So you got the good news that in months, there will be a new, tiny person in your house, and everyone is excited about whose genes are stronger; yours of your spouse’s. Are you ready for it, though? Of course, the joy that a child brings is incomparable to any other gifts you will ever receive.
You’ll also have a certain connection that only you and your baby will have. There will be a lot of sleepless nights, diaper changing, and mood swings. There will be challenges, so to help you navigate your first rodeo as a mom, here are the things you shouldn’t forget:
During pregnancy
Avoid drinking caffeine
Yes, drinking coffee has upsides, but not when you are pregnant. Research suggests that more than 200 mg of caffeine intake a day may raise the risk of miscarriage. Some evidence also shows that even low consumption of caffeine still results in low birth weight. You wouldn’t want an underweight baby or even lose your child just because you cannot resist those cups.
Exercise regularly
Low impact exercise can improve your mood, increase blood circulation, and ease back pain. It will also strengthen your muscles and ligaments and build stamina for labor preparation and actual delivery. Based on a study, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, including other relaxation techniques are linked to a higher fertility rate, so try these things.
Exercise may not be advisable if you have medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. It may also be harmful if you experience bleeding or spotting or have a low placenta or a weak cervix.
Satisfy your physiological needs
A baby’s circadian rhythm is different once they are out, and it will take a while to adjust. I know it is difficult to have a lot of sleep when your baby’s body clock is different from yours, and they have a volatile sleeping pattern. Just try to sleep as much as you can while your baby is asleep so you can still get some rest.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated since dehydration can also lead to birth defects or even pregnancy loss. Pregnant women need to drink 10 8-ounce water glasses a day since your body needs more fluids to produce extra blood and amniotic fluid.
After giving birth
Self-care
Just because you are caring for another individual does not mean you will forget yourself entirely. Remember to do self-care such as: still
- maintaining a skincare routine
- going out with other first-time mom friends
- eating healthy meals
- getting regular exercise
- visiting the dentist
- enjoying your hobbies
- going to the salon
- relaxing outdoors
- decluttering your room
- having quiet time
Keeping the connection with your partner
With a new person in the house that demands a huge portion of your time and energy, it can be difficult to keep the same intimacy and connection that you and your partner used to have before. Set aside time to be with each other and process everything, create a system that works for the both of you, and go back to the strong foundation you two have built.
Talk about how each of your days went since communication leads to better understanding and teamwork. Find someone you can entrust your baby so you two can go out and maintain the intimacy. Even simple gestures as hugs and foot rubs can help maintain and strengthen your connection.
Take time to refresh your spirit.
What brings you inner peace? You have to set aside time to reconnect with yourself and with a higher being you believe in. You can start with journaling your motherhood chronicles. This way, you can easily process your thoughts, experiences, and feelings on being a first-time mom since it can be a lot to take in. It can help you adjust to this major life change and can also serve as a memento that you can always go back to with your child.
Once you become a mother, you will no longer be the same since it almost always shifts from self-centered to selfless. Motherhood can also be the most challenging thing you will have to face in your life as a woman. It will make you grow exponentially since now; you are already responsible for the life of another human being that you have brought into this world.
Now, in every decision that you will make, you have to consider your baby. However, do not forget that you are still your own person, so take care of yourself and reconnect with your partner. Enjoy the transition of a happy marriage to a happy family.
