Trimester 3

It's getting pretty real, my friend.

You might be filled with a warm pregnancy glow, or be ready to get it over with and meet your baby. Both feelings are totally understandable and normal.

By this time, the whole world will likely know you're pregnant (I had one coworker stare at my tummy in fright, then leave an elevator when I tried to get in it). Joy!

You're likely planning your birth, nursery, baby shower (and, as usually happens, a house move/ renovation / new business / career move / something else to completely throw a spanner in the works).

We moved houses and I finished a Master's Degree in my third trimester - terrible planning. The point is, though, that you will get through it. You'll meet your baby soon. And then the fun really starts.

As always, I've provided an overview of what to expect below - and checklists / helpful resources in the usual section.

Body

You'll most likely be feeling pretty big/ uncomfortable by now (fun things like braxton hicks, lightning crotch etc.). Do what you can to rest, relax and nourish your body (I'll include some links for good recipes etc).

There are some things you can do to prepare your body for childbirth/breastfeeding as well. If you haven't already, you may want to investigate:

Expressing colostrum. Your midwife/doctor shoudl talk you through this, but good to give it a go!
Perineal massage. If you have a vaginal birth, this can help to reduce tears
A yoga/pilates ball. This can be a lovely way to take some pressure off your back and increase mobility through your hips.

Mind

This can be a really exciting, but nerve-wracking time.

I highly recommend talking to your partner (and/or those closest to you) about how you are feeling. It's very normal to be feeling pretty overwhelmed!

Your antenatal/birthing class group can also be a great support here, but if you need additional help, I would also recommend talking to a therapist to offload!

Lots of women experience anxiety about childbirth. To be honest - I don't think there's anything that will truly prepare you for it. You can have amazing plans and they may go completely astray - but I do think that knowing the different options is very useful. I've included some recommendations below.

Soul

Long walks on the beach / in nature, cinema visits, sitting in a cafe with a coffee and good book, gallery visits, sleep ins, quality time with your partner.

Please take the time to do whatever you want (and think you might not be able to do once you have a baby).

Food

Now can also be a great time to cook / prepare for the postnatal period (or for your hospital visit). Energy bars, protein balls, soups, broths, stews etc. are all amazing here and great to have in the freezer down the track. If you don't want to cook / can't cook - there are lots of delivery services that provide nutritious, home-made meals tailored to your needs.

I'll include some good guides in the recommendations section.

In addition, it's also recommended to include the following in your diet (post 36 weeks

Dates (softens your cervix)
Raspberry tea (consult your healthcare provider)
Whatever you're craving - but as much nutrition as you possibly can!

hailey-bieber-in-jacquemus-fw24-for-her-baby-shower-v0-3tbq9n2bvqfd1.jpg

Fashion

You may have already picked up a few bits through your pregnancy. If you can hold out a little longer - I promise this is the biggest you're likely to be - so you may want to buy minimal new things / hold off buying new gear until after you've had your baby. Again though - completely up to you. I've included some of my favourite brands in the recommendations (and list of maternity gear in the resources section).

Gear

If you haven't already, now's a good time to get organised. Please see below for my guides for

- Hospital Bag (Mum)

- Hospital Bag (Baby + Partner)

- Nursery

- Baby Clothes

Admin

If you haven't already, I would strongly suggest to:

Pack your hospital bag (either pack it with your partner or at least make them aware of what it is)
Set yourself up for the arrival of your baby (baby room / change station / clothes etc.) I've included lists in the resources section.
Practice getting the car seat in the car
Finalise your birth plan / (or at least birth wish list)
Create a birth playlist (no joke... a chill one and a pump up playlist are recommended)
Consider/budget/book the support you will need following the birth of your child. This may be a cleaner, night nurse or child carer, it may be a parent or friend doing a meal drop or helping you with admin. It's likely you'll be pretty quiet/incapacitated for a few weeks after the birth of your child. Do what you can to make your life easier prior to this time

Recommendations

1 / Listen

2 / Watch

3 / Read

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May - from a very experienced midwife. Particularly useful if you are experiencing anxiety about childbirth
Practical ways to make your birth better - Siobhan Miller - hypnobirthing focussed, lovely activities and breathing techniques

4 / Do

Cook and Freeze

Nutritious meals you can eat one-handed. Some good guides are here:

Order (Order now to have in your freezer, or just browse and bookmark for later when you know what you feel like)