FittaMamma founder Alexandra McCabe is delighted to announce the birth of baby Ben, the latest addition to FittaMamma HQ!

We’ve been in contact with many FittaMammas who shared stories of enjoying a workout in the morning and giving birth in the afternoon or even the woman who successfully completed the Chicago marathon in 2011 and went straight from the finishing line to the maternity hospital.  They are truly inspirational and part of me wanted the final chapter of my fit pregnancy to be a ‘gym to delivery room’ story.
But actually, in the final days I recognised that what my body needed was more rest and that this was ok too.

I did however head out for a walk on my due date. I wasn’t up for more strenuous exercise but I’m not that good at simply putting my feet up!  It was more of a gentle stroll to be honest, including stopping to ‘enjoy the view’ on a modest incline that my former, non pregnant, self would have barely noticed but it was good to get out, move and stretch.
Much to my surprise, the labour pains kicked in that evening.  I’d even booked a final pregnancy massage for the following morning as a pre-baby treat.  The idea that he should defy his father’s genetics and arrive on time had never occurred to me.
So. How was the labour?
First point. Everything we’ve written on FittaMamma.com about labour being the most physically demanding event your body will encounter is all true.
Second point. All the advice we offer about building up your strength and stamina is also all true. Not only do you need the physical strength to deal with the contractions and push your baby into the world, as soon as he’s born he’ll be looking to you to care for his every need… and that takes a lot of stamina.  I felt as if I’d been congratulated for running a marathon and then informed that my post-event recovery amounted to a cup of tea and a twenty minute nap.
Third point. The breathing and relaxation techniques taught when you practise prenatal yoga and pregnancy Pilates are definitely worth every deep, sloooow, meditative breath.
Baby Ben was born with me kneeling up over the end of the bed.  He came too quickly for me to make it to the planned birthing pool.  At 8lb 3ozs he was big but lean and within hours of his birth he was moving his head and looking around, alert and surprisingly perky.

Things I was glad to have in the delivery room.
Everybody laughed when I packed a watermelon in my hospital bag but honestly it’s the ultimate combo of hydration and energy. Little chunks of watermelon delivered in between contractions were an absolute winner and I ate the rest almost as soon as he was born. Perfect for muscle recovery and boosting my circulation!
Coconut water. More energy than tap water. I drank 1.5 litres without even noticing, it’s so important to stay hydrated.
Massage oil and someone to rub into the EXACT spot on my lower back where the contractions hurt most. I used Motherly Love labour oil – it smells good and feels even better.
FittaMamma exercise pants.  Not DURING the delivery obviously. But was I glad to have my mummy tummy and lower back supported straight afterwards.  The most comfortable postnatal garment in my wardrobe.  Luckily I have more than one pair!
Things no-one told me about
Delivering the placenta. Yes, yes, I knew this happened. But not that it was so huge!
Postnatal uterine contractions.  I’m delighted that my uterus is contracting back to something approaching normality and I guess in hindsight it makes sense that this is an actual physical process. But couldn’t someone have warned me that it hurts?  I think someone vaguely referred to ‘after pains’ but not that these are actually very intense and frequently triggered by him feeding.
And finally (this is a good one!)… the rush of overwhelming love and emotion for the very small human being that has come into our lives.  No-one told me I could happily spend ages simply admiring the particularly special way his mouth moves when he’s asleep!!!
Now we’re back home and it’s time to learn how to juggle my beautiful, vibrant ACTUAL baby, with the business I’ve been calling my ‘baby’ for the last few years.
We’re looking forward to it!