Dr Amy Kavanagh

We went to baby sensory today, theme was “lights and sounds”.

I had an amazing time.

Me and the babies with the same level of blurry low vision, just having the best morning.

It’s rather fascinating. They study all the outcomes of breeding very closely, which combinations make successful dogs, what temperaments are best for different needs. Ava’s dad is the most prolific guide dog dad, hundreds of puppies! Because so many of his puppies were successful!

She just likes being in control I think

And German shepherds and poodles. They have a whole breeding science division!

Yes Ava isn’t very noise sensitive as she trained in Central London. Being startled easily by loud noises isn’t ideal for a guide dog who could get distracted by an ambulance or shouting

He even put a little dipping pool of honey in the middle so I didn’t get sticky

Find yourself someone that brings you fresh banana pancakes cut up into little bitesize bits when you’re trapped breastfeeding and napping the baby in bed.

That is all.

Yes Ava’s sign name is Queen

She also wouldn’t let me walk away from preschool the first day we dropped little one off

Oh she’s always smug

Right?

No. She doesn’t trust other half pushing the pram with the baby… so will try to herd him. But at home he’s acceptable

She was FURIOUS

Yup. She used to glare and huff at our Nanny for about 3 months until they became besties.

Two small frosted glasses with handles containing a large shot of lemoncello.

We had our first date night since Little Two arrived.

Delicious local Sicilian restaurant.

Apparently when we left Guide Dog Ava stood by the kitchen door glaring & huffing for a minute.

Ava does not trust Nana with the baby…

We’re watching Continental Split. The latest disaster B movie Amazon spat at us.

Less than ten minutes in, the iconic line: “The earth doesn’t take a break so I don’t either”

To “seal it in” 🫠

All the avoidable leaks!?!?!

Not really.

All those potential leaks avoided?!?!

Just found out for THREE YEARS Other Half hasn’t been putting out the nappy frills?!?!

Yup I requested the pelvic floor physio referral because I know how important it is.

It was. I cried after

I also want to remind you that the leading cause of death post partum in the UK is suicide.

One question, in a tiny clinical space without a chair, in a rush “how’s your mood?”

Luckily I have my existing MH supports.

And they wonder why the birth rate is dropping. /7

I wasn’t even offered a seat when the GP came into the tiny clinical space used for my appointment.

I’m emotionally wrecked by the whole experience.

And this is my second baby & I’m used to getting out the house with small children. And other half was with me, thank goodness. 6/

Also you know what isn’t great for post partum mental health, being left waiting for over an hour with an exhausted baby, waiting for an appointment, and to top it all they have no baby change facilities at the GP. So baby was in a dirty nappy for over 30 mins until we could use a clinical room. 5/

And for those outside the UK that is the total of the healthcare I’m offered postpartum.

A 10 minute appointment with a GP shared with my baby’s health checks.

If I want any additional care or support I have to request referrals or come back again to the GP. 4/

Congratulations by the way! Also ACCESSIBILIBUDDY BABIES

As this is my second experience I knew to ask for a pelvic health physio appointment. But not overly hopeful that it will be remembered or followed up. There was no computer in the room to take notes either. 3/

I asked for my stitches to be checked and the doctor was about to walk out of the room. I had to remind him that I wanted to be examined.

The whole experience was without care or dignity.

I gave birth less than 2 months ago, and that’s it, no more healthcare for me.

Just 3 questions in a rush. 2/