8 Ways to Incorporate TLC During Pregnancy: Why a Little Self-Care leads to big results

Author: Joann Thelusma, Aila Birth Village

From the time you learn you are expecting, everything becomes about your baby and his or her needs. Your life is forever changed by this incredible and transforming information. Just like that, your days are filled with doctor’s appointments, prepping your nursery, and attending celebrations in your honor. But it is important to remember you deserve a little extra love during this time. Not only are you carrying life, but you are doing so beautifully.

When you are relaxed and at peace, your baby is as well. Take some time to incorporate TLC and show yourself some love. Read on to learn about eight ways to ensure self-care remains a priority.

Schedule Meaningful Quiet Time

Much like you schedule prenatal appointments with your doctor or midwife or consultations with your doula, block out a certain amount of time every week that is all about you. Whether it’s 20 minutes a day sipping your favorite tea with a do-not-disturb sign on your bedroom door or watching a 45 minute episode of a show you adore, this time is important. It can be easy to let the other items on your to-do-list become a priority, like finding the perfect bassinet, but making a concerted effort to have meaningful quiet time can help you feel centered. When you schedule this time, you have something to look forward to that is just about you. Being refreshed allows you to tackle anything that comes your way like the supermama you are and have been.

Visit a Local Spa

When you are pregnant, your body is doing incredible work. In fact, you can feel some of that work as your ligaments stretch to accommodate your baby. Your body produces an amazing hormone called relaxin that allows your body to grow beautifully, but it can lead to discomfort. Check out your local spa and inquire if they have any massage packages for expectant mothers. They might have someone on staff trained in prenatal massage. If not, ask about which treatments are safe for pregnant women. Try to choose at least one other spa offering, like a facial, and indulge as needed. You have earned it.

Have a Spa Day at Home

Can’t make it to a local spa? That’s okay. Self-care does not have to be luxurious. It can be performed on a budget as well. Spa days at home can be fulfilling, relaxing, and so fun. Try that new soothing face mask that you’ve had on your Sephora wishlist since last year. Take a warm shower in the evening with a fancy body wash. Place some bath salts in your tub and soak your tired feet as you scroll through your phone. Whatever you choose to do, take the time to really enjoy it. This is your time.

Nurture Your Mind

During pregnancy, it is not unusual to feel emotional. After all, a lot is happening and it can affect your mind as well. Just as I encourage you to nurture your body, I ask that you nurture your mind as well. If you notice a stretch mark and feel disappointed, reframe how you feel about it. If you realize that your favorite jeans no longer fit, use gentle language when acknowledging this change. Remind yourself that your body is doing incredible work . Positive thinking is very powerful. Be kind to yourself and remember that you are doing your best. If you feel like you need more emotional support, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Call a Friend

Pregnancy can feel very isolating, especially if you are the only parent in your friend group. Now is a great time to reach out to your social circle. Call a friend and ask if they want to check out a movie or eat at a new restaurant with great reviews. If you are in a pregnancy support group, see if any other members want to get together for some girl time. Either way, you deserve to be surrounded by love and support. Prioritize this time with close friends.

Nourish Your Body

It’s okay to indulge. I do not want you to deprive yourself of your favorite snacks. But try to incorporate nutrient-dense snacks that can nourish and energize you as well. Consider packing pretzels that you can dip in organic peanut butter when you are running an errand. Or making a fruit smoothie at home for breakfast. Have full meals as well - skipping meals is a no-go.

Rest, Rest, Rest

When you are pregnant, you are growing your baby. A whole person all on your own. Exhaustion starts to become more and more apparent as your pregnancy progresses. Prioritize hitting the sheets. If you cannot get a full night’s sleep due to discomfort and your body pillow is not working, try to nap a couple of times throughout the day. Can’t sleep? Find a comfortable spot on your couch or bed and just lay down to rest your eyes.

Take a Babymoon

Go away with your partner overnight or for a weekend. When your baby comes, you will become a party of three (or more, if you have other children), so your babymoon gives you the opportunity to just focus on you and your partner’s connection. Interested in a solo babymoon? Consider an overnight trip to somewhere close so you are not far away from where you anticipate giving birth. Let your partner know where you are heading and consider using this time to unwind. Indulge in room service, catch up on sleep, and watch a few cheesy Lifetime movies. No matter what you do, this is your time.

Bottom Line

You matter. Taking care of yourself during your pregnancy has many benefits for you and your baby. It does not really matter how you practice self-care as long as you are partaking in healthy habits that make you feel good and refreshed. Think about what makes you feel best and do that. Reclaim this time and put yourself first, even when it does not feel easy. You are nurturing life and you deserve TLC.