I found out I'm Pregnant

HI!

I recently shared on my instagram that I am pregnant :D. We are all overjoyed, the boys think it's a girl and are adamant it will be (they've even named her!). I keep reminding them that we don't know the gender yet, but they aren't having any of it. For their sake, I hope it's a girl!

When I first found out, early January, it was a big shock to us all - that another quite funny story that I'll have to share another day. But my main overriding thought, instead of joy, "what if I suffer with postpartum depression again".

I have always been worried since having postpartum depression after my second baby that I would suffer again if we ever had a third. Well now the time is here, and the thoughts still hadn't gone.

Amongst this was joy, happiness, excitement, nerves - all the emotions, I had them, much like any other pregnant women I should guess.

Then I started to remember the difference this time around compared to my second child.

Last time I:

• Was unprepared for those feelings

• Didn't know what support was available to me

• Had work looming over me, the return to work, organising childcare, organise working hours.

• Had a 14month old child to look after, there was no independence yet.

• Had a partner who was working all hours under the sun to provide for us.

This time I am:

• Prepared for these feelings.

• More in tune with how I feel and definitely more open too.

• Already know what care is available to me and how amazing it is.

• My family are aware of my fears and so supportive of me.

• Don't have the stress of work hanging over me, including maternity pay, returning back to work etc.

• Have more financial freedom than I've ever had before, I know with this baby I have time, so much of it, no looming returns to work, no planning childcare, just me and baby enjoying the time together.

So what changed in those short 2.5years?

I started my online business, I found it the week I went back to work, I took 1 month to officially start and another 4 weeks to be fully up and running (nov 2023). I knew I needed more time for myself, to be able to heal mentally, to be there for my children who were in nursery too often, to be able to choose what I do with my own days - all without financial worries.

For me right now it’s about:
- School runs without rushing
- Saying yes without checking your bank balance
- Being present without the constant financial pressure in the background

When baby comes it will shift to include being there for baby, having time for me, no financial maternity leave stress, no statutory maternity pay.

All because I run something that will continue to bring me an income whilst I am present with all my children.

So yes, postpartum depression is a worry for me, but this time I have so much more support in terms of my family, myself and my online business.

If you’re reading this and thinking, I resonate with this and have questions, I’d love to hear them. Tap the 'CONTACT' button below and send me a message!

Love, G x