Top Tips for Natural Pregnancy

Photo by Josh Dubya.

Alternative medicine specialist Jen Aliano of Natural Baby Pros has all the answers when it comes to bringing a little bundle of joy into the world. While pregnant with her first child, she hunted for natural fertility and birthing options, to little avail. After she gave birth, she decided to step up and co-create what is now a one-stop online hub of natural pregnancy solutions.

Jen understands the joys and challenges of being a new parent, so we asked her to offer her top tips for expecting and new parents.

Advice for the new daddy:

• Try to become involved in as many ways possible. Though dads may feel a slight disadvantage when it comes to bonding with the baby (mom has 9 months to do so!), they should remember that their baby has heard daddy’s voice for quite some time before birth and so is already familiar with him in some ways.
• Daddy can bond by burping baby after feeding (nothing is more satisfying than a good burp!), try baby wearing (my personal favorite is Moby Wrap), and take turns changing diapers.
• Take the baby on walks (which are usually very soothing) so that mom can get some rest or have some time for herself.
• Support the new mother. Most new moms grossly underestimate the amount of help they will need after the birth of a baby, and many also find it difficult to ask for and accept help from others. Fathers can play a crucial role in the first few months of a baby’s life just by supporting mom, taking over chores, and helping her with her needs as much as possible.

Newly expecting mommies:

• Plan ahead and ask for help! It’s hard for new mothers to imagine how much their life and daily routine will change as well as how much help she will need in the first few weeks, if not months, of her new baby’s life. Ask for help ahead of time- if you are not good at asking for or accepting help, learn to get over it. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they might be able to help you with some specific item. This includes anything that will give you more time to spend with your new baby.
• Rest as much as you can. Pregnancy and birth takes a lot out of you, and a new mom needs some time to recuperate. Be sure to care for yourself, doing otherwise will make it harder to care for your baby.
• Research your options in caring for yourself during pregnancy. Developing your birth plan is one of the best ways to research your options. Look into having a midwife, doula, or other support person.

For more tips and birthing support, visit Natural Baby Pros.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.