All posts tagged: pregnancy checklist

Pregnancy Checklist

This pregnancy checklist is for everyone who is pregnant. Whether you are feeling great or if your pregnancy is more complicated you can adapt these to suit your needs. Pregnancy is a time to look after you, to focus on what you need and to gather knowledge. It is a time to ask questions, to put yourself at the centre of your care and to tune in to your instincts. After working with thousands of expectant parents – and having three pregnancies myself – I know how different each pregnancy can be. This pregnancy checklist is simple and effective because pregnancy wellbeing is about the basics: being as comfortable as possible – moving, walking, stretching, using a ball, using pillows, changing positions can all help. eat as well as possible – you might not always fancy a big meal, so little and often will be better. Keeping food and snacks as healthy as possible will boost your energy as well as your general wellbeing. drink plenty of water – as well as preventing dehydration, drinking …

breathing skills in pregnancy

Do you know how to use your breathing?

Knowing how to use your breathing can help to ease any aches and pain, it can give you more energy and it help you to stay calm. By developing simple and effective relaxation and breathing skills, you will also use these techniques in labour, for birth and when your baby is here. Always seek medical support if you are concerned about yourself or your baby. Even if it is just a feeling that something isn’t right. Relax & Breathe runs as a digital course, which can run with 1:1 sessions. You can book a session with me if you have questions, need some additional support or preparation for birth & baby. antenatal & postnatal specialist | working with parents since 2002

Tips for using a birth ball and boosting positions in pregnancy and birth

Using a birth ball/pregnancy ball/gym ball in pregnancy is a really simple way of easing back and hip ache, especially in your third trimester. A common question that comes up is what size to get and I often see photos of pregnant women using a ball that is too small, which might not help with that back ache. A rough guide for birth ball sizes: if you are over 5ft 7in, you will most probably need a 75in ball, otherwise a 65in ball will be more suitable for you. Make sure it is fully blown so it is firm to sit on. How to know your birth ball is the right size for you… when you sit on the ball, it supports you rather than sinking into it your feet are comfortably flat on the floor your knees are lower than your hips and your knees feel comfortable your back is straight it feels stable to sit on it it feels comfortable Sitting securely on a ball means you can rock and sway, moving your …

are you eating enough in pregnancy?

Are you eating regularly during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is usually a time of trying to eat well, to boost your wellbeing as you grow your baby. Making healthier choices could boost your energy and ease any nausea. Some of the people I speak to are concerned about weight-gain during pregnancy – making healthy choices may help with that. Some weight gain is normal during pregnancy so it is not a time to calorie count and to go hungry. Try to be guided by your appetite, if you are hungry don’t deny yourself some good food – you will experience growth spurts throughout your pregnancy, when you need more food. It can also be helpful to have healthy snacks to hand for those moments when you need to eat NOW. Always seek medical support if you are concerned about yourself or your baby. Even if it is just a feeling that something isn’t right. Book a session with me if you have questions, need some additional support or preparation for birth & baby. antenatal & postnatal specialist | working with parents since 2002

Are you resting enough during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time to listen to your body and to rest when you can. You might have work and other children to look after to rest isn’t always easy but find how you can fit it in – early nights, lie-ins at the weekend, along with daytime naps when possible. Sometimes you need to plan this in to make it happen. And it can also be a reason for women to change their work hours or go on maternity leave a bit earlier than expected. Always seek medical support if you are concerned about yourself or your baby. Even if it is just a feeling that something isn’t right. Book a session with me if you have questions, need some additional support or preparation for birth & baby. antenatal & postnatal specialist | working with parents since 2002