THINKING AHEAD

Q:  Who would you like to care for you at your baby's birth?
A:  Right now I am doing eveything alone. I have taken into consideration that I will need to get my son taken care of when I am in labour and I need to drive there myself. I need a hospital that has parking that is secure for patients' cars (porters that take the car). I need to prepare the car for bringing the baby back home too. It makes me very sad to think about this because I will be absolutely alone during this time. I have spoken to my Dr to make this as easy a transition as possible as this is a very emotional time for me. I am very happy but I am very emotional that I am doing this alone and without the dad involved.

Q:  Do you want help with the pain?
A: Yes, the first time it was unbearable without pain medication. This time they must give me whatever they can.

Q:  What hospital do you want your baby at?
A:  Right now it is between 2. It will either be Kuilsriver Netcare or Louis Leipoldt MediClinic.

MY ULTRASOUND 06 NOV 2012

06 NOVEMBER 2012 13H00 N1 CITY HOSPITAL

 

The ultrasound went great. Corbynne went with me. Corbynne sat next to me on the chair holding my handbag on his lap. I was so surprised how clear I could see the baby. The cutest  was when the baby jumped. He/she keeps on wanting to hold it's face.

MY PREGNANCY

Q:  What did you feel when you realized you're pregnant?
A:  I was ecsatically happy. I immediately thought about how Corbyne's going to enjoy having a sibling.

Q:  Who did you tell first that you're pregnant?
A:  My friends

Q:  Has it been difficult to tell anybody that you are pregnant?
A: Yes, once again my parents and the dad.

Q:  What differences have you noticed in yourself?
A:  My eating habits and fatigue.I am unable to stomache anything. The Asic tablets do not work either. I am currently trying Ginger Beer. It helps with the nausea but doesn't make me want to eat.


I found out I was pregnant on 18/09/2012. I felt happy. The first peole I told were my frends. I went for my first doctor's appointment on 19/09/2012. I had my first scan on 06/11/2012. I had no food cravings only nausea. The best pregnancy advice I have had is that I ust do what feels right for me. What I am most scared of is having a 2nd baby as a single mother. The future seems scary.  birth wish for myelf andthe baby is to deliver in a priate hospital and be able to relax.

9 OCTOBER 2012 - MATERNITY CLOTHES

I went maternity clothes shopping today. I found a great little shop in Durnbanville when I took my car to be fixed. Pinkfoot Boutique, 8 Oxford Street, Durbanville. Lucky for me I am a single mom and I don't need any sexy clothes because I've realized you don't get sexy upsize stuff.

21 SEPTEMBER 2012 - YAY FOR THE WEEKEND

I am going camping in Worcester this weekend. I have packed alot of fruit sincethat is all I can stomach. I started taking Folic Acid tablets and Iron tablets the last 2 days

Symptoms:  Tummy ache, Nausea, Tiredness

19 SEPTEMBER2012 - DR HAMMAN

I went to Louis Leipoldt (DR Hamman). The preganancy test he did showed positive and he sent me for blood tests by the pathlogist to see how many weeks I am. I gained 1.7kg and I'm approx 3-4 weeks pregnant.

 

Syptoms:  Tiedness, nausea, headaches

18 SEPTEMBER 2012 - GREAT NEWS

Today I didn't feel too well so I did 2 pregnancy tests, both were positive. I am not sure how to feel, all I know is that I need to make an appointment with my GP.

My symptoms are: Tiredness, nausea, tenderness

CORBYNNE'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

Mommy had party packs made for your friends at creche. For your party at home mommy got you a Thomas Train cake. Your favourite present was your Ben 10 watch. You hd thomas train party plates and party cups. Mommy wishes you many more happy birthdays and I am so proud of you my boy. I love you with all my heart and each year that you grow older I am so excited to share your new experiences with you. You are my whole world.

 

CORBYNNE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

Since you won't remember your 1st birthday mommy wants to tell you all about it.  For your first birthday I had a baby blue theme.  You had cups, plates, servietes, balloons, etc. with the theme on it. For the cake I couldn't make up my mind, in the end it was decided on a car-cake with blue icing. It had your name on the license plates. Your age was on the top, a big 1! You had a brooch saying "I am 1" Aunty Karin made you a beautiful card. You had lots of presents. Your next birthday will be even better I hope.

DEAR CORBYNNE 23 & 27 MAY 2011

23 May 2011

Dearest Corby,

You have reached you naughty age but mommy couldn't be happier.  You are so funny and cute. Uncle Neil hardly sees you because he is living in Johannesburg but ouma tells him about you all the time when he phones. Mommy has to go to work again soon, but mommy hopes that daddy and I willbe independant enough to have you a brother or sister one day. Daddy isn't hoe at this stage and I hope that everything will be okay because I can see that you miss him. You keep on saying daddy's at work and he's coming now-now but mommy knows that's not true. Everything will be okay though mommy promises.

I love you boy,
xxx

27 May 2011

Dearest Corbynne, I'm the luckiest woman ever to have you. You wait for the garbage truck every Friday, you call it a loh-loh. You stillwon't let go of stinky pinky "Pink bear" :)  Oupa signed for a new house so that you can have your own room.  You won't sleep with mom in the bed once you have your own room that will change.  Your favourite toys are pinky and your swing, for now.  If oupa gets the new house you will have a yard to play in and we are so excited. I love you my boy.

xxx

DEAR CORBYNNE 11 MAY 2011

Dear Corbynne,

You are growing so fast. Every day you amze me. You are so clever aswell. You can say the following: mama, papa, dada, teddy, car, broom, up, woof, kitty, oupa, ouma, eina, now-now, bread, work, pinky, tv, chippie, hum is for food and your pram is a tata. You hae a funny way of naming a truck. You tickle our tummies all the time. You know where all your body parts are. you sleep in your own bed. You know who ou are (baba and Corbynne). You don't do anything or go anywhere without pinky. You respond to us using where, what and uhhm. You wake daddy up for work and tell him "out" You are daddys alarm clock. You fetch his shoes, shirts, my slippers, his socks, pants etc. You love helping. You give kisses only if you want to and you always say please and ta.

Everybody that meets you loves you. You have this shy upside -down smile. You are on the go all the time. You still don't sleep through and you don't like cheese :)

You don't sleep with blankets over you and you dislike wearing shoes, slippers and socks in the house. You love watching tv and the babies on tv. You sing with a frowny face. You can count til 3 and you ca say ABC thank to daddy. You are obsessed with Flings. You always want the last drop of oumas coffee but you don't like coffee or tea though. ou brush your own teeth. Mommy loves you very much and always will.

Love,
Mommy
xxx

CORBYNNE'S NOTES

These are all the new developments:

12 Dec 09 - Rolled over
18 Dec 09 - Changed milk from S26 tot NAN started porridge again
20 Dec 09 - Started crawling
16 Jan 10  - Can sit
18 Jan 10  - Started opening drawers
19 Jan 10  - Ate porridge with a spoon

01 Feb 10  - Started eating purities and Cerelac
01 Feb 10 -  Started crying after me, standing against the cots net peeping

19 May 10 - Makes aaw sound when he sees a baby on TV
20 May 10 - Corby makes gasping sounds asif he is shocked
24 May 10 - Corbynne started saying no :)

8 MONTHS OLD
Started saying: Dada, Mama, Baba
Started clapping hands

THINGS ABOUT CORBYNNE 25 NOV 09

You like bathing
You like sleeping on your tummy
You have a tooth on it's way
You get hot very easily
Only oupa can make you sleep at this stage
You are drinking S26 formula with brown teats

DEAREST CORBY 25 NOV 2009

Honestly I never knew what to expect becoming a mother. One thing I can tell you is that it's the best feeling when you wake me up at 6h30am and greet me with smiles. When you sleep at 20h30pm I miss you. I am going back to work soon and I can't imagine having to go to work and leaving you behind. You make me and daddy so happy. We can't wait til you reach your walking stage, we want to take you to the zoo and beach. We drive you around on weekends to see new places. We watch a movie with you every night. We are eagerly weaiting for your first tooth as we can see and feel that it is on it's way. Mommy loves you my angel. Uncle Neil came to Cape Town today to bring you toys.

NOTES

24 September 2009
Umbilical cord fell off

25 September 2009
Saw a smile and starting making sounds mimicing laughter

MY BIRTH ACCOUNT 16 SEPT 2009

Mommy was in labour approx 4 - 5 days. Mommy and dddy went to Tygerberg Zoo and when we stopped to go in I felt a pain.  Funny enough we made jokes thatTygerberg Zoo was nowhere near Tygerberg and that if I go into labour then I don't know where you're gonna be born.  I read books that labour cantake long so we went to the zoo and enjoyed the ime together so much. The huge bear was the best. When we went home daddy stopped at Sanlam Shopping Centre and we checked the movies that were on. I wanted to watch "UP" for a long time and daddy wantedus to watch it. As we were goin to purchase the tickets I thought about the labour pains I have and decided we must rather go home. My hospital bag was in the car for a month or so, just for incase. The pains were unbearble and I couldnt lay down or sit. 

 

For the nextfew days I had to walk around the house, I couldn't sleep and when I lay down the pain gets worse. Everytime I go to the hospital they sent me home to dilate further. Finally the night before you were born I decided to take a bath in the warmest water I could. I couldn't wee in the toilet :) because I couldn't sit. I had to put a bucket on a table (and my LG Choc phonefell in the bucket). The warm water bath helped and soon I had contractions a few minutes apart. Daddy slept through it all. Oupa panicked and said I must go to hospital. I woke daddy up, sat in the back of the car with a pillow. I went into hospital and the porter asked me if I wanted a wheelchair but I said no. A few seconds later he peeped around the corner and found me holding onto the wall unable to walk. The morning hours that followed you were born. Daddy didn't want to let you go, he held you and stared at you the whoile time. 

36 WEEKS (AUGUST 2009)

My last day at work was 14 August, due to my dr's appointment on the 15th. Everybody decorated my desk wit balloons and streamers. Wen it was time to go home, everybody were gone. I got dragged to "THE LFT" blind-folded and everybody was there. A surprise baby shower. I appreciate it so much. Apparently baby turned now...

 

I went for a sonar (15th) Danilo went with :) Was o happy he was with. I am so nervous to give birth naturally. I am just glad I have Danilo to get me through it. he has been my rock throughout the prenancy.

21 WEEKS 10 MAY 2009

It is mothersday!

 

My mom felt the baby moving and kicking for the first time, which was very special. Yesterday my brother bought some very boyish clothes :) I just want it t stay a baby forever. I have been working overtime (12 hours a day) to prepare for unpaid maternity leave

20 WEEK SCAN 30 APRIL 2009

Today at 11am I went for my 20 week scan. As they started I could see baby fiddeling with his face. They tried to his face and everytime he moved his head away. The one doctor didn't want to tell me what it is as it was not very clear. Then she called Dr Ross. I had to ay on my right-hand side to get the baby to move. Everytime he kicks or slaps the ultrasound scanner :) I could see how he moves his legs up to his tummy and looks away. After a while he started behaving so that we can take pictures and measure him. The daddy came after work to see the pictures - I absolutely loves that he cares so much abd I couldn't ask for a better dad for my son.

WEEK 20

YOUR EMOTIONS NOW

 

Q:  What special feelings do you have at this stage of your pregnancy?

A:  I'm very eager to know if it's a boy or a girl. I've been convinced since the start that it is a boy. I have been geting weird nightmares of rabbits that I give birth to that suck my nipples and want milk! I'm terrified of giving birth! I love the way baby is moving and the preparing for the baby!

LETTER TO MY BABY 7 APRIL 2009

I will start my letter by saying, I never thought I could love somebody this much that I have never met. I never ever want you to doubt how much of a miracle you are in my life. There is no better feeling in the world than to feel you moving inside me. The only wish and hopes I have is to be the best mother you could ask for. I hope that you will always feel loved and cared for.

Love,
Mommy
xxx

LOOKING AHEAD TOGETHER 06 APR 09

06 APRIL 2009

 

Q:  Do you want your partner to bepresent at birth?

A:  Yes, I am just scared he freaks out!

 

Q:  How does your partner feel about being at the birth?

A:  I don't think he wants to be

 

Q:  What plans are you making together so that your prtner knows what to expect during birth?

A:  We watched "In The Womb". Later on I will talk to him more

 

Q:  What special help do you want from your partner?

A:  I just need him to be supportive and understanding. I am very emotional and I need him to be re-assuring. I am also very stressed with work and getting ready for baby

 

 

19 AUGUST 2009

 

Q:  What other things could you do together so that your partner realizes your needs and can enjoy the birth?

A:  He loves me and the baby dearly, so it will come to him naturally. I am taking him with me to an antenatal class because they show videos there :)

 

 

EMOTIONS

 

Q:  How can baby's daddy help support you emotionally during pregnancy and labour?

A:  Just by being his cute self. By trying to understand whensomething hurts or cramps.  My babys dad doesn't feel like he will be able to be there during birth, which is okay with me ecause it is enough to freak anybody out. I might have my mom with me becaus eshe had 2 kids and she will be able to be an advocate for me if something goes wrong.  Plus, you don't want a man remembering you and the baby like that :)

 

 

 

WEEK 17 - 20 BODY CHANGES 05 APR 2009

Q:  Have your breasts grown larger/heavier?

A:  Yes

 

Q:  Are your breasts particularly tender/sensitive? Do they tingle?

A:  They are just plain sore

 

Q:  Is the circle around your nipples any daker?

A:  Yes. It looks blueish

 

Q:  Apart from breast changes, what other changes do you notice?

A:  Well, I do have sticky clear fluid coming out of my left nipple. My tummy is covered in hair that is growing into my bellybutton. I have more hair on my body than the daddy! When I walk baby moves down onto my bladder. Baby keeps me awake at night with moving and kicking. The kicks are low.

 

Q:  What does your waist measure now?

A:  I lost some weight. I look like a ball on a stick.

WEEK 9-12 PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES

Q:  Do you notice any changes in your breasts?
A:  Yes! mommy-breasts are developing :(

Q:  Are you aware of any other physical changes?
A:  Except tiredness, restlessness, full bladder, growing breasts, heartburn, headaches.... I don't notice anything else

Q:  Has pregnancy changed you relationship with your partner in any way?
A:  Yes, the poor man must sit withmy moodswings and my fragile emotions but he has been a star :)

Q:  Has pregnancy affected your feeling about sex?
A:  Yes! Keep it away from me PLEASE!

YOUR CHOICES

Q:  During pregnancy and birth, would you like to be consulted about everything that is done to you and to share in the descision making? If so, why?
A:  Yes. I am a very nervous person and would like to know what I am waiting for

Q:  Would you like to leave decisions about your care entirely to theprofesionals? If so, why?
A:  No. They are just human and I think I should have an opinion - it is my body and my baby.  I know best when it comes to me.

Q:  Who would you like to care for you during your pregnancy
A: The daddy and my mom

Q:  And at the baby's birh?
A:  The father

Q:  What are your feelings about interventions in childbirth?
A:  I want my baby to be safe. If it cn save/help my baby - I'm all for it!


WEEK 21-24
PLANNING AHEAD

Q:  How does your partner plan on getting to know baby?
A:  By having us spend time together at his place

Q:  What help do you wish to have with the baby during the day and night?
A:  I am going to need my mom to show me how to take care of the baby day and night. When I am at thefather's place I am going toneed him to help me with the eveyday duties

Q: Is your partner goingt help take care of the baby?
A:  Yes. I want them to develop a strong bond

Q:  What helpare you likely to need with he everyday household tasks?
A: Nothing so far

Q:  Looking ahead to the weeks after the brth, what plans are you making so that you hav time and energy for your baby?
A:  I am takin matrnit leave and I'm letting my mom help me

Q:  Would you like a support person (birth partner) with you at your baby's birth?
A:  Yes! I can't be in my own company for too long :)

Q:  Who do you wnat it to be?
A:  Baby's dad

Q:  Do you want to learn ways of handling pain or easing pain yourself?
A:  Yes, anything that can help with the pain

Q:  Would you like to take advantage of drugs that relieve pain?
A:  Yes, if it is safe

Q:   Are there other things that are important to you about your pregnancy/childbirth?
A:  Yes, I want the baby by me at all times

FIRST ULTRASOUND 18 FEB 2009

My first ultrasound was nothing like I expected. I was nervous, felt out of place and I didn't feel pregnant. My tummy was flat and most of my morning sickness has passed. I got to see my baby and it's heartbeat. We went for breakfast to celebrate. The only question I had for the lady was "Does it have limbs?" and she repied "Why wouldn't it have?" :) I am 10 weeks and 2 days acording to the ultrasound.

SMS FROM PERPETUA (29 JAN 2009)

I heard the big news. Congratulations. Itis 1 of the most beautiful transitions in a womans life. And when you become a mother, that is going to be the greatest teacher and you'll feel your priorities changing and your life will be more meaningful. All the best. Take Care. Perpetua

 

Time: 15h50

Date:  29 January 2009

SMS FROM PERPETUA (29 JAN 2009)

YOUR BABY'S BIRTH PLACE

Q:  WHAT BIRTH PLACE HAVE YOU CHOSEN AND WHY?

A:  Elsies River Maternity. I didn't have a choice. It is in my area. I fall under Government and the hospitals are apparently for high risk

 

Q:  IF YOU HAD A CHOICE AFTER BIRTH, WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FULL TIME OR TO HAVE AN EARLY DISCHARGE?

A:  Early because I want my baby all to myself

Q:  IF YOU ARE HAVING AN EARLY DISCHARGE, WHO WILL LOOK AFTER YOU AFTER THE BABY IS BORN?
A:  My mother. She knows me best and I know she only wants the best for me and baby

MY FEELINGS (29 JANUARY 2009)

Up until now I've had various feelings about my pregnancy. I tried telling my mom three times yesterday but didn't know how. I then contated my brother to tell him he is going to be an uncle in a few months. He was very excited and had many questions (he is thinking of names). This is a confusing time for me. I'm reading my book "PREGNANCY SUCKS" by Joanne Kimes and laughing out loud. I went from non pregnant to feeling like I am dying a harsh death.  I am going to have a tough time ahead but I'm hoping that my son/daughter will be able to bring me lots of joy. I can't calculate how far I am because I never made notes of my last periods.

MY FEELINGS UP TO NOW... (28 JAN 09)

My morning sickness is better today. I'm starting to be happy about the pregnancy. I'm just waiting for the blood results to be able to go to antenatal. I'm fearing telling my parents. I am also fearing my job and I'm paying my debt finished now. Up until yesterday I could not eat. I was stuck with KFC mash and gravy, milkshakes, milk and lollipops. I am starting to get a cold though. We have been calling the foetus MONKEY! The guy at work (the daddy) bought me a monkey teddy by Edgars :) ... I didn't tell my parents yet and to be a first time mom is so hard. I dont know were to go or what is going to happen

AT THE CLINIC (2009)

Q:  WAS YOUR FIRST VISIT FOR ANTENATAL WHAT YOU EXPECTED?
A:  I had to wait long and nobody was friendly. I didn't get to ask any questions. I couldn't even tell them my problems I have during pregnancy. So no I expected more even for a Government Clinic

Q:  WHAT WERE OUR FEELINGS ABOUT YOUR FIRST ANTENATAL VISIT?
A:  I was disappointed but I am going t write all my questions down and in 4 weeks I will ask my questions

Q:  DID YOU HAVE A OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS ALL THE THINGS YOU WANTED?
A:  No but that is what the list is for

Q:  WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU WANT TO ASK AT YOUR NEXT VISIT?
A:  About my baby, about giving birth, harmful thing that might hurt baby, work related questions

CHANGES IN YOUR BODY (JAN - FEB 2009)

Q: WHAT DIFFERENCES HAVE YOU NOTICED IN YOURSELF SINCE YOU FOUND OUT THAT YOU WERE PREGNANT?

Bloated tummy
Morning sickness
Swollen breasts
Pimples on neck, chest and face
Burs veins on tummy and back
Nipples discoloured and bigger
Fatigue
Insomnia
Hair tummy! Looking like a monkey!
Heartburn!

TELLING PEOPLE 27 JAN 2009

Q:   WHAT DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU REALISED THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT?

A:  My friend Muneerah insisted that I do a pregnancy test and I did so at work.  went to the bathroom and used my Foundations cap to do the test in. I did the test and as I was getting up I saw a 2nd line appear. I stayed sitting and tried to phone her. I went to go fetch her and showed her my test. She was so excited but  was stiff with fear. From being on the injection to being pregnant

 

Q:  WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY?

A:  My friend Muneerah

 

Q:  WHEN YOU GAVE HER THE NEWS THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT, WHAT DID YOU SAY?

A:  I didn't say anything I just showed her the test

 

Q:  HOW DID THE PERSON YOU TOLD REACT?

A:  She was jumping out of her skin

Q:  WHO WAS THE 2ND PERSON YOU TOLD?
A:  The father

Q:  HOW DID THE 2ND PERSON REACT?
A:  He was stunned

Q: HAS IT BEEN DIFFICULT TO TELL ANYONE THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT?
A:  Yes, my parents. The are going to have a lot of concerns about living arrangements, finances and the father

GENERAL NOTES 23 JAN '09 - 11 APRIL '09

MY PAGE BY PAGE PREGNANCY DIARY

GENERAL NOTES:

 

 

23 January 2009

Had my first urine test which declares I am pregnant with my 1st baby

 

27 January 2009

Went to Doctor Bossert for confirmation, whom referred me to DR Davies Pathologies at N1 City Hospital

 

28 January 2009

Went for my blood test to see how far I am and started taking vitamins for pregnancy

 

01 February 2009

Told my mother that I am pregnant

 

8 February 2009

Told my father that I am pregnant

 

13 February 2009

Got blood results, I am approx 9 weeks

 

14 February 2009

Danilo got me the DVD "In The Womb"

 

18 February 2009

Ultrasound N1 City Hospital 10h30am

 

03 March 2009

Went to hospital for dehydration

 

24 March 2009

Went to Antenatal at Elsies Maternity

 

11 April 2009

Came into contact with kids that had chickenpox