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Article Title: Four Tips For Getting Through a Difficult Pregnancy: A Bodymind
Approach
Author: Anna Stookey, MA, MFT, CHt.
Category: Pregnancy and Family Planning, Women's Issues, Health
Word Count: 698
Keywords: difficult pregnancy, bodymind, fears of pregnancy, stress, breathing
Author's Email Address: [email protected]
Article Source: http://www.contentcrooner.com
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Pregnancy is one of the most incredible and challenging journeys the body ever
goes on. Because we live in a world that often expects us to move and to act in
ways that don't respect or honor our bodies, pregnancy can also test and expand
our ability to care for ourselves in ways we may not have before now. Use these
four tips to help you get through the process with grace and ease.
1)Remember to breathe.
The truth is, you're going to be doing this soon enough during birth,
right? But remembering to breath right now helps your body fight off stress,
kicks in a relaxation response, and keeps that little being in there from being
rocked by stress-related hormones. If you feel your stress level rising, take a
few breaths and come back to center. It's amazing what a difference this
makes-and what good practice you'll be giving yourself for the future!
2)Listen
Many of us have never learned to really listen to our bodies and what they
need. There's nothing like pregnancy to plunge you into the world of strange
cravings and utter meltdown. For the first time in your life, you may have to
stop everything else to listen to your body rather than the other way around.
Consider this early training in child-rearing and be a good parent to your own
body. Be gentle and compassionate if you need to slow down, take a vacation day
or give in to a wild craving.
3)Befriend your body.
One girlfriend of mine who had struggled with body image her whole life
admitted that the thing she feared most about having kids wasn't actually
raising them-an understandably daunting task-but instead, having to surrender
her body to the changes and whims of being pregnant. Because she'd always seen
her body as a strange object she coexisted with, she was sure she'd feel
blindsided by its growing shape and needs.
In fact, the opposite happened. My friend became a fan of her body. She
was so impressed with everything it was doing that she wanted to be a good
partner with her body and give it what it needed. For the first time in her
life, she felt what it was like to be connected to her body rather than judging
it or at odds with it. This made all the difference, not only in her pregnancy
but in the months of early motherhood when she was less able to sleep or
exercise. Her connection to her body allowed her to keep loving and caring for
her body rather than judging or criticizing it.
4)Have a vision of what you want.
Let's face it. Whether anyone talks about it or not, pregnancy is a
kind-of scary thing. We know that this thing that's growing inside is is going
to have to come out, one way or another-and it's a mystery to many of us how it
is that nature allows that to happen. When your fears start getting in the way,
give yourself and your body a vision of your ideal outcome. Close your eyes and
see yourself going through the birth process-or anything else that creates
anxiety-with grace, peace and whatever other qualities you'd like to invite.
See what it feels like to experience that vision, not only in your head
but with your whole body. Recreate that vision with your breath and your
feelings until it's absolutely real. Then use that vision as a place to go to
whenever you need. The mindbody connection is a powerful tool for communicating
the kind of response and experience you'd most like to have.
Pregnancy is a strange miracle, and if you're in the middle of a
challenging one now these tips can help you stay focused and prepare for what's
to come. Honoring and listening to your body and taking the time to breathe and
respect what's happening will make the journey easier and give you tools you'll
use not only now, but in the months and years to come.
Anna Stookey is a psychotherapist & bodymind coach who helps people move into
their highest vision of health and wellness by partnering with their bodies
rather than working against them. Ongoing blog at
http://www.bodyreunion.blogspot.com or sign on to the website:
http://www.bodymindguide.com
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