Pregnancy Awareness Month

One thing of the things I did a lot during my first pregnancyand try to do as much as I can during this pregnancy is nap, rest, sleepwhenever there was and is a spare moment. Another sound piece of advice I gotwas to “nap when baby naps, if you can.” I did. I see a lot of moms out therewho are over whelmed and over tired. Listen, we have all been there but what Iam getting at here, how crucial it is that we take care of ourselves, love andnurture, refuel or else we run on empty all the time and that serves no one atall. During your pregnancy take the time to nurture you’re your self so thatyou carry that self-care over into parenthood.

1. Light some candles, turn onsome relaxing tunes and slip into a warm bath. Relax, take a moment and begrateful for this time and breathe. Okay so later your baths may lack thecandles and soft music but still take some time to be alone in your bathroom inthe tub and yes breathe.

2. Dare I say this again?Sleep, rest, catch some zzz’s, a little shut eye. Do this now during pregnancywhen the hormones exhaust you, get in the habit and carry it over intopost-partum for a s long as you can. My four-year-old just stopped napping butwhen I can slip away for even five minutes and close my eyes I do.

3. is nothing like the sweet tiny hands of your young childlovingly stroking the back of your neck. Even give yourself a foot massage withsome nice smelling lotion. Sometimes, late at night one everyone’s asleep, Iwash my feet and rub sweet coconut cream into the souls of my feet. A perfectexample of self-care.

4. Get some fresh air and walkaround the block. Do this every evening after dinner to help prevent acidreflux. Let the day unwind beneathyour swelling feet. Reflect and let it all go. Later, throw the baby into acarrier and take longer walks or hand them off to dad or whoever is around andtake five-ten minutes outside of the house for you…just you.

5. Meditate. Okay, this may bea long shot for many. Meditating need not be complicated. Just close your eyes,slow down your breath and focus on it for just a few minutes. The good news:you can do it just about anywhere.

These are just some ideas. Create your own mini ritual, find afew ways to nurture yourself, ways to recharge during your pregnancy and after.No one can take that away from you.