Self Care Can Help You Have An Amazing Pregnancy
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is such a precious season. Everything is fresh with possibility. You are glowing and overjoyed. Although pregnancy can have its challenges, with a little self care you can enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest! Here’s how.
[Quick Note: Hey Beautiful Mama! Your pregnancy is unique to you. Your amazing body and precious baby are working together to create new life. Tune in and listen to your body and baby to know what is right for you. If you are unsure about anything always check with your trusted health care provider.]
It's Okay to be Selfish
Taking care of yourself may feel selfish, but if you think about it, taking care of yourself only helps you better take care of your child.
When you give yourself the care and love you need, you have more to give others. More energy. More patience. More love. This is especially true during pregnancy.
You and your child are so closely connected during pregnancy that it is easy to see the correlation between your self care and the care of your sweet baby.
Here are some self care ideas that will help you to have an amazing pregnancy:
1. Pamper Yourself
Show yourself some love. Do something just for you. It doesn’t have to take much time.
Make a quick list of the things that bring you joy and make a point to do at least one of those things each day.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
-Listen to your favorite music
-Create a simple morning routine with this Free Self Care Morning Ritual for Moms
-Go for a walk
-Buy or pick some beautiful flowers for yourself
-Have a lunch date with a girlfriend
-Read a book
-Get a massage (check with your health care provider first)
-Treat yourself to a pedicure
-Take a bath
If you are looking for more self care ideas grab this Free list of 50 Simple Self Care Ideas for Moms.
2. Connect with Your Baby
Connecting with the special life growing inside of you is priceless. Nurturing that bond even before the baby is born is an amazing way to help you relax and enjoy this special season of life.
Some ways to connect with your sweet babe are:
-Place your hands on your bump, close your eyes, and just be present with your precious little one.
-Put on some soothing music and sway with your baby.
-Sing to your baby. This is a great way to brush up on your lullabies for bedtime in the near future.
-Talk to your baby. Share your hopes and dreams. You can even tell your baby about the day to day things that you are doing.
-Write your baby a love note. You may like to read it to your baby and then save it to give to your child when you think the time is right.
This is a precious way to connect with your unborn baby and something your child will treasure for years to come!
3. Nourish Your Body
We get our energy from the food we eat. So eating wholesome foods and drinking plenty of water will help you to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Your baby is getting its nutrients directly from you. There may be some foods that may not be appetizing to you at the moment, but do your best to eat foods that help to nourish you and your babe.
4. Move Your Body
This will look different for everyone, depending on which trimester you are in and other varying circumstances of your pregnancy.
For example, this might look different if you are on bed rest. If your movement is limited, it may just look like doing some light stretching and kegels.
Check with your health care provider for recommendations for your particular needs.
Here are some ideas for ways to move your body during pregnancy:
- -Put on some Music and Dance
- -Take a walk
- –Prenatal Yoga
- -Go for a Swim
- –Gentle Stretching
- -Kegels
5. Relax Your Mind
Taking time to relax, unwind, and turn inward can be such a beautiful way to care for yourself. Our minds often run on overdrive, especially during pregnancy.
There are so many unknowns and changes in your world, that it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
So it can be beneficial to allow your mind to settle so you can fully enjoy your pregnancy.
Using guided meditations is a great way to put your mind at ease. I have created a free guided meditation just for you!
You can use this meditation during your pregnancy and beyond to bring out the confident mama in you!
Affirmations are another great way to relax your mind and practice self care.
Here are some great affirmations to practice on a daily basis:
- -I am enough.
- -I am healthy, strong, and whole.
- -I am calm and confident.
- -I approach life with ease and grace.
- -I allow my light to shine.
- -I radiate love.
6. Surround Yourself with Support
Community is so important. Have you heard the phrase, “It takes a village”? Well, it is absolutely true.
You do not need to be perfect or do it all. Whether you reach out to a spouse, trusted friend or relative, be sure to ask for the help you need.
You can also reach out to other moms for support. You may want to join a playgroup or mom support group to help you connect with other moms.
“Mommy friends” can be such a great resource and help answer any questions you may have. As you support each other through your motherhood journeys you may even make some life long friends.
7. Let go of Expectations
It is so easy to compare ourselves to others. Let go of what you think pregnancy, birth, and motherhood “should” look like.
Comparing yourself to others doesn’t help you or your baby. If you do look at social media, remember that what you see online is typically one-sided.
People tend to only share the “picture perfect” aspects of their lives. If necessary take a break from social media.
Talk with other moms about their joys and challenges.
You and Your Baby are Worth it!
Whether this is your first baby, or you already have some little ones running around. Self-care should be a top priority.
Make yourself a priority and feel the difference it makes in your pregnancy and your life!
Wishing You an Amazing Pregnancy!
Catherine Wilde
