My Journey - Clodagh Thomas
Clodagh is a Mama to Ella, having had 2 pregnancies. She is the founder of Thrive Mother + Baby and living in Dublin.
ON MISCARRAIGE
I hadn’t thought much about miscarriage while trying to conceive or when I first found out I was pregnant. I’m not sure why - perhaps I was naïve or maybe it was that I had disconnected from all other health complications apart from Covid (yep I was first pregnant in the heights of the pandemic). But, I quickly found out what it was all about, when on week 9 of being pregnant with my first baby. I knew the minute I went to the bathroom all was lost. Home alone, I immediately curled up on the couch in disbelief that something that I had longed for was suddenly gone, and that I would have to tell my husband and family that the happiness we shared would now be turned to despair and sadness. I feel so lucky that the people I love, held me tight and supported me through the grief and sadness that comes with losing something so precious.
ON PREGNANCY
Luckily, I fell pregnant the month after I miscarried (apparently you are very fertile!). At 7 weeks, we went to Kerry for a holiday with family. I remember waking up in the mornings with a nauseous feeling in my stomach and all I wanted to eat and drink was orange juice and toast - such a waste at the breakfast buffet at the hotel!!! My usual craving for coffee was immediately gone and the thought of it made me feel ill. As the weeks went on, the nausea got worse and my love of all things green turned into all things beige. I couldn’t stomach anything that was good for me! I tried to sip on ice cold smoothies to get some nutrients into me in the mornings but that was the odd day when I had the motivation! Because I had lost my previous pregnancy, every-time I would go to the bathroom (up until about week 14) I was terrified of what I might see after going the toilet. Thankfully, on week 14, I got to see my little baby’s heartbeat and knew we were in a safer place. Up until about week 16, I was having an hour nap during the day which I felt better for in the afternoons but by evening the nausea would kick in again. I was always clueless what to eat - not sure if I could stomach much, but also wanting to make sure I was nourishing myself and baby. This taught me how complicated nutrition can be, especially now that I was pregnant. Not only was I trying to nourish myself but also my growing baby. ‘This is safe’ and ‘This is not safe’ to eat during pregnancy - it can feel so overwhelming and so restrictive. As a nutrition consultant, I knew how crucial nutrients were in the first trimester for the development of baby but I felt comforted knowing I was taking a high quality food based supplement to help supplement any nutrients I wasn’t getting from my diet. I also tried to be kind to myself and trust that all would be ok.
As the weeks went on (second trimester), I felt fabulous and was back doing more exercise. For cardio and yoga, I recommend Nourish Move Love on Youtube, Fit Pregnancy Club and pilates with Katie Gray Kind by KG (both online). I would also recommend Maia Well Co. who has ‘The Bump Collection’ with trimester specific workouts. Exercise has always been a part of my daily routine and loved that I could continue to incorporate it into my pregnancy in a safe and enjoyable way.
On week 22, we had '“the big scan” and again I had to go to this solo which I felt REALLY anxious about but the nurse was an angel (as they all are). I still have the recording on my phone when she said “all looks good” - thats all I needed to hear, and ran out to my hubby with open arms repeating those exact words.
Heartburn really kicked in at this point and it was horrible!!!! I felt somedays I had it all day and nothing (not even the medication I took for a while) would relieve it. I learned to get on with it, eat little and often and knew “this too shall pass”!!!
By the third trimester, I was fully engaged with all things babies after reading books, listening to podcasts and enrolled in various classes online (my recommendations are below). I started to see a physio at this point to prepare me for birth (yep, stretch that area) and practice relaxing my pelvic floor - this is so important and something I’m not sure many woman (especially first time moms) know about. I feel this was probably the best thing I purchased during pregnancy and cannot recommmend Milltown Physiotherapy enough (as well as the EPI-NO - if you are pregnant and don’t know what it is - look it up, buy it, and thank me later).
By week 35-39 the time really dragged, and I was feeling really uncomfortable - my ribs were painful as they stretched to make room for baby. I felt slow gentle exercise really helped as I continued to do the yoga classes as described above daily. I also felt breathing, a warm bath and meditation helped in those final weeks.
ON WHAT WAS IN MY HOSPITAL BAG (FOOD + SUPPLEMENTS)
In the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I started thinking about foods and supplements I needed to have with me in hospital. I had learned a lot about the importance of being properly nourished and hydrated before during and after labour from my course with Oh Baby Nutrition.
I was about to undertake the most physically demanding endurance exercise of my life so this was not the time to restrict food and drink. Besides, research has shown that it is recommended and that not eating and drinking enough can lead to intensified feelings of both pain and stress in the body.
HYDRATION:
Early Labour <3 cm at home : Water (or bone broth which is nutrient rich and can help with nausea)
Active Labour >3cm in hospital Electrolyte drink to help with muscle contractions. Without the help of electrolytes muscles can become weak and and contractions of the uterus can be less effective. Its also good to drink post birth to help aid with recovery of the muscles. Examples: Labour Aid or Coconut Water.. I sipped both of these drinks between contractions. The Labour Aid was particularly helpful as it contained natural sugars to help with energy and endurance. It is advised that women avoid fat or protein during labour as this can slow down the rate at which our muscles use energy. Even though there were times I didnt want to drink it, my hubby forced me to have sips as I had told him in advance how important it was for energy.
FOOD
Early Labour <3cm at home: BALANCED (CARBOHYDRATE, FAT AND PROTEIN TO STABILISE ENERGY), LIGHT + EASILY DIGESTED
I didnt have much of an appetite as I was excited, nervous and in pain but I hadnt slept in 3 days so needed energy. I made smoothies with banana, avocado, some greens and coconut milk. So refreshing and easy to eat/drink, Banana on toast with almond butter.
Active Labour >3 cm in hospital - NATURAL SUGARS FROM HEALTHY SOURCES FOR QUICK ENERGY
My hubby brought a cool bag with the following (I had lots of options as I wasnt sure what I would want at that time)
frozen blueberries and grapes
coconut water ice cubes
powerballs made with dates, nuts and seeds
natural jellies
Post Labour. I had the usual tea and toast (which didnt hit that spot as much as other women talk about!). I think at that point I was craving a meal so had some porridge as soon as I got to the labour ward.
I was in hospital for a few days so had plenty of snacks (date and nut bars), miso packet soups (handy to have as you just need to add water. It’s so comforting and knew it was beneficial for gut health (for myself and baby).
SUPPLEMENTS:
Not long after getting to the labour ward I took my supplements to help replete some nutrients lost during birth, aid recovery and support gut health.
Greens, Nutrients, Gut Health - Nuzest Green Vitality (individual packets)
Iron, Hormone + Breastfeeding Support Wild Nutrition Pregnancy + New Mother
Brain Health + Stress Regulation Omega 3 Nutri Advanced Vegan
I continued to take this throughout the postpartum period. Please note every woman has different health requirements so please either book in for a consultation or speak to your doctor.
ON BIRTH
On the day of my due date I started to eat all the foods that are thought to induce labour; spicy curry (even though it gave me wicked heartburn), pineapple, medjool dates 4 days overdue, my OBYGN requested we do a sweep to see if we can ‘get things moving’. I remember walking to the hospital on a cold Thursday morning with such mixed emotions - sad, this may the end of my pregnancy, anxious of what is to come with labour and excited to meet my little girl (we found out the sex at 20weeks but kept it to ourselves). Post sweep, I went home and didn’t feel much different. But by that night, cramping had started in my lower stomach and I knew something was stirring and to brace myself for what was ahead. I slept very little that night as I felt really uncomfortable, but was not in much pain. By Friday evening, the tens machine was on my lower abdomen and I had the gentle-birth app meditation playlist on repeat! The pain had well and truly started. I know every woman is different but my pain (early contractions) was all in my hips. That night again, I barely slept as the contractions were every hour or so. Come Saturday morning I was exhausted. The contractions were less than an hour apart but nowhere near where they needed to be to go to the hospital. That day was such a blur but I tried to keep myself busy by cooking and having lots of warm baths. That night, just before I was getting into bed I shouted at my husband that my waters had broke and to call the hospital. 25 minutes later we were at Holles Street and then sent home an hour later - false alarm - my waters had not broken and instead it was probably a trickle of water I felt running down my leg from all the baths I had had that day!!!!
The next morning (after another sleepless night with plenty of contractions) we went to our local park for “a walk”- I’m not sure what I was thinking but I knew I needed to do something to “get things moving”. I’ll never forget that sunny Sunday morning hovering around a park bench to lean on for every contraction that came and went. By 3pm, the contractions were 10- 20 minutes apart (I used the Contraction Timer App). The pain was so intense at this point and I phoned the hospital - they told me to come in and within an hour I was in the pre labour ward. There was something so comforting about being surrounded by other women going through the exact same feelings as you. As we walked the corridors we gestured a nod or a smile through the pain to acknowledge we’re in this together. Every so often I’d get the nurse to check me as I was thinking ‘surely I’m nearly there’ i.e. >3cm. Alas at 11.30pm she told me to call my husband and we were going to the labour ward - the relief and excitement was something I’ll always remember.
At this point I opted for an epidural as I was exhausted having not slept for 3 nights. After about an hour my body relaxed and I was able to get some rest.
At 8am I told my hubby to go get something to eat as the midwife told us it would be another while before anything might happen. At 8.20am I frantically rang him to get back quick as I was fully dilated and baby was coming!!!!! When I think back to the pushing stage, its all a big blur but I remember feeling so powerful. The breath was everything and helped me gently yet efficiently deliver my gorgeous girl. Again, I cannot recommend the EPI-NO and my physio for stretching that area ;)
ON WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED
As soon as Ella was born they did the regular checks, handed her to me and said she’s a healthy 7lb 1oz baby girl. I remember smiling at my husband thinking how lucky we were that after 9 months of carrying our little precious cargo she was finally here and perfect!
After holding and feeding her for a couple of hours the nurse told me they would have to bring her for a few final checks. I thought nothing of it and about twenty mins later, two paediatricians entered the room. They told me both of Ellas hips were dislocated (the left being out of socket more than the right). I froze, not knowing what this meant for my little girl. I remember the doctors saying hips displaysia and from then on I just watched their mouths move, blocking out all the noise as my mind was going a mile a minute thinking - will she be able to walk? how will this affect her future? My OBYGN came to see me as soon as they left so I could ask those questions. The words she repeated were ‘it is treatable’ and that comforted me somewhat even though I had no idea how long it might take to be treated! She told me Ella would be fitted with a harness the next day for at least 8 weeks.
I will NEVER forget the first time the physiotherapist and nurse put the ugly plastic white velcro makeshift harness on my bab'y’s delicate skin. She looked so restricted and uncomfortable.
They warned me of how careful I needed to be with holding her and that at all times her legs needed to be in a wide legged position (they couldn’t turn inwards). I broke down in that moment, apologising to the nurses- BUT how was I going to connect with my baby if we couldn’t do skin to skin, how was I going to be able to feed her etc. etc. My poor hubby was only allowed access for an hour that day. There was never a time that we needed eachother more.
We brought Ella to Temple Street Hospital weekly for 4 months where she had her harness readjusted and fitted. She also had her weekly bath and was lathered in moisturiser to prevent any chaffing from the harness. The hips dysplasia nurses quickly became friends and our chats was something I looked forward to every week.
Thankfully after 4 months Ellas hips were in socket after we had ‘ the big scan’ . I cried tears of joy as we had been anxiously waiting for this day since the day she got the diagnosis. She left the hospital harness free and for the first time in her life she could really kick her legs and enjoy that simple pleasure of a good stretch! Although her hips were in socket the consultant told us we still had to be careful - no doing bicycle kicks with her legs, no sitting her in a harness that is attached to a door, no lifting her legs together with one hand as you change her nappy. We had a check up/scan when Ella was 1 year and thankfully her hips were still in socket. She will have another check up/scan when she is 2 years of age. When I look back now I am so thankful that she was diagnosed on day 1 as I know other babies who are not diagnosed until months after which is even more difficult for the mother and baby (which can also lead to a higher chance of needing surgery and longer term complications).
If you are reading this and your baby (or a friend/ family member) has recently been diagnosed with hips dysplasia, please get in touch as I would be happy to chat and share advice and product recommendations that really helped me get through those four months hello@thrivemotherandbaby.com
ON POSTPARTUM
I’ll never forget that first night as a mum in the hospital. I felt so alone and unsure of what I was doing. Ella had a lot of phlegm, so every now and again would try and clear it, but it sounded like she was choking. Luckily, the nurses were quickly by my side to reassure me that this is very normal and all will be ok.
I was really anxious about postpartum depression as I knew how much of a change it is hormonally to give birth and how much I could be affected by all of those changes. So I was very proactive in trying to ensure that I put everything in place to make sure I was supporting my mental health in the early days and weeks postpartum. My husband and family knew what these were; exercise (walking), alone time (meditation), and cooking (nourishment). Thankfully they gave me the space to make these a priority everyday so I felt well to be the best mother I could be.
BUT luckily and I don’t say this lightly but I really feel I thrived through the first 12 weeks (even though Ella had been diagnosed with hips displaysia, which meant breastfeeding and holding her was really difficult). I know not many women do thrive and usually barely survive but when I think about why I felt good it wasn’t by coincidence. My background in health and nutrition had taught me about the importance of good food and supplements and I was really focused on nurturing myself as much as possible before, during and after pregnancy (especially through eating more plants as 9 months before I got pregnant I had been training with The Plant Academy in London). Not forgetting we also had an amazing support network which I will be eternally grateful for!
It was during pregnancy and postpartum that I realised there is nothing out there to support and nurture women and mothers as they go through the biggest change of their lives (physically, hormonally, emotionally, mentally), with the food and supplements they eat/take. So that’s when I decided to get certified specialising in supporting women on their journey to motherhood and beyond.
ON BREASTFEEDING
This was something I was really looking forward to as a new mum - transferring all of the nutrients and microbes I had focused on collecting through my diet (mostly in the second and third trimester) onto her so she could reap the benefits. On day 1 I found it to be so difficult. I dont know if it was because my body was in stress mode after Ella’s hips diagnosis or if it was that I wasn’t able to hold her properly with the harness to get her to latch properly but after 3 weeks I went to see a lactation consultant. She showed me new positions and how to ease into it more but it just wasn’t working and both mama and baby were getting more and more distressed. On week 7 the public health nurse said she wasn’t gaining weight So, on that day, I reluctantly gave in, so disappointed in myself, and she started on formula.
ON NOURISHMENT
So I remember in the early days when we got home from hospital life was VERY chaotic. We both felt a little lost, not knowing really what we were doing but figuring it out as we went along. One thing I did know was how to nourish both of us through food. I made cooking a priority everyday, not only because it was something I knew I could control and was good at but because I knew that by eating well we would both have the energy and mental capacity to tackle anything that came our way. I was also always STARVING most of the time and needed almost triple the amount I was eating in the final weeks of pregnancy.
It was all about the warm and easy digestible foods like porridge with stewed fruits, soups with lots of herbs, stews, broths, curries (with lots of warming spices) and LOTS of warming herbal teas. I tried to limit cold foods as this can slow down circulation needed for healing. So this included, warm water + lemon, slow roasted vegetables with lots of olive oil and very little salads. I focused on lots of complex carbohydrates (brown rice, warm quinoa with stock, roasted starchy vegetables) which gave me sustained energy. Beans and lentils (added to soups and stews) gave me the protein needed to rebuild tissue and muscle and finally plenty of extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, avocado, tahini and nut butters for fat to help stabilize blood sugars and balance hormones.
When I breastfed for those 7 weeks, I remember being starving during the middle of the night so used to snack on oat cakes (which were really handy to have in my bedside locker). I also used to bake a big banana loaf every week and freeze it in slices. I would toast it and top it with nut butter and squished raspberries with a sprinkle of bee pollen - YUM.
ON WEANING
Possibly, my favourite part of motherhood so far. I absolutely LOVED giving Ella her first foods. The facial expressions were everything. Unlike breastfeeding this was so easy for me as she took to it so well. I do know however that it can be such a daunting and anxious time for some mothers so I’m looking forward to being able to support their weaning journey soon. The books I loved as a step by step guide for each month and for simple recipes were Boob to Food and How to Wean Your Baby.
Ella 6.5 months :)
ON FILLING MY CUP
As a working mama my energy has never been more tested and my ability to look after myself has never been more stretched. I really have to look after myself as my mind and body are always going a mile a minute. I’ve always been this way - which an be hard to live with sometimes.
MIND - I do a mind dump of the day every evening and then I do either a guided (inside timer, deliciouslly ella app or Melissa Wood Health) or quiet 20 minute meditation. I crave this everyday and cannot recommend Moons Yoga ‘Learn to Meditate’ course enough - lifechanging!
SLEEP - I get up early before hubby goes to work so I can get out into the sunlight for a 20 minute stroll as it helps me sleep better. Research shows that when we get out into the morning light as soon as we wake, the cells in your eyes tell your brain to stop making melatonin (sleep hormone) and instead start producing hormone cortisol to get you fired up for the day. Also, by staring at that morning light, your brain starts to set an internal timer to start making the sleep hormone melatonin again in 14 hours. I honestly swear by this for a good nights sleep as well as this supplement.
HAVING A MORNING ROUTINE - I am a stickler for a good routine and the mornings are perfect time to set the scene for the day ahead. I do the above every morning and then during the week I do 10/15 minutes of pilates or yoga, depending if Ella is demanding my attention or if she’s happy playing. Melissa Wood Health is the BEST platform for mothers who want something quick and effective. You choose what intensity you want, depending on how you’re feeling that day. I also love how you set an intention at the start and end with gratitude.
Then its breakfast for Ella and green matcha tea, my green spirulina smoothie and a probiotic for me.
We walk to creche and it is my favourite part of the day, especially when its sunny :)
Home to brekkie + coffee and start my working day (review notes from mind dump night before)
EXERCISE - As cliche as this sounds but movement is my medicine. Everyday I walk to creche with Ella (30minutes) and do 10/15 minutes of yoga and pilates. I’m also a member of F45 - great classes, lovely community . I do one strength and one HIIT class a week. Its the time when I completely switch off and dont think about anything else only how many seconds there is left of a particular exercise!! Always feel great after it :)
COOKING - I make eating well a priority everyday because it makes me feel good. I am a creative by nature so I find putting together a colourful plate of food so satisfying and therapeutic. I also LOVE cooking for family and friends and chats at the dinner table are always THE BEST! There is also something so special about cooking a delicious nourishing meal for the people you love, knowing that your food has sparked a little bit of joy in their day :)
This was such a personal thing for me to write but I hope it may help any women or new mums to be. I remember when I was pregnant I used to love reading about women’s journeys to motherhood x
If you are pregnant or postpartum please speak to your doctor before taking any of the above supplements
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