Hello!
Today, I want to share my heartfelt journey of self-care during my challenging second pregnancy. I am the founder and director of Bubba & Me but also the proud parent to my spirited three-year-old daughter, Delilah. With a high risk of preterm labor, placenta previa, and enduring the relentless grip of hyperemesis for the first 14 weeks, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride so far.
Pregnancy's Unpredictable Path
When I found out I was pregnant for the second time, my heart was filled with joy and excitement. The prospect of Delilah becoming a big sister filled our home with warmth. Little did I know, this journey would be different from my first pregnancy.
My pregnancy began with a storm, as hyperemesis threw me into a whirlwind of relentless nausea and vomiting. At times, I felt like I was barely holding on. The simplest tasks became monumental feats, and I questioned how I would ever make it through the day.
Navigating the Rough Seas
As a business owner and a parent, I was no stranger to juggling responsibilities, but this pregnancy took its toll on me. Balancing work and family life became an even greater challenge. It was essential to find a way to care for myself amidst the chaos and most importantly, to reflect on my priorities.
Seeking Support
I realised that asking for help was not a sign of weakness but a testament to my strength. My partner, family, and friends stepped in to offer their support, and it made a world of difference. My mother has been a wonderful support and has kindly stepped in to help me run and coordinate the business during this time. Don't hesitate to lean on your loved ones when you need it.
Prioritising Rest
I learned that rest was my lifeline. I had to let go of the idea that I could do it all and make sleep a priority. Whenever Delilah napped or went to bed early, I took the opportunity to rest and recharge. My husband would often find me in bed with our daughter at 7pm.
Mindful Eating
With hyperemesis, eating was a battle. But I discovered that small, frequent meals and ginger tea helped ease my nausea. It's vital to nourish your body, even when it feels impossible. During the peak nausea, I relied heavily upon my go-to smoothie of Avocado & Lime from Momentum cafe, near our shop. The sourness of the limes were refreshing and soothing to me plus the healthy fats and fiber of the avocado meant I was getting something nutritious into my body.
Connecting with Professionals
My healthcare team became my guiding light. Regular check-ups, monitoring for placenta previa, and addressing my preterm labor risk gave me a sense of control in a tumultuous situation. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns to your healthcare provider - they are there to support you. That being said, I know that I am very fortunate to have the wonderful Bubba & Me community around me. We work with some incredible specialists and having them as a point of contact has been wonderfully reassuring.
Embracing Self-Care
In the midst of the storm, I realised that taking care of myself was not a luxury; it was a necessity. Here's how I embraced self-care during this challenging pregnancy:
Daily Affirmations
I started each day with positive affirmations. Reminding myself that I was strong, capable, and deserving of a healthy pregnancy.
Pampering Moments
Occasionally, I treated myself to little moments of pampering. Whether it was simply sitting outside and feeling the sun on my face, , these small gestures helped me recharge.
Connecting with Delilah
Spending quality time with Delilah was not only a source of joy but also a reminder of why I was enduring these challenges. Her laughter and love were my greatest motivation.
As I navigate through the storms of my second pregnancy, I've come to appreciate the importance of self-care more than ever. Pregnancy, especially with complications, can be a physically and emotionally taxing journey, but it's also a beautiful and transformative one.
Remember, it's okay to put yourself first sometimes. Seek support, prioritise rest, and embrace self-care in whatever form it takes for you.