Simple Tips for Pregnant Women: These tips are beneficial before, during and following child birth.

1) Make sure you treat yourself and pamper yourself. Schedule alone time to just get away for a massage, manicure or pedicure (if you’re into that) or even a relaxing weekend at the beach or park retreat. My favorite was a nice foot massage, light walking or simply sitting back for the weekend and let other household members do all the work without being interrupted. I also kept on working throughout both pregnancies; keeping active is important for your health, emotional and mental well-being. Avoid just sitting around and eating. You’ll need to build up strength and lounging around, will only lead to weak muscles. try keeping your feet elevated as much as possible especially your last trimester; this will help to reduce swelling especially in warmer climates.

2) Take your supplements until the very end. I actually took prenatal vitamins and minerals before, during and after pregnancy. This makes for healthier babies and moms. there are lots of homeopathic treatments to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with pregnancy such as nausea, body aches, swelling and chronic fatigue. Check with your midwife, doctor or even childbirth class coordinator. Although you should follow a healthy eating and exercise plan, give into cravings once in a while. With my daughter I had to have everything orange like…orange juice, orange sherbert, orange jelly candies and orange popsicles. Although some of it would be considered unhealthy, I tried for the healthiest when I could, which was the orange juice and that satisfied my orange craving just fine. Do everything in moderation and listen to your body at all times.

3) Have all the sex you desire. It is now known that a man’s sperm contains a hormone called prostoglandins which will actually help to soften the woman’s cervix. Try out different positions and find which one is most comfortable for tummy, baby and mom. There are lots of books covering pregnancy sex and some of the most comfortable positions I’ve read about are those of the Chinese. Your midwife should be able to answer these questions as well as your childbirth coach. If you’re over due – HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF SEX! And remember, you can’t hurt the baby.

4) Make sure you have family and friends that will support you through your highs and lows. Your hormones are constantly changing and you need a real support system of people that care and understand. If you’re alone, look inside yourself for that support.

5) A positive attitude is important for both you and baby. Don’t let yourself stress out and read lots; learn information that in the long run will make you wiser and stronger. If you believe you can have a wonderful natural childbirth experience then you will! Stay away from negative energy and people.

6) When choosing a childbirth class, make sure it’s one that’s both informative as well as allows you to have choices. Allow yourself to connect with other expectant mothers and learn and share from one another.

7) Sleep as much as possible as you won’t be getting much of it once the baby arrives. Take 10 or 15 minute power naps throughout the day. They’ll refresh you and give you a burst of energy without causing you to be over tired in the middle of the day. If you sleep during the day, you won’t be able to have a productive sleep come night.

Don’t forget to exercise at least three times a week. Investigate safe exercise routines during pregnancy. After giving birth, take time to enjoy and feel free to not resume an exercise routing until your six week check up. Your body needs to heal slowly and the weight will automatically start coming off while you’re breastfeeding anyway.

9) Make sure you feel totally comfortable with those that will be with you throughout your delivery.

10) Drink lots and lots of fluids – especially water!!! Urinary tract infections can occur more during pregnancy.

11) And most importantly, concentrate on you, your baby and family. Once the baby arrives enjoy him or her and don’t let petty things get in the way. Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly clean and organized; just what makes you all comfortable. Sleep when your baby sleeps and do dishes another time and definitely get others to help while you’re going through the process of breastfeeding. Friends and family should not be judgmental and should not give advice unless asked. Life is too short and your babies grow up too fast. Spend time doing what’s really important and create memories you all will remember forever.

12) And one more thing…DRESS COMFORTABLE and wear comfortable shoes.

Suggested Reading for Pregnant Women:

Wilderness Mother by: Deanna Kawatski ( this is a great book about a mother who gives birth in the Canadian wilderness and raises her babies)

Living Poor With Style by: Ernest Callenbach ( has a section on pregnancy, childbirth and bringing up children)

Encyclopedia of Country Living by: Calrla Emery ( has some great information on childbirth and raising children)

The Farm Cookbook by: members of The Farm Community – has healthy tips on vegetarian recipes for babies and children.

The Holistic Health Handbook by: Berkely Holistic Health Center ( they published a bk. 1 and bk. 2 – I like the first book the best – good information on healthy pregnancy and childbirth along with holistic medicinal tips.

Midwifery and Herbs by: Willa Shaffer

Spiritual Midwifery by: Ina May Gaskin – simply the best!

Heart and Hands by: Elizabeth Davis

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi