Pregnancy Lessons

Hey there mumma to be – congratulations on your pregnancy!

I found out I was pregnant in the same month that I launched Awakind Yoga! I’m currently in the final weeks, waiting for bub to arrive and thought I would share the pregnancy lessons I wish I knew at the start to help you so here they are by trimester:

First Trimester

Practice positive mantras to help get you through the initial “wait”

In those first few weeks, I remember freaking out, so scared that something bad might happen until I decided to interrupt my thoughts. I said “my baby is safe in my womb” over and over again until I believed it. This one mantra helped me stay positive and push through the fear.

Download a pregnancy app to track progress

This one is more for fun to see what is happening with your baby. I used a free app called Pregnancy+ (Google Play / Apple Store) that would tell me what size my baby was in relation to fruit (ha) and the development currently underway. 

Eat “dry” nutritious foods to combat nausea

Nutritional foods are important for both you and your baby throughout your pregnancy but in this first trimester, you’ll likely have lots of aversions and need to eat what you can to reduce your nausea! I would almost immediately be sick after eating anything processed or not having a “dry” breakfast – my go to breakfast was sourdough with nuttelex, vegemite, avocado and sesame seeds.

Get outside in the sun to feel good

Try to avoid just staying inside when/if you feel sick – getting outside in the fresh air and sunlight can make you feel better!

Be savvy with baby supplies

You’ll likely want to buy everything small and adorable straight away but take your time and wait for second hand items and items to go on sale – it can be helpful to make a registry not necessarily for a baby shower (unless you would like one) but as a “shopping list”. I used Babylist and the Baby Bunting checklist.

Second Trimester

Invest in maternity clothes for comfort

You will keep changing size so invest in maternity clothes to make yourself more comfortable. They can be expensive but you don’t need to buy everything straight away – look out for second hand items and items on sale – my favourite places were Seraphine, Hot Milk, Bamboo Body and Facebook Marketplace!

Surround yourself with people that lovingly support you and set boundaries with those that don’t

You will likely experience lots of emotions so surround yourself with people that lovingly support you and dont be afraid to ask for the support you need. Your mumma instincts will likely kick in here and you may have less tolerance and feel compelled to set boundaries with those that don’t support and energise you. If you are a reader, I recommend “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Make time for self care to manage all the emotions

Meditation is a powerful tool that has helped me find peace and thrive in the everyday. I noticed that my emotions would run wild if/when I didn’t meditate. Do what works for you but if you’d like to learn how to integrate meditation into your life, check out the Awakind Yoga Meditation 101 course.

Invest in a good birthing course to empower yourself with knowledge

Don’t rely on your Dr to tell you everything, I did a hypnobirthing course with my partner and both he and I finished the course feeling so empowered.

Prepare the nursery

Try and get the bulk of your baby prep done by the end of the second trimester as you will likely start getting real tired and find it much harder to get around by the third trimester. As I said above, I used the Baby Bunting checklist.

Third Trimester

Consider doing a pregnancy photoshoot

A photoshoot is one of the many ways to connect with your baby like reading, talking, singing, playing music and touching your belly. I organised a photoshoot with Moments by Adriana – Adriana is based in Newcastle but also travels to the Central Coast. Both my partner and I really enjoyed the experience and now have treasured photos to look back on.

Share your birth preferences with your birth team

You’ll likely have a good idea of your ideal birth after completing a birth course but it can be helpful to spend some time really thinking about it and putting together your birth preferences for your team. You can use this template from the NSW Government.

Start researching postpartum and newborn care

I am based in the Central Coast of NSW so have signed up to local meal delivery company, Meals4Mummas. I am also currently doing a fantastic first aid course with Tiny Hearts Education and purchased a play gym by Lovevery that includes activities and a guide on the best developmental activities for the first year of bub’s life.

Pack your hospital bag

I packed mine at 36 weeks using this list. Make sure to speak with your hospital first though as they may or may not provide some necessities.

Let your loved ones know your wishes when bub arrives

I found this helpful list of tips for visiting a newborn which I actually wish my friends and family shared with me when they were having babies prior so I knew how best to support them with their newborn – I’ve learnt that you really have no idea until its happening to you!

Hope you found this helpful.

Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy journey!

Namaste.

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