Pregnancy Wellbeing in Stockport: keeping calm and managing anxieties when preparing for birth
Pregnancy brings with it a whole host of feelings, new experiences and sensations that can sometimes leave you feeling anxious. Whether you’re thinking about caring for a newborn or preparing to birth your baby, it’s useful to have tools and support around you to help you to manage stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Here are some ideas to help you keep calm and manage anxiety, with a few local recommendations in and around Stockport.
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing focuses on using self-hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and education about the birthing process to promote a positive and calm birthing experience. Fear and anxiety can contribute to the intensity of labour sensations and potentially lead to complications. The goal of hypnobirthing is to reduce fear and tension to help you feel connected and confident in your pregnancy and birth. It may be appealing to expectant parents who wish to minimise fear, tension, and pain associated with childbirth and prefer a more natural and calm approach.
Hypnobirthing techniques can be used during labour but are also a great way to help calm your anxieties and help you to feel prepared and confident during pregnancy. If you have questions about hypnobirthing or would like to book a hypnobirthing course with me, I would be happy to hear from you. You can contact me here for more information.
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Yoga
Whether you’ve practiced yoga for years or have never been to a class before, prenatal (pregnancy) yoga is a great way to strengthen the body and soothe the mind during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga is designed for the pregnant body and accommodates your growing baby bump and changing body. There are a few classes in the Stockport area or why not try bringing yoga into your daily routine at home. There are plenty of apps and free videos online. Katia who runs Kosmikflow Yoga has a great youtube channel with video classes for you to follow along with in your own time.
Massage
As your body grows with your baby you may experience aches and pains as pressure is put on your joints from the extra weight. Massage can be a great relief during pregnancy and is also wonderful to help you calm your body and mind, release tension and find an hour or so of tranquility. Rachel at Blue Aura in Poynton offers pregnancy massage and facials to help you unwind and relax.
Walks
Walking is more than just light exercise. Studies have shown that going for walks can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. If you can get out somewhere peaceful in nature for a gentle stroll you may start to feel the weight leaving your shoulders. Movement and exercise can help to lower our adrenaline levels and release endorphins, helping you return to a calmer mental state.
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Taking time for yourself
It’s often hard to find time for yourself, especially if you’re not yet on maternity leave. Setting time aside to rest and recalibrate can help to reduce your stress levels. Finding time to go for a walk, take a yoga class or relax in the bath is important for your mental wellbeing and may help improve anxiety or sleep. Even if it’s just having a read in bed before you go to sleep, find quiet moments when you can.
Feeling prepared & supported
Feeling prepared for birth and the transition to parenthood can help alleviate some anxieties in pregnancy. Learning about what your body needs for labour and what to expect can help you plan and decide on your preferences for birth. Attending antenatal classes with your birth partner can help you to feel informed, supported and more prepared for birth and beyond. You might also want to meet other expectant parents to start building a support network for after your baby is born. Why not join me at The Jolly Sailor where I am hosting free pregnancy socials? You can reserve your free spot now or read here about where to meet other expectant parents in Stockport.
Eating well & exercise
With our busy lifestyles in can be easy to forget about nutrition and exercise. During pregnancy you need more energy as your baby is getting everything they need from you, which can leave you feeling tired. If you’re someone who easily forgets to eat, try batch cooking so there’s always something on hand for when you’re pushed for time. Ensure you are eating little and often and listen to your body’s hunger cues.
Staying active during pregnancy and eating well contributes to your overall health and that includes your mental health too. If you are concerned about your diet in any way, please speak to your GP.
And remember…
You are just as important as your baby and you deserve to feel well and supported. If you feel anxiety sneaking up, try not to fear it. Acknowledge it, accept it and take a moment to pause and slow your breathing.
If you are ever worried about your baby ring your hospital triage number. The number for Stepping Hill triage is 0161 419 5551.
If you’re finding anxiety is affecting you regularly or it is not manageable, please reach out to your midwife, doctor or charity organisation such as PANDAS or Family Action for support. However you are feeling, there is always help available.
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