Mamas to be, the incredible Christina Dellar will soon be a mother of two who has battled severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum throughout both her pregnancies. Her pregnancy stories are inspiring, and her first birth story helped me realise just how little control we have over our births – you really do have to just trust and go with your body.
As this article was published, literally within two minutes, Christina gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.
Christina is a beautiful person inside and out, and I know that post-baby she will continue sharing her parenting journey. You can follow Christina at @christinadellar.
YOU’RE JUST ABOUT TO WELCOME ANOTHER BOY INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD OF GORGEOUS MEN, HOW ARE YOU FEELING?
To be honest, I wish I was feeling a little stronger.
Since I have experienced birth and those intense newborn early days, I know how important it is to be as strong as you can be. I am sitting here just days from giving birth, still with nausea and now the flu too. However, mental strength is incredibly important. I have been doing lots of meditation and beautiful birth visualisation to prepare for what’s coming.
I seriously can’t wait to have my little man in my arms and for our family to be complete.
SPEAKING OF GORGEOUS MEN, HOW IS TYGE?
Tyge is amazing. He has been my rock through this pregnancy. I can tell he doesn’t quite realise that a new baby is coming yet. Often it doesn’t fully hit until you physically place a baby in their arms.
Honestly he is the best dad with our son Valor and I can’t wait to see him holding a newborn again.
YOU’VE SUFFERED HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM THROUGHOUT BOTH OF YOUR PREGNANCIES. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE ILLNESS?
I love talking about Hyperemesis Gravidarum because not many people understand it. It’s a severe pregnancy illness that causes relentless nausea and vomiting. With my firstborn I was vomiting and close to bedridden for 18 weeks.
I would be sick at least 10–15 times a day.
If I became too dehydrated I had to go to hospital for IV fluids. With this pregnancy it improved slightly after 20 weeks but never truly disappeared. I have good days and very bad days.
Through sharing my journey, many women suffering with HG have reached out. The biggest advice I give is to stay mentally strong. This is not “morning sickness”. Crackers and ginger do not fix it. It is a serious illness requiring real support.
WHAT HAS BEEN DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS PREGNANCY?
This pregnancy has felt totally different. I showed much sooner and labour feels more real this time because I remember everything. Half of me feels nervous, the other half cannot wait for that moment when baby lands on my chest.
Mums are actual superwomen.
Reading other mothers’ experiences has helped me feel less alone. If you’d like to read another late pregnancy reflection, you might enjoy this Guest Pregnancy Journal: 41 Weeks Pregnant story.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR FIRST BIRTH EXPERIENCE?
My labour was fast and intense. I went from mild cramps to full contractions immediately. We rushed to hospital and I was already fully dilated. My son was born after just 3 hours and 40 minutes of labour.
Nothing will ever beat that moment when he landed on my chest. My advice is simple: listen to your body.
WHAT ABOUT AFTER BIRTH?
Life after baby is messy and beautiful. You are healing, exhausted, emotional, and deeply in love all at once. Maternity pads are essential. Adult nappies at night are even better. Nipple cream is a must. Give yourself five to six weeks with zero pressure to “bounce back”.
If someone offers help, accept it. It makes you a better mum for it.
For many mothers, documenting both the highs and the hard parts becomes incredibly meaningful later. A Pregnancy Journal can help capture these weeks honestly, even the difficult ones.
Once baby arrives, families often choose a Personalised Baby Photo Album to hold those first hospital photos, and an Inkless Print Kit to preserve tiny newborn footprints before they grow.
If after reading this you’d like to share your own pregnancy story, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com.