There's just something about pregnancy. The 9 month journey between who you once were to who you become.
You learn to love a stranger and then suddenly, the stranger is you. So look after yourself, mama.
Here are a few ways I practiced self-care during pregnancy:
Prenatal Massage
Get a 10 pack if you can. You are growing a HUMAN, please treat yourself to a relaxing massage and don't forget to wee beforehand!
Float in a pool (or low heated spa*)
*If you're sweating then vaminos! And let this be the beginning of knowing that mama knows best.
The pool, the non-inferno heated spa, the ocean, the bloody Brown Snake (kidding!) but just do whatever you can to take the weight of your belly off you for a bit.
Eat the freakin sushi.
I know there are somethings that are 100% pregnancy no-go's (like waterslides, still salty about that one, rare steak and retinol) but if your local sushi has proved itself, (and really, why would you be buying there otherwise?) just eat it. Enjoy it.
Unless you have HG then I'm so sorry, here's a water cracker and some ginger biscuits.
Upgrade some last few things for yourself before your life and wallet are consumed with your baby.
I chose to focus on my hair/skin and comfort during this time. Things I am particularly grateful for upgrading pre-bub:
Linens & towels
Snuggly robe for those late-night feeds
Silk hair scrunchy and pillowcase
Hair brushes and tools
Plan for future you!
At the later stages, do some freezer meal prep (homemade pies, soups, butter chicken/curries, pasta sauces all freeze well) or ask your community (maybe your new Within Pilates pals!) to do a meal train or ask for takeaway giftcards for you to use postpartum.
Sleep/Nap. (When you're not deep in the insomnia battle)
Obviously this really only applies to first time mums but SLEEP! For the love of God sleep. I am not going to fear monger you, because the rest of the world already does a good enough job at it but just enjoy napping when you feel like it and not "when the baby sleeps" *insert eye roll.*
Go to the movies and on as many dates as possible.
The newborn phase, once you get passed the first few weeks, is pretty cruisey, not going to lie. Newborns sleep a ton and pretty much anywhere. So while I can't guarantee they aren't going to decide to start cluster feeding (google it so you're prepared) during dinner, you can pretty much still get away with an 8pm booking at the local on a Friday if you wanted to. It's the 1-4 years you need to stockpile for.
Also research parenting alongside researching for labour and delivery. (And discuss it with your partner, if applicable)
Having a baby without researching parenting is like planning a wedding without considering the marriage. One part is a blip, the rest of the relationship is a lifetime. And while this isn't exactly bubble bath with a sheet mask self care, you're still 100% caring for future you by looking after the mama you will become. While we're here, make sure to discuss how you will divvy up caring for said baby. If you plan to breastfeeding, it's pretty hands on mum time so make sure you pre-agreed when they will take over caring for bub too.
Enrol in Hypnobirthing or find an online course.
Again, another mental/future self-care item. I know it's not free but boy, is it worth it.
I was never afraid of labour or birth, we had a VHS tape of my delivery growing up that I showed all my friends (sorry mom) until one day it mysteriously disappeared... 🤔
But I was deadset in having an all-natural, water birth and still found the course invaluable. Due to my birthing partner going through the course with me, his advocating for me ensured that I at least got the natural labour I wanted even after I was hooked up to and IV for my "Emergency C-Section." It was also my first taste of being an empowered woman and insisting on what I wanted. Powerful stuff.
I'll tell a more detailed birth story in another post but essentially they were worried about bubs' heart rate, hooked me up to every machine under the sun and banished me to the hospital bed while they got things ready for the c-section (the exact opposite of hypno water birth I envisioned.) Meanwhile, bub decided she was Johnny Cash and it was time for "The Ring of Fire" and she came out before any interventions could be done.
What are or were your favourite forms of self-care during pregnancy? Have a local Brisbane masseuse to recommend, we don't gatekeep here! Comment below!
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