When you’re pregnant, suddenly everything in life is about the baby. You probably used to eat foods that you liked. Now, what you’re eating is “womb service” for that little growing sprout, so you choose your foods with care. (Or perhaps you just choose cheese fries””we won’t judge.)
Sleeping isn’t just about recovering from a long day””now it’s about getting enough zzz’s to grow a healthy baby (and perhaps experiencing some bizarre dreams”¦I can’t be the only one who dreamed she gave birth to a maimed Cabbage Patch Doll.)
But please, Mama-to-be””don’t forget about yourself! Believe me, in a short matter of months, it will be a miracle if you remember to brush your teeth on a somewhat regular basis.
So take this time now to rest, soothe your aches and pains, and enjoy your fleeting moments as a human incubator. It’s not selfish! Remember, what’s good for mommy is good for baby.
Some preggo pampering ideas:
Belly rub. Give your baby-belly a loving massage””while easing away stretch marks, too. We love Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil, which is great for chasing away those bright purple marks (we know, they’re a badge of honor, yadda yadda yadda) and soothing itchy, stretched skin. It really smells amazing, and if you’re “lucky” enough to be prone to morning sickness, I think you’ll find this formula doesn’t inspire the ickies the way some of the other brands do.
Splurge on your prenatals. You can get prenatal supplements just about anywhere (I’ve seen them at the dollar store). But not all of them go down so easy. I know this because when I was pregnant with my first child, I only seemed to have “morning sickness” immediately after I took my vitamins””and as soon as my OB suggested I switch to a higher quality brand, that symptom vanished faster than my waistline. It’s really better to get something gentle on your stomach with wholesome, natural ingredients. Our customers are huge fans of MegaFood DailyFoods Baby and Me. I personally think it’s a great choice for anyone who is picky about what they “share” with their baby.
Tea time. Do you like to sit quietly with a book, drinking a cup of tea? Even if it’s not your favorite way to kill a half hour, I recommend you indulge in this little ritual now, because until your baby is in kindergarten, you will never again have the opportunity to do so. (I really am not kidding.) If you do have a half hour to kill once baby has arrived, you will want to spend it running to the bathroom, finding your deodorant, calling your best friend back, writing a thank you note”¦and then whoops, your half hour is up and someone needs a diaper change. There’s actually tea just for pregnant women! Earth Mama Angel Baby Third Trimester Tea has a caffeine-free, “organic herbal uterine tonic.” I used to enjoy Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea, because it put me in just the right mood for a nice little nap””something else you should be doing plenty of!
Pretty hands. Look at your hands. They may be swollen. Maybe your rings don’t fit anymore. Whatever bad things you might think about them: trust me, they look better now than they will when you’re three weeks postpartum and changing diapers and washing your hands a gazillion times per day. I’d recommend a last-chance fling with your manicurist just about now. If you’d rather go the eco-friendly and economical DIY route, you can enjoy fume-free fingernails if you choose brands like Honeybee Gardens””and how cute is the “Oasis” shade if you’re expecting a boy? (Thinking pink? Fairy Dust is too-cute and formaldehyde-free!)
So go ahead””sleep! Pamper yourself! Feel good! Indeed, the best, most wonderful time of your life is just around the corner”¦but with that, the “me time” is about to vanish.
Jorie Mark is Vitacost.com’s Director of Marketing Communications and mom to three kids, ages 3 to 10.