Family bonding: Mindfulness practices for pregnancy
The journey to parenthood can be an exciting and overwhelming time, as there is so much change to navigate. If you are expecting a baby, finding ways to manage stress, prioritise your emotional wellbeing, and strengthen the bond with your baby (and partner) is essential. Mindfulness practices can provide valuable …
5 ways to bond with your baby before birth
Expecting a baby is an exciting, emotional journey filled with anticipation and preparation. One of the most profound things you can do during this time is to spend time developing a bond with your unborn child. Research shows that parents-to-be who connect and bond with their baby during pregnancy, find …
Natural coping strategies: Massage
Massage is a valuable coping strategy to enhance your wellbeing in pregnancy and labour. In general terms, massage can help:
You feel more relaxed
Alleviate lower back pain
Relieve the build-up of tension in your muscles
Release oxytocin and endorphins
Help you conserve energy
It is also a great way to connect with your birth partner, …
Natural coping strategies: Mindfulness
Do you regularly meditate? If so, you'll know its many benefits, backed by a growing body of research.
If not, pregnancy is a great time to start practising and enjoying these benefits!
Benefits of Mindfulness
Reduces:
Feelings of fear, stress and anxiety.
Emotional reactivity (improves self-control)
Aches and pains.
Insomnia.
Improves:
Concentration and memory.
Physical and mental stamina.
Confidence.
Bonding between parents …
Natural coping strategies: Breath
Learning to breathe and relax during a contraction helps release your body’s natural pain relievers – endorphins!
It’s entirely normal for your breathing pattern to change during labour in response to the following:
Contractions
Feelings of anxiety
Lack of control
The sensations of birth, including pressure and pain
Tiredness or exhaustion.
This may show up as holding …
