| Activity |
Thoughts |
Three To Six Months Pregnant |
| Start prenatal yoga and regular exercise with modified stretching. |
You will be amazed at how keeping fit and limber will help you during your birth! |
| Begin to stock the nursery |
Ask friends and family with children to help you make a list of what you will really need. Register your needs and wants or email a list to friends and family so you get the gifts that really make sense. |
| Hire a Doula |
Just know that you have that extra support lined up can give you such peace of mind. |
Six To Nine Months Pregnant |
| Continue with yoga and exercise |
I know you are tired, but it will pay off in the long run. |
| Begin perineal massage |
Begin with once a week, working up to every other day. |
| Start regular relaxation or hypnosis |
During the last trimester, rest can be elusive. It’s important for both you and your baby to be well rested. Listening to a relaxation tape or hypnotherapy can be great tools. |
| Spend quality time with your partner |
I know you are anxiously awaiting your new arrival, but remember how you got here in the first place. You will not have this time again once the baby is born, take advantage of it. |
| Pack your bag for the hospital |
Even if you are planning a home birth, have a bag ready just in case. |
| Install your car seat |
Even if you are Tim the tool man, have your installation checked by a professional. |
| Finalise your birth plan |
Knowing that you have made your decisions in advance can be a real stress reliever. |
| Let your family and friends know your expectations |
If you don’t want visitors in the hospital or for the first few days at home, let them know. It’s easier now than when they call on their way over. |
| Make meals in advance |
Even freezing leftovers for after the baby will be a big relief when you’re too tired to cook |
Birth To One month |
| Rest, Rest, Rest |
Sleep when the baby sleeps. Stop thinking of all the things you need to do…they will wait. |
| Make a list of things to do |
When friends and family show up and ask what they can do to help, you can just point to the list. Have them cross it off as they do it, but don’t forget to put it back on the list. |
| Be honest with yourself |
Ask for help when you need it. If you are struggling, get some help. |
| Enjoy the company of your new little one |
Don’t feel guilty about letting the dishes pile up or leaving the laundry. Getting to know your baby is your first priority. You both have a lot of learning to do. |
After The First Month |
| Get out |
Remember what the inside of a coffee shop looks like. Spend time with other new moms in your area. Go for a walk…even if it’s winter. |
| Exercise |
If you are breast feeding your baby, you will not be able to loose the weight right away, but you can firm up what you have. Yoga or swimming is great. And exercising releases endorphins…the happy hormone. Click here for more. |
| Join a mothers group |
Just listening to other new moms can help you realize that what you are going through is normal. |
| Date your mate |
Yes, you are a family now, but that doesn’t change your first relationship. Try to get some time alone with your partner. |