Due date, schmoo date….!

As I write this, my ESTIMATED due date is coming to an end.

I have capitalised “estimated” on purpose as it is something I need to keep reminding myself as well! 

I had seen it as a deadline, and the over-achiever in me was getting frustrated that I had “missed it”.

Then I took stock, and spoke to some incredible friends and reminded myself that it’s just a guesstimate – the female body is so incredible that there is no way that anybody could possibly predict something like that with pin point accuracy.

She’ll come when she’s ready, and she’s already independent and stubborn like Mum, so I only have myself to blame!

This “unexpected” lull has given me some time to reflect on my pregnancy (the planner in me planned up until today, then assumed I’ve have a baby on schedule, ha, lesson number 1 learned!)

So, for any first time mums, or women in business who are about to become mums; here are some things that I learned/experienced throughout my pregnancy – in the hope that it may help you in some way!

1 – Keep moving in some way!

Obviously this is under the safest circumstances and with approval from your OB/Doctor etc.

For me, exercising has been the thing that has made this pregnancy so “easy” for me. When I say easy, I mean I had no morning sickness, very few aches and pains, “normal” weight gain (around 25-28lb) and I was still working out and walking up until my due date (I plan to continue but I’m writing this on my due date!)

It kept me sane, and for me it’s also a mental thing: I believe it will make labour quicker and my recovery will be speedier as well. I’ll confirm this theory at a later date!

It has also given me a new found appreciation for my body. I always wanted to look good – strong and slim – but now I am so grateful that this body can continue to work out and grow a tiny human, it’s truly amazing! So much so, it’s given me the confidence to work out with out a top on (added bonus as nothing fits!)

2 – Don’t over-prepare

I really this sounds silly, but hear me out…..

There are so many books, blogs, courses, websites, opinions out there, that it won’t take too long until you get overwhelmed!

Definitely do your research – find one or two sources that you really trust and focus on them. 

Yes, take advice from other people and join in the conversations – but decide for yourself what you choose to take on and what you want to discard.

Remember – it’s YOUR pregnancy, YOUR body and YOUR brain, respect all three.

3 – DO NOT COMPARE TO ANYBODY ELSE, AT ANY STAGE, EVER

This is a recipe for disaster and depressive thoughts.

Thinking someone looks better than you, bigger than you, smaller than you, can do more than you, does less than you – any of it. 

Just don’t do it. It’s unhealthy, it’s unhelpful and it’s a waste of time.

I would look at other ladies who do the same fitness training program that I do and wish I could run like them, or worry that my bump looked bigger than theirs did, or compare my workout times.

Silly, silly, silly.

Our bodies are all different, we came into this pregnancy with different backgrounds, we grow and carry babies different – and any one of a million other reasons we are different.

Be motivated, inspired and encouraged by others – do not compare negatively, please. 

4 – Think beyond the birth.

I’ll be honest, I probably only did this in the last 4-6 weeks, but you really want to start thinking about what life, business, home looks like once the baby gets here.

I know it takes a while to come to terms with being pregnant, let alone being a parent – but the sooner you can get your head round it, the less of a surprise it will be!

I don’t mean to need to map out your entire parenting style and next 15 years of your life, I mean the first 6 months or so:

• How will your business operate? (if you have one)
• What can you automate or set up to have in place so things tick over as you take a step back?
• When do you plan on stopping working, or will you work up to your due date?
• How long after giving birth will you start working again – in your business or job?
• If you’re not working now, do you want to start working within the next year?
• Have some freezer meals prepped so you don’t need to worry about food for the first few weeks
• Get some comfy clothes ready – treat yourself to some nice loungewear so you can get “dressed up” at home! (I’ve enjoyed a few treats from Kindred Bravely and Latched Mama!)

There’s more, but I don’t want to overwhelm you – if you have questions or you just want to bend someone’s ear, feel free to reach out anytime – but only if I’m one of the couple of people you’re choosing to take advice from!!

And I would LOVE to connect with you, to be a part of your journey and to support you – so please, connect with me on insta and let me know if you found this useful at all!

I’m here for you Mama, in any way you need me to be!

Look after yourself!