A while ago I did a blog post about the Tommy’s Campaign promoting Healthy Pregnancy. I’ve been woefully slow getting to my round up and handing out of prizes. I’m sorry about that. I’ve been needing a little more head space and a little more down time – and I made a decision to try and spend less time online, a little less time with my laptop open. Fran going off to school and this baby deserving my full? (well, 1/7th) attention, not least with a sudden resurgence that my time with my children is fleeting, has made me want to value the days more than I do.
As well as my own post, GhostWriterMummy contributed a post about mental health between and during pregnancies. This is a subject close to my heart and one too often discounted as less important than fitness, food and stopping smoking. As a person who has suffered depression throughout my life, I know just how much mental health can affect pregnancy and birth. I firmly believe that my huge anxiety levels delayed Josie’s arrival by the dramatic 2 weeks that it did.
At Child Led Chaos, the post was all about the trauma of not bonding with a baby during pregnancy and the distress of not really ‘wanting’ that child. it was a tough piece to read – and incredibly moving and inspiring.
Carol wrote about trying to take care of herself during an unexpected pregnancy that followed several friends (including me!) experiencing losses. I’m so glad all went well in the end.
Tasha’s post speaks about pregnancy after losses and giving up smoking, trying to eat healthily and overcoming fear of loss and then fear of birth.
Mamacrow talks about listening to your inner voice and following instincts as well as making sure you are well informed.
Katy lost her own mother in child birth when she was very young. Her post is incredibly personal and sad but also uplifting. Love and support meant she eventually found herself in an emotional place where she could cope with the idea of giving birth and her 4 children, who I know and love, are a testament to her courage.
Jan discusses morning sickness, control and eventually managing to go with the flow. I know Jan and she always seems extremely in control and it is (sorry Jan!) almost a relief to discover she was nearly as inept as me first time round!
Anni rounds up everything she learned in pregnancy, not least about diet, but also that a big pile of towels is handy!
Jax, currently busy being pregnant again, is another who believes in information being power.
I offered some prizes for people who took part and a couple of friends joined me. There are ten links, but I’ve discounted my own, so I’m randomising from 2-10 in a pathetic, can’t seem to make it give me a list I can copy easily, way 😆
Winner of the first PlayMerrily Toys ??25 voucher is:-
Number 2 – GhostWriter Mummy.
Winner of the second PlayMerrily Toys ??25 voucher is:-
Number 8 – Jan.
Winner of the Goddess Jewels Bracelet is:-
Number 10 – Jax.
Winner of the Natality Cream is:-
Number 7 – Katy.
I will do my best to contact you all – thank you 🙂
I’m still working up the courage to read them – as someone who has horrendous pregnancies a ‘healthy pregnancy’ is an alien concept 🙁
I can completely understand that. And please don’t, if they will upset you. On the other hand, I think they are largely written from the perspective of people who have had terrible times for one reason or another (emotional, health etc) and have taken small things from each and tried to make a way of managing better within the next one. Quite inspiring in general.
You wrote something to me about trying to find small bits of normal within difficult times and it is something I have really taken on board. It’s helping an enormous amount, to be given permission to find optimism and joy in a tough pregnancy, rather than feel almost obliged to face it with fear.
Ah, I never knew there was a prize draw. Your carnival really made me think, and has me me more determined to take care of me this time around. Thanks for letting me be a part of it
XxX