Nausea, exhaustion
all from a little round grape
I want my caffeine!
If the general first trimester yuckiness wasn't enough, this is the advice I got from my weekly pregnancy newsletter this morning:
Start a daily ritual to connect with your baby. Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist who focuses on pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, encourages women to set aside two five- to ten-minute periods a day to think about their baby. Just after waking up and before going to sleep works well for many expectant moms. During these times, sit quietly and gently rest your hands on your belly. Focus on your breathing and then start thinking about your baby (your hopes and dreams, your intentions as a parent, etc.). It's a great way to initiate the bonding process and to help you plan for the kind of parent you want to be.
I hate advice like this. And had I read this crap when I was pregnant with Ironflower, I would have felt so guilty. At that time, I was working. I fell asleep as soon as I got into bed and rolled out when the alarm went off for the third time in the morning. Sure, I chatted with her when I drove to work and at other points in the day, but I never sat quietly and focused on my breathing while thinking about her. It's just not my way. I chat with the Grape (that's this week's fetus size) often, too. But when I have a chance to sit quietly, I'll be sleeping, thanks.
But what about "initiating the bonding process"? Give me a break. This makes the bonding process sound all complicated, like it's something you have to work at. Granted, there are people who take longer to bond with their babies than "normal", but it's still something that just happens - it's not rocket science. And it happens even when a woman doesn't carry her child, so why stress out a woman in the first trimester with advice like this? (Though if you choose to do this, I'm not judging. Go right ahead, as long as it actually makes you happy.)