CHERISHING THE SEASON OF PREGNANCY
A BEAUTIFUL SEASON
Pregnancy is such a pivotal moment in a woman's life. It's not the same for any woman and for many, it can be really difficult to have an attitude of gratitude when you are dealing with some complications, morning sickness, constant fluctuating moods, and overnight body changes.
Whatever season of pregnancy you are in, there are many ways to minimise the discomforts and even more ways to cherish this special time. So, today, I’d like to give encouragement and a few tips to all of you sweet ladies who are nurturing a little one inside of you. I hope this encourages and helps you to cherish your season of pregnancy.
*I'll link all the references at the end of the post!*
1. Do some reading and research about baby
For most women, this is either the very first thing they do or the very last! When I became pregnant I couldn't stop reading. I was so intrigued by the miracle happening inside of me, and the more I read, the more fascinated I became.
There were some days though when I felt quite poorly, and so the excitement was not there. Once those pregnancy symptoms kick in, it's no joke! I would literally go from excited, to a self-pitying mess in the space of 10 minutes. It's pretty hard to feel pumped up all the time when you are constantly making a dash to the loo or needing to "take a moment" to let nausea subside.
I found several podcasts, books and apps so so useful in keeping me focused, appreciative and excited about what was to come. This is the best time to learn everything you want to know about pregnancy, birth, newborn care and parenting! Take advantage of all of that rest you need and curl up with a pregnancy book.
Do you want a doctor or midwife? Meds or none at all? Do you want a hospital, birth centre or home birth? What newborn procedures do you want or not want? Take this time to learn, learn, learn!
2. Pray for your baby, journal, bond with baby
Whether you are filled with a little fear and apprehension, or complete joy at the thought of bringing a new life into the world, one of the important things that you can do for baby is to start praying. This doesn't always seem like the most pressing thing to do when you are preoccupied with trying to keep sickness and nausea at bay, as well as getting up to speed with all the things you now need to be aware of!
At the beginning of my pregnancy I was stunned that I actually had a growing human being inside of me that it took me a few months to start praying and journaling. It wasn't until my first scan at about 3 months, when I actually saw Caleb that it started to connect for me! I fell in love! He was absolutely beautiful and I started to feel a sense of pride for this little life that God had given to me to steward.
Is there a particular way to pray? Of course not! You can sing, play music, read scripture verses all from 20+ weeks of pregnancy and baby can hear and respond to you! This helps to create a beautiful bond with you and your unborn child. A friend of mine bought a beautiful journal for me from Mamas and Papas, and this definitely helped me to get excited about personalising and zooming in on this special season with my unborn child.
3. Find other mums to share with
I am an introvert by nature, and would not be naturally keen to talk to a lot of people, all at the same time, and constantly! However, during my pregnancy, I found that it was actually a great blessing. There are some moments that feel lonely, particularly when your spouse finds it difficult to understand and support you in specific ways.
I found that sharing with other mums who were at the same stage as me was extremely encouraging. Now bear in mind, you will have those who want to lecture rather than converse, and that can feel a little overwhelming and discouraging at times, but overall it's extremely useful!
4. Create frequent times of refreshing for yourself
All the excitement also comes with a lot of fatigue and this is the time to give yourself some grace. As hard as it can be sometimes, don’t push yourself too hard, and learn to listen to the natural inclinations of your changing body. If your body is calling for a nap, then take one. Get to bed a little earlier, or lie in for just that little longer.
Have a think about the things that help you to relax, whether it be reading, listening to worship music, gentle exercise or walking, allow yourself to have frequent times of refreshing. Remember, your body is building a brand new person! How incredible.You will always be at your best when you feel refreshed and rejuvenated so slot it into your weekly routines.
5. Look to the creator
God designed women's bodies in such an incredible way! It is so beautiful, the way we are made to carry and nurture another physical life. We need to always remember this because there will be days when the physical demands of pregnancy can make us feel anything but grateful.
Only when we look to the creator and his design behind the woman's body can we stop and say wow! This helps us to cherish our pregnancy so much more.
Send this post on to someone who is currently pregnant and needs encouragement, and if you have been pregnant or are, I would love to hear what you do or have done to cherish this season?
USEFUL LINKS
Risen Motherhood Podcast & Website
Alethea xo
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Alethea Awuku
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