Nicole’s IVF Journey, Part 3: An Interview With a Mom of Newborns

*Note: This is Part 3 of Nicole's Journey. Click below to read the other posts in this series.
Part 1: From Infertility to Twins
Part 2: Pregnancy & Post-Partum Self-Care

We caught up with Nicole, a Health and Wellness Specialist, whose journey we’ve been following since she became pregnant with twins after her IVF treatment. She shares how she’s keeping up with breastfeeding and staying motivated to keep fit and healthy.

So, here you are now a mom of newborns! What do you love about it?

I love that I have been blessed with double the smiles, double the energy, though perhaps not double the diapers lol. Watching them hold hands for the first time, to meet each other’s eyes – to wonder what they are thinking when they see their brother and to imagine their friendship and adventures that are to come. I am thankful every day that they have chosen me to sit by their side to watch their journey.

Amazing... And how’s breastfeeding going? Do you have any breastfeeding tips?

Yes, be happy if you only have one to feed lol. In all honesty I would have prepared more food in the freezer – being well-nourished is vital! Since I didn’t prepare so well, I now make ‘in bulk’ – a huge soup or something nutritious to last the week and I even stock some up in the freezer. You can’t produce milk if you’re not nourishing yourself first. I would also say stock up on water bottles and strategically place them EVERYWHERE because once you’re sitting with the baby and feeding, it’s hard to get up for water and the minute they latch – here comes the thirst!

I think many women see IG accounts and think that breastfeeding is glamorous and natural. Although those can be true at times, the beginning can be tough and that’s ok. For me, it took a lot of patience, especially having one of the twins in the NICU. A tip would be for women planning to breastfeed to know it’s ok if it’s harder than you thought and there’s a lot of support out there, so you don’t feel alone. Also, obviously, rest and sleep are essential, but hey, let’s face it – easier said than done so just do what’s possible and know – that’s enough.

Any favorite baby items that made your life easier?

Goodness – YES. My babies’ Halo double bassinet, it’s so convenient with the way it swivels and it’s so comfortable to use. And my nanobébé system. I started expressing for one or two feeds and I was really concerned about nipple confusion. I don’t let my babies use any other bottle or pacifier other than nanobébé. They have really created something amazing, and I am thankful that I can continue breastfeeding and incorporate bottles and pacifiers that won’t ruin all my hard work. Thanks, guys!

Have you had any outings yet?

I take them out for a walk most days, but our first family outing was last weekend and I must say, it went pretty well! I love letting them feel the fresh air and want to be sure my 5 year old is also part of our journey with the babies. I won’t lie. My first supermarket outing was a disaster and I knocked everything off the aisles as I test drove my twin stroller. One needs a license for those things lol.

How else do you find time to keep fit?

I thought, perhaps ignorantly, that I would have more time. I do attempt workouts at home, but it ends up me laying down on my mat and simultaneously rocking one stroller with my foot, the other with my arm – not sure what kind of workout that is. I tend to just go for strolls and listen to some inspirational videos while walking.

I also take part in my group’s monthly fit challenges and end up doing them hiding in the bathroom before my shower lol. It’s my only time nobody is needing me. We are doing a “chicken arm challenge” at the moment, so my bathroom regime is quite funny. I never thought I would be relying on my group for my own motivation, but I am grateful for it and realize how much it’s needed.

What groups are you in or recommend?

I can’t not say, my fit, fab and healthy group – it’s fab lol! So, I recommend that, but also, breastfeeding support groups, like La Leche League FB group and a local moms meetup group are so important to stay connected to the world. I would say to join groups that are supportive and even some that are not baby related! We can get so caught up on 24/7 baby life. Go join a group about art, health, knitting – whatever your passion is and give your baby brain a rest.

Yes, Baby brain can get to a lot of us moms – so, how do you stay motivated?
I have a vision board of how I want to be – in my whole scheme of things from my lifestyle, to family and fitness. It helps me stay motivated and focused. I also have such a great and supportive surrounding, your circle of influence can make or break you.

Any advice for new moms?

Try finish housework at night. For twins – attempt to wake them up to feed together, get a breastfeeding pillow that supports twin feeding (life saver), and for all moms, use nanobébé products as they really make your life easier and are the best for baby, and be grateful every day for your miracles.

Connect with Nicole:

Instagram
Fit, Fab & Healthy Facebook Group
nicolebrodie.com

 

*Nanobébé is thrilled to welcome guest bloggers and interviewees. The views and opinions represented in these blog posts belong solely to the guest blogger/interviewee and are not the legal responsibility of the company. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by the guest blogger and will not be held liable for any errors or omissions of information nor for the availability of this information.

 

About the Author

Nicole Brodie - Guest Blogger

Nicole is a wife and mother of one, with twins on the way. Nicole created the first fitness and wellbeing course to help women on their journey to pregnancy. It is an innovative and unique fitness regime that is specifically designed to exercise and nurture the body ahead of pregnancy. Her passion also includes helping women in all stages of their journey to feel great from the inside out - with tips, advice and health programs. You can connect with Nicole via her Fit Fab & Healthy group.