Pregnancy is an exciting time in a person’s life, but it can also be an extremely challenging one. Not only are expecting parents dealing with physical changes and discomforts, but also navigating emotional fluctuations and preparing for the arrival of a new family member which makes it such an important time to practice self-care. From physical activity and nutrition to emotional support and relaxation, we will discuss ways to prioritize self-care and ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.  

Why is self-care important during pregnancy?

Self-care during pregnancy is essential for maintaining the well-being of both the mother and the baby. There are many ways to practice self-care such as doing physical activity, eating the right things, getting enough sleep, getting emotional support, relaxing and more.

What self-care can you do while pregnant?

There are so many ways that you can practice self-care during pregnancy. Here are a few examples:

1. Physical Activity: With physical activity you really must listen to your body and speak to a doctor to get approval for which exercise will be safe for you during pregnancy. However, if you are approved then any form of exercise can be beneficial during pregnancy to keep you both physically and emotionally healthy. Whether you prefer a jog or a yoga class- go for it! Get those endorphins flowing.

2. Nutrition: Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help both you and the baby feel their best throughout the pregnancy. Ensuring a variety of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will make you feel so much better than resorting to food which is not nutritious- stay away from that fast food!

3. Emotional Support: Emotional support is vital as there will be lots of changes to your body and mood. Some possible stress management techniques include meditation, deep breathing or even talking to a therapist. Having friends and family as support can additionally be important. There is so much changing in your life, and it can really help to have someone to sit down with and talk everything through.

4. Relaxing: Getting enough rest and reducing stress is a great way to look after yourself during pregnancy. Taking long baths, treating yourself to a spa afternoon, taking long slow walks, taking naps when you are tired. All of this relieves stress which will help both you and the baby feel at their best!

How can I prepare myself for self-care after pregnancy?

Once you give birth, self-care is probably the last thing on your mind, as your baby will of course come first. But after a few weeks or even days you might start to feel drained, not prioritise yourself and slowly suffer the consequences of not doing things for YOU. There are some easy things that you can do to practice self-care when you have a newborn. Firstly, and most importantly, follow your doctor’s orders! Get as much rest as is humanly possible (which probably is not going to be very much at the beginning). Take the moments you can and accept help from family and friends. Maybe they can come over and give your house a clean or drop off some healthy food for you to heat up.

What should I purchase to prepare myself for the best self-care regime for pre and postpartum and be sustainable whilst doing it?

dais Maternity Underwear: You’re going to need a hygiene product, whether to deal with urinary incontinence or bleeding- either way, why not handle this sustainably? dais maternity underwear are the perfect washable absorbent underwear which can absorb up to 50ml of urine and/or blood and can be worn all day long. They are made of organic cotton and have a comfortable v-shape which adapts to your changing size between pregnancy and postpartum. Simply wear throughout the day, throw into the wash at night and grab another pair- easy!

Baybies Maternity Oil: Baybies Maternity Oil offers an amazing hydrating effect whilst allowing you to massage your changing body. The product sinks quickly into the skin, and works wonders on those pesky stretch marks, or as we like to call them, your lovely zebra stripes. It is the perfect product for a vegan, sustainable, safe, and relaxing self-care treatment at home.  

UpCycle Muslin Cloths: You’ll be needing a lot of these to wipe away any excess milk or spit up around your baby’s mouth. You will notice during these first years this will become your most worn accessor, hanging over your shoulder at all times. The muslin cloths from UpCycle are made from handwoven organic cotton and are completely plastic free.