A healthy pregnancy for a healthy birth

I’m much more relaxed this pregnancy than I was the first time. Last time, I knew every rule about pregnancy there was to possibly know and I followed them. Well most of them, most of the time. I did eat deli meat after the first trimester – couldn’t give up that jimmy johns beach club! But I did get it without sprouts. And I did have caffeine, but only 1 cup of coffee or 1 can of pop a day – definitely under the suggested amount anyway.

This time? I’m not sure I remember what all the rules are. My pregnancy books? Still dusty on the bookshelf.

But I do know that this time I’m trying extra hard to be extra healthy. Being healthy and fit is one way to (hopefully) an easier birth, which – for me – means the VBAC I so desperately want.

How to be healthy?? Here’s my list, I’d love for you to add to it and help me out!!

1. Prenatal Yoga. I didn’t start this last time until my third trimester, I think. This time I plan on doing it all the way through.

2. Stretching and squatting. This kind of goes along with #1, but I stretch every morning in bed before I get up (Ryan tries to do it too, haha), I practice squats in the shower or during any other household chore when it’s possible (like folding laundry). Squatting is one of the best positions for labor/birth and I want to be in good shape and good practice for it! Holding a squat position is HARD! Try it, right now. Go ahead. Let me know how long you lasted

3. Prenatal vitamins. Duh.

4. Eating healthy. I’m doing a terrible job at this one so far, but mainly because I constantly feel sick to my stomach and that makes food really hard to eat. I need to buy more fruit tomorrow because that seems okay. Otherwise – cereal. I need to work on my proteins. I’m also trying to avoid caffeine altogether this time – I’m stocked on decaf coffee and caffeine free pepsi!! But for the most part, my addiction to coffee and coke has pretty much disappeared.

5. Avoiding chemicals, fumes, toxins, etc. Ahhh, an excuse not to clean?!?! Haha. Okay, not really, I can still clean – especially because most of our cleaning products are all-natural anyway – but I’m careful to avoid the bad stuff. For example, we’re painting Ryan’s room and I know I need to avoid the fumes. I also switched to organic skin care (I used to use Proactiv) and natural deodorant.

6. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea. This stuff can help tone muscles of the pelvic region, which includes the uterus. It is also said to help lessen length of labor or pain of labor. Hey, worth a shot!!! The Feminist Breeder swears by this stuff and attributes her “easy” labor to drinking it throughout her pregnancy. I’m not a tea drinker, but I can start

7. Avoiding stress. This one is hard.… But I’m doing my best! And I have my Rescue Remedy

8. Hypnobabies!!! I have the home kit so now I just need to start using it, I can’t wait! This helps you with relaxation techniques that will be useful during labor. And will help out during pregnancy too with #7!

I’m a nerd and would love for this list to have TEN items. Do you have some to add for me?! Of course the obvious… no alcohol or drugs. Regular prenatal appointments (my first one is Aug. 1).… what else?