Expert Tips

Top 10 Prenatal Tips from Mommywise Experts!

When you're pregnant, there's no shortage of unsolicited advice from strangers, but we've filtered our list based on the Top Ten practical things you can do to achieve maximum happiness and comfort throughout pregnancy and in the early postpartum days.

1. Accept all the help you can get.

While you're pregnant, family and friends will offer to help after the baby is born. Gracefully accept, and then give them specific jobs. If your mom is coming, remind her in advance that YOU need to be fed and taken care of when you get home from the hospital, not the baby. You will be getting to know your baby, getting the hang of breastfeeding, and you will forget to eat and drink water unless someone puts it under your mouth.

2. Think sour, and nibble a lot.

If you're still puking after your first trimester, or just simply nauseous throughout pregnancy, carry sour lemon candies or fresh lemon slices in your bag, especially for those moments when someone smelly or over-perfumed steps on the subway. Also carry small nutritious nibbles with you everywhere so when you can stomach it, eat some almonds or berries or whatever you're craving.

3. Do the Kegels.

Most of us don't learn until after childbirth why everyone recommends Kegels during pregnancy, but we'll let you in on a little secret. Yes, it will help you push the baby out, but the real reason is to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, so you don't pee your pants every time you sneeze after your baby is born!

4. Be selective about what you read.

There's simply too much information about pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care and motherhood to digest it all, so don't try. Let someone you trust recommend the top 3-5 books that speak to your childbirth and parenting values, and focus on those books only. Otherwise, your head will spin with all the contradictory information and it's just no fun. The same applies to the internet. You will be tempted to read everything you find online, but it's not helpful. Go on a prenatal internet diet if necessary!

5. Expect the unexpected.

Things may not go as you planned, and that's OK. If you have your heart set on natural childbirth, of course clarify your wishes to everyone in your childbirth team, and focus on that goal. But remember that a healthy baby is the most important outcome, and be emotionally prepared for childbirth contingencies beyond your control. You are NOT a failure if your birth didn't go the way you wanted.

6. Hire help if you can afford it.

As women and moms especially, we're constantly trying to be superheros. We try to do it all, but if there's any time to hire household help, it's when your baby is born. Whether it's a housekeeper, a postpartum doula who comes a few hours a day, or a baby nurse 24/7, pay for it if you can. Consider it a necessary expense and factor it into your baby budget. You won't miss the money when it's gone.

7. Focus on YOU.

While awaiting motherhood, many times we (and the people around us) focus more on the baby, and less on ourselves, the mom. We buy products for the baby, decorate the nursery, have baby showers, and spend way too much time selecting the perfect stroller. Think about how much time you're spending preparing for the baby, and turn the focus inwards for a moment. Have you spent the same amount of time pampering yourself? If not, go now and schedule some pedicures, prenatal massages and acupuncture treatments!

8. Select the right birthing team.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to childbirth, but there is right and wrong when it comes to selecting a birthing team that's right for you. If you don't love your ObGyn now, chances are you won't love her in the delivery room either. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your birthing preferences with your practitioners, run now, and find someone you do feel comfortable with. And remember that ideally, you should feel comfortable with everyone in the practice you select, because your ObGyn and or Nurse-Midwife may or may not be on call when you go into labor.

9. Hospitals and breastfeeding.

If you want to breastfeed your baby, be prepared for the hospital staff to be unsupportive and inconsistent. Many NYC maternity nurses are truly helpful and supportive of breastfeeding, but many are not. They may actually tell you that your baby is in some danger because s/he hasn't wet enough diapers or is at risk of some other awful thing, and encourage you to bottle feed your baby. Stick to your guns and don't let them scare you. There is a lactation consultant who generally comes ONCE during your hospital stay. Ask when she is doing her rounds and be proactive about seeing her as soon as possible. Oh and bring your nursing pillow to the hospital. They generally have a few on hand, but yours will be cleaner.

10. Sleep well.

Everyone will tell you to sleep when you're pregnant because you won't sleep when you have a baby. Naturally that's easier said than done when you're pregnant. By sleep well, we mean doing whatever you need to do in order to get the best nights' sleep possible during pregnancy. There are lots of pregnancy/body pillows on the market which some women swear by, but in NYC where space is limited, you might try having 5-8 pillows of different sizes and use them to prop your body up wherever you need support. If you're experiencing insomnia, don't lay in bed watching the clock. It will make you more anxious about not sleeping. Sleep experts recommend getting out of bed, having a banana or glass of warm milk and honey, and reading something non-stimulating, until you feel ready to sleep. It may be tempting to go online or watch TV, but that stimulates the brain and makes it more difficult to fall into a deep REM sleep.

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