There isn’t a day that goes by when I do not think about Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Not just through my role as trustee of the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity (PSS) but the impact of going through another pregnancy will have on me, my family but most importantly on Adam. For months I will not be able to be there for Adam and that scares me.
This was until I read “How To Be An HG Hero” by Caitlin Dean, aka Spewing Mummy. Caitlin is chair of PSS and author of “Hyperemesis Gravidarum – The Definitive Guide“. Her latest book is aimed for Pre-school to Junior school aged children to help them to understand HG.
What makes the book unique is its proactive approach in helping children feel empowered in an otherwise powerless situation. Caitlin writes “if you give a child the opportunity to be part of the team, to help mummy when she is ill and an understanding of what is happening in the family, the impact of HG in their lives can actually be a positive one.” The book gives children the tools not only to help mummy but also where they can go if they have worries or questions about why mummy is so ill.
The book is wonderfully illustrated by Paul Colledge. We particularly love the images of the character dressed in his green superhero outfit with red cape as he becomes an HG hero whilst helping mummy. The ultrasound image is so cute too!
The book also comes with two HG Hero certificates. You can complete the certificates and award them to your little ones at the end of the pregnancy for being “a true HG hero”. Additional certificates can be downloaded from the Spewing Mummy blog.
“How to be an HG hero” is only available to buy through the Spewing Mummy website. Caitlin has also set up a “Pay It Forward” system. You can purchase either the children’s book or an HG pack to donate to an HG sufferer. An HG pack contains both of Caitlins books, information about PSS and a Pregnancy Calendar.
The donated book or HG pack will stay in the PSS office until a women in need is identified via the PSS helpline, volunteer network or through social media. The items will then be posted directly to her. It is a wonderful way of helping ensure other sufferers get information and assistance quickly.
We are also very proud that Adventures of Adam gets a mention in the book.
One of the reasons I started this blog was to keep a record HG friendly play activities to help other pregnant mums going through HG.
You can view all of our HG friendly play activities here.
The book is sure to help future generations of families going through HG. “How to be an HG hero” has already changed my view on the impact that my next pregnancy will have on Adam. As a family we can turn the situation into a positive one to teach Adam about compassion, resilience and perseverance. Armed with this book and The Definitive Guide, we feel empowered to take on the challenge.
You May Also Like:
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- Our Hyperemesis Gravidarum Story
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- Hyperemesis Gravidarum – The Definitive Guide
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- International HG Awareness Day 2015
What a fantastic idea for siblings, and must make them feel so grown up too! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
It really is a wonderful book isn’t it. And a great review too.
Having suffered with HG when I was pregnant with my daughter I couldn’t imagine going through it again, especially with her to look after too. But these books have really made me feel better – and that just because I suffered with HG and potentially will again that we have to rule out having more children
Sorry to hear you suffered too. Such an awful condition that no one can truly understand unless you have lived through those long months. Have you heard of the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity?