8 weeks and 1 day

Today I took my first belly photo, it's not terribly flattering, but that's not the point of it. This photo shows that even though I am only 8 weeks and one day, I am already developing a bump!

such sexy PJ's! 

I just wanted to share this picture so you get an idea of what stage I am, If you're earlier on in you're pregnancy it's interesting to see how your bump will develop!

I will be updating my bump status once a month to show you the gradual changes in my body.

In this picture you can also see how terrible my bra is fitting me right now, I've actually gone up to a 42d from a 38c in the last couple of weeks! Que professional bra fitting!

On another note, Tomorrow is my booking appointment! I will meet my Midwife, take a few important tests and hopefully book my first scan.

So either tomorrow or the day after I will write about how that went, so check back soon! :D

Thanks for reading Yummy Mummy's!

Ally xxx

Pereneal Massage!

So here's a subject I find no one is willing to have a chat about.  

***WARNING!***

This blog post contains graphic images and references to female genitalia! 

When I have raised the subject talking to other mothers, or mum-to-be's, I am usually met with screwed up noses and red cheeks! So I have done my research, I don't want to take any chances when it comes to tears.


I've been looking into medically approved sites and I have also chatted to the mums who didn't mind getting into that conversation, and I've come up with  a few things I'd like to share with any expectant mothers who want to start pereneal massage.


First You need a substance you can use for massage, there are a wide variety of products on sale at most maternity shops and drug stores. The product I have begun using is:

Mothercare Bump and Beyond Perfect Delivery Perineal Gel - 30ml

Mothercare's pereneal gel retails at £4.99 for 30ml, which isn't that great value for money, this bottle isn't much bigger than my mobile phone.

It's main ingredients are 5 essential oils including Olive and Calendula oils. The product feels smooth and smells faintly of olive oil. 

I have very sensitive skin so I was a little skeptical about using a bottled product instead of using a natural remedy, but this gel contains barely anything but natural oils and has been lovely to use!

I have noticed an improvement in elasticity in the pereneal area after only 1 week of using this product, but the real test is the birth :)

I will post my thoughts on whether it was worth it to use pereneal products and massage once bump is here!

I would recommend this product, but would suggest perhaps buying some olive oil and using that instead, as it has the same effect, and is much better value.

Massage time!

So here is the technique I've been using for the past week! Usually you wouldn't start this exercise until 6 weeks before your due date, but it doesn't do any harm to get there early! (even if I am 7 months early!) 

I recommend massaging every day from 5-10 min.

This massage can be done by yourself or your partner. Find a warm and comfortable place, you may want to sit with your knees bent or reclining in a position that allows you access to your perineum.

I hope this step by step guide helps you out, and I'm more than willing to answer any questions if this isn't clear, just email allyamourbaby@gmail.com

Step by Step!

A wonderfully graphic image to help you locate the pereneum!

1. Start with clean hands! also you want to make sure there are no sharp edges to your nails before you start.
2. Locate the perineum, directly below the vagina. It is the skin between the vagina and the anus.
3. Apply whichever product you chose to use on thumbs and perineal tissues if done by yourself or on both index fingers if done by your partner
4. Place the lubricated thumbs at the base of the vagina and slowly insert them inside to about 1 inch (up to your first joint)
5. Using gentle but firm pressure, press thumbs down towards the anus and up the side walls as if you were making a “U” and hold this position for 2 breaths
6. Take a big breath in through your nose, exhale and relax the muscles
7. Slowly return the thumbs to the base of the vagina, and repeat this process for 5- 10 min.

As you become more comfortable with the massage you will notice less burning and more elasticity of your perineum. You may increase the amount of pressure next time you massage.

The same technique can be applied when you are receiving the massage from your partner, however instead of thumb he or she can use the index fingers. Take this opportunity to learn how to relax your muscles and practice deep breathing exercise, which will serve you greatly during labor.

I really hope you all find this useful! Good luck and congratulations!

Ally

Some very good news!

Hi all!

I have created this blog to share the experience of my first pregnancy with you all!

I thought it would be a nice idea to share information with other first timers and receive advice from experienced mums!

Over the next few months I will share my experiences and worries with you in this blog, and on my YouTube channel that I have specifically created separately from my cosmetic tutorial channel to document my journey :)

The Story so far


This week I was late for my period, and thought nothing of it as I'm on Citalopram which can affect your menstrual cycle.

But, my fiancé and I decided it would be a good idea to rule out other causes.

Two positive results later and I knew I was going to be a mum!

Now this is the best possible news I could ever get, I was born for this! We may not be rich or in the best position to start a family, but I know that this is the right time for us :)

I now know that I am 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant, it's still very early days, but suddenly it's hit me that I don't actually have 9 months. I have 7 1/2 months until our baby comes! Slightly shocking for me haha!

Of course this is a delicate time in pregnancy, and I am trying my best to give my growing baby what he or she needs. I have started low impact exercise such as yoga and daily walks, as well as pelvic floor exercises.

I am taking pregnacare plus vitamins, which retails at roughly £13.99, a little expensive but I believe the added Omega 3 oil capsules are way worth it. Boots are currently holding a 3 for 2 offer on all vitamin products too, so Iv'e stocked up :) There is also a 3 for 2 deal on palmers stretch mark cream (£5.25), so If you have just found out some good news, it's a good time to visit boots!

I have started massaging Palmers stretch mark cream anywhere on my belly and breasts where I am likely to get stretch marks. The earlier you start this ritual the better, twice a day is best. Your skin can only get more supple the more you do this.

Also I have started massaging the perineum. I have been using durex water based lubricant to do this, but I'm going to buy Mothercare's bump and beyond perfect delivery perineal gel (30 ml £4.99) next week, and I will review it over the next few months.

I will do a detailed post on perineal massage in the next week or so!

Don't forget to follow and bookmark this page! I will be regularly updating at least once a week, so check back often :)

Also check out my twitter and YouTube for more information!

Ally xxx