The Bump: Mie Connor

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 Mie Connor and chatting about her favourite pregnancy moments, weird cravings and how she plans to stay healthy and happy for the whole 9 months. Her eldest son James Viggo was born on the 3rd of July 2014 and his little sister is expected to arrive mid-September this year – exciting!

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

We were a little surprised to be honest! JV was only five months old and I was still breastfeeding, so I wasn’t expecting this lovely surprise just yet. But I guess I can confirm that it is true that you are more fertile just after giving birth. Once I got used to the thought of being pregnant again, I of course began to get really excited and thought that it’s a gift for them to be this close.

Your funniest memory over the nine months?

I was about one week overdue with JV, so I had an appointment with my doctor to discuss my options for inducing the labour. While I was waiting in reception, my water broke naturally which my husband found rather amusing as he was with me at the time!

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

During my first pregnancy, I had subscribed to lots of apps and was receiving emails every day. This time round, I barely know how far I am! I’m much more relaxed the second time and I’m not worrying so much as I know all will be fine.

I started my blog Me and the Bump during my first pregnancy, as I was struggling to find information about being pregnant in Dubai. I wanted to share some of my experiences with mums-to-be who find themselves in the same situation in this exciting city of Dubai.

For the first time mum-to-be, I can highly recommend weekly videos from What to Expect – it’s just amazing to follow the development. The Wonder Weeks is a brilliant app for the time after birth; after all is said and done, that’s when the real work begins!

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

I’ve been lucky to have really easy pregnancies both times – well so far. In my first trimester, I was extremely tired and some days felt like I had the flu, but I really can’t complain. The second trimester has always been the easiest for me though. I’ll be entering the third and I hope it will treat me well!

Do you follow a fitness programme while pregnant?

During my last pregnancy, I enjoyed prenatal Pilates and swimming. However like many second time mums, I’m finding it difficult to find the time, however lifting, walking and running after JV is a brilliant exercise. I wish I had been in a better shape before I was pregnant again but I will catch up after this birth!

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?

I was only just packing away my maternity clothes from my first pregnancy when I needed them again! In the beginning of the pregnancy, it’s easy to just buy normal clothes in a bump friendly shape or a size bigger. With both of my pregnancies, I have gained a lot very quickly and in that case have found maternity clothes much more comfortable. It can be very difficult to find fashionable maternity clothes in Dubai, but ordering some good basics online helps me find some clothes I’m happy with.

What have you struggled with most since being pregnant?

This time it is LACK of sleep, since my little JV is not always a good sleeper!

What kind of delivery are you hoping for?

I’m very much in to a natural birth and I did the hypno-birthing prenatal class with Jasmine Collin in the first pregnancy. I found it very informative and a great way to prepare yourself. And I find it important to know on the day what’s going on and it make you able to make a choice. Also I wasn’t nervous at all for the birth and I was hoping for an ‘easy’ birth with no drugs and using the birth pool… However on the day, circumstances didn’t quite go to plan and I ended up having an emergency caesarean.

My best advice is probably to have knowledge, but not to have too many expectations.

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?

I know many wonderful mums who inspire me and are each wonderful in their own way. There is so many amazing and hardworking ‘mumtrepreneurs’ here in Dubai, who inspire me and make the blogger life even more fun. But of course I have to say my own mum, who raised three kids at home without a maid or sending us to nursery. It’s only now I understand how hard that must have been!!

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

Both times the doctor was able to tell us already in week 12. I really wanted to wait, but when the doctor asked whether we wanted to know we could only say ‘YES please’! Next time (IF!!), we will wait to until the birth! It’s one of the wonders of child-birth, the not knowing and being out of control for once.

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

Luckily for us, it has been fairly easy – almost too easy as you can see! I felt pregnant on our honeymoon in 2013 and it feels like I’ve been pregnant ever since.

What helped you get your groove back after being pregnant the first time?

Long walks around the Marina and breastfeeding made me almost lose all my 28kg from previous pregnancy before I fell pregnant again. It was also important for me to get out of the house and see other people, so that JV would become used to activities and socialising.

Any local businesses that make your pregnancy journey easier?

All the cafes in Dubai who bake carrot cakes haha! No, I have have really enjoyed my Privilee membership card and it’s a new ‘invitation only’ exclusive beach club card. It gives me access to some of the best beach clubs around Dubai. JV enjoys crawling around on the grass and playing in pool, while I can relax a bit at the same time.

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

When I’m pregnant, I turn into a sugar addict. Carrot cake and ice cream are amongst my favorites, but this time luckily there’s been less time sitting down eating treats. JV also wants to taste everything now, so I try to stay away.

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

I will once again give birth in Al Zahra Private Medical Center in Dubai with Doctor Anni Engberg Faelling. She was brilliant last time, and is again very supportive during the pregnancy. It also helps that she’s Danish like me. I couldn’t imagine giving birth without her.

Thanks to Natalie Robinson for these gorgeous photos! Check out more of her pics on her website.