As you near your due date, it is natural to want to learn all that you can about preparing to bring your baby into the world. Whether you are expecting your first baby or your fifth, welcoming a new life is a very special time in an expectant mother's life. Just as you prepared your whole self for pregnancy, you will want to do this again for childbirth. Not sure where to start!? Here are some practices that can help you to intentionally prepare both your mind and body for childbirth and those first few weeks with a newborn.
Prepare Physically
Unless otherwise instructed by your care provider, staying active during your pregnancy can help lead to a smoother delivery and recovery. Physical activities such as walking and stretching are excellent ways to keep your body moving, especially at the end of your pregnancy as you are getting ready for childbirth. Spending time each day stretching can help to ease pregnancy aches and growing pains, while aiding your body in getting your baby in the right position for delivery. If you have not taken a childbirth class, doing so is a great way to give yourself the knowledge you need to achieve a smooth delivery. If you have a doula or midwife, ask them to give you a variety of stretches that can make delivery easier on you. Also, ask them to help you practice labor positions so that you can have some tools to fall back on during labor. Practice breathing through contractions while moving into various stretches and positions. Making time to stretch either first thing in the morning or just before bed can help make this daily practice an easy one to check off the list, while getting your body used to the process so that you know what feels most comfortable come delivery day.
Making Mental Space
Preparing your home, registry and growing family through this phase can occupy much of your mental space. Common questions and worries as you approach your due date can also flood your mind and make it tough for a Mama to mentally rest. Being intentional about creating a mental state of rest contributes to a much more relaxed birth and postpartum experience. To achieve this balance, try journaling your thoughts. The good, the bad, the emotional...all of it. Sometimes just writing it down in a journal gives it a space to sit. Keeping a notepad and pen nearby is also helpful for keeping a clear mind. Perhaps your mind runs into overdrive as you think of items you need for the baby or things you need to accomplish in the nursery. Jotting them down on a to do list can help you to get them out of your mind and into a safe spot so that you can check them off as you go. Lastly, making space for you to just rest your mind can lead to overall relaxation, which is very important as you get ready for delivery. Reading, sitting outside, tucking your phone away and practicing quiet activities are all ways that you can support a clear mind.
Avoid Stressors
It is important to eliminate any unnecessary forms of stress at this time so that you can head into your delivery feeling at peace. Perhaps you are feeling stressed from unwelcomed advice that does not support your birth plan or wishes during the recovery period. Maybe it's the feeling of not being "good enough" when you scroll social media and see nursery designs that make you feel inadequate. Maybe you have committed to one too many activities on your calendar and you just need to take a pause. Remember that this is the perfect time to reevaluate your priorities and say "no" to stressors that do not support your wellbeing. Your mind, body and baby are worth it!
Focus On Nutrition & Hydration
While it is important to focus on adequate nutrition and hydration throughout all phases of pregnancy, as you near your delivery day, you will want to take a few extra steps in this area. Stocking your freezer with healthy meals before you give birth is a great way to set yourself up for success for life with a newborn. Keeping fresh fruits in your home is a great way to add flavor to your water to keep your body hydrated as you recover from giving birth. Likewise, a good quality protein shake is always a good way to give your body what it needs at times when your energy levels do not leave much room for food and drink prep. As you find the nourishing foods and drinks you enjoy, jot them down on a piece of paper. When loved ones ask what they can bring you and your family during those last weeks of pregnancy and first few weeks with a newborn, refer to your list for a fuss free way to ask for what you need without having to think twice about it!
Prepare For Postpartum
While much of pregnancy is centered around preparing for a newborn through creating a registry and stocking a nursery, be sure to spend time preparing yourself for postpartum. It is a big transition! Whether you are making the jump to having your first child, or adding another one to your fold, having a new baby always changes things. Think about your support network and parenting practices. If you plan to breastfeed, take some classes and chat with other breastfeeding moms to address questions and concerns. If you plan to formula feed or supplement, explore your options. Here are some great organic formulas to keep on hand if this is the route you will be taking for nourishing your baby. Spending some time to really think through how you would like to approach this new role as a mother will arm you with the knowledge and resources you need to care for your new little one!
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If you have any questions about formula or tips to prepare for childbirth, leave them below! Also be sure to check out more related topics below:
Four Ways to Naturally Induce Labor - Organicbabyfood.shop