WEEK FIVE | PRE-BOOKING APPOINTMENT

After returning home and having ALL the cuddles with D'n'V, I rang the midwives phone line to get booked in for whatever comes next.. Like I said before, I seriously remember nothing about these next steps from last time and what I need to do and where I need to be. I was told to attend a 'pre booking appointment' the same day which was a group chat followed by going in individually to have BMI, blood pressure, height and check my smoker status (everything was tickety-boo).

At the meeting the midwife discussed what foods to avoid and generally pointed out a few things to help everything run smoothly. We were also given information about the screening tests throughout pregnancy for various things and were given a leaflet called 'Important information about feeing your baby'. I intend to initially mix feed and then bottle feed - I had a terrible experience breastfeeding last time and the balance of David being able to help so I can get back to work and feel a little more normal really worked for us last time - and was disappointed to see there was zero mention or advice on bottle feeding at all. Just a lot of information about why 'Breast is Best'. I left the leaflet there, feeling quite sure all that will come up again at some point. My choice is informed and from experience and I don't need any pressure at this point, thanks.

The next step is seeing my appointed midwife at the children's centre at Vivienne's school on 16th June, after I get back from being away and things calm down a bit, to get 'booked in' (I assume this is my 12 week scan?) and to go through a few things. I have my notes now and in the meantime need to decide upon which hospital I'd like to sign up to, as we are in the catchment area for two.

In myself I'm feeling slightly more tired than usual - yesterday I was struggling past half 9.. but perhaps it's a mixture of mild jet lag and getting back into the gym after being away last week. I read a few pages of a pregnancy book last night and came away feeling a little more overwhelmed and worry about what I've let myself in for started to brew in my stomach. David was lovely and reassured me that we will plan as much as possible and that he's there too, and can try and be flexible with work so we can really tackle the transition as well as possible. David is also finding it funny to comment that I'm 'showing' already but doubt he'll continue much longer given the death stares I'm giving him.

It feels like a balance of taking care of myself as much as possible, staying calm and keeping the faith that the difficult parts will pass and are transient.. I'm also really looking forward to seeing my friend and fellow wedding photographer next week, Hannah, as I'm hoping to confide in her before picking her brain about working while heavily pregnant and her experiences of going back to work afterwards too.