Waiting on June

If there is one thing I'm familiar with, it is waiting for baby. With my first child, I was finally induced at 42 weeks 2 days and gave birth the following day. Those two and a half weeks were the longest of my life. Everyone was on pins and needles waiting for any sign that something might be happening. I was doing ALL the natural techniques you can think of. My mom and I were walking miles upon miles at the park, I was getting adjusted by my chiropractor regularly, I did acupuncture, clary sage oil on my ankles, bouncing on my birth ball, eating LOTS of spicy food, and more. None of it was making a bit of difference. 

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Although I feel like I was on the abnormal side of overdue, I know I'm not the only one. Many moms hit their estimated due date (key word being 'estimated') and expect something to shift. But that's very rarely the case. In fact, only 5% of babies are born on their due date and most first time moms go to at LEAST 41 weeks. But the reason behind all of that is not what this post is about. 

While it's true that I was doing a LOT to try to get baby to come out, the one thing I didn't put as much effort into was finding things to keep my mind off of it. In every activity, every single day, the goal was to get baby out. I think what we should really be focusing on is relaxing. So, in preparation for baby #2 coming in about 3 months (or 3 1/2 months), I've compiled a list of fun, none baby focused things to do while you're waiting for baby. Sometimes we just need a little inspiration, so I hope this inspires you to write your own list...and then do it!! 

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• Go to the zoo!
• Take morning and/or evening walks
• Get a pedicure/manicure
• Try acupuncture 
• Get a prenatal massage
• Go see a movie
• Go to a local parade/fair/trade days/farmer's market
• Go get a snocone (if it's summer)
• Go swimming (clearly I have a summer EDD)
• Go have brunch or lunch or dinner with your girl friends!
• Go to a museum or two!

Obviously, this is just a short list to get your brain thinking and some of these things may or may not be up your alley (or in season). But I encourage you to find something to distract yourself. Turn off the TV, Netflix, Facebook, cell phone, and whatever else and go do something! Stop reading about new ways to get baby to come out. As long as mom and baby are still healthy (and being monitored by your healthcare provider), then try your best to relax. Easier said than done, I know. 

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