The Headspace Guide To A Mindful Pregnancy: Using Mindfulness When Trying For A Baby
How To Use Mindfulness When Trying For A Baby
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
Many are aware of the positive benefits mindfulness can have on our everyday lives, but have you ever thought of applying this concept when you are trying for a baby?
As Puddicombe says, a mindful pregnancy begins the moment you start trying.
In the chapter: Trying for a baby, Puddicombe discusses the stresses some women experience when they are unable to conceive.
This can, he argues, leave many feeling sad, angry or anxious as they fear they may never be able to get pregnant.
Open Image Modal
In the following extract from his new book, Puddicombe discusses how mindfulness can be beneficial when you are trying for a baby:
When it comes to getting pregnant, it can feel as though our future happiness is dependent on having a child. We tend to panic.
The contrast when we set an intention is stark: We keep up a steady pace, responsive to new circumstances and changing conditions, not unlike an elephant in nature: strong, steady, purposeful, just putting one foot in front of the next, not reacting to every little thing.
The doctors I’ve spoken to in researching this book say that if nothing happens in the first year, that’s normal – it can frequently take couples twelve months to conceive naturally.
If we keep that in mind, we will continue to live life knowing that there is no rush to get pregnant, and relaxed in the knowledge that we are free from expectation.
However, if we choose to ignore it, we may well find ourselves getting increasingly tense.
Mindfulness brings a perspective that allows us to dial things back a bit, meaning we’re not swept up in the ‘We need to get pregnant’.
Anxious thoughts will always be there but we can get comfortable with them, releasing the tension in the very best interests of creating an environment conducive to getting pregnant.
However, we cannot force a state of relaxation, so the harder we try to relax, the more tense we become.
If we apply this to trying to get pregnant, we quickly see that excessive focus and effort can easily tip over into something more harmful, creating stress which actually further reduces our chances of conception.
So, if we are going to do this, we need to know how best to go about it.
The short answer is that it is less about ‘doing’ and more about ‘being’. The intention is to create the conditions for a calm and happy mind, and a relaxed and more receptive body.
Fertility experts will so often prescribe stress-reduction techniques – and none is more effective than mindfulness. Stress reduction improves blood flow to the reproductive organs and aids with regulating the menstrual cycle, helping to achieve optimal ovulation.
Women tend to find their sensitivity to hormone production then increases, which leads to a more receptive environment for conception.
With cortisol and adrenaline levels, combined with a spike in the secretion of endorphins, the entire body becomes a healthier, more inviting place for human life to take form.
The irony, of course, is that this state of relaxation so often occurs when couples have tried very hard for a period of time and have then given up.
This demonstrates very well the power of letting go of the attachment that creates so much worry, fear and suffering. In letting go in this way, you help to create the conditions in which to conceive.
Mindfulness reminds us that the space between ‘how we think life should be’ and ‘life as it is’ is equal to our level of suffering; the farther away we are from accepting things as they are, the more anguish, worry and anxiety is caused."
The Headspace Guide To A Mindful Pregnancy by Andy Puddicombe of headspace.com is available now (Hodder & Stoughton, £14.99).
Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Almay)
I don't know how to be a mum(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )