Valley View Reflexology

When I received this message (last image) from one of my clients today, I knew I had to share it (shared with permission).

One thing I wish more people understood about pregnancy after infertility or loss is that the positive test doesn't magically take the fear away.

The sleepless nights.
The constant analysing of symptoms.
The fear of getting too excited.
The "what ifs."
The worry before every scan.

I can honestly say that the majority of my fertility clients feel exactly the same way.

And if this is you right now, please know that you are not alone.

Firstly, your worry is normal. It doesn't mean you're being negative or that you're not grateful. It simply means this baby is already so loved and so wanted.

But here's what I gently remind my clients: worrying doesn't change the outcome. It doesn't protect you from heartbreak, and it certainly doesn't make you a better mum. What it does do is increase stress and rob you of the joy that's available to you today.

So when your mind starts racing, come back to the facts:

Today, I am pregnant.
Today, my baby is safe with me.
Today, everything is okay.

A few practical things that may help:

• Eat little and often. I ate only weetabix and grapefruit when I was pregnant with Courtney. Don't panic if healthy habits you've had while trying to conceive suddenly don't appeal to you. Early pregnancy nausea is very real and a good sign.

• Sip fluids throughout the day rather than forcing large amounts at once.

• Get outside for fresh air and gentle movement.

• Step away from Google. It rarely reassures and often fuels anxiety.

• Rest when you can. Meditation, breathing exercises, calming music and pregnancy affirmations can all help quieten a busy mind.

• Take it one day at a time. You do not have to get to 12 weeks today. You just have to get through today.

To every woman reading this who is pregnant after infertility, miscarriage or a long wait: this pregnancy deserves hope too.

You are allowed to feel excited.
You are allowed to dream.
You are allowed to believe that this time might be different.

I hope this helps and as always I'm only a text or a phone call away.

Claire x
Valley View Reflexology

My little kitchen garden ..

This season I've sown 93 broccoli plants across three varieties—ordinary broccoli, purple broccoli, and long-stem broccoli—along with kale and 84 celery plants, which I grow organically from seed.

The broccoli has grown so quickly that I've already had to stake many of the plants. Unfortunately, it's quite a windy site, so a little extra support is needed to keep them standing strong!

Broccoli and kale are members of the brassica family and are packed with vitamins A, C and K, along with folate, calcium, potassium, fibre, phosphorus, and powerful antioxidants. Celery adds valuable vitamins, minerals, and hydration thanks to its high water content.

Growing organically from seed is always rewarding—watching tiny seeds develop into healthy, productive plants never gets old.

Still have to get my pea in the garden.

Holiday season is here and these are the best I have found. I was shocked to see how bad some of the children's sun creams are. If unsure download the yuka app.

❤️ A Little Update From Me ❤️

As I sit down to write this, I honestly don't know where to begin.

Since Christmas, more than 20 of my fertility clients have conceived. Twenty families who have received the news they had been hoping, praying and waiting for. Twenty journeys that remind me why I chose this work.

When I look at that number, I don't just see pregnancies. I see the tears, the disappointment, the heartbreak, the anxiety, the monthly waiting, the scans, the appointments, the setbacks and the incredible strength it takes to keep going when all you want is a baby.

Having walked my own difficult fertility journey, I know how lonely and overwhelming that road can feel. That's why every positive test means so much to me. I never take a single one for granted.

Of course, not everyone has reached their destination yet. To those clients who are still on their journey, please know I am right beside you. I will continue to support you, encourage you and believe in you every step of the way. ❤️

The next few months are going to be very exciting. I currently have 8 babies due within days of each other next January, including 4 little miracles due between the 14th and 17th of January alone!

One of the greatest privileges of my job is meeting these babies after they arrive. Babies who were so longed for, so prayed for and already so deeply loved before they entered the world. Those moments make every early morning, every late evening and every bit of hard work worthwhile.

To recharge my batteries after a very busy and successful few months, I'm taking a little break from 7th June until 22nd June. I'll be spending some time resting my hand, enjoying a holiday, doing some research and completing a CPD course.

I will be back refreshed and ready to hit the ground running on 23rd June.

Thank you to every client who has trusted me to be part of such a personal journey. Being allowed to walk alongside you x

I have a couple of appointments available next Sunday 7th June if anyone wants an appointment.

Thanks,

Claire. xx