Annabel is Mum-to-Be of the Month - congratulations!

Hi Annabel! 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?

Hi Jo, thanks! Very honoured!

I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant. I love being pregnant, it’s a very special time and I know how lucky and privileged I am.

What aspects of pregnancy are you enjoying?

I’m loving planning for the baby and buying things for the nursery. I love seeing my bump getting bigger, and discovering how amazing maternity jeans are!

And the not-such-fun bits?

My list of pregnancy symptoms seems endless, but the main ones currently are sleeping problems, cramping around my pelvis and not enjoying a curry like I used to!

 

I’ve been enjoying your T shirts in class – tell me a bit more. I have a feeling I’ve met a fellow (PROUD) feminist!

LOL! Likewise. The t-shirt used to be my baggiest shirt, although not so baggy anymore! I bought it after hearing about the ‘Say no to page 3’ campaign. The campaign looks to challenge the over sexualisation of women’s bodies in the media. Proudly, the campaign did manage to persuade the Sun to remove the images on page three. It’s just a small part of the problem, but it highlights an important issue. I also think it relates to campaigns like ‘Free the nipple’ which sees gender biases in the covering up of women’s chests. Having our breasts out in public is a controversial statement, but not so much for men, and can affect a women’s confidence especially around breastfeeding, the actual intended purpose for breasts!

 

You’ve also got some very delicate tattoos. Do they signify anything?

The tattoo on my right arm is probably just reflective of a mis-spent youth! My back and ankle I just think are pretty! I love tattoos and how people chose to decorate their bodies in cool and individual ways. I also think tattoos reflect significant life experiences or transitions that we go through. This is what tattooing is used for in some other cultures around the world. The balloon/mandala on my left forearm is reflective of a loss I experienced last year. It’s a reminder to myself of the significance of that time, but also the importance of not hanging on to unpleasant emotions or thoughts, which prevent us letting go and moving forward in our lives.

 

You do your pregnancy fitness with me despite having a very rare condition – Pompe Disease. Have you always managed to keep active despite the effects of the condition?

Exercise was never something I grew up enjoying as I found it hard, and now I understand why. I did enjoy sport, things like tennis, netball and cycling but never continued much in my adult life. I struggled with exercise for a long time, and only when I was diagnosed did I recognise why it had been such a problem. Pompe is a muscle wasting disease, but thankfully I have treatment which should stop the progression of it further. After I was diagnosed about 7 years ago, it made me think so much more seriously about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. I now like doing aqua aerobics, swimming, Yoga, Pilates and walking.

 

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

Me and my husband are both vegetarian and try to limit the amount of dairy we eat as well. It’s made us think a lot more about nutrition and making sure we get all the nutrients we need each day, especially now I’m pregnant. My all-time favourite food would probably be a good old Sunday Nut-Roast with cranberry sauce and veg!

 

Tell me a little about your job: how do you find combining pregnancy with work?

I work as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist in the NHS. I’ve been practising for about 10 years now. My job involves a lot of listening, talking and sitting. Physically it’s not too straining but emotionally and mentally I’m drained after each day. My emotions have been all over the place since I’ve been pregnant so this had made it additionally tiring some days.

 

Are you looking forward to maternity leave?

Yes, I’m so looking forward to meeting our baby and looking after thim or her. I’m looking forward to taking her/him swimming, lots of cuddles and doing baby exercise classes. Although it is a little scary when I think, I’m going from a job where you feel in control most of the time, to one where you’re no longer the boss of your life! It will be nice to have a break from work, but I think after a year at home, I’ll be going back to work for the break!

 

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

I was a ‘don’t think about it - I’ll just have an epidural’, but then my friend introduced me to Hypnobirthing which has radically changed my feelings about birth. It’s my first baby so no experience of birth, but the techniques have really helped me approach it in a positive and open way. I see hypnobirthing as a tool in my tool box during birth. I certainly would use pain relief if I needed it.

 

What are you most looking forward to about motherhood?

Lots of hugs and kisses, and playing as much as possible.

 

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

Listening to the post-natal hypnobirthing relaxation cds, in the bath. With candles of course!