Happy “Expectant” Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day—a time to celebrate and pamper the amazing mothers in your life. I love sharing stories around the dinner table as we honor my mom, but this year I’ll be celebrating a little differently.

I’m a first-time expectant mother. With a little one growing inside me, it’s a very special Mother’s Day, indeed. Although my husband can bring me breakfast in bed, I have to do all the real pampering for baby and me.

And the best way to pamper baby is to take proper care of myself. So in honor of this wonderful holiday, I’m going to share my best “expectant mother advice” to help you care for your little ones from the inside out today (and every day):

Eat Right

Now that you’re eating for two, you need to be extra conscious of what you eat and how much. Talk to your doctor to find out just how much you should be eating at different phases of your pregnancy.

Depending on how far along you are, either nothing or everything sounds appetizing. Either way, make your calories count by choosing healthy options. Alongside your cravings, try to get in your fruits, veggies, grains, proteins, and 8 cups of water each day.

Supplement, Supplement, Supplement

When you’re growing another human inside of you, your body needs lots of extra nutrients. Here are a few supplements* our scientists recommend:

BabyCare Prenatal Essentials 

This safe, comprehensive duo of mega antioxidants and chelated minerals provides beta carotene (a safe form of vitamin A), biotin, folic acid, iron, and more.*

BiOmega™
Essential fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA) are important for the healthy and normal development of your baby’s brain, nerve, and eye tissue. Talk to your doctor about adding in an omega-3 supplement, like BiOmega (an ultra-pure, high-quality fish oil supplement).*

Active Calcium™ Chewable
Your baby needs a considerable amount of calcium for normal healthy growth and development. Chances are, your diet may not be providing enough (in which case, baby will pull it from your bones). Support yours and baby’s health by adding a calcium supplement to your regimen.*

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps baby maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are important to support a healthy pregnancy, so be sure you’re getting plenty of the sunshine vitamin.

Move It for Two

Whether you’re feeling out of breath or that second trimester energy boost, it’s important to get moving. You should shoot for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days (yes, it’s OK to take days off to nap, read a magazine, nest, etc.).

As your baby grows, your balance will change, so be sure to pick safe, low-impact workouts. Try walking, jogging, water aerobics, swimming, cycling, or prenatal yoga. If you work in an office, get up and take a stroll for 10 minutes every hour to keep your circulation moving.

Get Your Z’s In

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, so be sure you are getting enough sleep. Unfortunately, this can prove more difficult as your pregnancy progresses.

Establish a bedtime routine and start at the same time each night. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper, make the transition to your side so baby can maintain a steady supply of nutrients throughout your second and third trimesters (a body pillow may help).

Relax

Sure there’s a lot to do and a lot to keep track of, but this is a special time in your life. Take some deep breaths, take it easy, and don’t be too hard on yourself (especially if all you can do is lie in bed and down crackers while binge-watching Netflix). This too shall pass. In the meantime, enjoy the little things (like baby’s first kick or case of hiccups), and be sure to keep a journal so you have a fun memento to look back on.

Now is the time to build a solid foundation of health for you and your little one. Take it one day at a time, soak it all in, and be sure to enjoy this extra special Mother’s Day.

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