To say that pregnancy and birth has been a learning curve is an understatement. No one can describe or prepare you for the exhaustion of the first trimester or the difficulties of sleep in the third trimester or the Glucose test which was just insane… But here are a few things that I have done to maintain a positive outlook on the experience! As a first time mama, I obviously don’t know everything, but these are things that have worked for me and I think will help you.
ONE. CORRECT YOUR MINDSET
Correcting my mindset. You are growing a human, what do you expect?! Of course, it’s going to drain you, take your nutrients…give you gingivitis. But that little human is going to come out in 9 months. If I woke up tired, anxious, drained, exhausted or sore, I took a moment to readjust my mindset. It is far more draining to feel all those things and then be frustrated or whiny about it too. I took a moment to sit on the side of my bed, take a deep breath and just think of all the amazing things my body is doing to literally grow a human. Be grateful you can!
TWO. ALTERNATIVES TO COFFEE
Alternatives to coffee. Yes, I was a heavy coffee drinker before falling pregnant. I am talking 5-6 cups a day and all types. I decided to go cold turkey once I knew I was pregnant (yes, I know you can safely have 1 a day), but this was what I did. Personally, I did feel like I was going to pass out in the first couple of weeks…makes you think about what that coffee is doing to you, huh. However, I found drinking alternatives such as hot chocolate to be a uplifting! Keeping my morning hot drink routine but changing it up with hot chocolate, fruit teas, honey and lemon water. It’s all you can do!
THREE. EDUCATE YOURSELF
Educate yourself. Every time I felt something different, I’ll admit, I did a Google search, but I also emailed my midwife who always got back to me! Educating myself on what my body was doing, why I was feeling the way I did really helped. I was able to make some changes in my routine that helped. Whether that be dietary changes such as increasing iron intake through leafy greens and red meat or drinking 2.3 litres of water a day or taking that 30 minute nap I needed. This also helps your mindset if you know what your body is doing and how you can assist your body to do it that is more comfortable. Working yourself up about things and creating a stressful atmosphere is not helpful. There are so many resources out there. I have listed two below that were recommended by my OB-GYN.
FOUR. YOGA
Learning to take a breath and working the muscles that your baby is putting pressure on to relieve the pain is something that greatly assisted, particularly in third trimester! There are so may amazing YouTube videos out there by professionals that go through the best moves for your back, neck, pelvic floor and shoulders. It has helped me sleep better!
FIVE. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE
This is something I had to work on during my whole pregnancy. It’s okay to need two naps in a day or that bowl of ice cream every night. While I haven’t experienced ‘cravings’ it’s okay to feel ill at the thought of some food in your first trimester (definitely me). Your body is going through so many changes, hormones are everywhere, your baby is literally sucking out all the nutrients you are trying to put in. It is exhausting! So don’t beat yourself up for needing a few moments to yourself or if you’re not as productive as you usually are, or if the dishes are piled a little high. You have to learn to give yourself some grace! In the end, it all gets done. And besides, you are growing a whole human being, you’re already doing a lot.
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