PREPARE MENTALLY FOR PREGNANCY
PREPARE MENTALLY FOR PREGNANCY
1... Be aware that conceiving can take a while
Sixty percent of couples who are trying to conceive are successful within the first three months and 85 percent take a full year. Becoming pregnant can be a long process that may feel stressful at times, but try to remain as relaxed as possible and have fun with it. You won’t have as many opportunities for intimacy once your baby is here.
2... REDUCE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE:
Some research has shown that stress may negatively affect fertility, but that thought alone can make you feel more stressed. That’s why there’s no time like the present to start a daily mindfulness meditation practice, which only requires 10 minutes a day with an app such as Calm. Not only will it help you control stress, but it will also teach you to live in the present moment – an essential skill when you have young children. This is also a good time to start saying no to unnecessary commitments.
3....BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE:
Preparing for pregnancy marks the beginning of a series of major life changes that will transform the essence of who you are – in a good way. You’ll discover things you never knew about yourself and grow as a person. Try to focus on the positive aspects of the changes in your life rather than what you’ve lost or are missing out on. You might not be able to go out dancing all night with your friends (as often), but you and your partner may feel more connected than ever.
4....EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED:
There’s an expectation for women to “glow” and feel unwaveringly grateful while they’re expecting, but for some mamas-to-be pregnancy is a whirlwind of extreme morning sickness, crippling fatigue and other unpleasant pregnancy conditions. Hopefully this isn’t the case for you, but it’s a good idea not to set the bar of your expectations too high so that you’re not devastated if things don’t go as planned. It’s OK if you don’t feel the glow – lots of women don’t.
5....BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Make sure you have a solid support system in place that includes family members and friends who are pregnant or have children so that you can ask questions and lean on them when needed. Studies show that a strong support system has a positive impact on postpartum health and may even reduce your risk of preterm birth.
6...COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNER:
Talk openly about your joys and fears relating to pregnancy and parenthood and ask him to share his as well. This will ensure that your bond is strong and that you’re on the same page when your baby arrives.
7...PREPARE YOUR OTHER CHILDREN:
If this isn’t your first pregnancy, it will be easier in some ways because you’ll know what to expect. But on the other hand, you’ll be caring for your other children and worrying about how your family unit will change. Involve your children in the preparations for your baby’s arrival early on so that they feel connected to their new sibling. See more in our article on How to prepare for your second child.
My advise
1... Having a baby (especially your first) can feel like a huge leap into the unknown. It's hard to predict all the ways your life will change, but one thing's for certain—your life will change. The sense of uncertainty from having a baby can cause feelings of anxiety and stress. To ease some of that new baby stress, having a parenting checklist in place well before the baby comes will help make the most of your baby's first year. 2.. Talk with your partner about household tasks and develop a schedule for completing those tasks, such as grocery shopping, laundry, or housecleaning. Having a plan can ease many of your worries, giving you a sense of control and competence. Of course, flexibility is important too. During the first few weeks after your baby arrives, schedules will probably go out the window as you adjust to your new baby. Having those schedules in place, though, will help you return to a comfortable routine more quickly.
3... Cut yourself some slack. Most first-timers worry about their ability to parent effectively, but here's a little secret: you are going to make some parenting mistakes. You are not going to be a perfect parent, because the perfect parent does not exist. Fortunately, children don't need perfect parents. They need committed, loving parents who are trying to do their best—parents who acknowledge when they've messed up and keep on trying. Parenting is a learning curve—sometimes a steep one—and it's okay if you don't have it all figured out. Babies are remarkably resilient and your baby will be just fine. 4..... During pregnancy, your body is working overtime; physical fatigue can worsen the symptoms of emotional overload. Spend at least a few minutes every day to nurture yourself. Take a quick nap, go for a walk, try yoga or meditation, stock up on healthy snacks, or get a prenatal massage. Go to bed early and try to maintain a consistent schedule. You will need both physical and emotional reserves to cope with the challenges of labor and the first few weeks of parenting. Look at pregnancy as a time of preparation for parenting.
5..... Manage relationship stress. The changes of pregnancy and parenthood can cause relationship stress as you try to sort out your new life and roles. Be patient with yourself and your partner. Spend time together and talk honestly about your hopes and fears. Accept those inevitable differences in temperament and priorities, which often become more obvious as you prepare for parenting.
6.... Your family and friends can be a source of nurturing support, both now and after the baby arrives. Too tired at night to get together? How about a weekend brunch or a Saturday afternoon movie? Maintain relationships and be sure to ask for help as the big day draws near..
Brought to U.....http://successgain.info
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