Living on Planet Pregnancy for nine months can be overwhelming. Once you find out you’re pregnant you immediately think that someone will guide you through this new territory, tell you what to do, where to go, find what you need and when. Your health care provider in many ways is a guide throughout your pregnancy. However, many times they just don’t have the time to spend with you to answer all your questions or give you the emotional reassurance you need. 

 What to do, right? Well, here’s a thought – pregnancy, from the very first day, is really the beginning of parenting. It’s a great time to hone your skills in planning, decision making, knowing your options, and taking action during the next nine months. When you baby arrives you’ll be using these skills even more. So use this time well because nine months goes fast! Don’t wait until the last minute to educate and prepare yourself for baby.

 1. Research your pregnancy and birth options from your point of view.  Meaning, (although challenging) follow your own interests and learn about them, don’t be swayed by what other people think you should do. Build self-reliance based on your own opinions and values. Also, self–reliance leads to resourcefulness in problem solving, and getting the information you need.  The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy and afterwards.   

 2. Choose to see a Midwife if you can. They have a different model of care when it comes to pregnant women and birth. They are safe, well trained, and many Obstetricians have them on staff. Midwives believe in the natural process of pregnancy and birth and not likely to do a lot of medical interventions.

 3. Trust your “gut”.  You may be anxious about birth down the road, but now is a great time to learn and practice how to trust your natural instincts. Intuition is a key element during pregnancy, labor, birth, even parenting.  The sooner you develop this skill, the better you’ll respond physically and emotionally  to this exciting life changing event.

 4. Join a pregnancy support group. There’s nothing like a bunch of happy pregnant bellies to share with!

Lesly

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