So, I’ve now hit the 22-week mark! I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to know that if I’m having a girl she’s now developed a lifetime supply of eggs. I know crazy! I must say this pregnancy is very different from my first. No longer do I agonise about things like leftovers. If I had it last night, a quick re-heat is fine with me! While I am more relaxed, I’m definitely very curious about what women around the word are doing. I mean over here in Sunny Aus, wine is a definite no no but in Europe it’s a given that you’ll have a glass or two while devouring your cured meats!
In Japan raw fish is considered part of a healthy diet for pregnant women and its actually recommended sushi be consumed as part of a healthy diet. Over here? The pregnancy police would chase me down the street armed with pamphlets and a carrot stick!
I’m starting to think of the birth too. I know, I’ve started early! Hamish arrived via C-section due to his position – Frank Breech. Unfortunately there was no way the little sucker was coming out otherwise but I’d really like to try au-natural this time. This also got me researching best practise birthing rates around the world. In Brazil they have almost a 40% C-section rate. It is commonplace to elect for one regardless of birth position and complications. In The Netherlands almost 50% of women opt for a home birth and are required to pick up home birth kit regardless of their plans. Even if you DO opt for a hospital birth, it is highly unlikely that you will be given an epidural. OUCH!
The funniest of all, the Boy vs Girl myths. I’ve been frantically consulting Dr Google on this one. While Owen and I have decided not to find out the gender, we’re still curious! So apparently boys enhance their mothers beauty while girls steal it. Judging from the state of my hair and skin we’re definitely having a girl. Or maybe a boy if this is true: ‘If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy she’s having a boy.’ I have the bruises to prove it too!
Did you know in medieval times pregnant women were confined to their beds for the last month to reduce the risk of delivering prematurely? Servants and midwives would serve the lucky lady wine and ale by candlelight to keep her calm and probably a little tipsy! In Malaysia, China and India it is still common practise for mothers and newborns to practise confinement. Family, friends and nannies tend to the new mother and baby to ensure both parties are fully recovered before re-emerging into the world. WOW.
How I wish I was in medieval times! A usual day for me begins at 5.30am when Sir Hamish awakens for the day. If I’m not busy keeping the little monkey in line, I’m running Baby Carriers Australia. It’s been a mad month, product launches (enter MOBY!), competitions and carriers galore! By the time Hamish’s bedtime hits I’m well and truly delirious.
One thing’s for sure, however you do it, wherever you do it, pregnancy is not for the feint hearted. Us women are bloody tough! Betty White summarised it perfectly when she said:
“Why do people say “grow some balls”? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding!.”
I’ll leave you on that note.
Kiley x
