MaternitySalon

Desperate to Get
Out of the House…?

It may sound very cliche but many women fall into the inevitable pit of post-partum blues. Even some of the most vivacious women find themselves in a whirlwind of work and lack of organization.

Yes, organization, this is the culprit if you stay organized your mind will follow suit. As a new mom we will tend to lose our days to poopy diapers and bottles, there is an escape and it’s free. Follow these six steps to “Me Time.”

1		Plan at least three mall-walking outings a week. Once you are familiar with your baby’s schedule plan a trip to the mall in the morning, this is a great excuse to walk and exercise and also put yourself together for the day. (Some malls actually have these walking groups organized, inquire with Mall Security or Administration.)
2		Try to follow the same routine daily, for example-wake up 20 minutes before your baby, shower, make your favorite morning beverage, put on your favorite music, style your hair and apply your make-up. It’s easier than it sounds.
3		Reward yourself with a yummy specialty coffee at the mall or buy a new lip gloss, buy a trendy bag, buy a new pair of shoes, book a massage, one thing a week will make you feel renewed.
4		Plan the night before, lay out clothes, fix diaper bag, call a friend.
5		Work with your baby’s schedule not against it, this makes life so much easier, plan your outings to the baby’s schedule to avoid unnecessary stress.
6		Visit your local library, it’s free and you can usually find other moms at story time to socialize with, enjoy this precious time with your newborn. Always remember you’re not alone, many new moms feel as you do, take charge of your time and be happy.

Anxiety and Pregnancy

It’s not always peaches and cream when you find out your pregnant, the truth is some women are downright terrified and anxiety ridden.

In a recent study it was found that more women are suffering with anxiety than men today and rightfully so, in our modern society of successful women and equal partnership in the home and workplace does it surprise us??

Women are successful and taking on more in the workforce than ever before which is a great thing, but women are still the ones pregnant, delivering, dealing with hormones and all the pressures of home and other children. It‘s no shock that when we realize all these realities we may begin to feel anxiety.

Anxiety, which is our human fight or flight response, is in our being for protection. Protection from predators in prehistoric times, from a life threatening situation in our daily life, unfortunately when we overload and do not take care of ourselves mentally and physically your body reacts.

At times anxiety may make you feel out of control and debilitated. The good news is you can overcome anxiety, like millions of expectant moms have, with personal experience on this topic I would love to share with you years of healing and growing and great anxiety busting tips.

The horror of the hospital- Intense fear of the unknown, loss of control, will they hurt me? The answer was facing my fear, I felt like a superhero when I came out of the delivery room alive and well, my mind had to be put in a calm state, focusing on good things and repeating positive thoughts really worked.

Will I be a good mom? You will be a great mom it’s hardwired in you, but if you are not happy with yourself or feel any unresolved issues from the past now is the time to talk to someone and heal yourself, you deserve to feel whole, and your baby deserves you.

To work or not to work? Worrying will not make a
magical answer appear, but what will work is a plan. Write all the pros and cons to your personal situation about work and weigh all your options. Today more than ever corporations are trying to accommodate moms with tele-commuting options and part-time flex hours. If you have a job, you could always ask your boss if there are options available.(doesn’t hurt to ask)

Research your options early on and know your options. Sometimes small changes make a huge difference, only you know what is best for you and your family unit, we are all different, make your decision based on your gut, and be proud whatever it is.

There are so many different thoughts a pregnant woman may have, just keep your fears in perspective a well maintained body and mind is the best defense for negative karma.

Be good and kind to yourself and enjoy the moment. If you find you still feel hopeless seek a listening ear of a professional therapist. This is one of the greatest resources available to us today; it is a positive experience and will help you feel better. Remember face your fears, and if you can’t do it alone, find a helping hand. You deserve to feel good and it is definitely a goal you can achieve.

Taking care of you....

What a roller coaster, hormones, job, home, family, self...Where does it end?

Well it doesn't, but I'd like to share with you how to begin taking care of you, body and soul.

1		Always stop and check in with yourself ... ASK: Am I tired? Am I hungry? Am I at peace?
2		Stop and check in with your baby, (yes, your baby) How are you baby? Do you need anything?
3		Take 10 minutes every few hours to stop and listen to your needs.
4		Feed your soul, beautify your hair and nails, nurture your skin.
5		You need to feel inner and outer peace to look and feel beautiful

The Body Beautiful:
The Power of Imagery.

What a journey you're on, the demands of your body and your time are steadily increasing, what have you done to be "good to yourself" today?

If you're like most pregnant women your hectic life and pregnancy exhaustion has left you dull and uninspired.

I have great news! You have the power to practice "beauty relaxation imagery" to relax and re-energize your body and mind. The practice of 'imagery' can also be a great tool to help relax and condition your inner-self for labor and delivery.

My version of 'beauty imagery' is a relaxation technique using positive, beautiful images, sweet smells, serene sound, soothing color, relaxing music to create visual pictures of yourself in a peaceful, relaxed state.

Learning to self nurture and be good to yourself takes some practice so start slow and increase your pleasure time. Your mind is a wonderful soother, if conditioned to relax.

Pack Your Bags….
What to bring to the Hospital?

Before you know it time to go to the hospital and have your baby will be here. With my first pregnancy I went to the hospital with all the wrong stuff, and none of what I really needed.

Here is my list of what you need to have a pleasant hospital stay that will be memorable. These simple lists will allow you more fun and flexibility while recuperating.

1		A few pairs comfy stretchy panties (they’ll probably get stained because you’ll have the mother of all periods) the panties the hospital supplies are annoying.
2		A comfy robe and flip-flops or slippers.
3		A large zip-loc bag with a travel pack of baby wipes (they are great to freshen up and remove make-up), a travel size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and a fun upbeat body wash, a few razors and scented moisturizer, a minty foot cream to soothe dry and tired feet and legs.
4		If you plan to nurse pack your nursing bra, a soothing breast cream.(your nipples will get sore)
5		For your sanity and soul pack headphones or your I-pod, a blow-dryer, and some mini travel styling products, you’ll be so glad to wash and style your hair while in the hospital.
6		Must have make-up minimals are: a mineral-make-up powder one shade darker than your skin, an eyeliner, one shimmery and neutral shadow, mascara and a big fluffy make-up brush and lip-gloss (a hint of pink makes everyone look good).

Remember your life will change along with all your old beauty habits, taking good care of yourself may take a little planning now, so develop good habits now and looking good after delivery is the beginning of your complete recovery…you’re worth it.