10 Things To Do - Before Baby Arrives
So with the countdown to my baby arriving, I asked my Mummy girlfriends what they wish they had done for themselves before their first child came along. I was sent a fabulously long list and this the best 10. Please share yours too by commenting below.
1. Manicure/ Pedicure - Polish those toes - not only does the massage help reduce any swelling you may be experiencing - watch out for those gankles! It's such a relaxing experience to have, plus no one wants to see unsightly toes in the hospital. Get yours done to give you that extra glamourous new momma look.
2. Hair Care - It's sure going to be hard to get to the salon, at least in those first few months, so spend some time getting your hair dyed, cut and blowdried. No more Saturday rushed appointments, wait until you are on mat leave to enjoy a long self-indulgent appointment with your hairdresser
3. Movies Maketh Man - ok so that's not the real quote, but going to the cinema will be a real luxury when baba arrives. Screaming, pooping child does not equate to movie date night! So make a list of all the current movies you want to see and take yourself off for either a day show or with friends. Catching up on movies at home is equally relaxing too. But be sure to have some popcorn to hand!
4. Read yourself Silly - if like me you love to read but always complain you never have enough time to do it, mat leave is a perfect time to dive into those novels you've been piling up on your bedside table.
5. Travel like a Pro - If you're carrying one baby and you've had an uncomplicated pregnancy, then you can fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, airlines are sometimes unwilling to carry women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant because of the risk of premature labour. So check first before you book those non-refundable steal tickets! Long weekends away within a few hours of home can be equally relaxing and not so wallet pinching.
6. Eat like a Celebrity - Been dreaming of lunch at this restaurant, or dinner at that restaurant, now is your time to book in those special meals with family and loved ones. Spoil yourself!
7. Date Nights - Perhaps an add-on to the above. Be sure to spend some quality, romantic time with your partner. Date nights and going out just the two of you will be a thing of the past, not that you'll never do them again, but certainly not for a while. So be sure to have some quality time together.
8. Pregnancy Treatments - Massage - more specifically pregancy massage - best thing ever, especially when you reach your third trimester and everything hurts a little more and your body starts to grow at a rapid pace. I have also heard amazing things about Pregnancy Reflexology too. So be sure to check out local professionals in your area. Tip: do be prepared for some serious Braxton Hicks after a massage.
9. Book baby photographer - A friend was kind enough to treat me to a bump to baby photoshoot. One photoshoot with me, my partner and bump and one once the baby has arrived. Photographers get booked up way in advance so, think about when you would like to do this. Of course, a good camera, some home staging and good natural light won't go a miss too.
10. Sleep - Ah that little-underrated activity when you do not have a new born! But looking after yourself, getting enough rest is key to recovery and taking on this huge new change to your life. So enjoy those lie-ins, afternoon siesta's and sofa snoozes whilst you can.
