As we’re getting ready to see our daughter again (last time we saw her under a microscope), we’ve been meeting with our doula – Jessica Weinzinger (also a dear family friend). She asked us at one meeting what types of things calm me down. I mentioned two or three things and that was it.
But then I kept thinking about it. Yes, I do stress. But I’m not THAT stressed out. There have to be more things that calm me than what I originally mentioned. So I’ve been trying to come up with a good long list of the things I do to help me relax. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
The beauty of nature. You know how when you see a sunset or look up at the stars and the beauty of it strikes you? That relaxes me.- Yoga – I fall asleep a lot at the end, especially when I do Yoga Relaxation & Breathing for Meditation
- Bubble baths
- Hot showers
- Massages
- Calm music – like the Piano Guys concert we’re going to (their latest CD
), or the yoga station on Pandora
- Dim lighting
- Knowledge – the more I know about what to expect, the more I can relax about it when it happens
- Running – not exactly something I’ll be doing in labor, but Brett is already asking me how soon I’ll get back to it because he knows how good it is for me, and he’s been very sympathetic that I haven’t been able to do it at all this pregnancy because of my pelvis problems
- Sewing/Knitting – also not something I’ll be doing during labor, but creating certainly fills me.
- Hugs
- Rain (I should get a rain stick
)
What types of things calm you down and help you relax?
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
I crocheted during the early stages of labor. Right up until we left for the hospital, so don’t count knitting out. I rocked in my rocking chair and worked on a little hat–not for Roo, but for the twins that were born 7 weeks later. It helped keep my mind off the contractions, and I found it relaxing.
You forgot to add, reading things that don’t have unnecessary exclamation points. 😀
That should calm you down. 😀
This is a problem! Exclamation points calm me down!!!!!! :brett:
Also, breathing deeply and clearing my mind. :brett:
I’m a big fan of stretching/yoga, massage, and hugs too. Also, just cuddling with Blake. Deep breathing. Reading a good book.
Speaking of bubble baths, I finally live in an apartment with a bathtub and it won’t stayed filled and the maintenance guys won’t caulk around the problem. I need to do it myself, because I’d really like a bath once in a while.