You have missed your periods and the pregnancy test is positive? Congratulations! You are pregnant. A tiny life has been planted in your womb and will grow within you. The journey of a life within a life is something to be cherished forever and here commences ‘parenting’. As compared to the olden days, pregnancy is not a journey of the mother and the baby , but solely it has evolved as a combined journey of the entire family. In the times when we all are globe-trotting, I really when a couple announces that ‘we are pregnant’.
Yes, the participation and involvement of the spouse make a huge difference. The baby as it grows does respond to the warmth and care in its own way. Nothing preachy, but here we discuss the simple ways of bonding with the bump.
Be in a happy space
Indeed, the baby is all ears to whatever goes outside. If something affects the mother then it will to the baby. If something makes the mother happy, it goes unsaid that it makes the baby happy too. Research indicates that women’s oxytocin (hormone) level during the trimester of pregnancy influences the bonding with their babies.
Music, light exercise, chit chatting, reading, painting, chanting mantras, visiting temple, meditating and anything and everything that makes you happy will make the baby happy.
Taking help is good
Pregnancy is not an illness, it is a beautiful phase in your life. But at times it can get overwhelming. The morning sickness can leave you feel miserable. Do not hesitate to take help. If its your spouse or extended family who lend you a helping hand, go for it. There is bonding happening.
Preparing for the journey
There is more than enough to read on the internet about the do’s and the don’t. Plenty of books are full of wisdom. And there are mothers, mother-in-laws, grannies who can pass on some old wisdom to you as well. A lot of unsolicited advice also will come your way. Absorb everything that you feel is important and filter out the unnecessary. Being informed and well read makes you feel confident of your bump.
The place matters
With many of us globe-trotting, one can be away from home (country and extended families). Let us assume that you are an Indian (recently moved) who is pregnant in the UK who will deliver the baby there. Your food habits are different and the weather (in the UK) is different. So keeping in mind that a little flexibility, but a balance in eating habits comes along with change in place. This flexibility and acceptability are the key to happy pregnancy. Do not be rigid. Enjoy the different experience.
Bump and thigh massage
Aah! This is the most wonderful time spent with your baby. Any natural oil can be a perfect choice to pamper yourself. A drop or two of your favourite flavor to the oil can create wonders. Use this time to think and talk to the baby. Not only the oil leaves the skin soft and supple but also significantly reduces the chances of getting stretch marks.
Write a diary
Maintaining a pregnancy diary is a good idea. Reserve some time in the night before you retire to bed to write about your day. Paste photographs of important events, the scan and write about everything that you think is important. This diary helps you make your journey immortal.
The key is to be happy. Happy mother is equal to a happy baby. Try to stay positive by keeping the negativity at the bay. Try to maintain a good body posture and be confident with a radiant smile (though morning sickness can drain you). And last but not the least, love yourself and your changing body. Appreciate the changes happening within you and embark on your journey of motherhood and parenthood. Your spouse’s involvement in whichever possible way will play significant role in making this journey memorable.
