Navigating the Holidays While Pregnant
Tips for Enjoying Festivities Comfortably and Safely
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it festive celebrations, family gatherings, and a sense of joy and excitement. But if you’re expecting a little one, navigating the holidays can present a unique set of challenges. Whether you’re traveling to see family, attending parties, or just trying to maintain your well-being, it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical well-being as your little one within continues to grow. From the perspective of a birth doula and mother, here are some helpful tips and ideas to ensure you can fully enjoy the holiday festivities while caring for yourself and your growing baby.
Gift Ideas for the Expecting Mom:
When someone asks you what you want for Christmas it can be challenging to brainstorm what it is you could use to make you more comfortable or what might help you enjoy your pregnancy a little more. Especially when you're mind might be wrapped around the future and thinking more about all the things you’ll need for your new baby. If you’re not sure what could even be helpful to you, fear not!
Here are a few thoughtful and practical gift ideas that
you can share with those who might be asking:
Pregnancy Pillow: A good pregnancy pillow can help with comfort while sleeping or relaxing. These pillows provide support for your growing belly, back, and legs, ensuring better rest during those sleepless nights. Seriously, it can make a huge difference!
Maternity Clothes: A stylish, comfortable pair of maternity leggings or a cozy sweater can make a world of difference as your body changes. Asking for clothes that can also transition into postpartum, easy-to-access nursing, makes it even better! Here are a few items to give you ideas: sweatshirt, relaxed nursing t-shirt, or a cute top. It is a great feeling to put on an outfit that makes you feel confident!
Self-care Items: Treat yourself to some relaxation by requesting items like an herbal bath mix, some essential oils that you’ve been wanting to splurge on for birth (like clary sage, lavender, frankincense, etc.), a diffuser to use for these oils, a heating pad that could help bring a little relief. These are some ideas, but really any item you’ve had your eye on that you can’t bring yourself to splurge on, that could be the perfect self-care item to ask for!
Books for Pregnancy, or New Parents: Whether it’s a parenting book or a fun, pregnancy-themed read, books can be a great way to unwind and prepare for your baby’s arrival. Here are some of our favorites: The Fourth Trimester, Real Food for Pregnancy, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, or Functional Maternity, just to name a few!
Travel Tips for Expecting Moms:
Traveling during pregnancy can sometimes be tricky, but with a little planning, it can still be a wonderful experience. Here are some tips for a safe and comfortable journey, whether you’re taking a road trip or flying:
Plan for breaks: If you're traveling by car, be sure to plan frequent stops to stretch your legs and take bathroom breaks. Sitting for extended periods can lead to swelling and discomfort, so moving around will help reduce this. You can also mindfully try and sit forward with your knees wide in order to optimize pelvic positioning. You don’t need to do this the entire ride, but when you think about it, try and move your posture more forward than sitting back in the chair. This gives the baby a better place to rest in the pelvis, which ultimately can help in labor!
Stay hydrated!: Such a simple but important principle in pregnancy! Whether you’re flying or driving, dehydration is common during pregnancy, so make sure to carry a water bottle with you. Pack some of your favorite electrolyte drink (our personal favorite is LMNT) to help optimize your hydration. Staying hydrated is so important to support the increase in blood supply, reduce swelling, support healthy digestion, and much more!
Know Your Comforts: Pack a small bag with pregnancy essentials like snacks, prenatal vitamins, extra layers for warmth, and your pregnancy pillow if needed. If you’re flying, remember to get up and move around every couple of hours to keep circulation flowing, and try throwing on a pair of compression socks to help the potential of swelling!
Mindful Eating During the Holidays:
The holiday season often brings an abundance of delicious food, but with pregnancy cravings and dietary changes, it can be easy to overindulge or feel overwhelmed by the variety. Here are a few tips to navigate holiday eating mindfully:
Don’t Skip Meals: It can be tempting to skip meals and "save room" for your holiday feast, but it’s important to maintain a balanced eating routine. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar and unnecessary fatigue, so try to eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day, always including a protein!
Mindful Eating: If you’re attending a party or family gathering, bring some healthy snacks along so you have nutritious options available. Think fruit, nuts, or veggies with hummus to balance out heavier holiday foods. When you do indulge on that annual favorite dessert you look forward to each year, enjoy it! Just be aware of what you surround that dessert with. For example, eat a more protein-focused dinner beforehand with little carbs, then after the dessert end your night with a handful of almonds.
Listen to Your Body: Pregnancy cravings are real, but it’s important to listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry and try not to overeat. If you're unsure about certain foods, especially if you’re dealing with food aversions or nausea, it’s okay to say no to something that doesn’t feel right for you. Check in with yourself before, during, and after you eat!
Hydrate: With all the holiday treats, don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps prevent fatigue and supports overall perinatal health!
Stay Active…But Don’t Overdo It!
Staying active during pregnancy is the most basic way of experiencing numerous benefits, but it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. The holidays can be a great time to enjoy some light physical activity with family.
Some ideas to stay active:
Take a Walk: After a big holiday meal, why not take a stroll around the neighborhood or the local park? It’s a great way to get some fresh air and help digestion, while still taking it easy on your body.
Gentle Stretching: Stretching and breathing exercises can be a wonderful way to productively relax, especially if you’ve been on your feet all day. Here is one of our favorite stretching circuits we suggest to our birth doula clients!
Handling Holiday Stress and Expectation:
The holiday season can also bring about a lot of stress and expectations—especially if you’re expecting a baby soon. Here are a few strategies to keep your mental and emotional health in check:
Set Expectations: It’s okay to say no to extra events or activities if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Be mindful of your energy levels and remember that your well-being is so important for not only your health, but the health of your baby.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask your partner, family, or friends for help with holiday tasks like gift shopping, meal prep, or decorating. Sharing the load will give you more time to relax and enjoy the season.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Simple relaxation practices, such as deep breathing or mindful stretching, can help manage stress and keep you grounded. Taking a few minutes each day to check in with yourself and unwind can go a long way.
Stay Connected: The holidays can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you’re pregnant and navigating physical changes. Reach out to loved ones for support and connection—whether it’s through a phone call, video chat, or even a casual text exchange.
Pregnancy during the holiday season can be an exciting yet challenging time. With some thoughtful planning and self-care, you can enjoy the festivities while prioritizing your well-being and overall perinatal health. Whether it’s through mindful eating, staying active, or embracing helpful gift ideas, the holidays can still be a joyful time as you prepare to welcome your new bundle of joy.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!