Mammy Poppins

I can't even wee in peace...

2016-11-16T13:58:00.001-08:00

I can't even wee in peace and I'm expected to exercise?!

You've got to be kidding right?

If I can't even go to the toilet without a mini-me attached to my legs, then how on earth can I find time to exercise?!

Before becoming a Mammy, I used to be able to exercise whenever I wanted! Then little Jimmy arrived and I couldn't do anything without him attached to my boobs feeding, wanting to be held constantly, or continually pulling my legs - my little ankle ankle biter!

My body cries out for me to exercise and I crave the endorphins that it creates, especially being so sleep deprived at times, this really does boost us and helps our brains to function.

Like many of us, especially working Mammies, long exercise sessions or gym classes are simply out of the question! And that's not even mentioning the cost when you're on maternity leave pay! Who has got spare cash for gym membership! Long exercise sessions are never a favourite of mine anyway - so quick, intensive sessions really are the only way forward to keep us toned, fit and in shape, especially when the abundance of time is NOT on our hands!

High intensity shorter work outs are the most effective for weight loss, gaining tone/muscle and keeping a strong body and a strong mind.

Benefits of Short, Intensive, Heavy (for the individual) Sessions...

Improves Strength & Increases muscle growth - no you're not going to look like a man or look like a female body builder - all of the above just means TONED and NO WOBBLY BITS. Cardio encourages muscle LOSS (less toned bits)

Boosts fat loss - your metabolic rate will be through the roof even up to 24 hours after you've stopped exercising! INCHES WILL BE LOST in this process.

Limited equipment necessary - a kettle bell will suffice to be strong and gain muscle tone.

Increase your HGH (human growth hormone) - HGH is fabulous, not only does it increase your fat burn, but it slows down the ageing process both internally & externally! Win Win!

This is what our bodies are designed to do! Think cave man activities not slogging hours and hours at the gym activities. You would never try to out run an antelope, you would stalk, sprint and throw a heavy object.

Better use of your time - These types of work outs are actually manageable to fit in 2-3 times a week when you have other commitments. Think lunch break, nap times or even get the kids involved too!

You won't become bored - every session is different so you don't have to ever repeat a work out!

But I haven't got a home gym? Where will I do such work outs?

It really doesn't matter if you don't have equipment - Thankfully, I have a kettle bell at home which is a great piece of kit for training and without breaking the bank! Although, you may break your back training with one! *jokes*
You can pick up inexpensive kettle bells from most supermarkets these days, in a variety of weights to suit your ability.

I've been lucky enough to have some expert guidance on creating this blog post and have collaborated with Justin Lord from THE LIFE LAB (insta @the.life.lab) and Emma from Crossfit Llanelli (insta - @crossfitllanelli).

Now that I am back working, I am happy to be a member of Crossfit Llanelli and am grateful that I can train about twice a week there...my third session of the week is at home.

Today's session is from Emma @crossfitllanelli and it was over in 15 minutes... thank god!

15 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

15 burpees, 10 kettle bell swings & 5 thrusters

If you can only train at home and with minimal equipment then Justin Lord's THE LIFE LAB is really for you! (@the.life.lab)
Not only does Justin provide quick daily work outs to do at home and with limited equipment, he also gives video tutorials on techniques, incase you're stuck on a movement! HOW AWESOME is that?
THE LIFE LAB offers so much more than work outs, it is the HUB of nutrition and a healthy mindflow. Have a look, it might just change your life! You can contact Justin Lord on Facebook and on instagram @the.life.lab

Below are examples of the daily work outs you could get sent to you...

Completely effective and WILL get results!

LESS IS MORE

Example 1 - Weds 16th November

Equipment - Kettlebell

10 Side lunge and row RIGHT

10 Side lunge and row LEFT

10 Single arm high pull RIGHT

10 Single arm high pull LEFT

10 Double Lunge RIGHT

10 Double Lunge LEFT

20 Sit ups

Repeat 5,6 or 7 times (depending on your ability)

Example 2 - Tues 15th November

10 high knee sprint

10 jumping jacks

10 kettlebell line jumps

10 reverse crunch

10 kettlebell swings

10 kettlebell push press

10 kettlebell row/twist

10 sit ups

10 lunges LEFT

10 lunges RIGHT

Repeat 10 rounds

My favourite training jumper @the.life.lab

Good luck and remember to keep a balance! Also, remember diet is 80% of getting a lean and strong body.

Two Freakin' Centimetres! .... Welcome Mali!

2016-10-08T12:43:00.002-07:00

This girl. This friend. This WARRIOR! She is the reason I had the mental strength to follow my instincts and give birth at home. Fear free, pain free and medicine free. Christine Davies (info@nuturecentre.com) is a professional, successful Hypnobirthing practitioner and she not only helped us have the birth we wanted, but she helps numerous women to make the right birth choice for them.

Christine has birthed twice at home. Here is her amazing first home birth story as she shares how the power of the mind and instinct have powerful effects on our body's ability to birth...

Welcome Mali !

TWO freaking centimetres???

You Have GOT to be Freaking joking.

This was my reaction to my midwife when she gave me the news, that after 15 hours into labour, I had progressed, well…pretty much bugger all!

I started labouring at 7am that morning. I remember talking to my wonderful brother that morning when he called me excitedly to ask ‘so?, what does it feel like to be in labour Sis?’….

(I know. What an awesome brother.)

My little baby, who was going to be born “sometime” that day (or two), was to be the first baby in our family. The very first grandchild. A girl.

My mother is a bit psychic. This is not something we really took much notice of when we grew up. I just put it down to her experience, or a mothering intuition. But for years and years, since I was 16 years old, she had been having vivid dreams about the little girl with dark hair, I was going to have one day.

16 years of age turned to 20, turned to 25, and then 30 was getting uncomfortably close.

When was I going to have this little girl? Am I really going to ever have children? Is my mother right, or is it just wishful thinking?....or is she just freaking nuts?!!

In 2011, I felt really irritated. We’d been not exactly trying to have baby, but practicing the.. ‘if it happens, it happens’ routine. The moment that second line turned blue, I was in the bathroom, all alone in our apartment. My partner was out for a couple of hours, with the local life boating club, training in all those bond like expeditions, racing across the sea, saving lives. So whist he was being BOND, I was having a miraculous, magical, momentous experience….amongst our bathroom basin, toilet and bath.

The line turned blue, and my face turned red and wet with big tears of joy and bewilderment running down my face and crashing onto the bathroom tiled floor.

Definitely one of the happiest moment of my entire life, and I can never imagine anything else better.

Birthing Day

I was pretty chilled when my brother had called at 7am that morning.

I explained to him that everything felt fine, and “If it carries on like this, it’s going to be easy!!”

15 hours in, things started to get HARD, very HARD.

The surges had suddenly picked up quite considerably. They were so strong, and I was beginning to feel really uncomfortable.

I let all the negative thoughts flood into my mind.

“I can’t do this.”

And when my midwife finally came over, and gave me the news that I was only 2cms dilated, I felt broken.

I felt disillusioned.

I must be nuts to think I can give birth at home with no drugs. Just using Hypnobirthing?

2 freaking CMS dilated, 15 hours in.

How could my overwhelming instincts to give birth at home be so wrong? I felt safe at home. I hate hospitals, and I just wanted to be in control….but 2 cms??!!

I felt that sense of control begin to fall through my fingers.

Maybe my family were right? Maybe my low pain threshold is something I just can’t hide or fight. Maybe giving birth at home for my first child is just crazy, who the heck do I think I am? I can NOT do this.

….and then it happened...

I made the ONE crucial decision that changed everything.

I took a deep breath…. and started using the Hypnobirthing skills I’d been working on for months.

I was letting the fear get the better of me, and with a deep gulp of courage, I moved away from the bright lights of my lounge, and moved into my birthing room. A room which was the place I wanted to first see my baby girl's face for the first time, the room I visited by myself in the middle of the night trying to imagine what birth was going to be like, the room I communed with the gods and prayed I would be able to pull this birth thing off.

That dining room, my spiritual birthing space began to take on a sort of transformation, which also transformed me.

Hit the lights off, push the button on the music playlist I’d put together, fire up the candles, and get comfortable.

Sweet music was gently playing in the background, the lights were off with only the warm glow of flickering candles dancing in silhouettes on the walls.

I lay down on a sofa bed we had there, and my partner began to go through some of the visualization and relaxation scripts that we had been practising so often in the lead up to this moment.

The discomfort I had preciously been feeling started to melt away. Slowly at first, and it was a bit of a struggle to focus on being relaxed when the surges were so powerful, but it was working!!!

Continually focusing on my breath, on relaxing my body through each surge, and surrendering to the enormous power that was surging through my body lessened the discomfort considerably…

….and then I gently, gradually, gratefully slipped off into a dreamland...

I was aware of every surge, but it took on a hypnotic rhythm, and I just lay there. Anyone watching would have probably assumed that I was completely out of it and asleep, but I was totally aware, just not in the usual way.

After a while, my partner squeezed my feet. “are you ok?, you’ve been out of it for 4 hours!”.

WHAT??!

I couldn’t believe it….4 hours!?? It felt like 20 minutes had passed.

I felt like a different person. I was so shocked by how quick time had moved on, without me, my confidence soared, and I felt that sense of control was firmly back in my hands.

“I CAN do this!!!”

“I CAN give birth at home without drugs”

The midwife returned.

6 cms Dilated!!

WOW!!!!

I had gone 2cms in 15 hours feeling discouraged, and another 4 cms in 4 hours whilst feeling so relaxed!

I got into the birthing tub, and the relaxation took on a new level.

The surges continued to strengthen, get longer, and closer together.

Instead of lying on a bed, I was now swaying to the rhythm my body wanted me to dance to.

Moving my hips around, sometimes changing body position after each surge to continually improve the experience, and I begun to hear my own voice join the party….like energy moving out of my body through my vocal cords.

I did feel a bit silly to be honest. I’m not a singer. I have a terrible voice, and this sound was NOT what I would call beautiful….but it felt soo right, and I really couldn’t control it whilst letting my body take over and do what it knew it needed to do.

My midwife later commented that she’d never seen someone fall asleep at the final stages of birth. But with my arms and head laying over the edge of the pool, it felt like the most natural thing to do.

At around 7 am, I felt a heaviness in my hips, and then an overwhelming rush throughout my body.

My baby girl's head was beginning to emerge. I’d heard about the ring of fire, but I didn’t feel a thing. So when my daughter's head emerged, I have to say, it did give me a bit of a fright!!

My little girl had been ‘back to back’ and so when her head was birthed, she came out facing me! She wiggled her little head, which hit against my thighs (a very unique experience!!)

I sat there in the pool for another moment. Waiting for the final rush to wash over me, and bring my baby out into the world.

I felt the beginning of the wave, it rose, picked up speed and strength, and as it reached its peak, my body took over and powerfully heaved and pushed my baby out.

For a second after she had come out, I didn’t realise what had happened. I hadn’t quite joined the dots that she was out. I watched the faces of the people around me, my partner, my midwives and my mother, all standing at the edge of the tub, joyful, excited, emotional…

My baby was out, and she was beginning to swim herself up to the surface of the water.

Eyes wide open, and fixed on my mother gaze who was watching from the side lines.

I reached down, and made contact with that soft, gentle, perfectly formed body, and brought her closer towards my body.

I lifted her up, out of the water, and onto my chest.

God, that feeling!!!!

This little girl, whom I’d been willing, wishing and waiting for was now nuzzled on my chest.

I looked into her blinking eyes, waiting for her to begin to focus, and internally thanked the universe for bringing my little star down to me.

My mum was right. This WAS a little girl, and she was finally in my arms.

My instincts were also right.

I could give birth at home, with no drugs, in that little room with the water tub, candle light and soft music.

I DID IT!

Welcome Charlie!

2016-10-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Gemma and Charlie's birth story is the fourth birth story in Mammy Poppins' 'Welcome Birth Stories'. I am so excited to share this story with you as it had me buckled up laughing out loud! Not to mention the goose bumps I get when I read these... I'm sure it will have the same effect on you!! Sit down and buckle up... you're in for a treat!!

one big release a lush sensation mood lighting calm music

Looking back my birth story started on a Wednesday evening a week before my due date. That morning I'd been to the dentist to have a filling and I'm convinced that's what kick started my contractions, though I did not know at the time they were contractions. I'd been nesting for the last few weeks, getting everything ready, washing all the baby clothes and doing odd jobs round the house. That evening I'd asked my dad to come round to give Simon, my husband, a hand to put together the nursery cupboard. As I was supervising the construction, I felt a pulling sensation in my belly, not like the kicks I'd been used to (Our baby was like a little ninja in my belly, constantly high kicking me in the ribs) This was similar to the cramps you get when you're having your period. So I asked Mam;

'Do you think these are contractions?' she goes 'nah it's probably something you ate.'

I thought no more of it and just took a paracetamol and went to bed. I had a lot of cramping aches through the night but managed eventually to go to sleep. Thursday morning came and I felt fine. However I went to the toilet, and there IT was, the so called plug. It was just as the books had described it, a bloody mucus. I thought to myself don't panic your plug can come away and you can go another week without going into labour. It was only later that afternoon when I came back from walking the dog that the cramps started back and when Simon came home from work I warned him that this could be it.
I phoned the Midwife just to explain what was happening and she said what I was describing sounds like contractions. She said wait until the contractions come every five minutes, and if I was in pain to take paracetamol and have a bath.

That's what I did, I just chilled out in the bath, feeling excited that this could be the night, talking and rubbing my belly saying "I can't wait to meet you."

I came out of the bath and in my PJ's spent the evening sitting on my gym ball bouncing through the waves of contractions.

I placed a sanitary mat underneath me on the ball just in case my waters broke whilst on there, and thank goodness I did. As I was bouncing with the motion of my body and feeling like a goddess, I felt a gush between my legs, I thought oh no these are my waters and then I just let it go...

...liquid just flowed and flowed like a waterfall from within me...

I told Simon I think my waters have just gone, so he helped me get up off the ball, I looked round to the mat and slowly came to the realisation it wasn't my waters,

I'd just wet myself!

How embarrassing, I couldn't believe it! But Simon being the gent just shrugged it off and said "there is worse to come so don't worry about it."

Anyway throughout that night I was ringing the midwife letting her know the contractions were getting stronger and closer together, but she kept changing the goal posts of when I needed to be admitted, from saying one every five minutes to saying three contractions in ten minutes? She was saying that I sound fine, like I was coping and I should only come in if the pain becomes unbearable.

But all I wanted was to be checked over for re-assurance.

In the morning the contractions were really strong and I'd had no sleep I just wanted to go to the hospital, Simon stayed off work and kept me calm. I kept phoning the Midwife asking should I come in now, but once again the midwife's advice was to take a bath, which I did about 10 o'clock, and whilst in the bath the contractions stopped.

I could not believe it, I felt gutted. I just spent the day feeling down, then Simon suggested walking the dog. About an hour after returning home, hallelujah they started back!

We spent the evening timing them and by about midnight I said to Simon bugger it I'm going to lie to the midwife and say yes to whatever she asks just to be seen and checked over as I couldn't go another night without sleep. As we made our way to the hospital the contractions got closer and closer, and I was so glad we left when we did because upon being examined I was already 4cm dilated.

The Midwife Led Unit in Carmarthen is amazing.

I was very lucky to be the only person delivering that night so I got the birthing pool, as I'd always visualised. I was offered gas and air which I happily took and loved, it was fabulous. I sat on the birthing ball for a bit then went for a walk, which was nice to get some fresh air, but difficult as I couldn't take my new best friend, gas and air with me.

I used deep breathing techniques and squeezing my husband's arms to get through the contractions whilst outside.

Then when I was 6cm I got in the birthing pool too ride through the motions. I wouldn't say contractions are the worst pain ever, I've had tooth ache which has been more painful, it is just draining as it comes and goes and the intensity builds stronger and stronger.

To try and keep my energy up I knew it was important to eat and drink, and I love grapes, so I ate them. About 7 o'clock my mam and dad turned up and it was like a party in the room...

Mood lighting, calm music, we were ever so excited.

The midwife wanted to examine me so I had to get out of the pool, Dad left and went for a walk as I think he knew the time was coming. I don't know if it was the heat of the pool or the amount of gas and air I'd had but I was about to make a huge mistake...
The Midwife broke my waters, which was a lovely feeling, I just felt this relief, then she said 'you're 10cms and can start pushing now', and that's what I did!

I just pushed! Totally crazy!! I lost my senses and pushed without a contraction and felt a burning sensation, I'd ripped! If I'd just listened to my body I really don't think I'd have torn.

But no baby came out anyway, I just felt this sharp stingy pain like the baby's head was there but went back up. So as the baby didn't come out I got back in the pool to push, with the contractions this time. However I didn't feel any control down in there. The midwife would say, with her mirror, "nearly there, keep pushing" but I just didn't feel in control in the pool. In the end, I actually gave birth on the bed. I was in a position which was working for me, with Simon holding one leg, the midwife holding the other, pushing as effectively as I could, and it was amazing!

When the head came out, and I stopped pushing for a moment to take it all in...
I remember the midwife saying to me 'oooh they've a head of hair, do you want to feel?' and I replied
'Nooooo just get it out!!
It makes me chuckle to think of it now.

The last push is INCREDIBLE

I felt a lot of fluid come out with the body compared to pushing out the head, and it felt great, just one big release, a lush sensation.
They placed the baby on my chest as I'd as for skin to skin straight away and that's when I saw he was a boy!

Charlie Anthony Jones 10:50am 6lbs 13oz.

It was fantastic I got to see the sex of our baby myself, before being told by someone else. I hadn't even thought about that... who reveals the sex? I would advise anyone having a baby to have a think about finding out the sex of your child yourselves if possible.

I felt so strong, especially having done it only using gas and air. I AM IN TOTAL AWE of nature and how our bodies are designed for birth. Not to mention how babies just know where to get food from. Charlie went on my boob straight away and he is still going strong there now, months and months on!

After we'd had our time, Simon got to help clean him up with the midwife and I felt overwhelmed with joy and love watching him with Charlie. I will say the stiches were unpleasant, I had gas an air for that and Simon's free hand.
I stayed a night, by choice, in the Midwife Led Unit for breast feeding advice and luckily had one to one care as it was so quiet, it was like staying at a hotel!!

I loved it. It was the most amazing experience of my life. I didn't think it was possible but I love him more and more with each passing day.

Welcome Ash!

2016-09-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

C Section Breathing Techniques Visualising

Empowered Informed Decision

So far we have shared natural births here at MammyPoppins... For birth story number three we have a little treat for you!
C Sections are generally portrayed as big, scary emergencies, so when we heard Becs & Ash's positive birth story, and the informed decision making in the process, we just had to share it with you! Needless to say, this is another empowered journey...

Welcome Ash...

From finding out we were having our 'honeymoon' baby, I knew I wanted to take the natural route - I loved the idea of a water birth, and decided on this in my birth plan. Due to having Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, a condition which causes my joints to dislocate easily, a caesarean was discussed at an early stage with the consultant but I was determined that I would need to be in control and that I wanted to give birth to my baby naturally. I was really enjoying pregnancy, reading up on it, doing yoga and visualising an active, natural labour. However this was not be...

At a 30 week scan it became apparent our baby boy was breech, and measuring rather large! This resulted in weekly growth scans at the end, at all of which he was measuring way above the 97th centile! Despite weekly yoga classes, and daily practise to include inversions, baby Peters was quite comfortable thank you very much and was not moving! I can't recommend the pregnancy yoga sessions enough, I loved the weekly de-stress and learning about the power of breathing and using breath to focus my mind and energy.

We were offered an ECV where a consultant would try to move the baby manually but after much reading and discussion we decided not to interfere with baby and let nature take it's course, along with continued daily sessions of inversions, much to Gary's amusement! However, This was to no avail and so it was decided at 38 weeks that I was to be booked for an elective caesarean for the following Fri. There was a funny moment when we overheard the midwife who had been reassuring us that the fact baby was measuring big wasn't anything to worry about, on the phone to the consultant...

'Dr, this baby is still breech and it's a large baby..... Yes, large, very large, Huuuge! .... Yes you need to get it out as soon as possible!'

We went home feeling really excited to know our (big) baby would be here so soon and I set about mentally preparing myself for a caesarean, to include watching videos of breech cesarean procedures on YouTube! Gary at this point had been overcome by some serious nesting and the house was scrubbed from top to bottom and he also decided that as I was having a caesarean I no longer needed a birthing ball and deflated it, much to my horror!!

For an elective caesarean it is procedure to go in the day before for a 'pre op' appointment. During this I was scanned, baby was still breech and big so cesarean was a definite. It turned out that I needed a steroid injection to protect baby's lungs if born before 39 weeks, we asked if this was really necessary as we were going to be 39 weeks a few hours later. The midwife agreed with us but the registrar wanted me to have it or suggested rescheduling for the following week but then decided we had to go ahead because of the size of our baby. This was midday on the Thursday and I was given the first steroid injection and had to return 12 hours later at midnight for the second, and I stayed in from then. I was very excited and didn't get much sleep, eventually using the 12 breaths technique to relax and drift off. The Friday morning seemed to go on forever, but very calm - I had a shower, straightened my hair and read my book, using deep breathing to calm any nerves and anxiety.

At 3pm we were off to theatre.

In the first room I had a cannula put in my hand and this was surprisingly painful and I was using straw breath with my eyes closed to focus (thinking if this hurt the spinal must be awful!!) There were so many people in the room and lots of questions.

I just wanted to keep calm and connect with my baby.

The spinal took a long time and I ended up having the local anaesthetic twice before it was successful. I was using straw breath again during this, not because of any pain but just so I could focus and relax.

The caesarean itself is a very surreal experience

I could feel everything but no pain at all.

Baby Ash James Peters was born at 4.32pm weighing 9lbs 7.5.

There was some difficulty getting him out and he was a little shocked so was taken immediately by the midwife, while emergency doctors and paediatric team were called. He was taken out of the room. This felt like a life time not being able to see or hear my baby and I was getting upset. After six minutes (I was told this later) but what felt like forever, we heard our gorgeous boy cry and Gary went through to see him, took a photo on his phone and came in to show me. Ash was then brought in and given to us to cuddle.

Gary went with the midwife who took Ash back to the recovery ward while they stitched me up and as soon as I was back in recovery a few minutes later I was able to have skin to skin.

This was an incredible and beautiful moment as Ash knew exactly what to do and set about breastfeeding for the next hour! This was to be the beginning of a wonderful breastfeeding journey lasting nearly 14 months!

The registrar who performed my caesarean came to see me and explained that baby's head was stuck (they hadn't cut a big enough hole) and that the cord had been wrapped around his neck so this was why he wasn't breathing initially. We stayed in for two nights then got to go home Sunday afternoon. The staff in Glangwili were all wonderful, and we cannot thank them enough.

Despite wanting a natural labour, I feel very grateful to have had a mostly calm experience and I would certainly still describe it as a positive birthing experience. I felt confident and empowered to make informed decisions and would reassure any new mums that having a cesarean can still be a positive birth. Becs and Ash x

Welcome Ronnie

2016-09-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Natural Breech Trust your body Instinct

Mammy Poppins is so privileged to share Liz & Ronnie's birth story. Ronnie is our newest baba to feature in this month's Birth Story extravaganza and is one of the most brave stories. We are so proud of Liz! Once again, this birth shows how powerful and empowering birth is, when we listen to our instinct.

Welcome Ronnie...

I'm sorry if I go into too much detail but for me the good/bad/scary parts were what made this experience very special and empowering and the whole time I knew I was that little bit closer to meeting our baby!.....

My birth plan was to have a home birth but things don't always go to plan! But it doesn't matter as the end result is what matters the most!

Saturday 20th August I woke around 03:30 for my nightly pee then climbed back into bed felt a little tightening around my belly but nothing different to what I'd been feeling now and again before.
After about 10mins of trying to drift back to sleep I felt a sudden SMALL gush down below so quickly stood up and more trickled out! I really wasn't sure if it was my waters or if I just peed myself! But I was pretty sure it didn't feel like wee!!

All I was thinking is ‘oh no can't be yet I'm not expecting it early!' Ronnie wasn't due until September!

I lay back down and just started thinking right so is this happening or just a false alarm?! After another 5mins I then started getting very light period pains so thought I'd wake Adam up and figure out what to do next!

Very light period pains continued but nothing too bad. After about an hour I decided to phone the Midwife Led Unit at my local hospital, Whithybush, to inform them and get some advice as I really didn't know if I was paranoid and still thinking I'd just weed myself! This call was at 04:47. They told me to just take it easy, rest up and start timing my contractions if they continued and to call them back if it got stronger and more regular.

I felt like all I wanted to do was have a soak in the bath so told Adam to go back to sleep and I'll see how I go!

I had a lovely relax in the bath and still had period pains, which were very irregular. All I was thinking is...It's just a false alarm and I'm over thinking it!

Then, I was bursting for a number two! Yes! My bowels were emptying, and it was only then that I realised this may be happening!

I woke Adam back up and all could think was quick we need to get this house tidy!

Contractions started coming a lot more frequent, around every 10-15mins and lasting about one minute.

I felt totally in control using straw breaths.

06:25 I rang the MLU again and they said they'd send a midwife up to see me.

Around 7:15 midwife came, contractions were still the same. She took my temperature and was a little high, I lay on the bed for her to see where we were at…

The head was engaged but the baby was back to back still! She asked me if I wanted her to examin me to see if my waters had definitely gone, I said yes, just so I knew if it was actually happening as I still wasn't convinced (why I don't know)!

She didn't think my waters had gone she said it quite possibly have been wee, she said I wasn't even 3cm dilated so no need to worry just to rest as much as I could and see how I go. She took my temperature before she left and it had gone down so I put it down to being a bit anxious. She explained she was finishing duty and Lee, the next midwife was taking over from 9 so to phone her once I thought active labour was kicking in, she left at 8am.

Contractions eased off a little but thought I'd give my mum a ring to give her the heads up and told her to call over with a few bits I needed as I didn't want Adam to leave me!

We assumed things could go on for hours so I thought I'd go for a lay down and rest and not to worry about getting the pool set up just yet!

Within the hour my contractions were getting extremely stronger and went back into the bath to try and ease it all. I asked Adam to give Lee a ring to see if she could come up as I had a feeling things were progressing quicker, this was 09:38.

She explained she was on a call in Milford and would be with us within half hour.

In that time I went from breathing through contractions to a sudden urge to push! Panic did set in a little as everything happened so quickly realising I had no one here to help me. I used my affirmation as best I could but the pain was shooting up my back and I just knew there was something not right.

I kept repeating to Adam we need to go to hospital something isn't right! As all this was going on my Mum turned up and called the ambulance straight away. Adam was phoning Lee at the same time and she said she was on her way, this was 10:04. All through this I really was screaming the place down the pain was immense up my back, I seemed to feel that more than anywhere else!

My instinct was telling me , over and over again, that something wasn't right.

The lady on the phone to my Mum kept her talking asking her to get towels ready and to make sure I was undressed from waist down. I think panic hit Mum as she was thinking she was going to have to deliver the baby!

The ambulance got to me which only took them 13mins was now 10:07. they put me straight on gas which had an instant ease on my back. From here, things were a bit of a blur ... I remember hearing them talking between each other deciding what to do and which hospital to take me to, they phoned Whithybush and said they were taking me there… But listening to my instinct, I just knew that wasn't right and that we needed to go to Carmarthen, as there are more facilities there. They walked me out to the ambulance to assess me, lay me down and checked my temperature which was sky high. As this was happening, Lee the midwife turned up and she told the paramedics she would examine me there and see what's best to do.

Lee takes charge and tells the driver 'Get your sirens on! We need to get to Carmarthen now!'

I could hear in her voice something wasn't right! They grabbed Adam into the ambulance and away we went!this is 10:36.

I was still sucking on the gas and I looked up to Lee and said 'What's happpening how many cm am I?' She leant over and said gently 'Liz you're fully dilated and your baby is breech…. All I need you to do is every time you get and urge to push - DON’T, we need to get you to Carmarthen!

I could hear Lee on the phone to the hospital and she explained when we got there there would be a team waiting for me and all would be fine and there would be no time to take me for a Csection.

I would be going to MLU for a natural labour.

The journey felt forever and with every urge I pushed into my feet rather than anywhere else. How I managed to control this I really have no idea something took over in my body!

As we got to St Clears the traffic was pretty much stand still (apparently there was a tractor convention on)!

I could hear the drivers shouting at the cars to part which eventually they did but at the same time Lee called through to them telling them to put the heaters on as we maybe pulling over road side and prepare for delivery!

Luckily they got through the traffic and got me to the hospital. I was struggling to keep my eyes open as I was really trying to concentrate not to push! I remember the doors opening and there being loads of faces around me wheeling me up to the MLU unit.

I got onto the bed and my back was still so painful and uncomfortable but I thought I just have to relax into this!

Then I could push as best I could with every contraction! It only took two contractions for the bum and body to come out, but they had to cut me to get the head out as it got a little stuck but on the following contraction... out he flew!!

Our beautiful baby boy Ronnie-Andrew-Sammons was born at 11:59 weighing 5lb 13 and a half.

Just to add an extra drama to the situation.

Mum turned up about five minutes later and fainted next to me! It went from nine people surrounding me to them all sorting my Mum out! It was like a comedy sketch! They had to get a bed in for her to come around! By then, I was laughing my head off on gas whilst Adam was looking a little concerned stood in the corner cuddling our son! She was fine just very embarrassed!

Our birth didn't go the way I originally wanted, but I wanted to share how powerful the birthing instinct is and how amazing our bodies are.

Giving birth is the most empowering thing a women can ever go through and I'm proof that breech babies don't always have to be a c section delivery.

Our bodies are incredible.

Welcome Jimmy Knox!

2016-09-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

During the month of September (and possibly October) here at Mammy Poppins we are featuring awesome kick ass birth stories from some incredible girls and what better way to kick things off than the birth of my side kick, my shadow, my boob monkey... Jimmy Knox!

28 hours home empowering

Giving birth naturally at home was my best, most empowered, mental life experience. EVER!

Here's the story. Twenty eight hours of it. Condensed and surmised for your pleasure!

My contractions began on the night of Good Friday (around midnight) and I tried sleeping through it, but I couldn't. This was partly due to being so excited that our baby was on its way and partly because they were quite strong so I couldn't. There weren't any set times for the surges but I'd say every one was within ten minutes or so. By 2am I got up and ran a bath, but by that time things had started to slow down. We felt a bit confused as we'd had loads of surges and all of a sudden they had slowed down. I told Andrew to go back to bed, but he was too excited and was reassuring me all the time that this stopping and starting was normal. Things continued like this well into the morning.

Andrew was such a brilliant birthing partner.

My surges felt like strong period pain aches in my back.

Through breathing, zoning out and Andrew's magic hand on my back they were completely manageable! No pain as such, just strong aches.

Andrew had gone downstairs to get a hot water bottle for me, and I needed his hand! So I shouted 'Babes, hurry up will you! I need your hand!'

At about ten hours in, the contractions were still coming but still not in a regular pattern. I was coping fine, but it was getting on my nerves as I am impatient. We decided to ring the midwife unit at our local hospital to let them know that things had started with us. I also wasn't sure as to which (if any) midwife was on duty for home births as it was Easter weekend! They weren't sure who was on home birth duty so asked if I wanted to go down to see what's what... I declined. I was tired, but doing fine, and with said 'magic hand' I felt in control(ish).

Surges came and surges went, breathing in and breathing out, magic hand on and magic hand off...wax on wax off!

About 14 hours in, lo and behold! My favourite midwife got in touch saying that she had put herself on duty for us! Could you believe this?! During her family Easter weekend, this gem of a woman had wanted to come and help us deliver our baby! WOW!

I'm in awe of this lady's genuine caring nature!

Lovely Lyn (the amazing midwife) assures me that she'll finish off making her lasagne for her Easter weekend guests and be over to see what's what shortly.

...we eagerly await Lyn's arrival...

Meanwhile, I spoke to a couple of friends who'd had home births and they completely reassured me that the sporadic contractions (still within every 10 minutes mind) was completely normal and they told me I was doing well. This was brilliant to hear and it felt nice chatting and laughing with the girls, releasing more of that powerful oxytocin!

A few times mid conversation I had to say 'oh hang on a minute, I've got one!' while I breathed my way through more surges, and our baby edged its way further down the birth canal. Totally surreal!

Late afternoon, about 16 hours in, Lovely Lyn arrives! Another human! It had been just Ands, me and 'the hand' for sixteen hours now, so we welcomed a new face! We were delighted to hear that I'm 4cm dilated! Woo hoo! Even though progress was incredibly slow, things were moving in the right direction!

Lovely Lyn went home to make the guests garlic bread and promised she would come back to us later.

From this point on, the contractions got stronger and more regular so Ands inflated the pool in our living room and started to fill it with water. He was chuffed with this part, as this was 'his bit!'

I got in and listened to my relaxing music CD. It was so calming and relaxing and it helped me stay in the zone! This CD became my 'zen' influence later when I had a couple of melt downs!

About 20 hours in, Lovely Lyn arrived back as I was chilling in the pool, still contracting and still breathing. She tells me that the garlic bread is done, for this I was thankful, as this meant that she was staying a bit longer with us! This time she brought her gear and she was dressed for the big event. I was in my turquoise bikini to match the baby's turquoise towel! Things like this don't just happen by accident mind!

I remember being in the zone in the pool whilst Ands and Lovely Lyn were talking over my head whether or not to have a cup of tea! The conversation progressed onto them both describing how they liked their tea and whether or not they took sugar!

I couldn't be bothered to pipe up... 22 hours of surges had taken it out of me!

Shortly after the tea conversation, we were delighted to hear that I was 10cm dilated! Great! Not long now surely! I really thought our baby's birth was imminent... ummm not so much!

24 hours in, I had my first melt down. How much longer would this take? I cried. My body still hadn't had the urge to expel this baby. Andrew was exhausted too and now that his 'bit' was complete, he felt a bit helpless. I needed to get back in the zone, otherwise I knew things wouldn't progress. So, I went back in the pool and put my CD on...'...aaahhh Zen!'

I spent the next couple of hours, squatting, walking, jumping, lunging, stretching

...still nothing...

About 25 hours in, I had another melt down, this time pleading with Lovely Lyn not to make me go to hospital (not that she had suggested it)! I really didn't want to go! Even though I was exhausted, I knew how strong and capable my body was of doing this and I just had to relax and give it more time. I was managing fine, just fed up and impatient. Lovely Lyn was so full of encouragement and said that she wouldn't make me go to hospital... for that I am always eternally grateful. I found my 'zen' again (with CD of course!)

Ands kept telling me how well we were doing which boosted me no end!

At 26 hours in, I went on to the sofa and Lyn said she could see the baby's head! I was elated and I guess hearing that amazing news gave my body the oxytocin it needed to push this baby down!

Finally, my body started pushing effectively!

27 hours in and my body is still pushing effectively, but still no baba, but I was so grateful to be doing this on my sofa! I started gas & air at some point, the TV wasn't on and there had been no mention of any more cups of tea!

My body was working SO hard to expel this baby. I was concentrating on breathing and managing to keep my jaw loose. FYI, your jaw is linked to your cervix and there was no way I was going to let that bad boy clam up after all these hours!

Another midwife arrives to assist Lovely Lyn, and I knew this baby would be coming soon! Both midwives were dressed appropriately with their plastic aprons on. Naturally, I was sweating and still in my bikini, whilst Ands sat there concerned worried about his clean white t-shirt.

The conversations at this time were about hair dressers, hair extensions and summer holidays in Dubai!

Hour 28... I finally delivered the baby's head. I had 2 midwives at the 'goal end' and Ands was sat along side me on the sofa. The 'high' feeling I had delivering the head was INCREDIBLE! I still can't find the words to describe the elation I felt as I birthed the baby. I didn't feel any pain or burning sensations that I thought there might be.

I turned to Ands saying 'This is AMAZING!'

I was so careful not to force the baby out as there was no way I was going to tear or have any stitches! So I just let my body do its thing and expelled this baby while I was flying high on natural oxytocin!

When our baby was all out Lyn handed it to me instantly. It was over!! We couldn't believe our baby was here with us on the sofa in our home!
We forgot to look at the sex until Lyn said 'Well what is it then?'

Oh yes! A perfect baby boy all 7lb 10oz of gorgeousness!

Now, I thought, I think it's my turn for a cuppa!

Positive Pushing!

2016-08-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a positive birth story?!

Positive and birth in the same sentence?! Really?!

Here at Mammy Poppins HQ we are privileged to share SIX very different, inspiring and EMPOWERING BIRTHS!

Kicking off in September! So, if birth stories are your thing to get you all lovely and warm inside then

Watch this space! ❤️

**WARNING**

Be scared...! These stories are from KICK ASS girls!

Stars, Stripes and Other Delights!

2016-08-05T08:40:00.003-07:00

High Street Market Street Small Shops Hand Me Downs

Whether it's high street, market street, small shops or hand me downs - the Poppins' household love fashion and finding good quality fabric, fits and prints! So, of course, there has to be a post on such things.

Stars, Stripes and Other Delights!

When buying from small shops, you not only find something stylish, unique and usually handmade, but you also get that extra buzz because you're supporting hard work and helping somebody sustain their passion.

Recently we had two nice days of weather (woo hoo) and I couldn't wait for Jimmy to strut his stuff in this grey star romper from Sewkuddly

Handmade Cute Stylish Modern

Jimmy actually started walking here!

At Sewkuddly the fabrics and prints are to die for! Completely entrend, great fitting and superb quality. It washes well, keeping its colour and shape (a very practical comment).

Keeping up with our stylish stars and the rubbish weather we are having...these star leggings from Fred & Noah are perfect to keep the chill off in our 'Summer' weather!

easy wearing comfortable statement

Totally in love with these leggings!

As soon as they're out of the wash, they're back on again!

Who doesn't love Scandanavia? I find their culture alluring, their designs unique, they give us great quality and value for money. Not to mention their family values, work/life balance and their natural, holistic parenting styles....ooooh! It makes me want to go NOW! I've lost track...

What I want to share with you is this Stiriped Delight from Polarn O'Pyret - it means Buddy and the Little One (how cute!). Their stuff has been available in the UK for about ten years now.

vibrant prints stylish cuts

They have amazing prints and style, and I don't need to mention that their fabric and cuts are of THE highest quality! And they use a lot of organic cotton too!

Finally...

Homemade Ice Lollies

Afterall, we are pretending we are in the heights of Summer!

This idea came about very 'by mistake'... I noticed I had some 'Co-yo' that needed using up along with some mango. So what better idea than to whizz them all together with a little lime juice, and freeze them in handy lolly trays... Deeeelishh!

Totally junk free for after tea!

For more fashion, holisitic and nutritious ideas... check out insta @mammypoppins

Nutritious Nosh

2016-07-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

FOOD GRUB NOSH

Whatever you call it, we all need it! Some of us choose better ways of eating than others which is a shame as we could all be benefit from Nutritious Nosh that nourishes, heals and protects us from all the nasties out there.

A few of you have asked what we eat in a typical week in the Mammy Poppins household, so this blog post is a typical food week for us, including Jimmy. We all eat the same, give or take, and I don't make separate 'baby' meals. James has always eaten the same as us, even from six months old. Who on earth has time for separate meal times, meals and continuous cooking and cleaning up? Certainly not me!

I'm also a fan of making extra portions, so that lunches the next day are equally as nutritious, even Jimmy's.

Here we go...

Upon rising (ready to start the day... not the night wakes!) I stumble my way down to the kitchen in a state of slumber (ok, Zombie state) and I make a fresh lemon juice & filtered water drink with a pinch of cayenne pepper and Himalayan salt.

BOOM! A metabolic boosting, detoxing, alkalising, antioxidant, disease busting start to the day!

I must mention, that this does not taste lush! And I certainly don't give it to Jimmy, but it sure as hell wakes me up! After this non-delish bad boy, there is a zingy spring in my step and I feel ready to tackle the day ahead.

Sometime later, usually about 12 hours after my evening meal, I'll have my breakfast, in the form of a smoothie. This usually consists of

avocado, spinach, lime juice, banana and some fruit.

Pineapple is a real family favourite and Jimmy absolutely LOVES his smoothie in the morning! It is a sneaky way of getting green veg into him (and Andrew!) and giving everyone a nutritious, calcium boosting start to the day.

Some of our evening meals this week...

A lot of the inspiration I have is a mixture of me winging it (when I've not planned), Justin Lord's TBT programme and Deliciously Ella!

Warming Salad

with roasted peppers, courgette, beetroot, chickpeas & paprika, carrot, sundried tomatoes, plum tomatoes, butternut squash on a bed of raw spinach with my fave dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and honey! DEEEEE LISHH!

MUSHROOM, CARROTS, TOMATOES & CHICKPEA STEW

This is just all the above shoved in a pan and left to boil until the carrots are soft. Easy Peasy!

The photo is of my lunch box the following day in work.

ALL THE GEAR NO IDEA ROASTED VEG

I hadn't planned tea for this night, nor did I have time to think of anything so I roasted some veg in some herbs and oil; courgette, parsnip, pepper, butternut squash and beetroot with sundried tomatoes on a bed of quinoa and a tiny scattering of goats' cheese.

AMAZING FRUITY RAW SALAD

Peeled carrot & courgette with cucumber, sundried tomatoes topped with a sprinkling of goats cheese, pomegranate seeds and goji berries, drizzled in my fave salad dressing (see above)

OMG! Get Goji berries in your life!

CANELLINI BEAN & SUNDRIED TOMATO MIX

Similar to the second meal featured here, throw tinned tomatoes, cannellini beans and sundried toms in a pan and boil for about ten mins, I added broccoli just for some variety.

I try to use turmeric most days in most recipes for its amazing health benefits (which actually deserved a whole post on its own!), usually sprinkled on veg or in a salad dressing.

TOP TIPS for a stress free, quick and nutritious week:

1. Plan meals for the week so that you can work around work/kids commitments and time consuming things.

2. Make a shopping list based on your meal plans. This stops wastage and stops you from having to "wing it". This way you're more likely NOT to reach for convenience rubbish to eat.

3. Make extras for everyone's lunch boxes the next day.

4. Prep the night before, this saves rushing around and grabbing food on the go.

5. Freeze bigger batches for 'emergency food'. When you've got no time or something unexpected has cropped up.

6. Eat raw! No need to wait for cooking time!

Nourish yourselves, look after yourselves.

Live long & live happy.

Frankincense

2016-06-27T01:26:00.001-07:00

FRANKINCENSE

Immune Booster Anti Inflammatory Reducing Wrinkles Respiratory Health Increased Focus Aches & Pains Womens Health Anxiety Depression Acne & Scars Spiritual & Meditative

I am getting even more holistic in my old age! I really want to be around as long as possible to enjoy and be happy but also to carry on feeling GREAT and ENERGISED

In our house we view food as medicine and always treat ailments and grogginess naturally (did I mention before how sleep deprived we are?) and minimise the toxins around us.

Give me prevention over cure any day!

One of my favourite essential oils at the moment is FRANKINCENSE and as you can see from the post picture... the benefits are ENDLESS!

If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me!

There are loads of benefits to help our health, but here's just a snippet to get you hooked...!

1. BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM - It is extremely anti inflammatory which is the main cause of illness and disease. It stimulates the brain, thyroid and pituitary glands which work together to support a healthy immune system. Making us EXTRA strong to fight off illness & disease with the regeneration of healthy cells. Due to its anti inflammatory properties, I have noticed my hay fever symptoms reducing!

2. ANTI AGING - Promotes regeneration of healthy cells yet keeping existing cells and tissues healthy. It can eliminate blemishes, fine lines and generally tighten and tone skin.

3. WOMENS HEALTH - Reduces PMT symptoms and mood swings. It helps general uterine health as it regulates cycles. It also reduces uterine cancer cells.

4. CANCER CELL BUSTING - Frankincense kills cancer cells and increases white blood cells (our little in house defence army). Frankincense is actually used in treating cancer holistically and actually breaks through the blood brain barrier - which Chemo does not!

5. BRAIN BOOSTING - As Frankincense breaks through the blood brain barrier, it increases the oxygenation of blood going to the brain and helps the absorption of oxygen and therefore improves memory and cognitive skills.

Do you move to Africa and live in a Boswellia tree house?

Not necessarily...

Here are two ways in which I use Franki baby on a daily basis...

1. SNIFF IT - Every night I switch on the diffuser in our bedroom and inhale Frankincense overnight. Anything to improve my husband's memory and reduce "Where's my keys? Have you seen my wallet? Where's my phone?" Frankincense is good... I have hope!!

Fill the diffuser with water and then add about 10 drops of pure organic Frankincense oil. Make sure it is a good quality oil as you don't want to be inhaling toxic stuff!

It will smell LUSH.

2. TOPICAL - Recently I have taken to making my own moisturiser (less toxins and cheap!) which you may have seen on my INSTA @catjo84.

I always add a few drops of Frankincense for it's anti-aging benefits, lush relaxing smell and the benefits can get absorbed into me through my skin.

ENJOY!

EXeczema

2016-06-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Eczema

3 million sufferers worldwide

RED RAW ITCHY SCREAMY IRRITABLE SORE SAD

Eczema affects most of us at some point in our lives whether it is ourselves, children or family. One thing we can all agree on is that it is upsetting and miserable for all involved. I'm hoping you might find this post useful or use it to help others to stop the misery of living with eczema.

At six months old, baby James developed eczema. It seemed to develop all of a sudden! Dry patches at first... then full blown, all over red raw, sore skin. He had been exclusively breastfed and we had just started introducing complementary foods (no dairy - this is for calves!)

What on earth had happened to my baby boy's body?

What the hell do I do now?

We tried all sorts... creams from the GP, including steroid cream antibiotic creams when it was infected, I made my own cream out of organic shea butter and frankincense (which smelled lush mind!) and we bathed him in oats!! I was at my wits end!

From my eczema suffering, I knew I didn't want James to become stuck in the GP's cycle of creams, which I knew wouldn't cure the problem - only maintain the situation.

One day, I was whinging to my close friend about Jimmy's skin when she remembered a talk she had listened to in a conference and managed to find me the details of 'the eczema man'. She briefly told me what the talk was about and how he had a fantastic success rate at ending eczema for adults and babies, but with NO CREAMS!

I was interested. I e-mailed him. He replied.

And now James has no eczema! Woo Hoo!

Here's the story...

I sent a brief e-mail to Dr Harley describing James' skin and was wondering if he could help us, after all I had nothing to lose! He replied promptly saying that he would help us! I was so happy and relieved that somebody thought they could help our little boy. Dr Harley pointed me in the direction of his website where there are short videos explaining the EXeczema programme and if I was happy he would send us the products. I was keen to get moving quickly so I watched all the videos in one go whilst doing the ironing. Within a week Harley had the EXeczema products sent to us and I had started reading his book. Harley wanted us to send daily photos of Jimmy's skin so that he could monitor the progress and this was the most difficult part of curing James' eczema! He was soooo wriggly!

http://www.dr-harley.com/

What we did...

Every day for about 2 weeks we used the foam wash in the shower and rinsing off with clean water, repeating this process a handful of times. Then, once the skin had been dried, apply the gel emollient or the foam emollient (not pictured above).

It was THAT simple!

Most of Harley's success comes in about 14 days (which is half the time for cell growth and replacement)

If you'd like to hear me talking about curing Jimmy's eczema and our journey with Dr Harley then click here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi7Tzy7niOE

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

Day 9

DAY 14

I honestly could not believe the improvement in just 2 weeks!

NO STEROIDS
NO CREAMS
NO WONDER DRUGS

A brief overview of Harley's Science...

If your skin flares up, your immune system works fine - this is your skin's way of saying NO to something and communicating with you.
There are lots of chemicals in the stuff prescribed by the GP. They 'smother' the skin rather than letting the skin breathe, therefore they are hindering the skin's way of naturally repairing itself. These products are maintaining and managing the red and itchy inflammation.
You need to flush out the accumulated toxins and irritants which have developed into eczema patches and we need to look after the skin's replacement cells.

** THIS IS THE MAGIC**

4. During this healing process (where skin naturally replaces its cells every 4 weeks) it is essential that the new replacement skin cells are given special attention and protection so that they can catch up and make normal skin. This is where Harley works his magic with the gently cleansing products and your EXeczema journey begins...

We are now an EXeczema household! I intend to keep it that way, but always have Harley's products at hand just incase...

We continue to talk about how we cured James' eczema and would love to help others discover this way to achieving happy, healthy skin!

Get in touch!

Stuck in the Squidge

2016-05-18T03:46:00.003-07:00

"I still can't wear those jeans without looking like my seams will combust!"

"I can't get my ENORMOUS boobs in that top!"

" I'll just put on this shorts and T-shirt AGAIN !"

I thought breast feeding melted away all traces of fatness ...!

I LOVE fashion, I LOVE clothes, I LOVE how they make me feel. That is me, my identity and what I get excited about!

When I took a while to get back into my 'normal' fashion I thought a piece of me had died! Bit of a dramatic statement? HAH! Maybe... Ok, but I was unhappy in my post birth body for a fair while, seeming forever.

Recently, I left an online breast feeding clothes group because I felt its recent posts had become irrelevant to the group's main purpose: to inform other feeding mothers if there is a nice item of clothing on the high street or online which makes it easy to whip them out!

Instead, the last few weeks seemed to be ladies showing off their GREAT post baby bodies in bikinis, skimpy dresses and fancy underwear, followed by a thousand comments of compliments such like "You look fab!" "What baby?!" "What's your secret?!" blah blah!

Some of these GORGEOUS ladies were so early postpartum I couldn't believe how great they looked already. While I totally love giving and receiving compliments and the positive boosting effect it has on us, I couldn't help feeling what the reality is like for some breast feeding mothers. For me, and it seems a lot of girls, it took the best part of SIX MONTHS to feel comfortable and happy in my post baba body and in my normal person clothes.

I felt so crap and just not myself with regards to my fashion identity and my SQUIDGE was holding me back!

This wasn't because I sat on my ass all day eating crap! In fact, I was the complete opposite! I love exercise and how it makes us feel. I exercised at high intensity but in quick bursts, as time was not in abundance. I also ate foods high in nutrition but STILL nothing shifted! IT DID MY HEAD IN! I was a complete nightmare to my family and friends as well! (Big sorry if you're reading!)

I honestly couldn't understand why my body just wouldn't release my post birth squidge !

I researched and I read so much that it became a type of obsession in understanding breast feeding hormones and it is only NOW that I understand what Mother Nature was doing (bloody head case she is!) and in fact, how amazing our bodies are!

Read on for the sciency bit...Dear Old Mother Nature is a-mazing and she has been around for a lot longer than we have - so maybe (I) we need to quit whinging and just listen...!

Your body has a mega high level of the 'pro lactin' hormone, which works with the pituitary gland to make your delicious milk.
As this is so high (and oestrogen and progesterone are low) it works like cortisol, the stress hormone, which slows your metabolism and clings to fat.
The prolactin rate is at its highest in the first six months post partum, and then it slowly declines after this.
In other words it is your body's way of protecting your lovely, new, dependent bundle of joy in case we have a famine or if you have forgotten to do the Tesco big shop! That way, if Mama goes hungry, baba won't!
Clever eh!?

If you're stuck in the squidge then you are not alone!

Chill out - Let's not fanny around (excuse the pun!) look at what you've created! Hold, Squeeze and Kiss that baby and be thankful! He/She doesn't care if you're in a top that is a size bigger or that your jeans won't button up!

Eat with nutrition in mind - Try to limit the junk and beige food. Colour your plate like a RAINBOW It is far more tasty and pretty anyway! I'm loving Deliciously Ella since I've gone much more plant based.

Exercise when you can - You're joking right? I can't even wee in peace let alone exercise! I totally get you ! Try doing a 15 minute session in the kitchen. I used to put James in the FisherPrice Jumperoo and we used to jump around together!

Continue to feed - (if this is your choice) La Leche League say that some women find that they are slimmer in some places than before! Hang in there...! You never know!

Measure inches/cm - rather than weight on the scales. The measurements might budge sooner than the scales and at least you'll see some differences and start to feel more positive about the squidge shift!

Don't compare yourself to others - one of my besties was back in her jeans after four months post baba and another after eight months! You can be INSPIRED by others, but not compared with.

BE PROUD OF YOURSELF - Look at how your baby is growing and developing! You have done this single handedly! WOW! Let's just stop and think about that one.

Remember, your breast feeding journey is only temporary (I still need this re-enforcing 13 months on...) One day, when your baby and you are ready, you will have YOUR body back to yourself. Maybe to do it all over again! ha ha!

What you're doing is amazing for YOU BOTH so let's just chill and let Mother Nature do her thing!

Yawn... Now where's my lippy?

2016-05-04T02:00:00.004-07:00

Do you feel that your breast feeding journey is NEVER going to come to an end?

Does your little one STILL wake regularly at night time?

Do you wonder how on EARTH you're going to get to work, let alone actually do your job?

Hi! All of the above for me please! Jims is over a year old now, and still he wakes (like, all the time)for boob in the nights! Sometimes it is about 5 or 6 times. In our house, two wakes is classed as an AMAZING night!!

I went through a period of feeling so negative and down about the severe broken sleep cycle, that the negative energy around me was zapping me more than the mental nights! It certainly is no joke when you're expected to function, work effectively and ~~nod in the right places~~ actually hold conversations!

One day I thought right, enough is enough...!
The photo in today's blog is of a poem that a lovely friend gave to me in a card when Jimmy was born. I still think of it a lot (especially when feeding at night) and I remember that these sleepless nights won't last forever, because he won't be little forever. Just writing that, has brought a little tear to my eye... Or am I just THAT tired!?

We can't control what type of night lies ahead for us, nor can we force them to sleep for longer stretches. However, WE CAN control how we deal with the situation and still be POSITIVE for the day ahead.

Think of Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop" If you wake up and don't want to smile, If it takes just a little while, Open your eyes and look at the day... YOU'LL SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY...

So here are some top tips I swear by to take the edge off the day after THAT night...!

Drink water & fresh lemon juice first thing - the zest of the lemon juice really puts a spring in my step and I can feel it gently waking up my tired organs! It also balances your acidic levels after the night before.
SHOWER - never underestimate how lush a hot morning shower can make the world a whole better place
Something nice - I actually got excited the other morning to put on lipstick for work that I haven't worn in ages! It instantly brightened up my tired face and made me feel awake. You could even wear your favourite top, jeans or whatever makes you FEEL GREAT about yourself!
Smile - After all... sometimes we've gotta fake it to make it!

These difficult times will pass... Let's do this!

About Mammy Poppins

2016-04-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Cathy, writer of Mammy Poppins! Practically IMPERFECT in every way... yes! Being a working Mammy these days is a complete juggling act and I wish on a daily (ok, hourly) basis that I had Mary Poppins powers! Just a quick "spit spot" and a wave of a magic finger and the house is tidy, the tea is made and I would still look as fresh as a daisy!

The reality is I am a Mammy, Teacher, Life Coach & Housewife and I'm cooking family tea one handed, the baby is helping himself to a punnet of plum tomatoes and smothering his tomatoed face and hands into my crisp white work shirt, then my Husband walks in 'oh what's for tea? oh and you've got something on your shirt!' Oh really!?

If only it was as simple as 'SpitSpot' !

Since having my baby boy, I am constantly learning on how to optimise (precious!) time in order to feel my best and maintain high energy levels by being as active, mindful and nutritious as I can, without spending hours in the gym or hours in the kitchen! This blog space will share ideas and top tips so that we can all optimise our sleep deprived, precious time and to feel our BEST!

Mammy Poppins

I can't even wee in peace...

I can't even wee in peace and I'm expected to exercise?!

You've got to be kidding right?

If I can't even go to the toilet without a mini-me attached to my legs, then how on earth can I find time to exercise?!

Benefits of Short, Intensive, Heavy (for the individual) Sessions...

But I haven't got a home gym? Where will I do such work outs?

15 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

Two Freakin' Centimetres! .... Welcome Mali!

TWO freaking centimetres???

You Have GOT to be Freaking joking.

This was my reaction to my midwife when she gave me the news, that after 15 hours into labour, I had progressed, well…pretty much bugger all!

Birthing Day

God, that feeling!!!!

Welcome Charlie!

one big release a lush sensation mood lighting calm music

Welcome Ash!

C Section Breathing Techniques Visualising

Empowered Informed Decision

Welcome Ronnie

Natural Breech Trust your body Instinct

Welcome Jimmy Knox!

28 hours home empowering

Positive Pushing!

Who doesn't love a positive birth story?!

Stars, Stripes and Other Delights!

High Street Market Street Small Shops Hand Me Downs

Finally...

Nutritious Nosh

FOOD GRUB NOSH

Some of our evening meals this week...

Warming Salad

MUSHROOM, CARROTS, TOMATOES & CHICKPEA STEW

ALL THE GEAR NO IDEA ROASTED VEG

AMAZING FRUITY RAW SALAD

CANELLINI BEAN & SUNDRIED TOMATO MIX

TOP TIPS for a stress free, quick and nutritious week:

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Frankincense

FRANKINCENSE

Immune Booster Anti Inflammatory Reducing Wrinkles Respiratory Health Increased Focus Aches & Pains Womens Health Anxiety Depression Acne & Scars Spiritual & Meditative﻿

There are loads of benefits to help our health, but here's just a snippet to get you hooked...!

Do you move to Africa and live in a Boswellia tree house?

Not necessarily...

Here are two ways in which I use Franki baby on a daily basis...

EXeczema

Eczema

3 million sufferers worldwide

RED RAW ITCHY SCREAMY IRRITABLE SORE SAD

Here's the story...

What we did...

A brief overview of Harley's Science...

Stuck in the Squidge

"I still can't wear those jeans without looking like my seams will combust!"

"I can't get my ENORMOUS boobs in that top!"

" I'll just put on this shorts and T-shirt AGAIN !"

I thought breast feeding melted away all traces of fatness ...!

Your body has a mega high level of the 'pro lactin' hormone, which works with the pituitary gland to make your delicious milk.

As this is so high (and oestrogen and progesterone are low) it works like cortisol, the stress hormone, which slows your metabolism and clings to fat.

The prolactin rate is at its highest in the first six months post partum, and then it slowly declines after this.

In other words it is your body's way of protecting your lovely, new, dependent bundle of joy in case we have a famine or if you have forgotten to do the Tesco big shop! That way, if Mama goes hungry, baba won't!

Clever eh!?

If you're stuck in the squidge then you are not alone!

Yawn... Now where's my lippy?

About Mammy Poppins

Immune Booster Anti Inflammatory Reducing Wrinkles Respiratory Health Increased Focus Aches & Pains Womens Health Anxiety Depression Acne & Scars Spiritual & Meditative