32 Weeks

32 weeks down...only 8 more to go!

Im short of breath, not due to excitement but rather because things are becoming a little crowded inside my womb. The kicks have become really hard and I often feel bruised. Baby thinks it is fun to start his kickboxing lessons when Im trying to sleep. Not particularly conducive to a good night's rest.

I finish work on 10 Aug and quite honestly, I just CANT WAIT. Strange how my opinion around this subject has changed. Initially I was unhappy with the fact that Holland forces you to start your maternity leave 4 weeks before the due date. In South Africa you can work until you pop and then save your maternity leave for after the baby is born.

However, now I realise the value of that time BEFORE the baby is born, particularly with my type of job. I suddenly see the value in getting time to wrap my head around becoming a parent. I want to take a moment to enjoy life with just me and Dan. When Im constantly working and traveling it is hard to really make time for reflection.

I had my first Kraamzorg appoint last week. This is a unique postnatal service for all women in the Netherlands and essentially one of the BEST things about living here. Basically, a Kraamverzorgster is a trained health care professional that helps new mothers in the first few days after delivery. I have heard people say that your Kraamverzorgster is a cross between Mary Poppins and a Fairy Godmother. The purpose of Kraamzorg is to help the mother recover after the delivery and provide advice or assistance on how to care for the new baby. They will come to your house for 8 days and do things like: help you with the baby, cook your meals, advise you on breastfeeding, monitor your health, clean the nursery, etc.

I was so excited about doing a 4D scan of the baby. In Holland they call it a "pret echo" and you have to pay for this separately. However, I didnt realise that they only do this scan from 24-30 weeks. So I just missed the cut-off date (sad face). Oh well, will have to wait to see that cute little face.

My next (normal) scan is at the end of July and Im really looking forward to it. Apparently they will tell me how large his head is and estimate his birth weight. Of course this is not 100% accurate because baby could decide to come early...or even late. Either way, Im keen to see him again.

Welcome to the 3rd trimester!

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant. I am two thirds of the way from the finish line. Two thirds away from a life changing moment. Dan and I both have mixed feelings. We are partly excited and partly nervous. Things are becoming a little more "real" now.

We recently participated in the hospital tour at Amstelland Ziekenhuis. This was a fantastic experience that I totally recommend. For the expats reading this blog, Amstelland Ziekenhuis does a tour in English. They explain everything from pain relief options to parking regulations. You visit the labour rooms and meet the actual nurses and clinical midwives. I must say that it totally helps to put your mind at ease. We even met a really nice South African couple! What are the odds?

I have received my "kraampakket" from my insurance company. It includes all the necessary "bits and bobs" for a home birth. You get this free of charge and if it is not used you can donate it back to a charity in Africa. Everyone gets this automatically. I also got my free "zwanger box" from Prenatal. This is a free box of baby goodies, samples and reading material. Really cool! I got some newborn diapers, Sudocreme, a baby outfit, washing powder, a bottle, a dummy, alcohol-free beer and magazines.

We also started our childbirth class with "Bump and Beyond". It is run by a British lady who has been living in Holland for MANY years. Ironically, my boss and his girlfriend are also in the same class! She is due a few days before me. It is a little strange having my boss participate in these types of intimate discussions but at the same time, it also helps him understand everything I am going through. We have quite a mixed bunch of participants which makes the discussions super interesting. One of the couples (from Israel) are expecting twins!

Baby is packing a punch now! Sometimes it is really uncomfortable...particularly when Im trying to sleep! Initially it is fascinating but after a while it just gets a little tedious. There is nothing fun about being kicked in the bladder.

I have started purchasing some of the items I need for my hospital bag. There are still a few things outstanding but I reckon I still have time...I hope. You wont believe how hard it is to find "button-up" pyjamas this time of year. I have also been looking for a beautiful baby journal to record all those special moments. I have not found anything suitable yet. I want an English book that is not too girly. I will have to order something online but you never know what you will get...hence the search continues.

Month 6 - feeling good!

It has been a while since I blogged but that is because I have been enjoying the 6th month of pregnancy! Vomiting stopped, energy returned and the baby movements no longer just feel like gas. Dan regularly speaks to baby and uses my navel as a microphone. Super cute!

For the first time in my pregnancy, I truly feel good. I even felt motivated to purchase a pregnancy book. I know it is probably a bit late for this but you must understand that the first few months were just grueling enough without having to read about it.

We decided to take our last long distance holiday before baby arrives. Tenerife was the destination of choice. We spent most of our time relaxing on the beach, eating tapas and drinking sangria (well, non-alcoholic beverages for me). The quality time was just amazing. I wish we had more than 1 week.

21 Weeks

This is my belly at 21 weeks. I have had to purchase some maternity clothes because I don't fit into my regular things. I think I am officially out of that awkward stage and people feel safe with congratulating me. I was standing in the bus today during peak traffic when a guy stood up and offered me the seat that is usually reserved for the elderly or pregnant. So I reckon it is starting to look obvious now.

On a side note, I am having problems with my coccyx. It hurts like hell! Sitting for long periods of time or walking long distances aggravates the situation. I'm going to the chiropractor and physiotherapist to see if they can help release pressure on my lower back. For now I have to accept looking silly while sitting on my donut ring at work.

Boy or Girl???

It's a BOY!!!

The 20 week scan was really interesting and by far the most exciting. Not only were we able to confirm the gender of our baby, we also got a detailed overview of his development. It is a blessing to know your child is growing well and that everything looks normal.

We were the first appointment of the morning and the sonographer kindly let us communicate in English. She systematically looked at everything and ended with a search for the "crown jewels". Unfortunately, the little monkey was sleeping and had his legs closed. He had his knees pulled up to his chest and his feet where crossed...kind of like a mini budha. The sonographer started thinking that this may be a little girl. I insisted on knowing for sure! I was SO convinced that this was a boy. She told us to wait outside as she needed to see the next patient. I took this as an opportunity to wake up the sleeping budha and decided to walk around, shake my belly, lie on my side, stand on all fours, etc. Dan was understandably feeling a little embarrassed by my "strange" behaviour but there was NO WAY that I was leaving that place without confirming the gender of my child.

Sure enough, all my crazy movements did the trick! The sonographer did one last check and there it was...the twig-and-berries. Confirmation that our instincts were correct.

We left feeling excited and headed for Spa (Belgium) for a relaxing Easter weekend.

16-18 Weeks

Things have gotten easier but Im still suffering from nausea. I don't spend as much time hugging the toilet which comes as a relief. My belly has starting popping out and I can see that people notice a change. They are too scared to say something though. I suppose Im in that awkward stage where people ask themselves, "is she pregnant or just fat?"

A memorable moment was when I felt the baby move for the first time! I was quietly sitting at my work desk when I suddenly felt these "bubbles" in my lower abdomen. No, it does not feel like gas. This is different and very distinct. I loved it because it reminded me about the "prize" at the end of the road. It puts things into perspective again...which I often need. I cant wait for Dan to feel the baby kick!

Baby Wilkinson at 14 weeks

For the first time in my pregnancy I actually felt super excited! It was during the 14 week scan when Dan and I witnessed our baby kicking its legs and moving its arms. There is something magical about seeing that initial little black blob transformed into a little human being.

Everything looks normal and there was a strong heartbeat. My nausea still plagues me but thankfully it has improved. I’m mostly sick at night. The clinical midwife tells me that there is a chance I may still have the nausea throughout the pregnancy but I reckon it will only keep improving. They consulted my ENT Specialist and have decided that I need to treat my allergies with medication. If it goes untreated then I will just keep getting sinus infections and that is also not good for me or the baby. I have an appointment with the ENT Specialist on Thursday to discuss this further.

Contrary to some horror stories I have heard, the clinical midwife was wonderful! She was willing to speak English and didn’t put up a fight when I announced that I wanted an epidural during labour. She gave me a brief description of how the hospital birth will take place and seemed sincerely interested in my general wellbeing.

Dan was smiling from ear to ear and we both feel so blessed. I have heard that the 2nd trimester is called the "honeymoon" phase and I’m starting to believe it.

12 Weeks

So I have finally hit the holy 12 week mark! I dont physically feel any different but my spirits are lifted. The first trimester has been hard...perhaps some of the hardest weeks of my life.

Things are improving though. I'm still nauseas but I actually vomit less. I ended up at the doctor this week because my sinus infection had gotten REALLY bad and was moving into my chest. He gave me antibiotics and I went straight to bed. Been in bed for 3 days now and I'm slowly starting to get my energy back. Things are looking good!

Dan and I also purchased a car. It is a white Citroen C3 and we LOVE it. I suppose it is a luxury to have a car in a country where public transport is so efficient but I dont see myself walking with a baby in the snow. No more late nights waiting in the cold for a bus...YAY! We also plan on doing a few road trips before the baby arrives. Belgium, France and Germany are first on the list.

Ouch!

This morning I woke up with a huge cold sore on my nose! It hurts like hell and quite honestly I believe it is because my body is taking strain. Usually I get cold sores when I'm stressed or have not been sleeping/eating well. At least I have a good ointment for cold sores. I also convinced the Gyne to give me a pill for nausea. So hopefully my nutrition needs will be fulfilled.

Pregnancy the Dutch Way

Today I am 10 weeks pregnant! This means I only have 2 more weeks until I reach the HOLY number of 12! I thought this would be a good time to explain how the Dutch health system works. I am no expert but here is what I have discovered so far...

The Dutch are big believers in everything natural. They favour home births and discourage pain relief. The Dutch have one of the biggest midwifery programs in the world so the only time you ever really see a Gynaecologist is if your midwife or GP feels that there are enough risks that warrant the expert advice of a specialist. I have a "high risk" pregnancy due to my asthma. This means I cannot give birth at home (thank goodness).

You do however have the choice to give birth in a "polyclinic" with a midwife. Most of my expat friends opt for this. Depending on your midwife, you may have to be fairly persistent about wanting any pain relief (epidural). I have already told my Gynae that I want an epidural and I'll make sure that they continue to get that message loud and clear!

The best part of the Dutch system is called "kraamzorg". This is the aftercare program. Once mother and baby have arrived back home, there is a period of 5-7 days where a "kraamzorgster" or midwife will come over and help with everything including feeding, changing, cooking and sometimes even cleaning! I think this is fantastic!

During your pregnancy you are usually offered 2 echo-scans: one at about 10 weeks and another around 20 weeks. I have been lucky and already had 3 scans due to the nature of my pregnancy. I have another one in about 4 weeks. I will post pics!

In conclusion, I think that the Dutch system is certainly different to what I would expect in South Africa. There are positives and negatives to both sides but I feel confident that having our first child in Holland is going to be fine!

First Trimester: morning sickness

"Ok, I'm going to be sick..."

These are the words that continue to plague me. I have discovered that the phrase "morning sickness" is totally inaccurate. From about week 5 I would wake up feeling sick and go to bed feeling sick. I have tried all kinds of home remedies but nothing works really well. I spoke to the Gyne about it and she suggested I try acupuncture. I checked with my health insurance company if this is covered and indeed it is! I just have to find a registered practitioner...in other words, not the Asian "doctor" who has an office near the red light district.

To make matters worse, I have also got a sinus infection. My head feels like it is going to explode and my nose is just a massive mucus factory. I am not allowed to take any medication for it until about 12 weeks so in the meantime I must just suffer. My sister, Helouise, posted me some homeopathic remedies which include a saline nose rinse. I find this really helps. The only problem is that it makes me vomit. So as nasty as it may seem to picture this, here is what one session looks like: rinse, vomit, attempt to stay calm, rinse, vomit, etc

The reality of my situation is that I still have to work full-time while experiencing all the side effects of early pregnancy. Not easy! However, I told my boss about the pregnancy and he has been fairly sympathetic. He lets me work from home.

It comforts me to know that the nausea streak should end at around 12 weeks. I have this idea in my head that week 12 is like a HOLY week. Somebody told me that nausea can persist to 14 weeks but I prefer to have selective hearing in this case…

Im Pregnant!

"Love, I think this test is broken"...my first words to Dan when we finally decided to use a home pregnancy test. Three positive tests later it was impossible to deny the journey we had embarked on.

This blog aims to share our experience as first-time parents living in Holland. I'm hoping that it will help my family and friends all over the world feel part of the exciting experience. It could also be a great source of information for those thinking of parenting in the Netherlands.