May 7, 2010

Moms-to-Be Appreciate Mother’s Day Pampering Too

I hope all the moms and moms-to-be had a fabulous Mother’s Day!

My husband and I decided to take time out this weekend to spend some much needed one on one time at Blue Mountain in Collingwood. In addition to enjoying a cozy room with a bedside fireplace and a romantic dinner, we also booked ourselves into the spa and relaxed as we enjoyed a full body massage and a luxury pedicure (my husband skipped the pedicure and enjoyed a hot tub instead).

I was treated to a prenatal massage which proved to be one of the best things I could have done for my aching body. It’s different than a regular massage as instead of lying on my stomach, I was asked to lie on my side draped over pillows (very comfortable!). The masseuse soothed my lower back and helped my joints relax. Even the baby seemed to love the VIP treatment. He didn’t budge the entire time.

I would absolutely recommend a prenatal massage for all pregnant women. In fact, I’ll be sure to go for another one before my son’s born and even after. The body is under so much stress while pregnant so treating it to some relief and relaxation is important both physically and mentally.

Aside from the pedicure and massage, it was so nice to spend time with my husband. We have been so busy with work, events and preparing for the baby that it’s been difficult to enjoy just being a couple. We both agree that, while weekends like this may not happen often, they are important and will be something we plan on an ongoing basis.

May 5, 2010

The Nesting Instincts Have Emerged!

Is it possible that I could be nesting already? This is when seemingly normal women suddenly turn into obsessive compulsive maniacs. It also means that labour is just around the corner.

You see, after several months of feeling lethargic and bloated, we pregnant women are suddenly met with a burst of energy that entices us to clean and organize everything around us. This usually doesn't occur until later on in the third trimester but lately my mind has been consumed with thoughts of tidying and decorating my house. I actually wake up in the middle of the night wondering how I’ll find the time to paint the baseboards and vacuum the carpets!

I just want everything to be perfect for my son. I want him to arrive to an environment that is welcoming and clean rather than filled with boxes mom and dad simply didn't get around to unpacking after moving in nine months ago. I suppose I also hope my constant thoughts of uncertainty will subside with every toilet I scrub and table top I dust.

Yes I'll admit, I question whether I'm ready for my new role day after day. Do most mothers-to-be do the same? I'm due in a few weeks but soon that will change to a few days and then to mere hours. The day that my husband and I go from a twosome to a threesome will be here before we know it. Maybe I am nesting early to prepare for the big changes ahead. Or, as I'd rather look at it, I’m counting down to motherhood. Perhaps every dish I wash and floor I sweep confirms that I really am cut out for what's ahead. Either that or I'm just going nuts.

May 3, 2010

No Pain No Gain?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about giving birth. My due date is right around the corner and the inevitable reality that I’ll soon be enduring what might just be the worse pain of my life is hitting me. I’m a coward when it comes to pain. When I was a kid, I would literally run from the doctor screaming at the sight of a needle. And to tell you the truth, if there was no pressure to act like an “adult”, I still would be screaming and running at the sight of needles!

Yes I don’t deal with pain very well but I thought of something last night that may help me better cope. After a few dreadful nights of frequent urination, I was finally getting a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately my sleep was suddenly disturbed by an intense stabbing muscle spasm in my right calf. Many of you know what I’m referring to. You go to stretch your leg and wham! You’re hit with an intense throbbing that doesn’t seem like it will ever go away. Some of us clench and fight it and some of us take the time to stretch it out, breathing evenly and calmly waiting for it to subside. When you go to fight it, the pain gets worse but when you remain calm, it goes away as suddenly as it came.

I’m hoping labour is similar. If I remain calm, I hope the pain won’t be as intense. Maybe it won’t make a difference but I like to think this is why practicing breathing techniques and participating in yoga is so popular among pregnant women. I guess the amount of pain I’ll be in will depend on a variety of factors including how I mentally handle it and whether or not I’m given an epidural. Fingers crossed the one and only anaesthesiologist is available on the day I give birth!

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