COMMUNITY
Mum In Doha Words and images by Lynsey Riach
Lessons from pregnancy teach that courage, resilience, and strength are part of motherhood and life
H
appy 2017 to one and all! Perhaps some of you are feeling slightly more wibbly and wobbly around the midriff after a few weeks of overindulgence, but I’m sure all the merriment was worth it, to see your children happily enjoying such a special and memorable time of year! Sick of the mince pies by now, I bet? The good thing is, us busy mums are always buzzing about so we have ample opportunity to burn some of those excess calories. But have you taken time to stop and ask yourself what you wish for this new year? What does 2017 hold in store for you as a mum, you as a woman? What trips will you take with your family and what memories will you make? It’s an easy question for me because our growing family will welcome a new baby boy in just a few short weeks, which is so very exciting! My second pregnancy has been fascinating to me. It allows me to fully reflect and watch my body change all over again, just as it did the first time, and to see how far I have travelled into this journey that is motherhood. This time I have been far more confident and at ease. The aches and pains are familiar, there is less anxiety, but a lot less time to indulge and be
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precious over pregnancy - no time for massages and pampering this time around!
Perhaps the best part of this pregnancy has been feeling the complete and utter excitement for that day to come as you know exactly how meeting your child for the first time will feel. It’s also reassuring to know, having been through the birth and newborn experience before, that no matter how different it may be this time, I know I can handle it because I have done so before and that is something I feel so strongly about for other mothers to consider. They say the birth of a baby is also the birth of a woman into a mother. We change, we mature, we may even find a new level of patience. So when it’s time to reflect upon the impending arrival of a new addition to your brood, it’s important to acknowledge not only how far your firstborn has come but also yourself as a parent (not forgetting darling Dad too!). Something I hadn’t quite expected, though, in my pregnancy plan was an unexpected move just before Christmas and at eight months pregnant that was somewhat interesting, to say the least. Thankfully the experience taught me that when plans change, we strong mamas can bend with the wind and endure it. Oh, did I mention my entire household came down with the norovirus bug they day before we moved? Well, we did and there was nothing for it but to get on with it! I’d like to thank local company EMovers who were utterly fantastic and took care of our entire move. A
crew of 10 men whipped all our beloved belongings and furniture out from one house and into another in the space of eight hours like a whimsical whirlwhind! I asked them to hang up mirrors, curtains, and pictures in our new home, all without any bother, so by the time they left at 9:00 PM we had a whole new home ready and waiting for us and now my nesting can officially begin! So perhaps this year will throw some surprises your way. Whether these are good or bad, know that as a family you can handle anything! Before our new baby arrives, I’ve been enjoying ordering some creative creations from local ladies who make beautiful baby products all right here in Doha! Here are some of my favourites:
Sherpa Blanket QR 220, Milk House (www.facebook.com/milkhouseclothing) Cosy and cute, made from organic materials, this is a lovely blanket for welcoming your newborn into the world. One side is organic cotton knit material and the other is thick organic Sherpa fabric. Delightful!
Burp Cloth QR 55, Milk House In the beginning you don’t feel you really need burp cloths and then suddenly they are all you need (and you’re guaranteed to run out). Made from eco-friendly organic material with absorbent organic terry cloth, these wash really well and are pretty cute to boot.
Personalised Box Frame QR 120, Wee Button Box (www.facebook.com/theweebuttonbox) A gorgeous gift, is this box-framed piece of family art is personalised specifically for your family! Until next time, stay happy and healthy and head over heels in love with your little ones! n