Bun In the Oven? A few easy self-care tips:

Pregnancy is a wild ride, full of excitement and stress for the mama-to-be. It's easy to get caught up in preparing for the new arrival and forget to take care of yourself, but it's important to remember that you matter too! Don't be afraid to ask for help from your loved ones so you can focus on some self-care. 

If you're currently expecting, check out these simple tips for taking care of yourself during pregnancy:

GUILT-FREE CHILL TIME – yes, it’s ok to relax!

Cooking a ‘bun in the oven’ definitely takes a lot of energy out of the mama-to-be. Personally, I remember falling asleep every 2nd minute, especially during the first trimester of my twin-pregnancy – never have I been so tired in my life – NEVER! When I finally allowed myself to have a bit of rest, I constantly (and stupidly) felt guilty – cos, I had sooo many ‘important’ things to do (read: chores that were not really that important). 

Please learn to listen to your body’s signals. If it says it’s time to take a break, TAKE A BREAK:

-Lay down for a quick catnap (shhh, don’t tell anyone, I used the ‘sick-room’ at work to catnap in during my lunch break).

-Pull out a chair, put your feet up and grab a nice cuppa.

-Do a yoga / pilates session.

-Get a pregnancy-friendly massage.

-Go out for lunch with a friend.

...whatever takes your fancy. Just don’t push yourself to keep going, if you are exhausted. 

BONDING SESH WITH BABY BUMP

Pregnancy is the perfect time to start bonding with your future little bundle of joy! Not only is it good for mama's emotional well-being, but it also sets the stage for a lifetime of love between mama and baby. 

If you're looking to strengthen your bond with your unborn child, try out these fun bonding activities:

1st trimester:

-Have an ultrasound and get a peek at your little one moving around inside the womb. It's a magical moment that can help you bond with your baby and make everything feel more real. (It certainly felt very real (and some degree of overwhelming) when I had my first scan with my twins).

-Another fun activity is to take some time to reflect on your pregnancy. Go for a relaxing walk or soak in a warm relaxing bath and think about your baby or write in a diary to document your thoughts and feelings.

2nd-3rd trimester:

-Have a little chat with the bump. Around week 18, your little one will start to hear the sounds of your body, like your heartbeat and stomach rumbling. And by week 26, they may even react to noises both inside and outside the womb, so why not have a little chat or sing a song to your baby? 

-Another fun way to bond is to give yourself a relaxing belly bump massage. As your baby grows, they'll begin to respond to human touch, so massaging your bump can be a great way to introduce them to this sensation. Use a belly oil or cream to make the massage more comfortable for both you and your skin, and turn it into a relaxing ritual that you both can enjoy. (Personally, I massaged my twin-belly-bump every night with a Belly Oil and I used a gel-based Belly Cleanser when I showered. I really appreciated these special bonding sessions). 

-Respond to kicks of little bub. From week 26 babies can move in response to touch. Gently push against the baby or rub belly where the kick occurred and see if there is a response.

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP – LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE GET-GO (talking from experience).

Pregnancy and mama-hood are amazing adventures, and it's important to remember that it's okay to have moments of insecurity, anxiety and fear along the way. Instead of stressing about being the "perfect" mama, try to focus on having fun and embracing all the new experiences that come your way. Trust me, things will get easier and better as you go along! And remember, mama-hood isn't about being perfect or getting everything right – it's about enjoying the journey and all the little moments that make it special. So mama-to-be, let go of those unrealistic expectations, give yourself a break and be gentle with yourself! You've got this!

BIO:

Hey there! My name is Charlie, and I'm a biochemist from Scandinavia. Some might call me a mega-geek-mum of three (read: scientist in lab-coat with big fat glasses without any sense of fashion, who tried to teach her 18 months old daughter about photosynthesis …). But seriously, I specialise in pregnancy-related skin changes and have developed skincare products for pregnant and new mothers, as well as those with sensitive skin. 

My goal is to empower women to make informed choices about their beauty, health and well-being.

Visit My Lilli Pilli

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