Have you had a previous birth? Whether you’re planning a VBAC or need to process thoughts and feelings about a prior experience or loss, now’s the time to be proactive. Learn more about VBAC planning in Week 7.
The first steps we can easily check off our to-do list — choosing a care provider, hiring a doula, and signing up for childbirth education. It takes a bigger commitment to tackle the emotional work essential for your upcoming birth. It takes courage. It takes a willingness to be vulnerable. It may be hard.
We wish we could wave a magic wand and give you the birth of your dreams. Prep work is important, your birth team is important, and addressing your emotional health is important. Though we can’t guarantee 100% the outcome you desire, there are steps you can take toward healing.
So let’s talk about how to move forward. Let’s do it together. You’ve got this.
One of the most wonderful ways to address and release fears is not even a Spinning Babies® activity! The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, allows your brain to move from triggers or stressful feelings relating to memories through a self-care tapping activity to a less-charged present. This is a simple approach to healing that helps release negative emotions and trauma.
For quick results and first-timers, try tapping with an EFT-trained therapist, which you can find here. But what is tapping, exactly? When practicing EFT, you use your fingers to tap on traditional acupuncture points known as meridians, or energy pathways. While tapping, you think about or say out loud a phrase about a specific issue or memory. This “emotional acupuncture,” as some call it, softens the emotional intensity of the issue or memory you’re recalling. Learn more here about how EFT helps eliminate fears about childbirth, past trauma, and parenting.
Might this be a lovely way to a calmer pregnancy?
Baby weighs about 1.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 inches long. An exciting part about the 25-week fetus is that baby is learning the difference between up and down! You may notice baby moving at similar times each day. Baby can also suck on fingers and grab toes, and the lungs continue to develop.
If indigestion is causing discomfort, stop eating about three hours before going to sleep to make sure your sleep is restful. See Week 17 for more tips on getting a good night’s rest. Meanwhile, the top of your uterus continues growing, so expect your beautiful belly to continue expanding its shape!
Affirmations are short, powerful statements that can affect your conscious thoughts. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and slowly, and repeat the following to yourself each day throughout the next week. Fill yourself with breath and feel the joy:
For additional education to even further enhance your pregnancy and labor preparation, shop our extensive collection of digital downloads, videos, DVDs, workbooks, and more.