MAFS’ JULES TALKS PREGNANCY
FROM MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT TO HER FIRST PREGNANCY, THIS REALITY STAR IS LOVING LIFE
To say we’re invested in Jules Merchant’s “journey” is an understatement. We swooned when she fell in love with Cam Merchant in front of our eyes on 2019’s Married at First Sight. We pored over her stunning real-life wedding pictures when they tied the knot last November, and now we can’t wait to meet her baby with Cam.
The couple, who haven’t found out the sex of their baby, are due in September. “I met Cam for the first time two years ago, almost to the day,” Jules, 38, exclusively tells WHO. “It’s been a crazy two years, that’s for sure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Here, Jules – who’s almost 35 weeks pregnant – shares some very personal photos, insights into her pregnancy and reveals why she’s never felt sexier …
Firstly, congratulations! How are you going with your pregnancy?
I wanted to be pregnant for such a long time. So even if I’m having a super-hormonal or achy day – and let’s be real, I have those days – I try and remember how I felt when I wasn’t pregnant but wanted to be. I’d see a pregnant woman and I always thought they looked so beautiful. That’s why I shot these [main] images; to capture a very special time and a very special feeling.
You look incredible! Was Cam with you on the shoot?
No, it was just me and the makeup artist I always work with. It’s ironic that I’ve shot the most revealing pictures of myself when I’m at my biggest, but that speaks for itself. It’s a beautiful time in my life and on some days, I’ve never felt more feminine or sexier. Saying that, making shape and posing almost naked while pregnant isn’t easy! What lessons have you learned during your pregnancy?
The best bit of advice I’ve been given is to have a birth wish rather than a birth plan. Cam and I are taking hypnobirthing classes together so he can feel connected to my pregnancy and as involved as he can be in the birth. But ultimately, I’m just going to go into giving birth with a positive mindset and go with the best medical advice on the day. I’m actually quite excited about the delivery. These big hips were given to me for a reason. I was born to have a baby! Is Cam pampering you? Yes, he is. At the start of lockdown, I was craving plain Doritos and he went out to the service station in the middle of the night to get them for me – it was essential! He’s also coming for walks with me every morning and doing pregnancy yoga with me. He’s so excited!
What do you think he’ll be like as a dad?
A massive softie! The thought of having a mini-Cam in my life absolutely melts my heart. He’s a cricketer and mentor, and he’s just amazing with kids. I hope our baby turns out just like him because he’s an angel. Why have you chosen not to find out your baby’s sex?
I think everything is so instant nowadays, so it’s nice to build that anticipation. Waiting to meet your baby and find out what you get is one of the greatest old-fashioned surprises in life. We don’t mind what we have, but I think Cam would secretly like a daughter so she can be daddy’s little girl. I’m being drawn to lots of pinks and florals when it comes to buying clothes and planning the nursery in our new home so maybe that’s a sign, too.
You’re moving house during your pregnancy. Has it been a stressful time?
A little bit. We had to move out of my apartment in [Sydney’s] Double Bay because it was on the top floor. On a few occasions we’ve found a home on the Northern Beaches, I’d fall in love with it and then it would fall through. It’s been a real roller-coaster, but we’ve finally found our home now and I just can’t wait to move in and start nesting.
You’ve got a lot on your plate with work, too. Are you planning on slowing down soon?
Yes, I want to slow right down about a month before this baby arrives. I’ve got a lot going on though. I’m still working on my shapewear range Figur. We’re going to bring out a maternity line soon, which I’m really excited about. Plus I’m a WW [formerly Weight Watchers] ambassador and I’ve got my work with [skincare brand] Olay.
“I’m listening to what my body needs”
I’m also connecting with other mums through my @babycubandladylumps page on Instagram. It’s a lot – I need to switch off. Are you doing any particular self-care at the moment?
I have to say – and I promise you, I’m not just saying this – but I’ve been swimming in Olay’s ProX Brightening Repair Cream. My skin has been quite dry but that has really helped, and I haven’t developed any pregnancy pigmentation on my face either. I love a sheet mask, too!
Do you feel any pressure to “bounce back” after the baby’s born?
Not at all. I’ve been listening to what my body needs during this pregnancy and in addition to olives now, that’s all the carbs! Toast for breakfast is a must. I lost weight with WW because I wanted to be as fit and strong as I could be to carry a child. [Jules lost 9kg before her wedding.] I’m not going to rush into anything, but I’m really looking forward to being WW’s first postpartum ambassador – and also getting back into my old clothes. I’ve had the same four outfits on rotation now. I can’t wait to glam up again!
What are you enjoying the most about your first pregnancy?
There’s nothing more beautiful than feeling your baby move inside you . To be creating a new life with my husband is an indescribable joy, too. We feel very blessed – and we cant wait to meet our baby. We’re so ready. •