Childbirth, red toe nails & face powder

Three years ago on this very day in our small flat in London I woke up at 6.00 am with cramps. I was 38 weeks pregnant and suffering with pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure). I turned to the Mr. and said, "today is the day". I had been given a sweep the day before so I knew for sure Little M was on his way.

What I was going to wear was not a priority at that moment, but weeks before I had done some shopping and I had selected my clothes for the hospital stay right down to my underwear, socks, slippers and even a touch of face powder. Good thing because I ended up staying five days.

I had remembered seeing a friend who had her son in December right after she gave birth. Naturally she was completely exhausted and she had a face to match. I was still pregnant at the time and I watched as she got ready to leave putting her things away.

At the end she took out a mirror and brushed a natural coloured powder to her face, clear gloss on her lips and tied her hair back. With just that small touch of makeup which took less than 30 seconds to apply, she instantly looked refreshed and ready to go. I took note.

A week before I had taken my big ole' self to get a pedicure. I couldn't really see my feet, but I thought it would be nice to give them some much needed love and went for cherry red. I waddled out of there feeling like supermodel, despite being swollen from head to toe. Pre-eclampsia is not a good look or feel for anyone!

That morning after the pain started, I got up, took a very hot shower, washed my hair, dried my hair, moisturised my face, put in my small studded earrings, put on my new stretchy maternity trousers and comfy grey jumper and went back to bed. My bag was in the hallway and I was all set for the hospital.

Fast forward seventeen hours and at 23.36 I am holding Little M in my arms after a drug free birth (NOT by choice may I add. I wanted the drugs..all of them! But he arrived too fast and well, you gotta do what you gotta do) and trying to recover from single most painful experience of my life. I had other issues afterwards when I had to be operated on after losing more than a litre of blood, having a transfusion, and being in intensive care.

Two weeks later: My mother made me wash my hair put on a touch of makeup 

and go out with Little M

After it was all over, I was left with no strength whatsoever. My husband sat down next to me and said "now let's get you into some fresh clothes" and helped me into my comfy clean trousers, changed my socks and gave me a new undershirt and jumper to wear. He brushed my hair and gave me a damp cloth to wash my face.

He handed me my makeup bag and despite not having any energy, I thought it can't hurt. So I put some moisturiser on my face and the cold cream had never felt so good. I added a touch of powder and despite feeling and looking like death, that mini pampering helped me feel more relaxed, refreshed and ready to face the day with my son in my arms.

We finally left the hospital five days after giving birth and I officially began my life as a mummy and mami. Needless to say that was the start of the newest chapter in my life.

Happy Birthday Little M, te quiero.