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28 Weeks Pregnant – Single First Time Mum

This brave 22 year old first time Mum is single and going to raise her baby herself, living with her parents and having the support of her family and friends. She generously shared with me the personal circumstances leading to this decision, and I think like me, you’ll be in absolute awe of her.

28 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a coconut or winter squash

Cravings have been anything sweet like chocolate or chocolate cereal and also toast.

Symptoms since my third trimester the main symptom has been heart-burn, and I’m extremely tired, but that could be because my iron levels have gotten low.

My weight pre pregnancy was 100kgs and in my first half of my pregnancy I would lose a lot of weight then started to put a little on, then lost it again. Since about 20 weeks I finally started to keep my weight on and am now 105kgs

I’ve been feeling… very up and down with emotions lately, as I’ve had a lot of time to just sit with my thoughts. Being in my third trimester is also making everything start to feel real/sink in that I’m going to be having a little human being to look after for the next 20 years that will be relying on me. 

My partner has been absent ever since I told him I was pregnant. We weren’t fully together, but he left the picture completely when I told him, and then came back in the picture at about 20 weeks (but his mindset was still the same wanting to not be a part of our child’s life). That’s okay with me, as I have a lot of support around me but I just wished he would decide whether he wants to be involved or not, as I don’t want him to come in and out the picture when he wants.

We had been seeing each other around a year, stop seeing each other and he already had a new girlfriend before I discovered I was pregnant. He had blocked me, so I had to message a friend of his to even be able to tell him that he was having a baby.

How I chose to have this baby on my own… I would say wasn’t really to much for me to think about as I’ve always wanted a baby. Three years ago I had an abortion, the decision never fully felt like my own, and ever since that I have kind of have grieved – and felt like a little part of me had made the wrong decision back then.

This time round when I found out I was pregnant, I still thought about my options but for me having this baby really outweighed all the cons and this time around I’m in a better situation to be able to have and raise a baby I did take in what it would be like to be raising a child alone as I knew in the back of my mind that telling the father wouldn’t make him want to stay and play “happy families” especially as I knew he already had another child to someone else and he doesn’t play much of a part in his life unfortunately.

Support of family and friends… With my decision I knew I had a stable environment and place to stay to bring up my child in the start and I knew this time around I had friends and family support. This time my situation with the father isn’t a sticky situation like it was with other man I was pregnant to before – and also at the time I found out I was working full time and had sustainable income coming in.

My work situation…About 14 weeks into my pregnancy, the nausea and headaches were so bad that I couldn’t be at work for more than an hour without being sick. I was working for my dad’s painting company so it wasn’t ideal being up and down ladders, inhaling fumes, and generally doing quite a physical job. Of course later in pregnancy I wouldn’t be able to be up a ladder anyway. I went to see my doctor and was put on the benefit because my symptoms were so bad that I couldn’t do much work. This is part of why I dislike being pregnant and don’t see it as a beautiful thing like most do.

Also answering question about if I have any friend with babies, in my close friend circle I don’t I’m the first one to have a baby but I have old distant friends that are pregnant now or have just had babies in the last year who have started to reach back out to me which is nice but it’s a shame most of them don’t live in the same town anymore. 

This week I’ve learned that the way people tell/ show what pregnancy and parenting is like is just a little snippet of what it’s like and usually only the good things. I’ve learnt there is so much more to parenting and pregnancy then I thought there was and not going to lie but I’ve found pregnancy to not be beautiful like most people play it out to be.

In preparation for the baby I’d like to get the last view things on my list for baby and me and I would like to start getting the nursery ready for baby’s arrival as well as next few weeks pack my hospital bags for baby and I so I feel prepared as I have no idea when this baby could come as it’s my first so who knows if I’ll come early or come on time or come late. Always would like to make my list of 6 names for baby down to at least 3 names.

The funniest thing that has happened so far is the other day I went into the bakery to get my mother something for lunch and I paid with coins which was fine but right after I gave the gave them money I turned around and started to walk out without the food I just brought and luckily the guy said excuse me you’ve forgotten your food and I turned around and felt like a right muppet.

What I love most and value most about my partner or in this case sperm donor is that he’s blessed me with a child.

What I’m anticipating with the most apprehension is most likely birth because I feel like every persons experience is different and can go different so in a way I’m diving into the unknown in a way and that kind of scares me. Also looking after a newborn scares me like yeah I’ve been around looked after my nieces and nephew but I feel like there’s just so much you need to know and do and that freaks me out slightly and I feel a lot of pressure as I’m young so I feel everyone that’s older around me is looking down on me and going to give me grief if I don’t want to do things their way. 

How I’m going with diet, exercise, sleep, stress and other health goals. I would say this whole pregnancy I haven’t done much exercise apart from the odd walks and same with diet I haven’t exactly stick to a diet just kinda eaten what I crave/ want to eat but the things I’ve craved have been like toast, porridge and some fruits etc then I also eat my bad treats as well without feeling guilty but I don’t feel bad as I feel my diet is a okay balance of things.  My sleep has been kinda crap since being pregnant I would wake up a few times in the night and constantly waking up to try get comfortable and now in last trimester also been getting really hot in my sleep also which isn’t fun but I’ve noticed I can’t stay away longer then 10:301/11pm the most and then I will wake up two to three times each night and then fully wake up about 9 but start of pregnancy it was about 6:30/7 I’d wake. With stress I haven’t felt to stressed in my pregnancy but the times I’ve felt stress it’s felt a lot more then it usually would but could be cos of my hormones doing that also noticed I get irritated with people way more especially with eating and breathing I can’t deal makes me so mad inside. 

If I could say anything to my baby right now it would be that everything is going to be okay with us and I will always love and look after you no matter what and goes to ends of the world for you to protect and take care of you. It may be rocky at the start while we get use to each other but then everything will be more than perfect. 

If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com to send you one of these pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal).

35 Weeks Pregnant – Second Pregnancy

35 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a Pineapple


My Weight: 66kgs (11kg gain)

Cravings: None – still everything tasting a bit blah. Could do with some fresh watermelon though.

Symptoms: Heartburn, lightning crotch, shortness of breath, increased discharge (TMI?)

I’ve been feeling: Emotional, sick and drained this week. Pregnancy has been far from top of mind.

I’m most nervous about: I worry a bit about how my first born will adjust to the big transition.

When I need to relax I listen to my labour music playlist

I can’t wait to be able to sleep lying down (even if it will be interrupted)

When I see my body I feel proud & confident, it’s quite incredible what it can handle

In preparation for the baby we are doing quick fire name suggestion evenings (to no avail)

If I could say anything to my baby right now it would be: As much as I’m getting more and more excited to meet you, please stay put for a few more weeks – there’s a lot to do still to prepare for your arrival, plus we need to agree on a name and I need to shake this cold! Keep up the kicks, each one is comfort and reassurance for me. Also if you could shimmy your way into prime position too that would be much appreciated. See you soon enough little man, you’re super loved and a big part of the family already.

If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com to send you one of these pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal).

Miscarriage at 11 Weeks, now pregnant with rainbow baby!

Brave Mumma to be Kirsty, now pregnant with her rainbow baby shares her pregnancy journey. Read on to hear more about her story. Content warning: Blog post mentions miscarriage.

8 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a: Olive

Our first pregnancy and miscarriage: My husband and I are both healthy 30year olds who began trying for a baby in August 2020. We were lucky enough to fall pregnant relatively quickly (even though it felt like forever at the time) in January 2021. I spoke to a friend of mine who recommend a midwife who I contacted, and we arrange out first appointment when I was approximately 7weeks. Our midwife asked if I knew my dates or if we required a dating scan and because we were trying, and I had super regular cycles we opted to not have a dating scan. My husband and I met with our midwife when I was approximately 7weeks pregnant, our first appointment went great, we all got long and I felt excited and supported. The next weeks went past, I had some mild nausea and tiredness but nothing extreme and we were looking forward to our 12-week scan. 

At 11w2d (Friday) I had some bleeding, I messaged my midwife immediately and she said she would arrange an urgent scan for me on Monday and to keep her updated. My bleeding became heavier over the weekend, and I started having strong cramps. The ultrasound place contacted me on Monday morning and arranged a scan for Monday afternoon. At the scan the ultrasound technician didn’t say much however she said that she could see a collapsing gestational sac and a foetal pole measuring approx. 5w3d with no heartbeat. She said she would provide a verbal handover to our midwife, and we would hear from her. My husband and I returned home, and I awaited a call from my midwife – which never came. On Monday evening I miscarried naturally at home. 

Another week went by, and my midwife finally returned my call the following Tuesday (8days after my ultrasound). I didn’t answer her phone call as I was too angry, but I text her and said I was extremely disappointed in her lack of follow up, guidance and care over the past week and that my GP would be continuing my care. My husband and I meet with my GP, and she arranged a number of follow up blood tests to ensure my HCG levels returned to normal, offered some counselling and explained what would happen next. 

My husband and I both work in healthcare so we were fortunate enough to know what is ‘normal’ when having a miscarriage, when to seek further hospital intervention etc however no one should be expected to go through a miscarriage without any guidance and follow up is essential to ensure the miscarriage is complete and there is no risk of retained tissue and infection. I feel my midwife completely let us down. 

I had two ‘normal’ cycles post miscarriage and my husband, and I decided to ‘stop not trying’ as opposed to begin trying and fell pregnant the first month. Obviously, we were happy but also very anxious. I have a close friend who is currently pregnant who recommended an OB after knowing our experience last time and so far, our experience has been great. I am currently 8weeks,2days. feeling very sick but very happy. I had some early spotting, so our OB arranged to see me before our first official appointment at 6w4d were we saw our tiny baby and a healthy heartbeat. We had an official dating scan yesterday and everything is looking great. We are yet to have our ‘first’ official appointment with our OB yet, but I anticipate that will be next week!


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

21 Weeks Pregnant – Positive Affirmations

At 21 Weeks Samantha is over half way there! After sharing a previous journal entry earlier on in her pregnancy, she is back to share more of her journey, read on to hear how her pregnancy is going since we heard from her last.

21 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a: Large Banana

Cravings: all of the cake

Symptoms: general physical discomfort, constipation, congestion, fatigue

I’ve been feeling: kind of weird about my body this week. I noticed I have been putting myself down a bit, so I need to work through some stuff.

My partner has been stressed with work, but pretty lovely with me.

I am happiest when I am at home.

My partner and I disagree on middle names. Andrew want something beginning with S because the first name begins with a, but I don’t like many S boy names.

Something I need to get done is to book antenatal class.

Something that surprised me has been how I self deprecate my pregnant body.

My favourite part of pregnancy so far is feeling him moving.

This week I have a real sense that everything is going so quickly. I keep thinking I’m still in the early stages of pregnancy, but I am over halfway there! I have an obvious bump, my posture is hard to maintain, I can’t move the same way I normally can. Work is getting harder, sleep is less comfortable, hips gets sore if I sleep too long on one side, baby is moving so much more obviously. With this realisation of time ticking, I’m finding much more anxiety creeping in. Getting the house finished and in place, labour and delivery, work (how will I make it till the end of November, should I go mid-November?) Getting everything we need for baby, money, how will the rest of pregnancy go?

I definitely need to work on trying not to be Superwoman right now. It’s okay if I need a rest. It’s okay if I can’t do something. I am pregnant and that is reason enough. I am enough. I am doing enough. I am enough.


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com  to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

7 Weeks Pregnant – Growing Family

Another beautiful Mumma shares her made with love pregnancy journal entries at 6 & 7 Weeks pregnant. Read on to hear more about her journey and her feelings towards soon having two little ones under 2.

6 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a blueberry

Cravings NIL

Symptoms Morning Sickness

I’ve been feeling I’m getting morning sickness this time around it is not fun, and I’m noticing that even after a good sleep I’m still very tired.

This week I talked to some good friends who are also parents, it’s been nice sharing our fears and excitement.

Advice I’ve been given that it’s only going to get harder from here (not very helpful).

What I’m doing to relax looking back of old photos of my last pregnancy and Georgia as a newborn remembering that time brings a lot of peace.

I’m most excited about I’m still adjusting to the idea of baby number two so nothing yet.

I’m most nervous about what being a mum of two under two is going to be like and how I will cope.

How I’m going I could always make improvements but I’m okay with my imperfections

If I could say anything to my baby right now it would be

“Dear Baby, I want you to know you are so loved. When I think about you my breath is still a little taken away. It’s crazy to think that in 34 short weeks I could be holding you in my arms, smelling your sweet smell and hearing your little sounds. I hope for you great things, you can be anything you dream of so dream big baby. Lots of love, X0 mummy”


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

6 Weeks Pregnant – Morning sickness & feeling anxious about miscarrying

A brave Mum to be in early pregnancy shares her fears and feelings at 6 Weeks, whilst anxiously awaiting her next ultrasound appointment.

6 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a: Sweetpea

Cravings None

Symptoms Morning Sickness, fatigue, pelvic cramping, spotting

I’ve been feeling quite anxious. The blades I have had of been nerve wracking. I did feel a little better once I met with a midwife Gina.

This week I talked to GP, urgent care and midwife.

Advice I’ve been given If I miscarry, it’s not my fault. It’s something that happens and it sucks but there’s nothing I can do about it.

I’m most excited about Nothing yet because I’m so nervous


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com  to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

28 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Number 2

28 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a: Eggplant

Is this pregnancy similar to your first and will you be finding out the gender? Yes indeedy, number two for us – Paige will be 18/19 months when her brother arrives…EEEK! This pregnancy took us by surprise and freaking the F out about two under two but nevertheless really getting excited now that we’re getting closer to meeting him. Much different experience this time having found out the gender at the request of my hubby – I personally love a good surprise. I started this pregnancy at 62kg so at 27 weeks that’s a gain of 9.6kg and 28 weeks 10kg. With my first pregnancy I gained a total of 9.8kg…interesting, but also who really cares. I’m running around after a toddler this time and choccy biccies are too hard to say no to, haha!! Hoping most will fall out with the baby and some more to melt off with the breastfeeding, right?


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com  to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

33 Weeks Pregnant – babies close in age

Beautiful Mum Sophie shares her pregnancy journies, now pregnant with her second little one she shares parts of both pregnancies to show comparison and also shares what she’ll do different this time around, read on to find out more.

33 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple

How was your first pregnancy? My first pregnancy was horrible!! I was 5 weeks when I found out I was pregnant (I found out for my 21st birthday) and around 8 weeks I started getting the worse morning sickness. By the next week I was in hospital getting diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum and it was so bad I lost a whole bunch of weight and kept going back to the hospital because I couldn’t even drink water without vomiting and that lasted for around 25 weeks, then I managed to start vomiting once or twice a week till like 30 weeks. So, you could say I didn’t really get to enjoy my pregnancy at all considering it was full of hospital visits, IV lines, strong nausea medication that made me feel worse and just overall very lonely and not what I had seen on social media or heard others talk about. I never got to experience the “pregnancy glow” quite the opposite I always had red rashes all over my face from my veins popping from all the spewing, I didn’t get to get all glam and enjoy it because I lived in pyjamas in hospital. Which made me really depressed and not really grasp how amazing my body actually was for going through all of that. 

Did you always hope to have babies a couple of years apart, and did everything go according to plan this time? I always did hope for my babies to be close in age, maybe because I’m an identical twin and I obviously shared life with my sister which was amazing growing up with a best friend! So, when my husband and I talked about having another baby it was always in the near future. Everything has been according to plan this time around, everything that I experienced first pregnancy has not been an issue at all this time around, quite the opposite! I have had an amazing pregnancy which I thank God for! I could not imagine going through the same thing with a toddler. 

Can you briefly describe your birth, and has that informed your birth choices this time? This question is always bittersweet for me just because I’m so aware that there are situations so far from mine but I had an amazing birth! I started getting contractions at 5:30am on Sunday 22nd of December and I was all day just chilling, waiting, sleeping, bouncing on my exercise ball just letting my body do it’s thing and around 9pm my midwife came to see me at home, I was 2cm dilated and not in a whole lot of pain. Within the hour I was crying on my husband’s chest because the pain escalated from like a 2-7 real quick. My water breaks and we make our way to the hospital, we got there at midnight my midwife checks me again and I was only 3cm by this point I was inhaling the gas like my life depended on it. 

My midwife realised that my contractions were really strong and close together so she decided to give me a muscle relaxer that way I wouldn’t be so tense from the pain and within 20 mins I was 8cm dilated! Before I knew it we welcomed our little girl into the world at 2:32am just 3 hours after my water broke so that was amazing for me considering I decided to not get an epidural and just try to give birth as natural as possible. I think that I never had a “birth plan” I was really open to doing whatever it took in the moment and whatever was safest, I also didn’t expect anything out of it or didn’t set the bar so high for myself because honestly I had no idea what I was going into and I have the same mentality this time around. 

Have you found out what you’re having this time? Yes, we did find out what we’re having and this time around we’re having a boy  

What will you do differently now that you’re a wise and experienced Mum? Oh, I will bottle feed (pump) I kind of just let my daughter breastfeed and didn’t introduce her to a bottle till like about a month in and she hated it!! We tried everything under the sun for her to take a bottle and she never budged which was so hard because exclusively breast feeding is something else! I’ve never had such a challenging job as breast feeding was! Lots of tears shared, lots of lonely times as I couldn’t even leave the house which caused a lot of separation anxiety that I struggled for the longest time to overcome. 


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at megan@forgetmenotjournals.com to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

5 Weeks – First pregnancy appointment & scan

Beautiful mum Samantha shares the details from her made with love journal about her First pregnancy appointment and scan. Read on to hear about how she was feeling early on in her pregnancy.

Week: 5

Baby is the size of a: Apple Seed.


If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at hello@shesaidyes.co.nz to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

23 Weeks Pregnant -Heartburn, nausea & dairy cravings

Another Mum to be shares her journal entry with us at 23 Weeks Pregnant, refer to the image below to hear how she has been feeling this week.

Week: 23

Baby is the size of a: Grapefruit.

Weight: 80kgs

Symptoms: Heartburn, feeling sick, tired, frequently catching colds



If after reading this you’d be happy to share your own experience of pregnancy, please email me at hello@shesaidyes.co.nz to send you one of the pages (or you can send a photo of your own pregnancy journal)

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