What Will My Body Do Next? Fun Bodily Fluids in the 3rd Trimester.

Aaahh discharge.  That lovely, snotty, mucuousy, stuff that we find mid cycle, and increases during pregnancy.  It's one of those magical things that happen during pregnancy that women only talk about in hushed tones with other women.

It can be a precursor to an infection so if it has a smell, burns, or is any other color than milky or clear,check with your provider.  In fact, if you have any qualms about your discharge, it's always better to ask your ob/gyn or midwife to ease your worries.

What exactly is discharge?  Medically speaking:  It is a combo of old cells and normal bacteria flora from the vagina and the walls of the vagina.

What is means for you: stocking up on panty liners, and having lots of natural lubrication for a roll in the hay.  But in all honesty, it aids in getting your body ready for labor and changes as your hormones fluctuate.  It also helps to flush out bacteria which is a win-win for you and baby.

Discharge is just another one of the wonderful processes that happen to make women...women.  Don't be afraid to talk about it.  While it might be cumbersome, it is natural.  So the next time you're changing your liner because it looks like your vagina sneezed clear snot, give yourself a pat on the back.  Your body is working well and know that millions of other women are going through it with you.  Wipe on Ladies!!

Summer Babies

As we are getting into the warmer months, my mind has been on my beautiful clients who are due to give birth soon.  I know the discomfort that comes with being in the third trimester during Summer.  I have two summer babies.  My second daughter was born a month early in mid July and my third daughter was born June 11, 2014.  (Happy 1st Birthday to my littlest angel, Isla Rose!)

 If I could have picked my due dates, they would have been in Spring.  Summer babies have benefits and drawbacks.

Why I Dislike Summer Birthdays:

Pregnant women are normally warmer in general.  Throw in summer's sizzling temps and you've got one hot lady!  And I don't just mean sexy.

Bathing suits.  All maternity bathing suits are $80+ No way would I buy that for a couple months.

Worrying about a newborn getting overly heated and sunblock.  All sunblock says on the packaging not to smear on babies unless they are 6 months.  So what are we supposed to do if we want to take our precious new angels outside?  I slathered mine up with a natural sunblock because I was too afraid putting long sleeve shirts/pants would cause them to be overheated.

Postpartum bleeding.  Enough said.  No swimming for this mama for two summers.


Benefits to Summer Birthdays:

Beautiful weather for your child's birthday party...every year.  I don't have to worry about a zillion people cooped up in my house because we can be in the pool or under an outdoor tent.  Plus serving BBQ to people is generally cheaper.

Lots of summer parties to show off your new little one.  I loved showing off my new one in those adorable sun dresses with the matching hats.  Bonus: I love going to parties and cuddling those new little ones since mine are getting bigger.

People giving you a pass on making an appetizer/dessert for those summer soiree's.  Maybe not in everyone's family but in mine, they never made me cook or do the after cleaning.  I got to put my freshly pedicured, swollen feet up and talk to my hearts content.

Summer always seems to pass so quickly, it can make those last few weeks of pregnancy go by swifly.



Thinking of all you hot (temperature), beautiful women who are in the home stretch of pregnancy.  I'd be happy to share a non-alcoholic margarita with you this summer and let you put your feet up.  You're almost there!

www.ajoyfuljourney.org
Written By: Cathryn Smith