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6 Things To Help You Prepare for Your Labor

I was always paranoid about pregnancy & labor. I wanted to be well prepared when we decided to have a baby. While talking to a lot of friends who had experienced labor, I realized each and every experience is unique and cannot be compared. Planned to be prepared for the worst so that I am not surprised of the unknowns. So here is what I did as part of my labor preparation:

1. Reading about it helps to be prepared

Please DO NOT Google. Read up on good resources to educate yourself. There are lots of good info available online. This is one book I thoroughly read – Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too! This book had a lot of useful information to prepare for a baby. It really helped me in my initial days of pregnancy.

2. Prenatal Classes

This is a must especially if this is your first pregnancy! These classes are really helpful in knowing the unknowns and preparing for it. I did my prenatal class with The Peel Region Prenatal Program and I am so grateful for all the information they gave. There are good online programs as well which are very helpful. Prenatal course gives information of different techniques such as relaxation & breathing, water birth, aromatherapy and others which help you in preparing for labor.

3. Prenatal Yoga & Exercises

Well, exercise is the last thing you want to hear in your third trimester but believe me, it is the best way to build all the stamina for pushing during labor and also helps in speedy recovery from childbirth. Prenatal yoga combined with brisk walking helped me to be physically active during the last few weeks of pregnancy and helped me speed up the labor process (Yes, I had an easy labor, thanks to all the exercises & physical activity).

4. Birthing Ball

This is a wonderful investment which helps before, during and after labor & a great add on to your hospital bag. There are quite a lot of exercises that can be done on birthing ball during your pregnancy which are not very intense. Before labor, the ball exercises help in managing lower back pain. During labor, it is a great tool to manage contractions. I was on the ball for the entire duration of my contractions and it really helped in speeding up my labor.

5. Preparing for the unexpected

You can do all the preparations, but your little one will always have a plan in mind. They will decide when to come and how to come, you can do nothing about it. Some might come weeks early, some past due date. You might have to go for C-section or you might have a home birth. Well, the only thing I would say is you can never be sure of these things but to be prepared & accept what comes your way.

While knowing that your due date is approaching is scary, it is also exciting. Sit back & enjoy those final kicks and believe in magic that is going to happen. Key is to stay relaxed and happy (check out my post on how to enjoy & relax during pregnancy). Every labor is a magical story which only us women are capable of handling. No matter how much you prepare, nothing can give you the joy of holding your baby the very first time.

GOOD LUCK!

A Journal About Pregnancy Journal

While my daughter’s first year milestone is approaching, I wanted to look back at my pregnancy memories. Well, I am glad I had a pregnancy journal to remind me some of the things that I almost forgot like the way we announced our pregnancy. It is always fun to write down things to commemorate later.

Why Journal?

Pregnancy is a major milestone in a women’s life. And the experience associated with it is unique in its own way. Keeping a Pregnancy journal helps you to relive those moments. It also is a stress reliever and helps you to be more organized and stay ahead in your pregnancy.

What can go in Pregnancy Journal

Thoughts for baby – Logging in your thoughts for baby can be an important step in developing attachment towards your unborn child. Write down your wishes, what you think of the transition to motherhood and all the small details that you can think of. This log can also help to reinforce the bond later.
Fears – A lot of women worry and stress about the pregnancy discomfort. Writing it down helps in easing out the fears and thoughts.
Your changing body – Charting yours and baby’s development helps you to keep a tab on the events and be well organized. Noting down small experiences like eating at wee hours, cravings, likes & dislikes all add fun to your journal.
The firsts – Recording the first heartbeat, ultrasound, kicks are all very precious and exciting. Noting down the experience creates your own sweet memories to look back & enjoy.
Impromptu moments – Capturing those small moments of doctor’s visit, announcement to family, picking the name, revealing gender are all great for a journal and to celebrate later.

Writing a Journal is a fun activity. And for me, it was a great distraction from all the discomfort & negative thoughts. Makes me smile every time I read it. If you are expecting, you should definitely try & save some memories by writing it down.

HAPPY JOURNALING!

8 Things To Do To Enjoy & Relax During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is thrilling! The memories you create with your pregnancy are one of the finest memories of your life which you remember and relish even after the baby is born. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I just wanted it to be over soon. But soon after she was born, I started missing my bump and the pregnant days. But not to forget about the stress many of us go through. Be it first time or not, it is not easy to prepare for the major life change along with the daily routine. Here are 8 things you can do to enjoy your pregnancy:

1. Prenatal Massages

There is a lot that body goes through during the pregnancy. Because of the organ shift there is always a discomfort & lower back pain is quite a common concern. I had sciatica right from my first trimester and it only got worse with trimesters. Prenatal massages and some exercises taught by physiotherapist did magic in managing the pain. Prenatal massages not only helped in relaxing the muscles but also relaxes the mind which is required for a healthy pregnancy. If you are pregnant, I would definitely recommend to visit your nearest massage therapist and get yourself couple of relaxing sessions.

2. Rest, Rest & Rest!!

Sometimes sleep is all you need to relax. While pregnant & experiencing lots of discomfort and fatigue, all we want to do is sleep. But with day to day chores and routine, it makes it hard to rest sometimes. And in the later weeks, it becomes more difficult to sleep with the growing bump. A pregnancy pillow is a great investment to help sleep. Making sure to just lie down for couple of extra hours makes a whole lot of difference. Insomnia and fatigue can make it very difficult to enjoy the precious moments. Sleeping through the trimesters was the best decision I took in my pregnancy. It helped in saving all the energy for the big day (More coming up on Labor in a separate article).

3. Relaxing in Water

Water helps in relieving tight & sore muscles and helps you feel light. You can use a warm water tub and soak up your foot after a tiring day or just soak up in the bathtub for few minutes. Try it out and you will see the difference. This became my favorite past time during my pregnancy. You can make it enjoyable with a book & herbal tea. I even tried swimming in my last trimester as suggested by my midwife. Helped a lot in feeling light and relaxing my lower back.

4. Comfort clothing

Women today work, socialize and even travel internationally while pregnant. It becomes very important to dress comfortably and look beautiful. It also becomes a must to be relaxed & enjoy your day. During my pregnancy I could not wear anything that was too tight. And I started growing out of my clothes right from the end of first trimester. You get to choose a huge variety of maternity wear & well, shopping is also a stress buster. So I would recommend, go do your maternity shopping right when you get to know that you are pregnant.

5. Take lots of Pictures!!

This is a must! Awaiting for the bump and looking at your baby grow gives too much joy. I would say take pictures every week. Might sound crazy, but it really helps you to enjoy your pregnancy. I remember pestering my husband to click pictures every month. But now I feel it was all worth it while we watch the memories together today and smile.

6. How Baby Moon can help you relax

Vacation definitely helps in taking your mind off of all the pregnancy pressure and helps you to enjoy. The ideal time for vacationing is the second trimester. Choose a location that is your happy place. Be it a beach, mountain or any place you want to go. Baby moon not only helps you relax but also helps in building a foundation to embrace the changes as a partnership. It is the best way to recharge your relationship as you both go through the transition towards parenthood.

7. Write a Pregnancy Journal

Writing down each and every new experience – be it the first reaction to the news, first kick, changing body, picking names not only helps you to remember the sweet memories to relish but also is an enjoyable experience. Preparing for motherhood is often a roller coaster ride of emotions. Noting them down & expressing it can ease all the stress. This was the first thing I did when I got to know that I am pregnant. I did a DIY journal which made it even more fun. Check out my Journal on Pregnancy Journal for more details.

8. Engage yourself socially

Motherhood changes your entire life. I am not trying to scare you but it is a fact. The moment you know that you are going to be a mom, everything in your head revolves around baby. This has a great impact on your social life. I realized this during my postpartum. It becomes very difficult to socialize and spend time with people during the first 3 months after the baby is born. It is very important to spend quality time with friends during your pregnancy so that you will not regret it later. Please go have that night out, watch a movie, party with your buddies, laugh & have loads of fun. After all you need that energy to refresh and enjoy your moments.