5 Things to do for YOU before the baby arrives
In the months leading up to giving birth there are thousands of things that run through a woman's mind. It's important to remember, however, that in amongst the cost of maternity wear, your worries about which stroller to buy and the thousands of pieces of advice everyone will try and give you (asked for or not), you need to squeeze a little bit of 'you' time. This means time that's not spent talking, thinking, worrying, anticipating or stressing about your baby. Trust me, you've got the rest of your life to do all these things (and you will), so take some time in the last few months before baby comes along to do a few things for YOU. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meditate
This is actually a practise you can carry on far beyond your pregnancy, and the benefits of meditation can help you throughout your life. You don;t have to light candles and chant if that's not your thing, just find a quiet, comfortable place where you can try to clear your mind for about 20 minutes per day. It doesn't seem like a lot, but trust me, keeping your thoughts quiet is easier said than done and may require some practice! Youtube has some wonderful guided meditation videos, so if you need a bit of help, check them out!
Talk to Your Girlfriends
Many new mothers say that they miss the amount of time they used to spend chatting up a storm with their girlfriends. Take some time out to talk to your friends--about something other than your pregnancy. Although it's the biggest thing in your life right now, there are other things about you that are still just as amazing as the fact you're going to be a mum!
Get A Massage--Or Several!
No real persuasion needed here--a massage is the best way to relieve those tired muscles and relaxe your mind! Choose a massage therapist that specialises in expectant mothers--they'll be gentle and know just where the aches and pains are!
Read
Towards the end of your pregnancy you might find you're increasingly tired and lack the energy to go out a lot. This is the time to relax and inspire yourself by reading all those books you've been putting off! This is the perfect way to escape it all for a while and make the most of your own time--in the coming months reading might get relegated to the back-burner so enjoy!
Journal
Write down how you're feeling every day--the things you want for your baby, the stresses, the joys--when all is said and done and you look back over the journal you'll remember all those emotions--and may even be able to share them with your little one!
The reason it's important to keep doing things just for you during pregnancy is that it gets very easy to lose yourself in nappy bags and change-tables and sleep-sacks--but you need to remember that you're a woman as well as a mother, and that you'll be the best mum you can be with the confidence that comes from knowing who you are.