregnancy and it can be difficult to manage your early pregnancy symptoms alongside your day to day life. Our mental health can suffer during this time as fatigue takes over and morning sickness too, the ability to do anything more than the bare minimum seems impossible.
It is important you take this time to look after yourself, here are some things you can do to support yourself during this time;
Maintain a healthy diet if you can but you may be totally off fruit and veggies and that is ok too, just eat what you can to get through this period (remember to check what foods to avoid during pregnancy)
Join a pregnancy forum and connect with other pregnant women
Keep a pregnancy journal, document how you feel, your symptoms it can be lovely to look over the memories of your pregnancy.
Get in to bed and watch some movies, see our list of Netflix must-sees for pregnant women
Make a pregnancy scrapbook with all the things you like the look of
Drink plenty of water, if water cannot cut it drink your favourite sugar-free juice.
Eat small meals to help if you experience morning sickness
Wear stretchy or roomy clothing to help with comfort
Get in to bed earlier
Read a book to help you relax
What should I start thinking about when it comes to pregnancy at 6 weeks pregnant?
If you are not already, at 6 weeks pregnant you should be taking prenatal vitamins. Make sure your vitamins have everything you need to maintain a healthy pregnancy. You can speak to your healthcare provider about what vitamins should be included or use a well-known brand.
We do recommend telling your workplace if you are pregnant to protect you at work and also to make them aware in case they needed to consult medical professionals if you needed it.
Here is what other mums have shared about their 6 week pregnancy
“I suffered with vaginal bleeding at 6 weeks pregnant, my doctor said I could have been dehydrated and to drink plenty, a few weeks after drinking more I found the bleeding tailed off. In the early stages I was in bed extra early and my bloating meant I ordered maternity clothes early. After week 6 my pregnancy hormones were through the roof and morning sickness was absolutely off the scale. I read that it often meant a healthy pregnancy and after the vaginal bleeding i was clinging on to that. I went for an early scan at 6 weeks pregnant and had a vaginal ultrasound scan, i was thrilled to see my little baby with a heartbeat, i loved seeing my growing baby.”
“After multiple pregnancy losses, i contacted the doctor immediately and he put me on the pregnancy hormone progesterone to help stop early pregnancy bleeding. I was also on baby asprin which is meant to help mums that have suffered multiple miscarriages. I had blood drawn and the pregnancy hormone hcg was 46,500 which my doctor said was really high.”
“We wanted to keep our pregnancy news a secret but i work with my friends and they witnessed my terrible morning sickness at 6 weeks pregnant, we had just got married and they put two and two together. I spent my evenings putting together a pregnancy checklist and printed out all of the items i wanted for the baby, i created a wish list and stored all the links”
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.Brown spotting 5 weeks pregnant
Brown spotting at 5 weeks pregnant is a surprisingly common occurrence for many mums-to-be. Early pregnancy can be a very anxious time for pregnant women, especially for those experiencing brown discharge and/or vaginal bleeding.
Early pregnancy symptoms include:
Light Spotting
Nausea
Tender breasts
Frequent urination
Missed Period
Fatigue
Bloating
Cramping
Constipation
Nasal Congestion
Why do I have brown discharge during pregnancy?
If you are experiencing brown spotting at 5 weeks pregnant, you may be worried that something more sinister is happening.
Brown spotting can occur during early pregnancy for a number of reasons, but it is fairly common and usually nothing to worry about.
If you have any concerns, you should contact your doctor immediately as they may want to do blood tests and check your HCG levels.
Let’s delve a little deeper in to the reasons for brown spotting (brown discharge) at 5 and 6 weeks pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy:
Implantation bleeding (when the fertilised egg implants in the uterus)
Hematoma
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Threatened Miscarriage
Molar pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy
Early Miscarriage
Cervical polyps
Cervical Irritation
Sexual Intercourse
Vaginal infection
Due to increased blood flow
Of course, the early weeks of pregnancy is when most miscarriages occur and brown blood can be alarming for a pregnant woman to see but it is important to remember that brown discharge is old blood that is leaving the body, often discharge tinged with blood.
What are the signs of miscarriage
It is important to remember that every pregnancy is different and just because you read about one person experiencing heavy bleeding followed by baby loss, it does not mean that scenario has the same ending everyone. Many pregnant women experience blood loss during pregnancy and go on to have healthy babies.
Of course vaginal bleeding or red vaginal discharge is terrifying during the first trimester, since 1 in 4 have been through miscarriage it is highly likely know that pregnancy loss is most likely during the first trimester.
Miscarriage symptoms;
Cramping and pain in your lower tummy.
Bright Red blood
A bright red discharge of fluid from your vagina.
Tissue loss from your vagina.
No longer experiencing your usual pregnancy symptoms.
If you experience an above we recommend visiting your nearest A&E as soon as possiblee.
On rare occasions, a miscarriage can occur because the pregnancy develops outside of the womb (i.e. an ectopic pregnancy).
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous to mums, so if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms (cited from the NHS website), it is important to visit your nearest A&E:
Persistent and severe tummy pain, usually on one side
Vaginal bleeding or spotting, commonly after the pain has started
feeling very faint and lightheaded, and possibly fainting
These symptoms usually occur between week 5 and week 14 of pregnancy
What should I do if I think I’m miscarrying?
If you think you are miscarrying, you should contact your GP, midwife or nearest Early Pregnancy Unit as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you should go to A&E, or, if you are unable to travel, call 999.
What should I do if I have brown spotting?
Light bleeding or spotting is fairly common during pregnancy, and usually isn’t any cause for concern (particularly between 10-14 days after conception, which is when implantation usually occurs). Spotting can be red, pink or dark brown.
Dark brown discharge that looks like ground coffee is just old blood passing from the uterus, and is usually nothing to worry about.
If your spotting is accompanied by any other more severe symptoms, like dizziness or cramping, you should contact your doctor.
Reassurance Pregnancy Scans
Your local early pregnancy unit may scan you if they are concerned but if not please do remember we have lots of early pregnancy scan clinics listed in our directory for you to contact, these are great for reassuring parents.
Success stories after having brown discharge or early pregnancy bleeding
Here are some success stories from other mums who went on to have babies after brown spotting during early pregnancy;
“I started spotting at 5 weeks pregnant after multiple miscarriages I believed I was doomed, the spotting was happening during bowel movements and it began getting thicker and outs came, i managed to get an early scan at the early pregnancy unit and my little bean had a heartbeat. The borwn spotting eventually tailed off around week 9 and the pregnancy was smooth and here I am sat her with my little baby girl asleep in my arms”
” I had brown spotting from week 4, i thought it was implantation bleeding but it lasted daily until week 12 then slowly eased. I was terrified but every scan and blood test came back positive the doctor told me to only worry if I had pain and bright red bleeding. Everything was fine for us a d i have a beautiful baby boy now”
“Yep I had brown spotting followed by a red gush of blood, i thought I was out but got my hcg checked and it was doubling so went for scan and sure enough my rainbow was there with a heartbeat”
“I had an ectopic pregnancy with my first pregnancy and it had a huge affect on my mental health. I did start experiencing a light brown discharge and extreme shoulder pain, i called my local early pregnancy unit and they confirmed it. My next pregnancy the first trimester was really challenging. I had sexual intercourse and had very dark discharge afterwards, I terrified that i would have a miscarriage and something would wrong. Vaginal spotting lasted until late pregnancy, it would disappear for a few days and then come back. At one point i did have abdominal pain and lost a lot of blood, i was sure that was it but here i am holding my healthy baby from the pregnancy as i type this.”
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/brown-spotting-5-weeks-pregnant.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-05-24 20:43:212021-05-24 20:43:21Brown Spotting at 5/6 Weeks Pregnant
Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.
At MyBump2Baby we love to give parents an honest review of products and services before they hit the purchase button. Having a baby can be an expensive time and it important you know exactly what you are getting for your money.
First Impressions of Chicco Next 2 Me Crib Review
The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside Crib is great for co-sleepers. With safe sleep guidelines stating it’s best for your baby to sleep in their own sleeping place in your room, bedside cribs allow you to be as close to your baby as possible. An impressive feature of the crib is that it can be tilted, providing relief to babies with reflux. The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside crib isn’t particularly suitable for daytime naps, since you’d have the hassle of reattaching to your bed at night time.
The crib is in the box. The parts of the crib constitute mesh walls, legs, wheels, a mattress and a carry bag for easy transportation.
Assembly of the Crib
The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside crib comes with well-written and clear instructions, providing a stress-free set-up. It can be set up easily and quickly which is handy if you are staying away from home.
Features of the Chicco Next to Me Crib
The Chicco Next2Me bedside crib allows you to co-sleep with your baby, whilst following the safe sleep guidelines.
The bedside crib comes in neutral colours, making it suitable for either a baby boy or a baby girl.
It has a removable and washable lining to allow parents to easily keep the crib clean and safe for their baby, without the frustration of scrubbing the crib by hand.
The Chicco Next 2 Me Crib attaches to your bed with a zip-down side panel. The mesh upper body of the crib ensures your baby is able to breathe if their face were to come in contact with the sides, and it allows you to easily keep an eye on your little one.
Who is the crib for?
This beside crib is suitable for babies from birth to 9kg (around 6months of age). The crib is a bit bigger than most of its competitors, and whilst it means your baby will be able to fit in the crib for longer.
Yes. The crib comes with a travel bag, to make transporting the crib a breeze.
Dimensions
Open dimensions: 66/81 x 93 x 69 cm
Closed dimensions: 95 x 15 cm
What do MyBump2Baby’s mums think?
“I was looking for a moses basket for my little one that can also be used as a side sleeping crib and travel cot. I loved the idea of co-sleeping but also being able to have my own space and ensure my little baby girl is safe. The great thing about the chicco next2me is the ease of night feeds, I can literally just reach for my little girl when she cries for the night feeds and within a second she is happy and feeding. I had a c section so found it hard to sit up initially but this crib is a lot more friendly for people who have a newborn baby who have recently had a c section. I love the chicco next2me and I am glad we bought this.” Delilah 27
“Having my baby close and co sleeping safely is great for me, i was looking for other bedside cribs and Moses baskets for ages but i wasn’t sure which was best, a few of my friends recommended the chicco next2me as it is like being in the same bed but enables us to sleep safely too. My little boy was a reflux baby and he was hard to settle so having him next to me was much easier, i could just settle him and put him back down where as with my previous child we had a traditional moses basket and it meant that each time he cried i had to get up each time for the night time feeds, it allowed me to get more sleep which was very welcomed. I loved side sleeping and found this really good value with easy access to y baby.” Steph 32
“I was desperate for a traditional moses basket with my first baby but with my second we barely used it and used the travel cot in our bedroom instead, i have always loved the idea of co sleeping but i wanted to co sleep safely rather than putting my little baby in her parents bed. and the chicco next2me crib allowed me to do just that. I did look at other bedside cribs but I have heard incredible things about chicco and i wanted to feel confident that when i bring my tiny baby home my baby slept close to me. I wasn’t keen in putting her in her own room before 6 months” Aimee 25
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/chicco-next-to-me-crib-review.png6301200Carla Letthttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngCarla Lett2021-05-20 11:23:032021-06-23 10:17:06Chicco next 2 me review
So here we are, week 3 of your cycle and you are curious about what week 3 pregnancy symptoms are. I to have been there, frantically Googling looking for just one glimmer of hope and a sign that this month is the month, this is the month we have made a baby.
Let’s take a look at where we are up to in our cycle so we can see exactly what is happening inside our body at 3 weeks pregnant.
3 Weeks Pregnant – What is happening?
So at 3 weeks pregnant it is likely, you have not yet got your positive pregnancy test, it is still too early to test. Since the first two weeks of pregnancy are before ovulation, we are now in the week after ovulation (for those who have a standard 28-day cycle and ovulate on day 14 for other cycle lengths this may vary).
The fertilized egg can take up to 10 days to implant in your uterus, once the fertilized egg has implanted, the pregnancy hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) will be released, once this hormone is released you may start to experience pregnancy symptoms.
What Pregnancy Symptoms would I Experience at 3 Weeks Pregnant?
It is important to remember that many mums do not experience pregnancy symptoms during pregnancy, especially at 3 weeks pregnant but for those of you who are sure you are getting some pregnancy symptoms here are a few early symptoms you may be experiencing;
Sensitivity to Smell
Increased sense of smell tends to be a very early pregnancy symptom. . Although there is no scientific evidence as to why this happens, according to Yvonne Bohn, MD, co-author of the mummy docs, rising levels of Estrogen and HCG may enhance these symptoms.
Tender Breasts
Similar to PMT many women have tender breasts, many women describe the nipple sensitivity as similar to electricity running through your nipples.
Mood Swings
I don’t know about you but I am always moody around week 3 anyway but the pregnancy moodiness is on another level.
Emotional
You may feel a little tearier than normal when you are pregnant, many women who finally get their BFP (big fat positive) often remember a time in the week prior to the test when they cried for no reason.
Implantation Bleeding
At around 3 weeks pregnant this is when implantation can occur, some women experience implantation bleeding and if you see brown spotting or pink discharge this could mean that your little baby has burrowed into the lining of your womb.
Fatigue
Fatigue and exhaustion can really start to ramp up this week, if you are feeling more tired than usual this could be down to pregnancy. Growing a baby takes a lot of energy.
Frequent Urination
A classic sign for many women is running to the bathroom more than usual. If you are finding you are seeing a whole lot more than usual that could be why.
We asked our audience what they experienced at 3 weeks pregnant
“When i got my positive result I was actually really surprised, so was my partner. We had decided to take a break from trying and we decided that we would have some tests done at the doctors in a few months time, at week 3 i just felt fatigued and it was only at the end of this week that I decided to do a pregnancy test. I couldn’t believe the result, we were finally having our baby.” Sammy 32 Bristol
“My third pregnancy came as a bit of a shock, we thought we had already had our last baby and last pregnancy but nope, my little one was a lovely surprise. On week 3 of the pregnancy I had an inkling I was pregnant due to my sense of smell, I was sat in my daughter’s playroom and I couldn’t relax due to the smell, I asked my partner to come in and get couldn’t small a thing, I took a pregnancy test and the rest was history” Diana 27
“We had been using pregnancy tools for a long time as we were desperate for a little baby to join our family. I had blocked fallopian tubes and my husband had a low sperm count so it felt like the odds were against us but, an egg came, a sperm fertilised it and we were lucky. I honestly had no idea at week 3 of the pregnancy, I have never been pregnant before so I wasn’t on the ball with it really. I Previously, I would spend so much time reading content online and symptom spotting but weirdly enough i had no symptoms at 3 weeks pregnant.” Louise 24
“I started taking vitamin c, vitamin dd, folic acid and other vitamins around 3 months before we started trying, so I did know that it was likely that I might catch fairly quickly, I actually had a dream that I was pregnant on week 4 and then I took the test and it confirmed it. It is crazy when I think about it.” Laurie 22
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
The Bumbo Multi-seat was definitely a product I massively underestimated. I got the Bumbo seat when I was pregnant and when you are pregnant with your first baby you struggle to imagine having a baby in your arms, let alone having a 5-month old little monster sat in an actual seat. We decided to write up the Bumbo Multi-Seat review for other mums and dads looking for a reliable seat that can be used from an early age.
OK OK – I hold my hands up now; I admit it – “I underestimated how much use I would get out of this fantastic bumbo seat” THERE I SAID IT!! The fact it was lightweight and small in size meant it was mega easy to transport and it ended up coming everywhere we went. There are so many great features and benefits to the Bumbo Multiseat.
The 3 in 1 seat means it can be used as a floor seat, a booster seat or a feeding chair. It has fully adjustable height & strap settings to ensure it is not only safe but has a longer lifeline than other baby products.
The seat comes with a fully removable tray which is handy depending on what activity you are using it for. George had a toy that used to stick to the tray and he sat happily for ages playing with it. It was really handy when I was trying to cook dinner or trying to catch up on a few household chores.
Don’t you just love secret compartments – I honestly am like a child myself. The Bumbo has a handy storage unit under the seat, this is where I often put wipes and a bib.
The seat can be used from 5 months – 3 years (we did use it at around 4 months old as that is when George began weaning) George still uses the seat now and he has just turned 2, it is extremely easy to clean and we often transported the lightweight seat from place to place. We used this as George’s highchair for a long time as it doesn’t take up much space. The seat lasts a very long time and has a removable foam cushion for when your baby gets older which means you really do get your money’s worth.
Easy to Clean
I loved how easy the seat was to clean and I always wiped it down with a baby wipe straight after use.
Safety chair straps
There are two retractable straps built into the side of the seat which means that when you’re ready to take it from floor seat to booster, all you need to do is just pull them out and clip them around the adult chair.
At MyBump2Baby we love hearing honest feedback from parents on products, here are some MyBump2Baby mums who wanted to leave honest reviews on the Bumbo multi-seat
“This was a lifesaver in our house, I have 3 children under 5 so as you can imagine, tea time was hectic, this seat allowed me to cook dinner safely whilst my baby sat happily playing with some soft toys” – Rachel from Leeds
“My friend bought me this as a gift and I had no idea how useful it would be – now whenever my friends are pregnant I buy them one” Harriet from Preston
“I thought a highchair would be enough for my little girl but she was way too small for it when she started weaning, I also wanted a chair that I can take to the grandparents easily without hassle, my sister recommended the Bumbo Multi-seat and I bought it, I have never looked back. My little girl is 2 and we still use this bumbo seat a lot, she loves sitting in it to watch TV” – Sophie from Wales
“The bumbo seat (bumbo multi seat) is easy to transport and was always taken to the Grandparents house so Alfie could sit at the table with us and also use it has a general seat so he could look around. We did go on a Caravan break and brought the Bumbo seat with us which was so much easier to transport than a highchair. There are tons of colours to choose from too – I loved the Bumbo Multi Seat” Claire from
“My friends love their bumbo seats, when I had my little one they said it was their choice of baby equipment to get me for my baby shower. I waited until my little boy could sit upright and we then used this amazing feeding seat. I loved that it is easily cleaned with a damp cloth and it is baby safe. I love how the tray can also be used as a baby fun tray too which kept my child entertained for hours. I also felt confident that I didn’t have to use my dining room chair and could just sit this on the floor in front of the baby tv.” Sarah 22
“This was great for my first child, I loved the fact we could sit my little one on the floor and use the tray as both a food tray and play tray too. This bumbo seat is perfect for babies as it is a non slip base and I love the fact it has safety straps too. The only thing I would change is I would have a bigger tray table with suction spots so the plates don’t get launched around the house.” Stacey 23
Remember to check out our Baby Weaning Recipe section for some delicious recipes that will get your little ones taste buds going.
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
You may have got your positive pregnancy test this week and congratulations if that is the case, you are officially a mama in the making and you are now officially pregnant!! Your little embryo is now the size of a poppy seed or for foodies like me…. a crumb of a cookie.
Now you have your positive pregnancy test you may be looking for early pregnancy symptoms and if you are 4 weeks pregnant with no symptoms you might be a little worried …. BUT FEAR NOT!!
Being 4 weeks pregnant with no symptoms is actually very common, many mums to be mistake pregnancy symptoms for the usual PMT symptoms – after all, they are very similar.
Let’s delve a little further into pregnancy symptoms that you may experience at 4 weeks pregnant.
4 Weeks Pregnant No Symptoms
At 4 weeks pregnant your little embryo may have just implanted and that is when you begin producing the HCG hormone, HCG is the pregnancy hormone and rises as your pregnancy progresses until around 10-12 weeks then it plateaus after the first trimester, often the higher HCG the more symptoms you are likely to have and pregnancy symptoms tend to last until week 12 of pregnancy (The first trimester).
Morning sickness before a positive pregnancy test?
When we see pregnant women on TV, we often see them vomiting before they even get the positive pregnancy test but realistically for most women, the earliest symptoms are very similar to PMT which is why it is so hard to distinguish. Many pregnant women say their first inkling of pregnancy is actually their missed period and then they start to look back over the last month and piece the subtle symptoms together.
When do pregnancy symptoms start?
Pregnancy symptoms usually start around week 6 of pregnancy, although many women tend to report a few tell-tale symptoms beforehand. Some women even report early pregnancy symptoms as early as 7 dpo.
What are the earliest pregnancy symptoms to look out for?
We gathered together some MyBump2Baby mums common symptoms that they experienced in early pregnancy;
“It was weird for me, i had literally no symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant and one and a half weeks later i had terrible morning sickness. The morning sickness started during the night and gradually got more intense as my pregnancy progressed” Kaci
” I was 4 weeks pregnant with no symptoms and i was really worried as i gave an early pregnancy loss previously. I kept telling myself that this pregnancy is different, every pregnancy is different and I had a really healthy pregnancy and as I write this my little girl is asleep in my arms, so don’t worry too much about no symptoms – you may just be really lucky” Kendal
“pregnancy week by week articles were telling me i should be feeling this and that and the trust was i didn’t feel much at all at 4 weeks pregnant. I didn’t even feel pregnant and i was convinced my test must have been wrong. I began experiencing pregnancy symptoms at around 6 weeks pregnant. The symptoms we frequent urination, a strong sense of smell, and breast tenderness.” Sara
Other common symptoms are:
Extreme Fatigue
Dizziness
Sensitive to smell
Nausea
Going off certain foods and textures
Stitch feeling in one side of uterine wall
Cramping
Moodiness
Blood that is lighter than a period
Do no pregnancy symptoms mean I am more likely to have a miscarriage?
Many women who are expecting worry that they don’t feel sick or they aren’t feeling pregnant and what many women forget is that it is likely that your body is very early to pregnancy and as the first trimester goes on the HCG levels will increase until they plateau at 10 – 12 weeks.
Follow Carla on her Pregnancy Journey
Join Carla, MyBump2Baby’s founder, on her pregnancy journey, where she shares her real experience week-by-week throughout her pregnancy.
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-weeks-pregnant-no-symptoms.png6301200Carla Letthttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngCarla Lett2021-05-07 21:14:332021-07-22 14:11:004 Weeks Pregnant No Symptoms
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
The day you learn your baby’s gender is a very exciting one! MyBump2Baby bring you this article containing Gender Reveal Ideas You’ll Love.
Gender Reveal Party Ideas:
Gender revealing piñata
Give your gender reveal party a spanish feeling with this gender reveal idea! Just ask either a close friend or family member to fill a neutral-coloured pinata with pink or blue sweets and confetti, and let the parents-to-be have fun swinging at it!
Or, you could let each of your gender reveal party guests have a swing each to share the fun!
Guess the gender
As each guest arrives, ask them to choose either a pink or blue coloured item- according to which gender they predict the baby will be (this can be anything- pink or blue party hats, crowns, badges or even goofy hats). Once the gender is revealed, whoever guessed the baby’s gender correctly will win a prize.
Cut the cake
Gender reveal cakes are a hit at many gender reveal parties! It’s understandable; who doesn’t love cake?
There are a few cakey gender-reveal ideas you could use for your special occasion:
Blue or Pink Sweet Avalanche
Blue or Pink cream filling
Cupcakes
Pop the balloon
Fill a blacked out gender reveal balloon with either pink or blue confetti (according to the baby’s gender), or have a trusted family member or friend prepare it for you. When the big moment arises, make sure to have the camera at the ready when you pop the gender reveal balloon to reveal your baby’s gender!
Gender Reveal Smoke Bombs
Gender reveal smoke bombs are a fantastic way to reveal your baby’s gender! When the time comes, point the smoke bomb into the air and fire- just make sure to point it well away from everyone as the smoke powder can stain! To get some gender reveal smoke bombs, click here.
Gender Reveal Glitter Cannon
For a sparkly way to reveal your baby’s gender, gender reveal glitter cannons are the way to go! You can find plenty of these sparkly cannons online to add a twinkle to your big moment.
Gender reveal Confetti Cannon
Gender reveal confetti cannons are a fun way to reveal the gender of your baby! Have a trusted family member or friend purchase the correctly coloured confetti cannon for you, and simply fire it when the big moment arises to reveal the gender! Amazon have some brilliant Pink and Blue gender reveal confetti cannons, which are not only visually appealing, but they’re also biodegradable!
Gender Reveal Gift Boxes
This gender reveal idea gets everyone involved! Hand out neutral gift-wrapped boxes containing pink or blue baby items or toys to all of your guests and then, when it’s time to reveal the baby’s gender, have everyone open their gift boxes to reveal the baby’s gender.
Gender Reveal Big box of balloons
For this baby gender reveal idea, all you need is a big box, and a bunch of helium filled pink or blue balloons. The parents-to-be just need to open up the box and watch the balloons fly, revealing the baby’s gender!
More unique gender reveal ideas
Gender Reveal Photoshoot
Gender reveal photoshoots are a popular option for parents-to-be who don’t want a gender reveal party. Here are some gender reveal photoshoot ideas:
Paint your baby bump blue or pink
Hold pink or blue balloons
Wear pink or blue items of clothing
Hold pink or blue baby clothes or items
Hold a gender reveal sign with the words “boy or girl” written on it, with the correct answer circled.
Or simply a sign saying “It’s a boy” or “It’s a girl”.
Or, alternatively, you could take a family photo and sneak in a pink or blue baby item- and reveal the baby’s gender to all of your social media friends and your family at the same time.
Gender Reveal Riddle
This idea can be done at home for just your partner to figure out, or at a gender reveal party for all of the guests to have a crack at.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gender-reveal-ideas.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-05-07 09:52:412021-05-07 09:54:31Gender Reveal Ideas You Will Love
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
Congratulations on your new pregnancy! At 4 weeks pregnant, you have found out that you’re pregnant much sooner than most women do.
Your baby/embryo at 4 weeks pregnant
At 4 weeks pregnant, the embryo is developing within the lining of the womb. Your baby (embryo) is currently the size of a poppy seed. Even though your baby is currently tiny, a lot is going on! The fertilised egg has embedded itself into the side of the womb and the outer cells reach out to form links with the mother’s blood supply. The inner cells form into 3 layers:
Inner layer: This will eventually become the lungs, stomach, gut and bladder.
Middle Layer: This layer will become the heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones.
Outer Layer: This layer will become your baby’s brain and nervous centre, as well as the eye lenses, tooth enamel and skin and nails.
The embryo is attached to a small “yolk sac” which provides the nutrients to the embryo. Later in the pregnancy, the placenta will form and transfer nutrients to the baby.
You at 4 weeks pregnant
At 4 weeks pregnant, the first thing that women will usually notice first is that they have missed their period.
Around this time, you should start taking prenatal vitamins: particularly 400 micrograms of folic acid daily until you are in your second trimester. You can get some folic acid tablets here.
You should also take around 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout your pregnancy. You can get some vitamin D tablets here.
You may be experiencing some early pregnancy symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant, but it’s also normal if you’re not.
4 Weeks Pregnancy Symptoms
Whilst it is common not to experience any pregnancy symptoms at 4 weeks pregnant, the same pregnancy hormones (like hCG) that gave you a positive pregnancy test can cause these pregnancy symptoms:
Bloating
During the early stages of pregnancy, there is a spike in progesterone in your body. The rise in progesterone slows down your body’s digestive system, causing bloating.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the most difficult pregnancy symptoms to deal with. The rise in progesterone causes nausea, as well as hypersensitivity to certain smells/odours (e.g. coffee or perfume) which can trigger vomiting.
Spotting
Spotting can occur at week 4 due to implantation. A bit of light bleeding is completely normal. If you experience heavy bleeding or have any other concerns, you should contact your doctor.
Mild Cramping
Mild cramping can be concerning- but it’s actually a sign that your baby has properly implanted into your uterine lining. If you experience particularly painful cramps, however, you should contact you, doctor, ASAP.
Mood swings
Mood swings happen because of your rapidly changing hormone levels. After the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, your hormone levels should even out a bit.
Fatigue
It’s no wonder that you might be feeling this particular symptom! Your body has new life forming within it-and it’s a process that will definitely sap some of your energy. This is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms.
Sore Breasts
This symptom is also due to the increase in progesterone in your body. The breast tenderness usually eases off by the second trimester.
Next Steps for your pregnancy
Once you know you are pregnant, you should contact your GP. They will set you up with appointments with a midwife to give you any expert advice you may need and book you in for pregnancy care appointments.
You should also consult your GP about any medication (particularly medication used to treat mental health conditions) you are currently taking to see if it’s safe to carry on doing so during your pregnancy.
Follow Carla on her Pregnancy Journey
Join Carla, MyBump2Baby’s founder, on her pregnancy journey, where she shares her real experience week-by-week throughout her pregnancy.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
The day you learned that you were going to be a parent was likely the best day of your life. There have been plenty of positives so far, be nothing can really top that. There will have been a few ups and downs along the way, but the overall feeling is one of love and happiness. The chances are that you’ve felt pretty shaky and nervous over the past few months, and that’s totally fine. Every single parent-to-be questions themselves and wonders if they’ll be able to handle this kind of job.
Leading up to the birth of your child, your job is to make sure that you’re prepared in all ways. If you have everything covered, then it’s going to make the job a whole lot easier. One of the main things you need to do, as the mother and the person carrying the child, is to prepare yourself mentally. If you aren’t in the right frame of mind, then things will be a little awkward from the get-go. Fortunately, getting into the right headspace doesn’t have to be all that tricky. Here are some things you can do:
Keep Yourselves Educated And Updated On What To Do
If you and your partner know what you’re doing leading up to the big day, then it’s going to put the pair of you at ease. We all fear the unknown and we all become confused when we have to deal with things that are completely out of our control. If you read up on what to do and attend your prenatal classes, then you’ll be a lot more educated on what your role is and how to make things simpler. Knowledge is power, remember? You’ll even be able to support a pregnant friend in the future with the experience you’ll gain from this.
Keep To A Routine
If you have a solid routine, then you’ll know what you’re doing most days. A lot of people don’t like getting into routines because they feel as though they may become a little stuck in it. When you have the responsibility of a baby to look after, however, it’s good to have a solid system. When you have weeks and months leading up to labor, a routine and a scheduled set of tasks make sense. You’ll want to make the entire build-up as easy as possible.
Be Prepared For Any Eventuality
If every single base is covered, then you’ll feel a lot better. You have to account for even the negatives that might come your way. For instance, something as awkward as birth injury attorneys will need to be dealt with – it’s surprisingly common for malpractice to take place during this ordeal. If you literally cover every eventuality, then things will be a lot nicer on the mind.
Stay As Physically Healthy As Possible
In order to stay mentally positive, you’ll have to keep physically happy, too. You can’t really have one without the other, unfortunately. So, grab some energizing meals and keep as active as you can. The mind will be a lot better and more prepared if the body also is.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mentally-prepare-for-birth-of-baby.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-04-01 15:22:572021-04-01 15:23:534 Ways To Mentally Prepare For The Birth Of Your Baby
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
If you’re nearing your due date- or perhaps you’ve passed it- then you’re probably looking for ways to naturally induce labour. You’re most likely wondering: Will sex help to nudge my baby along its way to entering the world? Is sexual intercourse safe during late pregnancy? Read on to find out.
Does sexual intercourse induce labour?
When women have orgasms, it causes uterine contractions. These contractions are thought to, potentially, help bring along labour.
Not only that, but human semen is a natural source of prostaglandins (or fatty acids that act like hormones). When the semen is released into the vagina during intercourse, it is thought to help thin and soften the uterus due to the prostaglandins.
Whilst people believe that sex induces labor for those reasons, there simply isn’t enough research behind it and most studies have been inconclusive.
Is it safe to have sex during the last weeks of pregnancy?
It is safe to have sexual intercourse during the last weeks of pregnancy, just so long as you don’t have any placenta problems, or aren’t at high risk of having pre-term labor. So, if you’re wanting to perform the “bedroom dance”, and have the all-clear from your mid-wife, go for it!
When can sex induce labor?
Any studies that support the hypothesis that sexual intercourse can induce labour, show that it only works if you are either full-term (39 weeks), or past full-term (up to 42 weeks). If your body isn’t ready for labour, however, sex won’t necessarily get you going.
What are other natural ways to induce labor?
Castor oil
Castor oil is one of the most frequently chosen ways to naturally induce labour. Castor oil is a natural laxative, so causes uterine contractions. The contractions usually as a result of an upset stomach or diarrhoea though, not labour. Studies show that women who took castor oil were not any more likely to go into labour than those who did. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness, some health professionals do recommend castor oil and many people swear by it.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is said to help soften and efface (or thin out) the cervix and reduce labour time. It can be taken orally or inserted vaginally. There aren’t many studies that support the effectiveness of Evening Primrose Oil to induce labour, but there are plenty of women who credit their easier births to evening primrose oil and many believe that it helps to prevent vaginal tearing. Evening Primrose Oil can act as a blood thinner so it’s important to consult your midwife before taking it.
Raspberry leaf tea
This herbal drink is said to reduce labour time and strengthen your uterine walls. It is also commonly used in the first trimester to help relieve nausea/vomitting. Some evidence also shows that there were a reduced amount of complications for those who drank raspberry leaf tea during the last 8 weeks of pregnancy. It does, however, have laxative properties. It is important to consult with your doctor before using this herbal remedy. If spotting occurs in the second or third trimester, you should discontinue use.
Exercise
Exercise is highly recommended during pregnancy. It can improve your mood, reduce anxiety and give you better sleep. Being upright is said to help move the baby down to your cervix, so walking more is a good idea. There are many exercise routines online that are meant to induce labour but there is no concrete evidence behind it.
Nipple Stimulation
This is an effective way to induce labour and has scientific evidence to support it. Rolling or rubbing your nipples helps your body to release oxytocin and causes uterine contractions. Nipple stimulation simulates breastfeeding, so is meant to “trick” your body into labour induction.
Acupunctures
Acupuncture is a Chinese method that has been used for thousands of years. People believe that acupuncture can induce labour by targetting certain areas. Research shows that the main benefit of acupuncture is cervical ripening.
Spicy food
Much like Castor Oil, spicy foods can cause uterine contractions (by irritating the intestines and causing diarrhoea). These contractions are believed to help speed labour along for women who are already dilated. There is no concrete evidence backing up this claim, though.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/can-sex-bring-on-labour.png6301200Louise McCamilyhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngLouise McCamily2021-04-01 15:20:552021-04-01 15:20:55Can Sex Bring on Labour? | And other Ways to Naturally Induce Labour
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, this means at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through them.
Finding the perfect name for your daughter can seem like an impossible task, after all, it’s the name that your little bundle of joy shall be called by everybody for the rest of their life. This page is perfect for those undecided parents out there who are struggling to find the name that’s the perfect match for their little one.
Here are MyBump2Baby’s top 1287 baby girl names;
Most Popular Baby Girl Names 2021 (In no particular order)
Olivia
Emma
Sophia
Layla
Adalyn
Savannah
Addison
Autumn
Isabella
Blake
Jane
Felicia
Iris
Bella
Darcie
Madison
Imogen
Willow
Penelope
Emily
Callie
Elena
Paisley
Madelyn
Emilia
Valentina
Elizabeth
Violet
Juliet
Evelyn
Stella
Hope
Eloise
Claire
Josie
Allison
Serenity
Sadie
Amaya
Georgia
Adeline
Victoria
Caroline
Diana
Charlotte
Amelia
Kamala
Aaliyah
Ariana
Camila
Gianna
Jill
Scarlett
Hailey
Selena
Aurora
Jasmine
Eleanor
Jessica
Skylar
Unique Baby Girl Names
61. Marine
62. Solstice
63. Lunar
64. Lilac
65. Willow
66. Payton
67. Khloe
68. Nova
69. Willow
70. Willa
71. Maizie
72. Penelope
73. Violet
74. Luna
75. Aspen
76. Bronte
77. Linnett
78. Chloe
79. Cora
80. Zooey
81. Blakely
82. Winter
83. Aria
84. Nebula
85. Petal
86. Bay
87. Bee
88. Fleur
89. Blue
90. Banks
91. Tilda
92. Astra
93. Aphrodite
94. Nell
95. Clio
96. Suki
97. Romilly
98. Celestine
99. Thisbe
100. Trixie
Old but Gold Baby Girl Names
101. Nora
102. Yvonne
103. Penelope
104. Sadie
105. Rosaline
106. Eliza
107. Heidi
108. Bethany
109. Judith
110. Phobe
111. Rebecca
112. Tabitha
Popular Unisex Baby Names
113. Amari
114. Angel
115. Hayden
116. August
117. Peyton
118. Journey
119. Taylor
120. River
121. Sawyer
122. Rowan
123. Finley
124. Eden
125. Blake
126. Devon
127. Avery
128. Elliot
129. Elliott
130. Addison
131. Dana
132. Brett
133. Finley
134. August
135. Dakota
136. Adrian
137. Aiden
138. Emerson
139. Frankie
140. Ashton
141. Hunter
142. Jayden
143. Jody
144. Riley
145. Kai
146. Justice
147. Kelsey
148. Lennon
149. Kieran
150. Leslie
151. Morgan
152. London
153. Oakley
154. Nevada
155. Paris
156. Noel
157. Mickey
158. Montana
159. Quinn
160. Presley
161. Rain
162. Shannon
163. Reegan
164. Shawn
165. Rowan
166. Rory
167. Sasha
168. Tatum
169. Sydney
170. Shiloh
171. Tanner
172. Welsey
173. Tony
174. Winter
175. Storm
Biblical Baby Girl Names
176. Abiah
Meaning: God is my father
Origin: Hebrew
177. Abigail
Meaning: Father’s rejoice
Origin: Hebrew
178. Adah
Meaning: Father of dew
Origin: Hebrew
179. Adah
Meaning: Adornment
Origin: Hebrew
180. Adriel
Meaning: Congregation of God
Origin: Hebrew
181. Angela
Meaning: Messenger of God (Angel)
Origin: Greek
182. Anna
Meaning: Grace. Associated with the Virgin Mary’s mother, Saint Anne.
Origin: Hebrew
183. Eden
Meaning: From the Garden of Eden- paradise.
Origin: Hebrew
184. Bethel
Meaning: House of God
Origin: Hebrew
185. Keziah
Meaning: Cassia tree
Origin: Hebrew
186: Junia
Meaning: Queen of Heaven
Origin: Latin
187. Joanna
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Latin
188. Elisha
Meaning: God is salvation
Origin: Hebrew
189. Talia
Meaning: One of the ten angels who attended the sun on its daily course.
Origin: Hebrew
190. Zina
Meaning: Guest, stranger
Origin: Greek
Meaningful Baby Girl Names
191. Amalia
This is a beautiful name for a baby girl which means “hard working”.
Origin: German
192. Adira
This wonderful name, Adira, means “Strong, noble or powerful”.
Origin: Hebrew
193. Blythe
This uncommon yet stylish name means “Happy or care free”.
Origin: English.
194. Caroline
This elegant baby girl name means “free man”.
Origin: French
195. Claire
This name’s meaning is “clear or bright”.
Origin: French
196. Diana
This gorgeous, under-used name is associated with the brave Roman Goddess of the moon and hunt. This name’s meaning is “divine”.
Origin: Latin
197. Eudora
The name, Eudora, means “generous gift”. It is the name of one of five minor goddesses of Greek mythology.
Origin: Greek
198. Grace
The name Grace means “Grace or elegance”. It is an English name, derived from the Latin “Gratia” meaning “God’s
favour”.
199. Helena
The meaning of this name is “bright, shining light”.
Origin: Greek
200. Isadora
This beautiful baby girl name means “gift of Isis”. This name has a couple of unique variations: Isodora and Iseadora.
Origin: Greek
201. Juliana
This elegant baby girl name means “youthful” and “sky-father”. Variations of this name are Julianne or Julia.
Origin: Latin
202. Lydia
This adorable name means “Kind spirit” or “kindred spirit”.
Origin: Greek.
203. Naomi
The meaning of this baby girl name is “pleasant”.
Origin: Hebrew
204. Portia
This gorgeous baby girl name means “gateway”. It is the perfect name for a role model.
Origin: Latin
205. Sophia
This pretty girl’s name means “wisdom” and “skill”.
Origin: Greek
206. Violetta
This very feminine girl name means “purple”.
Origin: Italian
207. Zara
This precious baby girl name means “princess; to blossom”.
We asked mybump2baby mums how they picked their baby names;
Claire “picking baby names was the hardest decision I had to make, I didn’t know the gender so i had to pick a baby name for both sexes, girl names and baby boy names and it was so hard. I went on various sites and every time I got my perfect names someone would tell me something crude about someone they know with that name and it was back to the drawing board again.”
Emma “When it came to baby names for girls i found it an absolute minefield. I narrowed it down to a flower name in the end for my daughter. I was conscious that i didn’t want my children to have rhyming names so i did have to think carefully about my future child too. My daughter ended up with the name Lillie rose and now i am back on mybump2baby searching for another baby name for my next daughter.”
Ollie “Picking a baby name for our daughter was the most stressful task, it started out fun but then my wife and i could not agree, every time we did we would hear someone shout their pet by that name or we would remember someone who had the same name who put us off, we decided that a greek name from the list would be best as I have greek blood and it was the place my father was born. I did like the idea of having something to do with our parents in both our children’s names”
Amy “Picking a baby name for your baby is probably one of the hardest decisions when it comes to having a baby. We could not agree on a name until our little girl was born. The experience of picking a girls name was stressful, we couldn’t agree on one for ages. We spent many a night going from list to list. We decided it was best to wait until after the birth and then we could see what she looked like, we ended up picking a family name and we registered it on her birth certificate.
Hi, I’m Louise- mum of one to a little boy called Mason.
I am the Digital Marketing and Admin Assistant for MyBump2Baby.
I enjoy working to provide excellent service to MyBump2Baby’s growing families.
Nice to meet you!
Disclosure: this article may contain affiliate links which means, at no cost to you if you click to purchase through one, we may earn a small commision.
Today we share an article written by expert Sharon Mustard from Easi Birthing about Tokophobia – fear of childbirth. You can view Sharons listing on MyBump2Baby here or head over to her website here.
It is first important to recognise that not all fears around pregnancy and childbirth mean an expectant parent is suffering from tokophobia. Tokophobia is the extreme end of the anxiety continuum in pregnancy and childbirth. Whilst mostly women, it can affect both women and men.
Extreme fear of childbirth can manifest through a number of symptoms including:
· Nightmares
· Difficulty in concentrating on work or on family activities
· Panic attacks or extreme anxiety
· Obsessive, all-consuming thinking about the birth
· Interference with your relationships at home and work
· Avoidance of any information about birth if pregnant
· Interference with daily activities such as sleeping and eating
· Avoidance of pregnancy altogether
A woman who is pregnant and frightened of birth will have recounted her fears to many people. This pre-occupation, rather than relieving tension instead has the effect of turning the screw of anxious expectation. If these people have had traumatic birth experiences, they may feel inclined to empathise with her that they know the ordeal she describes-inadvertently providing evidence to support her fears.
Some reports have found that at least one woman in six is so terrified of giving birth that she induces a miscarriage or avoids becoming pregnant altogether. This can occur even when a baby is desperately wanted. Others, either intentionally or not, find themselves pregnant and living in abject fear of facing the phobic situation at the end of pregnancy.
How common is Tokophobia?
Fear of childbirth is common and more intense in pregnant women who have not had previous experience of childbirth.
Over 20% of pregnant women report fear and 6% describe a fear that is disabling.
Altogether 13% of women who are not pregnant report fear of childbirth sufficient to postpone or avoid pregnancy.
The Birth Trauma Association both acknowledge that following witnessing a traumatic birth, men can also develop tokophobia. Studies have shown that men are more likely to fear for the women’s health than the women themselves.
What are Tokophobes afraid of?
Most commonly women can suffer from:
· a fear of death during delivery
· not being able to trust in the obstetric team
· fear of their own incompetence; women with low self esteem are more likely to suffer tokophobia.
· delivering a physically damaged or congenitally malformed child
· fear of pain
· long labour
· complications
· medical intervention
Women who have suffered childhood sexual abuse or rape fear the experience of childbirth will revisit the distress and helplessness of abuse. Women who have already suffered trauma during childbirth can be afraid of re-traumatisation. A useful, albeit simple, definition for an event to have the ingredients to develop trauma is wherein the perceived threat is greater than the individual’s perceived ability to cope.
· There may be secondary phobias present such as irrational fears of hospitals or of needles.
What causes Tokophobia?
The disorder is generally classified into Primary and Secondary tokophobia:
· Primary tokophobia is the fear of childbirth which pre-dates pregnancy and can start in adolescence and extend well beyond menopause. This can be a result of vicarious learning from others; overhearing an adult telling birth horror stories as a child, the media portrayal of birth, frightening birth videos shown at school when a teenager.
· Secondary tokophobia is due to a previous negative experience regarding traumatic birth, poor obstetric practice or medical attention, postpartum depression or other such upsetting events. Although most typically this is after a ‘traumatic’ delivery, an emergency caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery increases fear of childbirth in a subsequent pregnancy.
Tokophobia could also occur after an obstetrically normal delivery, a miscarraige, a stillbirth, or a termination of pregnancy.
Is it normal to be scared of childbirth?
There is no doubt that childbirth has the potential to be the most amazing, wonderful experience. However it is especially important for tokophobic women to realise that the greatest factor influencing whether it is or not is the person’s own expectations and attitudes.
Sadly, in many contemporary western countries, birth has become seen as a medical condition, as an ordeal.
However in other cultures, childbirth is regarded as a natural, normal event in a woman’s life. The birthing women are given support from other women, and children are often present to witness the event. In this way, birth is celebrated and honoured. Young girls then grow up with the belief system that birth is a positive event and their expectations of childbirth reflect this attitude. As a result, their births are similar to their predecessors; without fear and sometimes without pain. They have a positive expectation of childbirth.
In most western cultures, it is very much the opposite. For many generations we have been told that delivering a baby is many hours of painfully agonizing work, to be faced with fear and trepidation. Our fears about childbirth are part of social conditioning. Whilst some anxieties are to be expected around the unknown quantities of experiences we have never encountered before eg. pregnancy, childbirth and even becoming a parent, the fear continuum is diverse and the fact is that it can have wide-reaching effects on the birthing body, mum, dad, birth partner and baby.
Though changing, antenatal education, which has the potential to empower women to have confidence in their bodies ability to birth naturally, has often also portrayed birth as an event ‘waiting to go wrong’. There is often a strong emphasis on choices of pain control and of possible complications and interventions, an approach which for parents can only serve to rationalise their fear.
Much of the experience of pain in childbirth is the result of an unnatural process of fear, which produces tension and creates tightness and clamping of the muscles. Medium states of hypnosis produce analgesia, amnesia, time distortion; clinical research into the use of hypnobirthing has reported an incidence of 60 to 79% of women using no chemical pain relief whatsoever.
Why is it important to seek help for tokophobia if I am not pregnant?
An untreated profound fear of childbirth can rule the individual’s life decisions-restricting the choices they feel are open to them about their future. Therefore it is highly recommended that you seek help whether you are currently pregnant or not.
Fear or worry has a profound effect on whether the woman blocks becoming pregnant in the first place; consciously or subconsciously. The latter can be the reason behind infertility.
Some women find themselves unable to have relationships with men who want biological children of their own.
Many feel shame at their perceived inadequacy. The loss can be grieved into old age. The psychological impact of this can have far-reaching effects if not treated. Feeling of low self-worth, a loss of belonging and depression can result.
How do I overcome / counteract my fear of giving birth?
It is important to not let your fears control you and your decisions. Extreme fear of natural childbirth can motivate a request for an elective caesarean section, in an attempt at avoidance
of labour and delivery.
Many medical professionals are concerned at the ever-increasing demand for caesarean sections and seek to make sure their patient understands the risks and benefits of the procedure and are able to make informed decisions.
In childbirth, women can actually create the very situation they fear. The anxiety can create a ripple effect that extends to the woman’s body, the baby, her partner. Medical interventions, complications, prolonged labour, increased pain are more likely with women who have a dread of childbirth. So this alone provides a huge incentive to address any fears you may have.
One of my favourite quotes is from an obstetrician Michel Odent who said,
“One cannot help a normal physiological process, the point is not to hinder it.”
· Attending a hypnobirthing course
This can be an effective way to alleviate fears and teach you strategies to empower, rather than feel helpless. For example, at ‘easibirthing and parenting training’, our course is designed to give time to reflect on how you feel about becoming a parent to this baby. You will of course have some normal doubts, but this is about eliminating some worries, and managing others. This course is about placing birth as a central role in your adjustment to becoming a parent (or a parent again). The focus, of course, is about understanding and utilising hypnosis to your best advantage both during the birth and beyond.
Hypnobirthing can utilise self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing methods to prepare a women’s mind and body for birth. It can teach pain management skills and aim to boost confidence so that you manage, rather than fear, childbirth. It is about reaching a state of deep relaxation, maintaining perception of control over the process and developing a positive attitude. It is about changing the expectation of birth. The aim is for previously tokophobic women to go into labour feeling calm, confident and in control.
· Consulting a psychotherapist
Fundamentally sufferers need to be listened to and for their fear to be taken seriously. Sadly, this is often not the case. Suffering in silence remains a reality for many. Very often an individual can feel their fear is be belittled. Women and men need to know that they are not alone, and that expressing their fears does not have to be a ‘taboo’ subject.
Women and their partners should be encouraged to openly talk about their fears, as in many cases these can be allayed. A fear in the open is one which can be acknowledged and then challenged.
A hypno-psychotherapist can address her sense of control in making positive, informed choices; whilst remaining realistic about her sphere of control. The latter will lessen the chances of destructive self-blame beyond the birth. If women and partners haven’t felt empowered during the birth, this will have a knock-on effect.
There is a clear relationship between women’s expectations before delivery and experiences after. So, the expectation of being in control (both self-control and control over what is being done to you) is positively associated with achieving that aim and with higher satisfaction with that delivery.
· Psychotherapeutic treatment for birth trauma
Whenever aspects of a woman’s previous birth experience have been traumatic, her subconscious will be attempting to block the possibility of re-traumatisation. The feelings arising from that need to be neutralised and reframed, to enable her to see it as separate from the next birth. Women being encouraged to have a vaginal birth after caesarean may already be left with a perception that their body has failed them. The woman may be holding anger or guilt from her previous experience which needs to be expressed within therapy. In this manner, the person can lessen or remove the power of the past experience influencing a future one.
· Building a relationship with your midwife and obstetrician
Talking to maternity professionals about your fears can mean you work together towards a common aim of treating tokophobia or indeed preventing it in the first place. Because of the faith women will have in their expert knowledge, birth professionals have ‘prestige suggestion’ defined as “A persuasive message delivered by or attributed to a highly respected or admired source to maximize its credibility”. Research has measured the effect of nursing suggestions to labouring women and recommends that the conversation of the nurses be “controlled carefully for the purpose of advancing the birth process”.
Midwives in Britain are generally very committed to empowering women, but changing language around childbirth is an evolving process.
· Ask friends and family to be sensitive to how you feel about birth
Negative suggestion is of course not confined to birth professionals. Everything a person hears/learns related to birth becomes part of their subconscious learning. We have heard stories from well-meaning friends and family that send shivers up our spines, and so the legacy continues.
One of my clients chose to wear a badge saying “Only positive birth stories please, my baby is listening!”
· Be mindful of your own internal language
If, when pregnant, you remain aware how powerful suggestion can be, you are forewarned and therefore forearmed. If you have negative thoughts, acknowledge they are only thoughts and re-frame the suggestions you are giving to yourself.
· Continually involve your birth partner
During pregnancy, I encourage women to find out how their partner feels about the birth. In an
intense experience such as labour, a woman will tend to assess the world through her partner’s eyes as they are the most familiar ‘anchor’ in the environment. They are therefore integral to the whole process, not simply in the role of coach to the expectant mother.
· When it doesn’t go according to plan; stay calm, confident and in control
Trauma and subsequent tokophobia can result if the person then becomes alarmed as it is not happening exactly as they were told it would. Even in situations where ‘things are not going according to plan’, maintaining CCC is the ideal mental state. Think of each birth as unique-like a fingerprint. The individual differences can be seen as something to cherish. A positive, calm state of mind will help keep a woman’s mind open to options/choices, rather than feeling helplessness.
Post natal benefits of addressing fears
Successful breastfeeding Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, is produced during lactation-even when the mother hears the signal from her hungry baby. During lactation, the endorphins as a built-in reward system encourages the mother to breastfeed. The commonest causes of deficient lactation are worry and fear.
· Enhanced bonding
Positive prenatal, perinatal and postnatal bonding is important for increasing the baby’s sense of security. Emotions cross the placental barrier too.
· Adjustment to parenthood
We talk of the birth of a mother and the birth of a father-a part of your identity and life experience that never existed before. Acknowledge this and see it like a job description that is changing every day! It is okay to be a ‘good enough’ parent. Don’t aim for perfection, it is unobtainable. It is important that women and men feel empowered to deal with the challenges ahead. Tokophobia can have its origins in part due to a traumatic start to parenthood.
The way forward…..
In the western world we have lost connection with the inner wisdom of, what is and always has been, a natural process and instead birth is being seen more and more as a medical procedure. Let’s reclaim what our bodies are capable of. Don’t let your fears rule you, instead show them you are in control!
Sharon Mustard is the founder and director of easibirthing® and parenting at www.easibirthing.com . Sharon has been passionate about supporting women and their partners for over 25 years in using Hypnosis and Psychotherapy for Fertility, Pregnancy, Hypnobirthing , Post Natal Mental Health & Parenting Relationships.
In addition to supporting parents and parents-to-be in face-to-face and online sessions, she has an online training school whereby courses can be completed at your own pace at https://school.easibirthing.com
Sharon also trains counsellors , therapists and related professionals across the world to work in these specialist areas.
As well as being a specialist in hypno-psychotherapy for childbirth, fertility & post natal mental health, Sharon is a Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Life Coach with a full-time practice in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK. Visit her practice at www.mustardtherapy.co.uk
. In 2019 Sharon received the Brookhouse and Biddle award for significant contribution to Psychotherapy.
MyBump2Baby asked other women about their experience of Tokophobia and here is what they had to say;
“Tokophobia has been a fear of mine since i was a small child, I think the trigger for me was a very graphic movie i watched with my mother and i used to have nightmares about it. It is only now as an adult that i actually realise I have a fear of childbirth and only very recently after trying to get pregnant for almost 2 years that I realised this could be stopping me getting pregnant. Of course, after trying for a baby for so long my mental health has taken a battering. I recently spoke with someone about overcoming tokophobia and i was so glad i did, i do feel a lot better – I am yet to get pregnant but i am confident now that my time will come.” Laura 33, Ashford
” After suffering from miscarriages and then having to give birth to my baby, it has traumatised me, it was an awful birth experience and i am terrified to go through it all again. Since my last miscarriage i have struggled to get pregnant and i feel this is due to the previous traumatic birth, I have got my daughter so i think it would be classed as secondary tokophobia. I am keen to work on this and would like to find out more” Amy 28, Warwick
Sharon Mustard is the founder and director of easibirthing® and parenting atwww.easibirthing.com. Sharon has been passionate about supporting women and their partners for over 25 years in using Hypnosis and Psychotherapy for Fertility, Pregnancy, Hypnobirthing , Post Natal Mental Health & Parenting Relationships.
In addition to supporting parents and parents-to-be in face-to-face and online sessions, she has an online training school whereby courses can be completed at your own pace at https://school.easibirthing.com .
Sharon also trains counsellors , therapists and related professionals across the world to work in these specialist areas.
As well as being a specialist in hypno-psychotherapy for childbirth, fertility & post natal mental health, Sharon is a Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Life Coach with a full-time practice in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK. Visit her practice atwww.mustardtherapy.co.uk.In 2019 she received the Brookhouse and Biddle award for contribution to Psychotherapy.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/tokophobia-fear-of-childbirth.png6301200Sharon Mustardhttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngSharon Mustard2021-01-28 14:37:122021-01-28 14:41:40Tokophobia-Fear of Childbirth
Disclosure: this article may contain affiliate links which means, at no cost to you we may earn a small commission if something is purchased through a link.
Baby hiccups in the womb
Baby hiccups in pregnancy is very common and a question and is often asked by expectant mothers however as with most things during pregnancy there are things to be aware of to ensure that the baby hiccups in the womb aren’t a sign of a bigger problem.
Hiccup in the Womb
Fetal movements can be felt from as early at 13 weeks.Hiccups are very similar to kicks however they are more rhythmic and jerky like more of a muscle spasm. A good way to tell the difference between kicking and hiccups is to move around, if you change position your baby may move to a more comfortable position and they may stop kicking or kick in a different way. If it is hiccups the movement won’t change the rhythm of the hiccups and they will continue.
Every Pregnancy is Different
Some expectant mothers feel hiccups during pregnancy several times a day and some mothers don’t at all.
When do babies get hiccups in pregnancy
Hiccups tend to start around month 6 and it is a totally normal reflex and it is very rare that they are cause for concern however in later pregnancy it can be a sign that something is wrong. Later on in pregnancy hiccups can be sign that there could be a cord issue restricting blood and oxygen to your baby. Cord complications and issues can include;
Stillbirth
CO2 build up
Changes to baby’s blood pressure
Brain damage
Changes to heart rate
If you experience your baby is getting hiccups 4 or more times a day, or your babies normal hiccups have changed for example they feel different it is worth getting checked out just to make sure that everything is ok with your health care provider.
It isn’t just the baby that hiccups
It is not only your little one that will be hiccupping. It is very common for expectant mothers to also develop more hiccups during pregnancy. During pregnancy your lungs inhale more than usual (30 – 40% more to be exact) The change in this means that you are more likely to suffer with hiccups during pregnancy.
Will my baby hiccup after birth?
Your babies’ hiccups do not stop after birth, for some babies they get hiccups a lot in their first few months of life. Hiccups will not bother your baby however you may find it uncomfortable to watch the first few times but you soon get used to it. It helps if you burp your baby during and after each feed.
Here are what other MyBump2Baby parents are saying about fetal hiccups
Amy said “my experience of baby hiccups in the uterus was a nightmare, I suffered from the third trimester so to wasn’t all the way through pregnancy thank goodness. I was worried at first because they were so frequent so I thought it was best I went to my GP to get checked, I had another scan and they put my mind at rest. Hiccups during pregnancy can be a bot of a nightmare especially if they occur at night but it is also nice to feel your baby often. I would advice any one with regular fetal hiccups to get everything checked, sometimes it can be a sign of something else so definately best to get it checked”
Sarah said “I did get concerned at how much my little one was hicccuping in the uterus but after getting health information from a friend I decided to go to my midwife and mention it, she didn’t seem concerned but I got another scan in the third trimester, the hiccups continued right the way to my due date and after my baby was born. I did find the hiccups quite soothing as I liked feeling my baby moving round. The doctor said hiccups during pregnancy is quote common.”
Jason “Our baby hiccups in the womb all the time, when we looked in to it it looked like it can be quite common but we decided to get it checked out as it can mean a problem with the umbilical cord. When they checked the umbilical cord, it was fine but it did feel like a relief after as we were very worried. Sometimes you may notice the mum hiccups during pregnancy too, my wife is forever hiccuping at night, so much so I have had to sleep in the spare room.”
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/are-Baby-Hiccups-in-the-Womb-Normal.png6301200Carla Letthttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngCarla Lett2020-12-26 18:37:462021-03-15 11:26:48Are Baby Hiccups in the Womb Normal?
Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.
At MyBump2Baby we love to give parents an honest review of products and services before they hit the purchase button. Having a baby can be an expensive time and it important you know exactly what you are getting for your money.
First Impressions of Chicco Next 2 Me Crib Review
The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside Crib is great for co-sleepers. With safe sleep guidelines stating it’s best for your baby to sleep in their own sleeping place in your room, bedside cribs allow you to be as close to your baby as possible. An impressive feature of the crib is that it can be tilted, providing relief to babies with reflux. The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside crib isn’t particularly suitable for daytime naps, since you’d have the hassle of reattaching to your bed at night time.
What’s in the Chicco Next to Me Crib box?
The crib is in the box. The parts of the crib constitute mesh walls, legs, wheels, a mattress and a carry bag for easy transportation.
Assembly of the Crib
The Chicco Next 2 Me bedside crib comes with well-written and clear instructions, providing a stress-free set-up. It can be set up easily and quickly which is handy if you are staying away from home.
Features of the Chicco Next to Me Crib
The Chicco Next2Me bedside crib allows you to co-sleep with your baby, whilst following the safe sleep guidelines.
The bedside crib comes in neutral colours, making it suitable for either a baby boy or a baby girl.
It has a removable and washable lining to allow parents to easily keep the crib clean and safe for their baby, without the frustration of scrubbing the crib by hand.
The Chicco Next 2 Me Crib attaches to your bed with a zip-down side panel. The mesh upper body of the crib ensures your baby is able to breathe if their face were to come in contact with the sides, and it allows you to easily keep an eye on your little one.
Who is the crib for?
This beside crib is suitable for babies from birth to 9kg (around 6months of age). The crib is a bit bigger than most of its competitors, and whilst it means your baby will be able to fit in the crib for longer.
Can you travel with it?
Yes. The crib comes with a travel bag, to make transporting the crib a breeze.
Dimensions
Open dimensions: 66/81 x 93 x 69 cm
Closed dimensions: 95 x 15 cm
What do MyBump2Baby’s mums think?
“I was looking for a moses basket for my little one that can also be used as a side sleeping crib and travel cot. I loved the idea of co-sleeping but also being able to have my own space and ensure my little baby girl is safe. The great thing about the chicco next2me is the ease of night feeds, I can literally just reach for my little girl when she cries for the night feeds and within a second she is happy and feeding. I had a c section so found it hard to sit up initially but this crib is a lot more friendly for people who have a newborn baby who have recently had a c section. I love the chicco next2me and I am glad we bought this.” Delilah 27
“Having my baby close and co sleeping safely is great for me, i was looking for other bedside cribs and Moses baskets for ages but i wasn’t sure which was best, a few of my friends recommended the chicco next2me as it is like being in the same bed but enables us to sleep safely too. My little boy was a reflux baby and he was hard to settle so having him next to me was much easier, i could just settle him and put him back down where as with my previous child we had a traditional moses basket and it meant that each time he cried i had to get up each time for the night time feeds, it allowed me to get more sleep which was very welcomed. I loved side sleeping and found this really good value with easy access to y baby.” Steph 32
“I was desperate for a traditional moses basket with my first baby but with my second we barely used it and used the travel cot in our bedroom instead, i have always loved the idea of co sleeping but i wanted to co sleep safely rather than putting my little baby in her parents bed. and the chicco next2me crib allowed me to do just that. I did look at other bedside cribs but I have heard incredible things about chicco and i wanted to feel confident that when i bring my tiny baby home my baby slept close to me. I wasn’t keen in putting her in her own room before 6 months” Aimee 25
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
https://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Chicco-next-2-me-crib-review.png6301200Carla Letthttps://www.mybump2baby.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo-MyBump2Baby_transparent-bg-1-1.pngCarla Lett2019-05-10 20:11:422021-05-12 12:39:18Chicco Next 2 Me Crib Review
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