The Bump: Kat Lebrasse

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 gorgeous Mauritian/Australian blogger Kat Lebrasse of super cool fashion and lifestyle blog lebrasse.com and chatting about her favourite pregnancy moments, weird cravings and how she’s stayed healthy and happy during each trimester. Kat’s baby girl is due in June and we wish her all the luck in the world.

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

I was completely elated. My husband and I had been wanting to start our family for quite a while, so we couldn’t have been happier!

Your funniest memory over the nine months?

My funniest memory actually occurred last week. I was at an event for a children’s designer brand and mingling with other fabulous mothers and mums to be. I was busily chatting with a friend who has an adorable 3 year old son. He was visibily very excited that I had a baby in my tummy and clearly a very affectionate and loving little boy. He approached my belly several times to give it a little pat, which I thought was gorgeous.

Eventually, I guess he decided that patting my belly on the outside of my clothing no longer gave him the satisfaction he needed, so he proceeded to stick his hand under my dress and up to my belly. He gave my belly a quick pat and then went on his way with his lollipop. His mother was mortified, but it was a completely innocent moment and it truly didn’t bother me at all. It did however make for a fantastic story!

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

I haven’t really been into the books to be honest. I’m a bit of a believer of ignorance is bliss as far as what can go wrong etc, so I’ve stayed away from anything that could tell me negative points about pregnancy and birth. I have however used apps like What To Expect and Baby Center to give me insight into whats happening to my body and an overview of the baby’s growth week by week. My husband and I watch each of the little videos they post each week together and visualize how our little cherub is growing inside the womb.

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

I’m sure everyone must say that the 2^nd trimester is the easiest as this is all I heard also. And it definitely was! Other than the burgeoning baby bump, I could’ve forgotten I was pregnant in the 2^nd trimester. During the first trimester, I must say I feel very luck to have not felt ill, or suffered from morning sickness, so it certainly wasn’t as bad as what I imagine many women’s experiences are.

Now, in the final stages of pregnancy, I would have to say that the 3^rd trimester has been the most diffciult. I feel very restricted with movement as the big bump now gets in the way. My little angel enjoys kicking up towards my ribs, which is not particularly comfortable and with her increased movements, plus her increased size, it has become very hard to find a comfortable position to sleep. Without much sleep of a night time, I’m finding my energy levels in the daytime at their all time low. Something I’m definitely not used to. In addition, in the 3^rd trimester, I discovered I could no longer lie on my back. Not even for a minute. Due to the baby’s position and weight on my organs, I completely lose oxygen to my head, causing me to feel dizzy, faint and nauseous!

Do you follow a fitness programme while pregnant?

I have remained active during my pregnancy. I take pre-natal yoga and pilates classes at Zen Yoga at least once a week. I also see a strength and conditioning coach at the Diversified Integrated Sports Clinic (DISC) once a week who helps me strengthen my core and works on my functional movement, to hopefully help my birthing process be a smooth affair! After a workourt at DISC, I normally see either the chiropractor, osteopath or myofascial masseuse to ensure my body’s joints and muscles are on the right track.

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?

I am proud to say that at almost 8 months pregnant, I haven’t bought any maternity clothes. It was a definite aim for me since the beginning of my pregnancy. As far as my clothing choices go, I’ve more or less stayed within my pre-pregnancy personal style, with the exception of fitted dresses. I can’t say I wore many body hugging dresses pre-pregnancy, but now I just love my little bump so much, I’m quite happy to show it off in a body-con number. I also find that it turns out to be the most flattering silhouette, where loser styles make me feel a but frumpy. My go-to outfit is a fitted dress, flat sandals and a long sleeveless waistcoat. This ensemble has gotten me through almost every type of occasion.

What kind of delivery are you hoping for?

I’m hoping for a natural birth. I’m not pro or anti anything. If on the day, I require a C-section, then that’s what I’ll do, however I’d like to think I’ll give birth naturally, perhaps with the help of an epidural or gas!

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?

I’m inspired by Ruth Bradley, founder of Ruth Bradley consulting. She is a full time mother, full time entrepreneur and manages to make it look so easy. I’ve met each of her children, and they are so well-rounded and polite. She seems to create such a beautiful family atmosphere and shows such support and love to her children, all the while maintaining a successful and demanding business.

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

Before I fell pregnant, I always thought I wouldn’t want to know the gender of my baby. One of life’s few true surprises, right? But as soon as the little digital pregnancy test showed a positive result, I was desperate to know if I was having a boy or girl. It’s not that I preferred either, or, I just wanted to be able to visualise my baby in the right way. And refer to the little one as a he or she, rather than “it.” It’s without a doubt a personal choice, and I admire people who have been able to wait to find out, but my impatience won the battle this time.

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

It took quite a while for me unfortunately. My husband travels for his work and we were more often than not away from each other during my ovulation schedule. Obviously not ideal if you’d like to start a family! We had also had some personal difficulties, which put a big halt on things, but once we stopped focusing so heavily on it, we fell pregnant.

Any local businesses that make your pregnancy journey easier?

The one business I can credit with helping me through my pregnancy is Diversified Integrated Sports Clinic. They are literally my one-stop wellness shop. I feel like a new woman every time I leave them and a little invincible too. I truly feel their care throughout my pregnancy will help my birthing process, but I also know they’ll be there for me on the other end as well. Being able to visit their clinic weekly makes me feel at ease.

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

In the first trimester, I was all about popcorn. Then I had a big stage of spinach and ricotta pastries. Second trimester was mostly about Natural Confectionery Company jelly babies and more recently I find myself ordering Nando’s Chicken Pita Wraps a little too frequently! I feel like my cravings have been very specific, but perhaps not overly weird.

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

I will be giving birth at Mediclinic City Hospital and my OBGYN is Dr Britt Clausson. I’ve been really happy with her care thus far. She makes me feel very comfortable about the whole process.

These gorgeous photos were taken by Natalie Robinson, thanks so much! Check out more of her work here.