My Bump Tale – Juliana. – Moms and Mamas

We had the pleasure of interviewing Juliana, a resident of Bethlehem, PA, gorgeous freelance makeup artist and mummy-to-be to the soon-to-be born Penelope on her pregnancy so far! From her cravings, maternity wardrobe must-have, baby products she loves, advice for other mama’s to be and so much more. We thank the beautiful Juliana for sharing her story with us. Enjoy!

1. Name, nationality, location, occupation and baby’s name.

My name is Juliana Avila, I was born in Colombia but grew up in Miami, FL and now reside in Bethlehem, PA. I am a free-lance makeup artist and serve at a local restaurant a couple days a week, but as soon as our baby arrives I’ll be a stay at home mom but I’ll continue to do makeup. We are having a baby girl and her name is Penelope.

2. How many weeks were you when you found out you were pregnant?

I found out I was pregnant when I was about 5 weeks! It was pretty early, I found out before I even missed my period.

3.Pregnancy planned or unplanned?

It was planned and unplanned – that’s what we like to say! I had been off birth control for about two years but we weren’t actively trying to get pregnant, we felt we were at a good place in our lives and if it was to happen we would be ok with it. And then it just happened!

4. How did you tell your husband/partner about the baby?

I really wanted to do something cute because he had been talking more and more about having kids so I knew he would be so excited about the news but…once I saw the positive test I couldn’t keep it in so I just called him, it was early and he was on his way to work. Till date he refers to it as the best morning of his life! He told everyone (including strangers) he met at work that day that he was going to be a father 🙂 We went out later that night for dinner to celebrate!

5. When did you announce to your family and friends about your pregnancy and why?

We are very close to our families so the moment we found out we couldn’t keep it a secret! I told my mom right away and we told his parents a week later because they were on vacation. However, we only told our parents and siblings, we wanted to make sure everything was ok and baby was settled in before we shared the news with everyone else. Once we were 12 weeks and everything was fine we told the rest of our families and friends!

6. Morning sickness (or all day sickness)? If yes what did you do best to feel better?

Fortunately I’ve had a really good pregnancy from the beginning. I never had morning sickness, the worst I had was feeling nauseous if I didn’t eat or sometimes late at night I would feel a little sick but if I ate something I would be ok. I am very thankful for that because I know how bad it could be the first couple of months.

7. What do you crave most?

I haven’t had real cravings but if I think of something then I need to get it! Nothing specifically but just random things like if I think of Mexican food then that’s what I want for dinner – haha! I think the only thing that has been constant as far as craving are sweets, I have to have something sweet every night!

8. First baby item you bought?

The first thing I bought was a little white bear with a blanky that said “thank heaven for little babies”

9. Most challenging moments of your pregnancy till date?

Like I said I’ve had a really good pregnancy so there hasn’t been any super challenging moments throughout this journey. The most I’ve struggled with is my back and sleeping. I had a slight problem with my lower back/ hip and that’s made it difficult for me to get comfortable in bed so it’s hard to sleep. Also, now that I’m 36 weeks the heartburn and indigestion are driving me crazy!

10. What’s your pregnancy wardrobe must-have?

I love pregnancy fashion I have to admit! It was a bit challenging at the beginning but once I got the hang of it I really enjoy it! A must have has to be my pregnancy leggings from Ingrid and Isabel, these leggings are so great! They were the first maternity item I purchased and I love how versatile they are, they are thick and so comfortable which is a must when you are preggo and you can dress them up or down!

11. One baby item you must have?

Well this is my first pregnancy and I haven’t had my baby yet so I’m not entirely sure as to what product will be my must have but I think my DockAtot will be one of them, also all the Muslin cotton swaddles and also the Zoli electric nail trimmer because I’m so scared to cut the baby’s nails I feel this little nail file is going to be a life saver!

12. Heels or flats?

Both!!! I have worn heels throughout my whole pregnancy not all the time and now that I’m further along I don’t as much but I still enjoy wearing them on special occasions!

13. What would you want to do the most that you cannot because of pregnancy?

I love to travel and I love the beach! I had to cancel a couple of trips to Florida this summer because of the Zika virus and now that I can’t fly anymore and it’s so cold here I wish I could just go away somewhere warm!

14. What’s the most amazing thing someone has said or done for you because of your bump?

Being pregnant definitely has its perks! Most people are extra nice and make you feel good about yourself. I think because I serve, the most amazing thing people have done is give me extremely large tips. I think that’s why I continued to do it as long as I did – haha! Also when we were on a trip in LA, the lady at the front desk sent a tray of desserts and a mocktail to our room to welcome me to the hotel and make me feel good after such a long trip, it was so nice of her!

15. Do you want a particular gender? If yes, which and why?

Well we are having a baby girl and we couldn’t be happier, but until we found out I thought it was a boy and felt a boy would be easier than a girl! We didn’t care what it was either way but now that we are having a girl we couldn’t have it any other way!

16. What do you see pregnant women doing that is a big “NO”?

Smoking!!! I’ve seen pregnant women smoke and that is just a big no no!!! What are they thinking???!!!!

17. If you are to choose – natural or caesarian ?

Natural 100%

18. What do you wish you had known or what would you do differently as regards your pregnancy?

I wish I wouldn’t have read so much about what certain symptoms meant and what could go wrong and stuff like that at the beginning of my pregnancy, I was constantly worried something was wrong or could be wrong, I drove myself a little crazy for a while!

19. What has changed the most since you found out you were pregnant?

So much has changed. Our relationship has gotten better, if that makes sense! We are closer than ever, the way we think about certain things has changed, planning for our future has changed and even the things we want to do have changed!

20. Who would you want to be in the delivery room with you?

Of course baby daddy and my mom! She is my best friend and the only person that can calm me down in any type of stressful situation, having her there is a must for me!

21. Advice to other mummy’s to be.

Don’t read too much into things! Stay active, it makes a huge difference in your attitude and the way you feel. Don’t stress, everything will workout the way it’s supposed to and everything will come into place when it’s meant to be. Don’t eat for 2, it’ll most likely make you feel yucky, just up your food intake, but eat what you want when you want. Don’t restrict yourself or you’ll be miserable. Remember moderation is key!

22. Anything else you would love to share that mums to be would find helpful?

You need a pregnancy pillow!!! If there’s a place where you live that offers prenatal yoga, join. It really helps you relax and prepare mentally and physically for labor. Enjoy your pregnancy!! Even if it’s hard at times, take every minute of it in, it’s the most wonderful thing you would ever do. The bond you have with your baby while they are in there is so amazing!