Friday, 29 June 2012

Baby Weavers Baby Carrier!


Thought I would start my many baby product reviews with one of my latest purchases which I'm absolutely in love with. It's the Baby Weavers Baby Carrier bought at Morrisons for £15, you can also purchase this item from Kiddicare and Amazon for the same price.

When I saw the price I have to admit I was a bit sceptical, but for the price I thought I would give it a try, especially as Baby B's car seat is also by Baby Weaver (we can fault it!!). The carrier is suitable from birth (facing you) and up to approx 18months, it comes with a handy dribble cloth and a head and neck support perfect for newborns. It can be used in three positions, baby facing you, baby facing outwards and baby on your back.

Setting up the carrier for the first time did require help from my Other Half, as all the straps needed adjusting to make sure it fit and held Baby B securely. However once all adjusted, putting Baby in out is fairly straight forward and feel comfortable doing it alone (reading reviews on other carriers some sound very tricky trying to use them alone!!).

Although I have only just got this product I'm completely in love with it! It's brilliant when taking the dog for a walk an Baby B was very happy and content and feel straight to sleep!! For £15 this is a great buy, baby feels very secure and it's great quality! I was on the verge of buying a very expensive carrier and I'm so glad I didn't as I really can not fault this product!!!

Would recommend this to anyone!!!

Mummy B xoxox
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Monday, 18 June 2012

Darcie at two weeks

Well it's been just over two weeks since Darcie's grand entrance to the world and I thought I would do a little update!


The first week of Darcie's life I found incredibly difficult. I'm not going to lie! When having a c-section, and an unplanned one at that, you don't realise how little you can actually do!! So whilst trying to get to grips with mummy hood, I also had to deal with being in alot of pain and being pretty immobile which made me feel pretty useless!! Also trying to establish breast feeding was alot more difficult than I imagined! Thank god for the midwives at the hospital who really supported me and now, luckily breast feeding seems a diddle!!

Due to breast feeding not being very easy to establish, Darcie lost about 11oz in five days- normal I'm told, but when your breast feeding it's completely soul destroying and you feel like you have failed as a mother! Though with the help of Jamie I persevered with breast feeding and three days later when she was weighed again she had gained 6oz!!! I was thrilled!!! Currently she is now 6lb 14oz so above her birth weight :)

Recovering from a c-section as I previously said, was very difficult. I think it was more coming to terms with what had happened than the healing process. My scar is healing nicely and the stitches were removed after five days, it's still a little bit tender but on the whole I'm pretty mobile, just need to make sure I don't over do it!!! The only thing that's still of concern is my blood pressure, I'm still being monitored for high blood pressure, it seems to be coming down slowly, but its considerably higher than what it was before my pregnancy. Hopefully it comes down by its self naturally otherwise I will be on meds to control it!

I really am enjoying being a mummy, it's the best feeling in the world!

More updates/reviews to come...

Mummy b xoxox

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Monday, 11 June 2012

Darcie Irene Burgess

Darcie Irene Burgess arrived on the 2nd June 2012 by emergency c-section weighing 6lb 11oz


So as Darcie sleeps, and Daddy is watching the England v France game I thought it was time to tell Darcie's birth story. It has taken me a while to get over what happened, it was very traumatic and not the birth I had in mind (then again, birth plans never go the way you want them to!!)

So lets start from the beginning...

On Friday the 1st June 2012 a Midwife had been scheduled to visit me at home to check my blood pressure, over the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy it was slowly starting to creep up. At 9.40am she arrived and asked how I was feeling, I was completely fine I told her and really looking forward to the Jubilee weekend. She took my blood pressure and went very quite, 145/100 she told me, it had gone up considerably in two days. She called Triage at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and told them she was sending me up there due to high blood pressure. She calmly told us it may be a good idea to take my hospital bag. I looked at Jamie who I could tell was going into his "sensible" mode, I think he knew I would be starting to panic.

Once the Midwife left it was a quick blitz to grab my bag and get Lady (the dog) settled. And then the loooongest car journey ensued. 

When we arrived at Norfolk and Norwich (N&N) we went straight the the Cley Ward and was shown to a bed told to do a wee sample and get comfy. The Midwife came and introduced herself and told me what observations would entail. They were going to monitor my blood pressure, take a wee and blood sample and monitor the baby. We were warned it may be a long day. Everything came back ok bloods were fine, so no sign of pre-eclampsia which was my main worry and baby was happy and content.

Then at around 3pm the doctor came to make a decision on whether or not I could go home, I was of the mind I was going home. She took my file, spoke with the Midwife and then examined my bump. I was already measuring small, and had an ultrasound scheduled for the 8th June to check baby's size. When she measured my she said I was measuring at 33 weeks at that point I was in fact 38+6. So she rang the ultrasound unit and managed to fit me in. I was told to go straight down there and then return with the results. This is were it got scary again. I had no idea that I was measuring THAT small, and was frightened for the safety of baby b.

When I arrived, I was seen straight away, and I got to see my Baby again! Yes she was measuring small, but not as small as the doctor first believed, they estimated her weight to be about 6lb. However the scan did show something else, I had very little fluid, which is probably why I was showing very small. So with the results in had off me and Jamie trotted back to Cley Ward. 

The results were given back to the doctor and she asked one of the Midwifes to do an internal examination. This terrified me as well.... something I knew was eventually going to have to happen... She examined and my cervix were closed and no sign that my waters were leaking. So with that the doctor came back to discuss induction.

WHAT?!?!

"I think it would be best to induce you, I wouldn't want to risk any harm to the baby or you if we leave it any longer". I looked at Jamie and could tell he was secretly excited to meet his little girl. Me on the other hand had herd plenty of horror stories about induction and again the fear kicked in. However the fear of anything happening to my baby greatly outweighed the fear of being induced.

So it was decided that I would go home to relax for the evening and that at 9am on Saturday 2nd June I was to return to be induced.

That night I barely slept. Yes I was scared, but also the excitement of meeting our little girl played on my mind.

SO at 9am we arrived back at the Cley Ward. the Midwife showed me to a bed, and told me she was just going to go over my notes and ring the consultant.  When she returned she told me that due to my complications they were going to move me straight to delivery suite as I would need to be monitored very closely.

We made our way down to the delivery ward and were meet by two lovely midwives (one was a student). They showed me to my room, and made me comfortable and explained what would happen. I was examined to see how "favorable" my cervix were... they were open and i was 1cm dilated!!!! The day before they were closed!!! 

Then the pessary was inserted. Oh my F'ing god... That hurt. "Right, this may take a very long time, it could take as long as 24-72 hours for labour to truly get going, best you go for a walk and have some lunch". So me and Jamie walked down to the cafeteria. Literally 5 mins after this conversation I had my first contraction. 

Whilst at lunch the contractions kept coming, they weren't particularly painful, but they were every 5 mins. I asked Jamie if we could go back. When we did they started to get very painful, my two Midwives that were looking after me shift had ended and they swapped with two other lovely Midwives (again one of them was a student). The student midwife asked if I would like a birthing ball as it may help with the pain. It was great I loved bouncing around! Jamie even cheekily took a picture of me and sent it to my dad. 

That was the last enjoyable moment of my labour!!

At 2pm my contractions were coming strong and fast, I said to Jamie that I don't think I'm going to cope. He was truly amazing throughout, rubbing my back hugging me etc. 

At about 3pm I was asked to go back on the bed so me and baby could be monitored closely. This is when it felt like it was getting too much. They examined me again I was 4cm and my waters were bulging. They said they were going to brake my waters and that the pain was going to get alot worse from here on. I asked for an epidural first. I always wanted to have a natural birth but gas and air was doing nothing, and my contractions were coming every 40 secs. It was just too much. The senior Midwife was also in the room at this point and she said she was going to fetch the doctor and the anesthetist.

 The anethetist came, and did my epidural, it was extremely hard to keep still, I had to tell her each time I was having a contraction, she had a 40 sec window between each contraction to get it done... No wonder it didn't work. At this point I was also given an injection to slow down the contractions and some medication "just incase" I would need a c-section. I then realised the epidural had not worked and the Doctor broke my waters and asked to attach a clip to babys head to monitor her more closely. I agreed. 

The doctor then looked at me and looked at the monitor (I don't remember this, this is coming from Jamie) and hit the alarm. The room filled so quickly. Just like one of them fateful One born every minuet episodes. 

All I can remember is seeing Jamie crying, the pain was so much I didn't know what was happening. Then the senior midwife told me to focus. "Your going to have a c-section, baby is not happy we need to get her out now, kiss Jamie."

Kiss Jamie... was this goodbye?! 

Was my baby going to be ok

What does she mean she is not happy?

All of this was running through my mind as the ran me down the corridor to the theater suite. They got me into theater, and I could see the lights over head of me. "I'm the surgeon, I'm going to make sure you and baby are safe, and soon you will be holding your baby". "I'm now going to put you to sleep, there is no time for a spinal and your epidural failed".

I can feel the iodine being painted on me.

"why am I not asleep" I ask.

"You will be darling".

When I woke I was in a recovery room. "what happened?" "You have just had a baby girl"
"She is ok?" "She is perfect".

The Jamie walked in with Darcie and her placed her on my skin. I have never felt so much love before in all my life. Jamie kissed me, that kiss was the most special kiss I have ever had. We were all safe. We were together. Perfect. 

My first moments with Darcie


It took a few days to get over what had happened. I had missed the first hour of my daughter life, something I would never get back. BUT I HAD my daughter, she was safe and well, and to me all of that nightmare was completely worth it.

Now me and baby are really well, my blood pressure is still being a bit erratic and so I'm being closely monitored to make sure it comes back down, but I'm healing nicely and becoming more mobile everyday. Darcie is breast feeding well and gaining weight, she is slightly jaundice, but its completely normal apparently. 


Daddy and Darcie snuggle time


Will update soon with further progress.

Also keep your eye out for some product reviews coming soon!!!

Mummy B xoxox
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Thursday, 31 May 2012

Food Crave!

I have recently become rather obsessed with Pintrest, and it has given me lots of inspiration in the Kitchen! I'm a sucker for anything banana related and when I saw a recipe for American style banana pancakes I HAD to give them a try.


This was my first attempt at making any American style pancake, I often make regular pancakes which are alot thinner but never tried the thick style of pancakes. The recipe I used was actually really easy and they tasted absolutely fabulous! So if you fancy this banana pancake give this recipe a try.

Makes 12 pancakes

Ingredients

Two cups of all purpose flour
Two teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup of brown sugar
One teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup of milk
One tablespoon vanilla extract
Three large ripe bananas, mashed
Two tablespoons butter, melted 

Method

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix in the milk and add the vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Then add in the mashed banana to the mix. Once these are combined then add the melted butter until the batter is smooth.

Heat a frying pan with a little oil and add some of the mixture to the pan, cook until bubbles form on top and then flip and cook for about a minute or two more. Serve hot with maple syrup or ice cream... YUMMY!

Mummy B xoxox
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Week 38 Update


Didn't feel like a bump photo this week, but here is my fur baby Lady




It has been a strange week, I have in myself felt pretty good, albeit tired but from my latest Midwife appointment there maybe some issues. Safe to say I'm now worrying like mad! Please continue to read to find out more...


Weeks: 38


Total weight gain: I have no idea... I still refuse to jump on them scales... might as well wait till after the birth of my baby girl to see what I have got left to tackle!!!


My body:Still no real stretch marks worth writing about, so have been quite lucky. At my 38 week Midwife appointment some issues did arrise, my blood pressure has gone a little bit high and baby has not grown for two weeks and is still measuring at 35 weeks. As you can imagine the alarm bells started to ring in my head! I'm due another midwife visit tomorrow to check my blood pressure and then next Friday (8th June- two days before my due date) I have been scheduled for a growth scan. So for now I'm left waiting and worrying if baby is ok, I'm sure it is otherwise I would have been taken up alot sooner, but my Midwife did say, depending on what they find they may induce me early or at least wont let me go over 7 days instead of the usual 14. 


Maternity clothes: Nothing new to report, no point buying anything now!


Cravings: Fruit, cant get enough of it in this hot weather!


Baby items bought/received:See my latest haul post. 


Things to look forward to: I guess the 8th of June, and hopefully the scan will come back fine!


Worries: As you can see from this update alot! Worrying whether there is something wrong with baby, or the placenta or cord. But I'm trying my hardest not to worry as I'm sure that is no good for my blood pressure! 


Mummy B xoxox
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Monday, 21 May 2012

Haul 19th May 2012


Hi readers, so on Saturday me and Jamie went into Norwich to do a spot of shopping, and we came back with quite a few things for Baby B which I thought I would share with you. When I left work for maternity leave I was given a £90 gift voucher and so we thought we would buy some bits a bobs for baby!

First stop was at M&Co, Its a shop that I don't honestly ever go in, but my Mum said that they used to do lovely kiddies clothing so I thought I would go take a peak. And, as ever, my Mum was right (Mummys know best, don't ya know?!), I got the Butterfly T-shirt, Coral Jeggings, Butterfly Jacket, Summer Dress and Linen Trousers and Set of Three Colorful Tops all for about £40. I'm in love  with them, I'm a sucker for summer brights like Coral. 

Next we went to Boots and they had a 3 for 2 offer on across all baby products (this offer ends on the 27th May 2012, but I know they do this quite a few times a year). I spent ages looking at the clothes, I love their range, but Baby B has lots of clothes so I just got a set of three vests and a short sleeve suit. I also then saw the bath seat and realised I hadn't got anything for bath time for baby (not even a baby bath!!) I thought that this seat would be perfect as it supports baby and allows you to be able to bathe baby without worrying!

Lastly on the Baby shopping spree, we popped into Mothercare, I was on a mission to find a nursing bra, and Mothercare had some really nice comfy looking ones (without looking to blah) I got a set of two for £32 which wasn't bad, they did have some cheaper ones which I would of gone for, but they didn't have my size! Once I had sorted the Bra situation out, we went hunting for a toy for Baby B's Pushchair (Quinny Buzz3) and we found a nice red buggy thing! There was tons of lovely toys we could of got, but having a red pushchair we couldn't have any clashing colour's! (hehe) Lastly when we were queuing for the till, I saw a basic set with Hat, Scratch Mits, Bibs, Vest and Sleep suit. It was nice and cheap and thought why not!

Mummy B xoxox
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Friday, 18 May 2012

What's in my Hospital Bag?

Well its not long now till D Day, and last week I packed my Hospital bag so I am ready and rearing to go! I have actually got two bags, one for me and one for Baby B.


The one on the left (dark purpley spotty one) is mine and the one on the right is Baby B's changing bag. My Hospital bag was a bargain at £5 from a local show shop in Norwich and Baby B's I got from Kiddicare warehouse (I can't see it available online) and is by Rosebud London and is the Messenger bag "Family Tree" and was £45. I will do a review of this product once I have had some use out of it!

So what is in the Bags...


In my bag there is...

6 Black "granny" panties from Primark 
Maternity pads from Kiddicare 
Two Nightshirts (one for labour one for after) from Primark
Bikini (I hope for a water birth) 
Two old t-shirts
Going home outfit for me, leggings, long top and cardigan.
Nursing Bra
Nipple Cream
Breast Pads
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Shampoo and Conditioner and Dry Shampoo
Body Spray
Shower Gel
Face Wipes
Lip Balm
Kindle
Camera
Phone Charger
I also need to add my make up and maternity notes.

In Baby B's bag

Nappies x10
Three Newborn Size Vests
Three 0-3 Size Vests
Going Home Outfit 
Two Muslin Squares
Swaddle Me Blanket
Hat
Scratch Mittens
Booties
Cotton Wool
Blanket
Teddy
Two Dummies

I will make sure when I write my birth story I will include what I used from my bag and what perhaps I missed! I do also plan to add food and drink to my bag, but have not been food shopping yet!! I hope this is helpful, as I was really struggling as to what to pack! If anyone has any other ideas please let me know in the comments!

Mummy B xoxox
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Tuesday, 15 May 2012

My Baby Shower 29th April 2012

On the morning of 29th April 2012, my Mum came round to take me out shopping in Norwich. I was not feeling too good but she was very insistent... little did I know what they were up to! So off we trot to Norwich... By about 1pm I had had enough and really wanted to go home, but Mother (on her phone all morning texting) kept stalling...

Eventually by 3pm I made it home....


When I walked in to my house I was greeted by my dining room table covered in food but no one in the room... the living room door was shut and I slowly opened the door and my living room was filled with close female friends and family!!!!! I must of had a huge grin on my face, it was lovely to see so many people!!!

After saying hello to everyone I was told to take a seat and wear my sash...


And now was time for some Baby Shower games!!! Now in England Baby Showers are a relativity new thing, and are not as popular as they are in America. So I really did not have a clue what to expect but my friends and Jamie (other half) pulled it off superbly!! 


The first game we played was to guess the baby game, almost everyone brought a picture of themselves and then we had to try and guess who is who... I think I only got 4 right!!! Shameful!!!


The next game we played was also a lot of fun... My friends had placed different food in the nappies and we had to guess what they were.... again I did not do so well!!!

After this we decided to get some food, and then moved onto a quiz which was to see who knew the most about the Mum To Be.... Again a lot fun and laughs were had!


After more games, Jamie returned home and it was time to open presents!! And we both really was not expecting anything, but we had some fantastic and thoughtful gifts from everyone!!


Among the many gorgeous clothes we received we also got, foot printing kit, books, nappies, toys, a memories box, a Hamleys Teddy Bear... the list goes on!


I had a truly wonderful day, a special thanks to my friends Lu, Lou and Chloe, my other half Jamie and my Mum who managed to pull this amazing day together, will treasure the memories always!!!

So readers, what do you think of Baby Showers? Whats your experience?? 

Mummy B xoxox
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