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The Bump: Supermodel and Entrepreneur Cara G McIlroy

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This Sassy Mama dishes on her second pregnancy!

This month’s Bump is a former Sassy That Girl (check out her interview here) and we’re so excited to welcome her onto the Sassy Mama site. Cara G McIlroy is a super-successful model, entrepreneur and mum who has turned everyone in Hong Kong green (in a good way!) with her cold-pressed juices from Genie Juicery. She also blogs about her journey through family life as a model mum to India Wilde on Catwalks to Cradles. Read on to find out all about her maternity style tips and tricks, her nutritional advice and what it was like going through pregnancy for a second time. A massive congratulations to her on the arrival of her little one on Tuesday, 4 August, 2015!

What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?
I was quite shocked but completely over the moon. I had only seen my husband once in almost 2 months. He was working overseas and came back for one night to surprise me. We ended up getting a much bigger surprise out of that trip.

The Bump - Cara 7

Your funniest memory over the 9 months?
When you have you have a new baby every day is filled with funny moments. So I can’t really pinpoint one in particular.

Any great books and resources that prepared you for when your baby arrived?
I think your family and friends are the best resources. Books are fun to read as you’re super excited and delving into something that is completely unknown and new. But to be honest, they can also scare the crap out of you. Books focus a lot on the things that can go wrong, which I’m not sure is that helpful. It simply makes your terrified. In the end, no book or advice can really prepare you for delivery or for a child. It’s out of your control and kind of wonderful that way.

The Bump - Cara 2

What do you think every woman should know before getting pregnant?
That it’s so different to what you could ever imagine. It’s hard raising tiny humans. Much harder than you think. But at the same time no words could ever express how much love and gratitude you feel. The love for your child and the love for your husband grows to limits you never imagined possible. It’s intense! Life becomes more beautiful even through eye bags!

What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
With my first pregnancy, they were all pretty easy. I did become impatient towards the last trimester though! Every second seems like an hour as you count down the days until you meet your precious little gift.

My second pregnancy has been really tough for all three trimesters. This time has been a completely different experience. I would say the first two trimesters were the hardest though. I was in hospital three times and constantly sick. I’m only a couple of weeks away now and it’s much better. Praying my little one comes today!

The Bump - Cara 5

Did you follow a fitness programme while you were pregnant?
The first time I exercised the entire pregnancy until the day I gave birth, and I gained a whopping 26kg! This time due to complications and health issues I’ve done zero exercise, except for lots of walking of course, and I’ve gained 12kg at week 37. So it’s all very strange how your body works.

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
Personally, I think just buying bigger sizes works. I’m not really into maternity gear. There are some brands that are okay and of course comfortable, but I’ve found just buying super large sizes in things you would usually wear is also great too. And you feel more like yourself, which is super important.

The Bump - Cara 1

What have you struggled with most during this pregnancy?
Having zero energy and just not feeling my normal self. The first time I was fine as I still felt great. This time has been really hard. I have been an emotional nutcase. I feel sorry for my poor husband and manager!

What are your hopes and dreams for your baby?
That she will be healthy, kind, empathetic and always happy.

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?
All mamas I know are inspiring in different ways. Until you’re a mother you never really understand how difficult it actually is. You become your children. Everything you do is for them… literally everything. It’s hard to explain, but all mothers need to give up a part of themselves and this deserves recognition. Our lives are never the same, in a good way, of course.

The Bump - Cara 4

What are your thoughts about finding out the sex in advance?
I’m all for it! I’m the kind of girl that opens presents before Christmas haha! But it’s a personal choice and I admire people that can wait, too.

Did it take you some time getting pregnant or were you one of those mamas who got lucky on the first try?
We are very lucky, I feel extremely blessed as I know a lot of people struggle and it takes a long time. It must be very heartbreaking.

What kind of birth did you have? 
Natural vaginal hospital birth at Queen Mary.

The Bump - Cara 3

What helped you get your groove back after being pregnant?
I guess my husband, working out, eating well and my gorgeous little girl’s smile.

Any local businesses that made your pregnancy journey easier?
We did a one-on-one session at Annerley, which was very helpful. I was in labour for 40 hours so the breathing techniques that Hulda taught us helped a lot. Also the staff at Queen Mary were amazing.

Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
Kind of. Not really that weird for most part, but I have been vegetarian since I was 12 or 13 and have eaten a little bit of meat during both of my pregnancies.  I was dreaming about eating chicken at one stage, so weird. Oh, and banana-flavoured milk too!

All photos in the article above were taken by the hugely talented Jesper McIlroy.

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