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The Bump: Carolyn Russell

Family LifePost Category - Family LifeFamily Life - Post Category - That MamaThat Mama
ParentingPost Category - ParentingParenting - Post Category - Pregnancy & BirthPregnancy & Birth

Becoming a mama is one of life’s greatest gifts and to celebrate we’re running a feature each month dedicated to a Sassy Mama-to-be and her beautiful bump!

This week we’re sitting down with Carolyn Russell (check out her awesome lifestyle blog i am captivated) and chatting about her funny pregnancy moments, dressing the bump and cravings for iced water with lemon and mint (YUM!)

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-1

What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?

I burst into tears from sheer joy and also from being slightly shocked.  Although we were just over the moon it was quite surreal to think it was all actually happening!  Once the tears stopped I immediately started putting a mood board together for the nursery.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-18

Your funniest memory over the nine months?

At 35 weeks, my doctor asked me to have a CTG scan every second day.  It was during one of these long appointments where my mum, husband and I were a little bored and my husband started messing around with all the equipment in the CTG room…he had us in fits of laughter as he described the use of all the different tools and apparatus. He definitely helped the time to go a little faster.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-6

Any great books and resources that you turn to for baby preparation?

To be honest, I have read a few books and signed up to the website What to Expect. However, I found choosing a few people closest to me who have been through the whole experience have been the best source of advice.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-3

What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?

The first trimester was probably the most difficult as I was very tired and wanted to eat all day! I must say I felt a little out of control as I was hungry all the time and could not satisfy my appetite but thankfully everything went back to normal during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and I regained all my energy. I have really loved being pregnant and have treasured this special season.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-19

Do you follow a fitness programme while pregnant?

Up until 35 weeks I followed a prenatal pilates 10 minute solution series on YouTube and I tried to swim as much as possible.  Although, I probably could have done a little more.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-11

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?

A friend of mine was very kind and lent me a whole lot of her maternity clothes which have been a great help.  I love her maternity jeans and am wondering if I should return them back to her.  Thinking back now, I probably should have also invested in a few gorgeous items from Destination Maternity.  I so enjoyed wearing their clothes for this shoot and a big thank you to My List.ae for organising this for me!  I also wanted to thank Monica from MHG for doing my hair and make up for the shoot!

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-4

What have you struggled with most since being pregnant?

I have struggled with not being able to do up my sandals these past few weeks, as well as not being able to eat my favourite snack biltong (a South African dried and cured meat).

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-17

What kind of delivery are you hoping for?

I am hoping for a natural and so far so good, but at the end of the day, I’m just praying for a healthy baby.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-2

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?

I would definitely say my mum. She had my twin brothers before me and listening to how she handled both pregnancies sounds like she took it all in her stride. She has been incredibly supportive to me during my pregnancy and has spoilt me rotten! I know she is going to be an amazing granny to our little bundle!

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-13

What are your thoughts about finding out the sex in advance?

We have decided to leave it as a surprise.  It has been such fun guessing and both my husband and I love the idea of the surprise. My mum always said that waiting to find out the gender until your baby is born is one of the most incredible surprises you will ever have.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-14

Did it take you some time getting pregnant or were you one of those mamas who got lucky on the first try?

It took us a few months and it made me realise that falling pregnant is a true miracle and that our bodies are not machines.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-15

Any local businesses that make your pregnancy journey easier?

I love the idea of the baby registry that My List.ae offers for baby showers.  It is a great idea for friends and family who are living abroad but want to spoil you with a gift while you are in Dubai.  I am also looking forward to attending the Baby Senses coffee mornings which my friends have highly recommended!

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-7

Did you or do you have any weird and wonderful cravings?

I haven’t had any real cravings besides wanting to drink glasses of ice cold water, flavoured with lemon and mint… but I think that is normal while being pregnant during Dubai’s summer months.

Carolyn Russell for Sassy Mama-10

Where will you be having your baby and who is your OBGYN?

I will be at Medcare Hospital and my OBGYN is Dr Ivana. We have been very pleased with the whole experience so far.

heart-peach

These gorgeous photos were taken by the amazing Natalie Robinson of Natalie Robinson photography

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