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3. Reducing the risk during
pregnancy: Women in the past often talked about the need
to take it easy during pregnancy. During the 1980s and
1990s there was a tendency to downplay this need as women
evolved in the work place. However, Dr. Calvin Hobel,
professor of obstetrics at the University of California,
Los Angeles has found out that chronic stress in pregnancy
can raise the likelihood of complications such as pre-term
birth, smaller babies, respiratory illness, or
developmental delays. Women who work very hard in high
stress jobs may be predisposed of these problems.
4. Develop an attitude of
gratitude: Some women are able to operate in high levels
of stress without ill effects on their pregnancy. These
are women who have positive attitudes and low anxiety
levels about life challenges. Mother Theresa once said our
greatest protection is a joyful heart.
5. Dont just survive
visualize: Visualization techniques include having the
pregnant mom picture herself as calm and relaxed. One mom
who used these techniques reported that when she did this
her baby in utero would become very still. She laughed
that the baby went from crawling around her belly to
becoming absolutely still. Using these techniques as the
child develops can help mom and baby practice relaxation
strategies that are known to reduce anxiety and stress.
6. Become a mommy whisperer:
Dr. Miles used these techniques extensively during her
pregnancy and after her baby boy was born in 1973.
Children are so responsive to relaxation techniques that
her son would become still and quiet.
7. Steer your career: Moms
need to remember they have 30 years left in a career, so
she might want to consider taking some down time during
pregnancy if she is prone to worry and tension.
8. Learn to self-soothe: Many
women have never learned to speak to themselves in kind,
loving tones. They may not have received enough mothering.
Learning to have a compassionate voice, even when silent,
will soothe mom along with her child.
9. Make connections: Social
support and nurturing by a partner is linked to higher
birth weight and healthier infants. Dr. Miles encourages
women to use soft eyes with their partner and continue to
make positive connections during pregnancy. It is
important for the mother and baby and it generates healing
chemicals. Bonding behaviors secrete oxytocin a chemical
that leads to positive bonding in the family.
Copyright
2006 Linda Miles Ph.D
Author, Dr. Linda Miles, is deeply committed to helping
individuals and couples achieve rewarding relationships.
She is an expert with a Doctorate in Counseling
Psychology, and hasworked in the mental health field for
over thirty years. Find more relationship ideas and
relaxation techniques on her web site and in the
award-winning book she co-authored, The New Marriage:
Transcending the Happily-Ever-After Myth, All Aboard the
Brain Train book for parents, and on CD, Train Your Brain:
For a Peaceful Pregnancy & Delivery.
http://www.drlindamiles.com
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