The holidays are a wonderful time. However, the bonding, music, laughter, and fun seem to come along with stress, exhaustion, and frustration- especially when pregnant. Running around and taking care of everyone can be difficult when not pregnant but becomes near impossible when carrying a baby as well! There are several important things for pregnant mamas to remember when preparing for the holiday season:
1. Prepare.Prepare.Prepare
I cannot stress this enough. When you have any free time before the holidays, make sure to bake and freeze, cook and freeze, and prepare and refrigerate. Having meals prepared earlier on makes serving them and setting the table much easier. Additionally, whenever someone does complain about being hungry you can have them pop something in the oven or microwave!
2. Sleep
A normal person on any given day needs 7-8 hours of good sleep. Someone who is stressed or has something important to work and concentrate on needs an average of 8-10 hours. There is no limit for a pregnant mama preparing for the holidays! It is very important for you to remember that your health comes first and what’s good for you is good for baby. Make sure your spouse, significant other, or children know that it is necessary for you to get your sleep and be well-rested. If not, your joints will start to ache, your head will start to pound, and you might even faint from exhaustion.
3. Ask for Help
This is another imperative piece of your holiday season. Ask your guests, your partner, and even your children for help around the house. Explain to your children that since your body is working so hard to keep baby healthy it is difficult to work hard on other things as well. Tell your partner when you need a break, a rest, or a snack, and tell your guests if you are not feeling up to entertaining.
4. Get shopping early
This is a pearl of wisdom that somehow I never listen to but I should. Get your gift shopping done early and if you can, do it online! Avoid the crowds, the jostling, and the overpriced toys by keeping your eye on what you would like to purchase come holiday season. If you can, buying groceries or ordering gifts to be delivered is an amazing option is you don’t feel up to leaving the house. Make sure you hide the gifts well- you don’t want any little elves sneaking in and peeking at them in your closet!
5. Relax and Enjoy
It’s the holidays! Your family is together, you are all celebrating what it makes you thankful and grateful. It’s important for you to sit back and enjoy everything you have worked so hard to accomplish. You are a warrior! You deserve some non-spiked eggnog and some cuddles under the tree.
