10 Pregnancy Promises Every Woman Should Make

It’s New Year’s resolutions time again. So now you’ve got the health of two people to think about, repeat after us: I vow to…

...GET MY HEAD AROUND GIVING BIRTH

How can we put this? It’s probably going to hurt. Quite a bit. But the more you prepare for this labour lark, the better your experience will be. “Research shows mums who attend antenatal classes are more mentally and physically prepared and therefore have a better birth,” says Sally Lomas, UK-based active birth teacher and codirector of Birthlight. She says, “Classes are the ideal place to practise positions and discuss emotions so you really believe your body can give birth.”

...PACK MY BAG

Imagine you’ve not packed your bag. You go into early labour and turn up at hospital with nothing more than the clothes you’re wearing! Not having your camera to take those first baby pictures is bad enough but now you’ve got to rely on your style-blind partner to pick out coming-home clothes. Not pretty, is it? So pack. Your. Bag. Maternity pads for when your waters break, a couple of nighties (one for labour and one for after) and a camera are essentials, but consider including a birth plan too. “If you make your preferences known on things like pain relief, your midwife or doctor can help you achieve them as much as possible,” says Sally....

STRESS LESS