For me, pregnancy was something I had looked forward to and planned for. I imagined I would be super-fit, eat all the right foods, and consequently breeze through labour in record time. Well, I suppose it came partly true; I did a bit of exercise, ate some of the right foods (and some that just felt right at the time!), and as for labour… it took a good few hours and wasn’t easy but was wonderfully worth it in the end.

We all know exercise is important, and it’s really personal preference as to which kind you choose. If you read our last entry we’ve got the water covered with a fabulous new swimwear range now available from Queen Bee, and of course we have great yoga-wear and active-wear too. I found that during pregnancy, despite the best of intentions, I really didn’t have the energy for anything too active. I stuck to low intensity exercise, and I found the pilates and yoga I did while pregnant were still a great preparation. Yoga, and in particular the special PowerBirth classes I took helped me feel prepared mentally as well as physically, and I didn’t realise until afterwards just how important that was!

We seem to concentrate on the physical when approaching childbirth, but for many women, being mentally and even spiritually prepared is just as important, because both during labour, and as you enter parenthood, relaxation and the ability to calm your mind are both essential survival skills. This is a time of change, and it brings with it unique new challenges. If you’re spiritually minded, and feel you could do with some guidance as you approach this time, why not get in touch with our friends at Divinely Guided? They will make it their mission to help you on your personal journey to a life “abundantly rich with peace, happiness, and wellbeing”, with face to face, online and phone consultations.

Remember that doing less rather than more, taking a few days off from your ‘To do’ list is sometimes necessary. While your mind may be racing along at a million miles an hour, your body is going through incredible changes, and there are times you will need to be sensitive to its needs, and slow down and recharge. A candle-lit bath with some relaxing, pregnancy-safe essential oil like pure lavender might be just what you need after a long day. And we know this is a time you will want to be surrounded by wonderful natural products, like our lusciously scented new clean-burning soy tin candles by Illuminate. They’re available in several varieties, including mango and papaya, and vanilla and ylang ylang. Mmmmm, we’re sure you’ll agree that this is just the sort of pampering you deserve.

Rather than trying to fulfil some imaginary ideal, this time should be about finding what is right for you, what works for you – doing what you can to be prepared and trusting that the rest will fall into place. Avoid having too many preconceptions, as it’s always difficult to know what the future will bring.

Above all, enjoy your pregnancy. You may feel these 9 months are going by at a snail’s pace, but it will be over before you know it, and then the fun with your new baby really begins! Hmmm, now I come to think of it, there’s another essential link I really should post here; for heaps of info and advice, introduction to breastfeeding classes (for while you are still pregnant) and more, have a look at the ABA website. And don’t forget Queen Bee stock heaps of great breastfeeding tops and dresses too!

Hannah
xx