Mum-to-be of the Month - Natalie!

Hi Natalie! First of all, congratulations on being Mum-to-Be of the month!

 

Tell me, how many weeks are you now and how are you feeling?

I’m 29 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy, I have struggled with back and pelvis pain but it’s improved so much with the correct management so although I’m tired I’m feeling well.

 

What aspects of pregnancy are you enjoying?

I’m enjoying my children getting exciting about the baby and kissing my bump!

 

And the not-such-fun bits?

Definitely back and pelvis pain,

 

What’s been your favourite pregnancy gadget?

Not for pregnancy but for baby I discovered a ‘poddle pod’, which is a cushion for baby to lie on, it looks so snuggly I’m very excited to use it.  Pregnancy: its not really a gadget but my pregnancy support belt, oh and bio oil!

 

You do your pregnancy exercises – both online and classes - with me but have you always been active or is this new?

I wouldn't class myself as a super fit person but I am active, I enjoy walking and swimming and surely running round after two children is a fitness class in itself!
 

You’ve been having a lot of back pain in pregnancy, Natalie. Could you tell me what –if anything – you’ve found helpful in terms of managing the pain?

I’ll be honest that my back pain has been a real struggle and at times harder than I expected as its effected all aspects of my life which is why finding the correct management to help with the pain and my mobility has been essential.  I find pregnancy Pilates has been the main help with the pain, low impact and lots of amazing stretches and I also do the online classes as well to help in-between seeing Jo.  On really bad days or if I know I’m going to be busy or on my feet a lot I wear a maternity support belt.  I think the main thing is to listening to your body and not what your head tells you, you need to be doing or jobs that have got to be done, your body is doing something amazing so respect your boundaries.

 

Are you into healthy eating? What’s your all-time favourite dish?

I do try to be healthy but I can be a fussy eater! All time favourite is spaghetti Bolognese but only when made by my hubby

 

How do you find combining pregnancy with work?

I am very fortunate in my job as I’m a baby swimming instructor so its not really work as I get to enjoy teaching lots of beautiful babies and toddlers, and my boss is very sympathetic as she has 4 children of her own so understands being a working mum and the stress and strains of pregnancy.

 

Are you looking forward to maternity leave?

I’ll definitely miss my classes but I’m also looking forward to spending some quality time with my family and having a new born

 

And what about the birth? Thinking about it or a case of bury your head in the sand?

I have been blessed with positive previous births but my last labour was 1 hour 27 minutes… so I am a little bit scared I wont make it to the birthing centre! I’m aiming for a water birth but what will be will be, I’m just excited to meet the baby and know if its pink or blue.

 

What are you most looking forward to about motherhood third time round?

I’m most looking forward to breastfeeding, I absolutely loved feeding my first two children and I can’t wait to feel that closeness and bond again.  This will definitely be my last child so I’m going to savour every single moment, I feel blessed to have the beautiful, healthy and happy children that I have and I’m looking forward to completing my little family.

 

We all need a bit of “me time” when we’re mums. What will you be squeezing into your “mummy me time” if you have any….?

Is there such a thing as “mummy me time”?! (Laughing!) I’m lucky that my children fall fast asleep at 7:30 so I make sure the house is clean and organised before their bedtime so I can sit and watch a bit of television and read a book, on a rare evening out I enjoy a meal out and the cinema.
 

Thank you Natalie.

Jo xx