Bump&Birthmotherandbaby.co.uk| April 2020 | 23goals and discover that they’re not so
important after all.’
PRACTISE SELF-COMPASSION
It’s really easy to compare yourself and your
pregnancy experience to other mamas-to-be,
whether that’s friends, celebrities or on social
media. Things that you wouldn’t usually be
bothered about can leave you feeling under
pressure! ‘Everyone’s pregnancy, body and
experience is different,’ says Dr Rebecca. ‘On
social media you don’t know the context,
feelings or experience behind the
post, so it’s futile comparing
yourself.’ Instead, channel
your focus on what’s
best for you and
your baby, and give
yourself a pat on
the back. You’re
already the best
possible mama
to your baby
just the way
you are!
- YOU’D PLANNEDTOHAVE
A BANANAFORYOUR
MORNINGSNACKBUTFELT
A BIT QUEASY,SODECIDED
TO HAVE ABISCUITINSTEAD.
DOYOU:
A Enjoy everycrumb– it was
ex actlywhatyouneeded!
B Eat the biscuitbutfeela
bit guilty aboutnot having
thebanana
C Have thebiscuitbutfeelreally
bad that you’renot givingyour
baby the rightnutrients - YOU SEEA PHOTOOF
SOMEONEYOUUSEDTO
GO TO SCHOOLWITHON
FACEBOOK.SHE’SPREGNANT
AND SPORTINGA MUCH
SMALLERBABYBUMPTHAN
YOU. DOYOU:
A Commentimmediatelyto
congratulateher. Youdidn’t even
re aliseshewasexpecting!
B Feel pleasedforher... and
try to find outexactlyhow far
along she is
C Feelrubbish– why is her
bumpsomuchsmallerthan
yours? Shemustbeeatinga lot
betterthanyouare!
3.YOUGETHOMEFROM
WORKANDYOU’REREALLY
TIRED,BUTFEELLIKEYOU
SHOULDGOFORA STROLL.
DOYOU:
A Seethesofa andthink‘No
chance!’ You’vehadsucha long
day, youjust wantto putyour
feet up
B Lookat thesofa longingly,
sigh,andthengofora quick
10-minutewalk
C Putyourtrainersonandgofor
thewalk,makingsureyoudoa full
30 minutesasyou’veonlybeen
ononewalksofar thisweek
4.YOUSEEA PHOTOOFA
GORGEOUSNURSERY IN
A MAGAZINE.DOYOU:
A Thinkthatit looks amazing,but
you’vealreadypickedoutyour
colourscheme
B Pickouta fewpiecesthatyou
like– they’llmatchthecurtains
you’vealreadychosen
C Immediately think that it looks
so much better than what you’d
planned– andfeelguiltythat
you’renot givingyourbaby the
nurseryhedeservesHOW MUCH OF A PREGNANCY
PERFECTIONIST ARE YOU?Mostly
aS:
You’re super-chilled out
and know that you can’t do
everything. You’re not afraid to
ask others to help out or do
what’s best for you and your baby- even if you’re feeling the
pressure to do otherwise.
Good work!
Mostly
BS:
You know your own mind but
end up succumbing to the odd
pressure, whether it’s going to a
hypnobirthing class you didn’t really
fancy or buying the most popular
pram. Stick to your guns,
Mama! After all, no one
knowsyourmind, or
yourbaby, better
thanyou.Mostly
cS:
You can be prone to worrying,
and faced with so many pressures,
it’s not surprising. ‘Talking through
your worries and resting when you
need to can help. But, if you’re
feeling overwhelmed on a regular
basis, it’s worth having a chat
with your midwife or GP,’
says Dr Rebecca.