Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Things That Help Me Stay Comfortable
For those of you who are also little people, I wanted to spend a minute on some of the things that have helped keep me mobile and mostly comfortable during my pregnancy. The first thing I highly recommend is finding a good physical therapist and work with him/her early to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Those are what support your back, even during pregnancy. I had a wonderful therapist to whom I give a lot of credit for keeping me on my feet. <>
Along with the exercises, I also recommend a belly belt. There are many varieties available at pregnancy specialty stores, but a physical therapist may also be helpful in finding something supportive of your growing belly. <>
Another part of my physical therapy included massage. My therapist would do some stretching of my legs and back as well as massaging my back as a part of my therapy sessions. I also get a full body massage once a month from a trained massage therapist. That has also proved to be invaluable to my overall comfort level. <>
A few other suggestions I have are getting an egg crate foam pad for sleeping, using hot pads on trouble spots, changing positions frequently (both during the day and when sleeping), and Tylenol (if your doctor says this is okay). <>
There is another invaluable resource I need to mention. Help from people! All kinds of people! Friends, family, hired help, whatever it takes. A good friend volunteered to paint the nursery and is helping me put the finishing touches on it. Another couple of friends put the baby furniture together. I have a wonderful gal come in once every two weeks to clean the house. My mom comes over and does odd jobs for me or takes me to appointments. And there has been an army of people from my church bringing Brian and I home cooked meals twice a week. <>
People are kind and thoughtful – let them help you! I was extremely stubborn about that at first (just as Brian!). I am such an independent person that I have trouble asking for help. But as I’ve gotten further along in this pregnancy, getting extra help as become necessary. <>
And I can’t forget the biggest helper of all – Brian! He has taken over so many little things around the house, plus taking on all the errands and grocery shopping. Having a supportive spouse means a lot.
Along with the exercises, I also recommend a belly belt. There are many varieties available at pregnancy specialty stores, but a physical therapist may also be helpful in finding something supportive of your growing belly. <>
Another part of my physical therapy included massage. My therapist would do some stretching of my legs and back as well as massaging my back as a part of my therapy sessions. I also get a full body massage once a month from a trained massage therapist. That has also proved to be invaluable to my overall comfort level. <>
A few other suggestions I have are getting an egg crate foam pad for sleeping, using hot pads on trouble spots, changing positions frequently (both during the day and when sleeping), and Tylenol (if your doctor says this is okay). <>
There is another invaluable resource I need to mention. Help from people! All kinds of people! Friends, family, hired help, whatever it takes. A good friend volunteered to paint the nursery and is helping me put the finishing touches on it. Another couple of friends put the baby furniture together. I have a wonderful gal come in once every two weeks to clean the house. My mom comes over and does odd jobs for me or takes me to appointments. And there has been an army of people from my church bringing Brian and I home cooked meals twice a week. <>
People are kind and thoughtful – let them help you! I was extremely stubborn about that at first (just as Brian!). I am such an independent person that I have trouble asking for help. But as I’ve gotten further along in this pregnancy, getting extra help as become necessary. <>
And I can’t forget the biggest helper of all – Brian! He has taken over so many little things around the house, plus taking on all the errands and grocery shopping. Having a supportive spouse means a lot.
