Just a few tips for the last two weeks of pregnancy

Without a doubt, the last two weeks of pregnancy is tough. It’s really easy to get it into your head that when you hit the last month, that tiny little treasure will arrive straight away and on time. Every day I see customers on their due dates, wandering around not knowing what to do with themselves, no doubt thinking, “Is today the day”. And naturally, every time they experience a slight contraction they’re so sure they’re in labour, because today is the day.

Of course, I have complete amnesia from my last pregnancy so I can’t possibly remember how I felt at this point. Nevertheless, I have come up with a few survival tips to (hopefully) keep you going through the last few weeks of pregnancy:

•           Don’t stop working – a little distraction will make the days go faster, and it means you won’t eat into your maternity leave.

•           Prepare the birth announcement. Figure out the design, what it’s going to say and have it ready to go when the baby’s born (moo.com is perfect for quick and affordable prints). Address the letters, ready for postage, and give yourself a big old pat on the back when it’s all done. A sleep-deprived new parent doesn’t want to be doing this once the baby arrives.

•           Make sure the baby’s room and newborn supplies are ready (Tip: you’ll need more than 10 nappies … a lot more – babies generally go through 10 a day!).

•           Stock up the freezer because there isn’t going to be much time to shop once the baby’s here.

•            Indulge! This is your last chance before you’ll almost certainly be starting your post-baby weight loss regime. So if you have any cravings, pack them in ladies!

•           Take a breastfeeding class. If you’re feeling under-prepared, solve the problem and take a class in whatever area you feel deficient. I promise you, you’ll feel much more confident and secure as a result.

•           Buy a baby journal. Mamissima sells lovely journals with lots of space for pictures and recording special memories and feelings. Visit www.mamisima.co.uk.

•           Write a letter to your baby, saying anything and everything you feel and would like to whisper in her or his ear. Write it by hand, the old-fashioned way.

•           Buy photo albums and start putting all your photos in them.

Trust me, you’ll be grateful later when you start taking hundreds of pictures of your new baby.

•           Read, read, read – Books, journals, magazines, newspapers, anything. You won’t have the time or energy to read for a while.

•           Spend some quality time with your partner. Your life together is about to change forever, so cherish these last few weeks and plan some grown-up, fun activities. Lunch at your favourite restaurant, a picnic in the park, breakfast in bed, cinema, weekend away. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just make the most of each other’s company.

•           Last but not least, treat yourself to something special, just for you. Babies are expensive and as soon as they arrive your needs become secondary. If you want that new pair of shoes, buy them now!

Good luck!

Lolita@mamissima