What Are You Looking Forward to Most After Your Baby Is Born

So here we are at 40 weeks pregnant and there is still no sign of my little one just yet.  He's obviously very comfortable and loves where he is right now.  It's crazy to think that we are almost at the end of this amazing journey, literally he could turn up any day now.  I'm really hoping to go into labour naturally though and avoid an induction.  I know that if medically required I have no choice, but something about the medics almost choosing a date when he's going to be born doesn't sit well with me.  I'd rather that he came on his own terms with no medical intervention needed.

Over the past few weeks my bump has been tightening up like a fist, which I think maybe practice contractions. These are really irregular and they're not painful at all.  Attempting to go into labour naturally has meant that I've tested out old-wives tails like eating spicy food and drinking raspberry tea.  Later in the week I think I'm going to get my electric breast pump out as this is supposed to stimulate the release of oxytocin which causes the uterus to contract.  To be honest, he's not that late yet and I think it's just the anticipation and excitement that wants me to go into labour – I know he'll show his little face soon.  Either way, induction or no induction I know that in less than 2 weeks time my baby boy will be here.

I'm still feeling well and my energy levels and sleeping patterns are good at the moment.  He's sitting lower and squashing my bladder, which means lots of trips to the toilet to pee.  Now that we are so close to his arrival I've taken an extra nap in the day when I can – everyone keeps telling me to conserve my energy for all that pushing!  I took a step back with the exercise last week and went for walks only, but this week I've actually been going to the gym with my usual walks mixed in.  This is something that I judge day by day and like always I just do what I can and don't push myself, it's all about keeping my body moving. I've noticed that if I do sit for too long that's when my legs get achy for a short while.

As weird as it sounds, I think labour is almost the ideal way of introducing a woman to mamahood.  It teaches us that although there are going to be tough times there will also be beautiful times like the arrival of a little bundle of joy.  After going through an incredible journey of growing a small human to then go through the intensity of labour and to be greeted by a beautiful gift at the end sums up becoming a mother perfectly.  I know that life as a new mum is going to be tough and without its challenges just like labour, but it's also full of joy and happiness as a result of delivering a little miracle.  I can imagine that the hard times that come with being a mother are overshadowed by the wonderful times and memories made with your baby.  I've been thinking about this a lot, especially what I'm most looking forward to about being a new mama:

Mama and baby days out

Over the past few weeks I've found some great mother and baby groups local to us that all sound lovely.  My active antenatal classes run a follow-up baby massage course that I'm going to pop along to and I've also found a mother and baby yoga class.  I think mother and baby groups are a great way to meet other new mums, luckily there is a group in my village that meet every Tuesday morning so I will definitely be going to that.  Also, I've spotted a baby swimming class aptly named Waterbabies, which sounds pretty good.  The breastfeeding course that I went to run a breastfeeding cafe that I may try where you get to chat with other mums and pick up breastfeeding tips too.  Walks in the park, shopping and meeting up with friends with my bambino is going to be so much fun.

Breastfeeding

During my pregnancy updates I've mentioned a few times how determined I am to breastfeed.  I knew that I wanted to be a breastfeeding mama before I even got pregnant.  Not only is there the amazing natural health benefits of breastfeeding for the baby, but also the great bond that it creates between mother and child.  It looks like such an amazing experience and I'm really hoping that we can get established in the breastfeeding department and all goes to plan.  I'm planning on expressing to keep my milk supply up and so that we have a stash in the freezer for a rainy day. It will also mean that Alfie will be able to help out with the feeds too.

Baby firsts and milestones

If nothing else, I cannot wait to see my little one develop and see his personality shine through as he grows.  There is going to be so many baby milestones, especially in his first year from his first laugh, word, tooth and steps.  I'm so excited that we're going to be able to nurture him and share these new experiences with him as his parents.

Taking lots of cute baby and family pictures

Capturing special moments on film is one of my favourite things to do.  I love looking back at photographs and being reminded of special memories.  Babies change every day and you bet I will be there armed with my camera to capture these changes.  OK, perhaps not everyday but I'm sure you get my drift.

Becoming a family of three and lots of quality time together

Alfie and I have been together for nearly 10 years and he felt like my family even before we got married nearly 2 years ago.  Our family has been just us two for so long that we are so excited about our new addition and spending lots of quality time with him. Spending time with my new family and caring for my little one is going to be my number one priority. This will mean that my posting schedule on the blog will become sporadic whilst we get settled, but please bear with me. 🙂

There is so much that I'm going to miss about being pregnant, my bump for one, but equally I know there is so much that I have to look forward to as a new mama. Being responsible for someone is a very daunting prospect, but I know that there are billions of new mums before me who are doing a wonderful job and that is reassuring.  It's an amazing privilege to be a mother and care for a beautiful baby and I'm so excited for this new adventure.

How were you feeling when you reached this stage in your pregnancy?  Did you try any of the old-wives tales to help induce labour?

What do you think you will look forward to the most about being a new mum?

What Are You Looking Forward to Most After Your Baby Is Born

Source: https://drjemma.co.uk/what-im-most-looking-forward-to-about-being-a-new-mum-40-weeks/