Third trimester mama, I see you. I was you last year. Here are my top tips to finish your pregnancy strong- from a nurse, doula, & mama!
1. Rest & care for you as much as possible! Do not go into labor/birth/new parent life exhausted & burnt out. If you can begin maternity leave early (if applicable) to decompress & get your mindset right, I highly recommend!
2. Have your bags packed or your birth supplies handy by 36 weeks. Accomplishing your to do list & being prepared will free up mental space for getting in the zone!
3. Again, preparation is key. Postpartum is challenging & messy. I recommend having a postpartum cart or station in the areas you will be using most often (bathroom, next to your bed, etc). The goal is to make self care as easy as possible, because time can be limited & sometimes mobility is a challenge following birth!
4. I highly suggest making freezer meals & easy snacks ahead of time to limit the amount of cooking required immediately postpartum. Alternatively, ask for delivery/restaurant gift cards or for family/friends to set up a meal train as a baby shower gift! Focus on nutrient dense, nourishing, & warm meals 🙂
5. Consuming 3 medjool or 6 deglet noor dates per day may shorten your cervix, shorten labor, and reduce the need for labor interventions. They are high in sugar- so be mindful if you have gestational diabetes.
6. Document this time! Even if you feel uncomfortable & huge & can’t bring yourself to get ready…you will likely want to look back on these days. I also highly recommend getting professional photos taken to honor this special time 🤍
7. Listen to what your body is telling you. Rest when needed. Move when needed. Are you feeling discomfort in a certain area? It could mean baby is in a funky position, which can be improved upon with the right techniques! Your body and baby will tell you a lot if you are open to receiving it!
8. Release control. Labor and birth are unpredictable. No one knows when it will begin. No one knows how long it will last. No one knows how it will all unfold. Bringing our babies into the world teaches us so much. We come out the other side a different person. It’s one of the first parenting lessons our babies teach us. What will be, will be. All we can do is relax into it, trust the process, and embrace the journey into the unknown 🥰
You’re in the home stretch. You’re tired. You’re ready to meet your baby. You’re almost there!
This is an exciting, emotional, and sometimes trying time. The end of pregnancy often feels like an eternity. You are doing so amazing!
Sending you so much love as you wait for that sweet baby of yours!
What are some things you’re doing to prepare for baby or postpartum? Drop them below 🙂
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