Your Baby Today

For Mom-to-Be

EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL COMFORT FOR EXPECTANT MOMS

By Maria Bailey

Pregnancy can be a beautiful and magical time; the beginning of a remarkable journey. It can also, however, be a restless and uncomfortable time, especially during the third trimester.

A recent survey of nearly 500 pregnant women conducted by The BlueSuitMom Website and Nestlé® Good Start® Supreme, revealed that three out of four of pregnant women are in discomfort because they cannot get a good night's rest. This survey, as well as other research, confirms that moms-to-be are physically and emotionally uncomfortable with labor, delivery and the idea of motherhood, among other things. Research shows both a physical and emotional interplay, so it is important that moms-to-be remain comfortable and relaxed during their pregnancy, and that everyone -- family members, friends, partners or parents -- contribute to help them remain comfortable.

Besides eating for two, expectant mothers are hungry for information. In fact, 92 percent of moms-to-be surveyed are actively searching for tips on getting a good start with their baby.

Relax

Reassure yourself (or your pregnant loved one) that everything is going to be fine. Give yourself a pep talk each morning and night or as necessary. Easing your mind will help you be more comfortable.

Give the mom-to-be a back or foot massage. Studies conducted at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that just 20 minutes of massage twice a week for five weeks improved moods and sleep patterns of pregnant recipients, and reduced their anxiety and back pain.

Visit the Hospital

Do a physical and mental "walk-through" of your delivery so that you don't think about it every five seconds.

Be Comfortable with Your Feeding Choices

Making your feeding choice can be stressful. Breastfeeding is still best, and moms are encouraged to work hard at it for all the immense health benefits for themselves and their babies.
If you cannot or choose not to breastfeed, or wish to supplement, take comfort in knowing there are wholesome and nutritious formula options available that are specially designed to be easy-to-digest for baby's comfort.

Move Around

If you're having a restless night, get up and read a magazine or book until you feel drowsy and then go back to bed.
This is an excellent time to practice navigating in the dark with a system of subtle-but-safe nightlights. When your baby arrives, you won't have to turn on overhead lights to move around the house carefully.

Provide Messages of Comfort

Place comforting messages of support for yourself in unlikely places. Perhaps a note taped to a mirror or a word of support tucked into your purse.

Find Comfort in Food

Now is a great time to prepare for the busy times ahead. While cooking dinner, always double the recipe in the last month before your delivery. Freeze the extra portions so that once the baby arrives, you just have to defrost and heat the already prepared home-cooked meals. You'll be happy you did.

Take Off the Cape

No one expects a pregnant mother to be super woman. Find comfort in knowing that every birthing experience is as unique as the baby being born. Experienced moms will tell you that flexibility is part of the job. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by setting expectations based on events that you may not control. Your birthing plan, as well as your feeding choices and other aspects of parenthood, may need to be re-evaluated and ultimately changed.

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