Parents To Be

At this point you’re probably wondering, “Where do I start?” You probably have so much to think about, so much to do, and so little time. Well rest assured that you’re starting off right by taking the initiative to learn and prepare yourself for the months to come. The change from caring for just yourself to taking on the responsibility of caring for another human being is a privilege that can be the most rewarding experience of your lifetime. The planning and preparation begins the minute you (and your partner) discover that you are expecting. Eating habits and lifestyle which you may have had prior to expecting, though they may have been great, are now scrutinized and evaluated for improvement. After all, your child will be completely dependent on you.

Regardless of what horror stories you might hear, not all pregnancies are miserable. As a matter of fact many women enjoy being pregnant and welcome the natural changes their bodies will endure. We recommend that you learn from others’ experiences, however take the information with a grain of salt. Use what you can and discard the rest. Otherwise the fear and anticipation of a bad experience can drive you crazy.

Everyone handles pregnancy differently and there’s no single recipe that is going to work for everyone. People will give you their unsolicited opinions on everything from guessing the sex of your child to how you should give birth using a physician versus a doula. Try not to be offended by their forward requests to touch your stomach or when they try to guess the sex of your child. They’re just excited for you and probably don’t know the right thing to say. Clearly define your boundaries and move on to stay focused on your physical and mental health. Remember: Do your homework and learn about what to expect, but ultimately listen to your body and do what feels right for you.