Over The Half Way Line

So today marks my 21st week, wow I'm over half way !!! I feel like we should have so much more sorted and planned but truth be told, we have done nothing as of yet. I say nothing, but I have brought some newborn plain white sleepsuits & vests and some cute rompers from H & M. But other than that, nothing !! We have also done nothing to prepare the house yet, we have a spare room and I feel like other women around this time start on their nursery, however we are going to wait a little longer otherwise if its sat there ready I think that it will make the second half of the pregnancy drag. I will however, starting today start sorting through drawers and cupboards and getting rid of any crap, I feel like we have at least 3 drawers in our house that just have accumulated shit in. I guess this is called the nesting period for a reason. 

Hypnobirthing Explained

If you had asked me a few years ago what my dream birth plan would be, I would of said " I plan to feel nothing",  meaning give me everything, epidural, drugs, gas & air the lot.  How differently I answer that now. Around this time in pregnancy I've began to briefly think about how and where I want to labour. I don't know all that much about labour, but what I do know is that I want to fully experience it and be completely present. Therefore, the most natural and drug free birth seems to be the most appropriate for me. I've been listening to an audiobook throughout my pregnancy called "The Mama Natural - week by week guide to pregnancy & childbirth" by Genevieve Howland. I've gained a lot more knowledge on natural health remedies for pregnancy, healthy food recipes , appropriate exercising and also different 'natural' birthing techniques. I say 'natural' like that because I really think however you give birth its the most natural thing ever, so Id rather say no/minimal intervention births. The more I've researched and read, the more I know that Labour Ward medical birthing isn't for me, I'm not a hippie by any means but I want to be as relaxed as possible and I think, personally I will stress less in a Birthing Centre with the option to move around and use the birthing pool if I wish. So, if all goes to the Birthing Centre is my 1st option. I've seen and heard the word Hypnobirthing be used loads but need really known what it was. So when I found myself googling it I came to realise its pretty much what I've been thinking about for my labour plans. Before anyone starts freaking out at the hippie dippie name that it comes with ,I assure you its just labour back to basics. I came across this post by Nicki from Mamacan Hyponobirthing and thought I'd share as it explains it perfectly. 

First Kicks

I'm now just over 20 weeks pregnant and what a brilliant experience it has been so far. But my favourite moment was when I first felt a solid little kick. I started feeling Baby O move at around 16 weeks, almost bubble like while s/he was twisting and turning in my belly. However, I can easily differentiate and  remember the exact moment when I felt baby's first kick. I was laying in bed with my hand on my belly listening to some relaxing music almost drifting off to sleep when suddenly this thud on the palm of my hand, it actually made me jump. I was so shocked initially by it that I rolled onto my side, closed my eyes and tried to sleep lol. I couldn't believe that I had felt baby actually kick that hard so early on in my pregnancy, as this was 18 weeks. My husband was away working , so I was alone in our house and was busting to tell someone, so I think I told the dog the next morning lol, as well as texting my husband and sister. Its such an amazing blessing to be able to feel my baby moving around and kicking everyday now, its just nice to know its still there :)

Pregnancy Facial

So while being pregnant I noticed a change in my skin. Not only am I more prone to breakouts but after the spot clears its leaving a faint red scar that I can't seem to shift. How annoying. I think this is because my skin is just more sensitive and basically taking longer to heal.

Not ideal!

However, I did some research and to minimise these breakouts I decided to have a pregnancy facial. Which is basically a deep cleanse to clear all your pores and hydrate your skin as well as being thoroughly relaxing. Because of the limitation of pregnancy friendly products it important to see a professional that has knowledge of pregnancy facials.

Baby Essential Boxes

My sister had a beautiful baby girl last July, I watched her adapt into motherhood so well and so I'm extremely lucky that I can learn from her and steal all her good tips and tricks. The main one being her baby boxes around the house for nappy changing, so she can change Nellie-Rose quickly and stress free wherever in the house she is. I've taken this idea and expanded it slightly further.

Dog & Baby

So admittedly I already have a baby, well a fur baby. Winston, our blue french bulldog is going to be 5 years old just before my due date.

Boy or Girl ?

So today we had our 20 week scan and found out the sex of our baby ... It's a ...