How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy in Penticton, by a Maternity Photographer | Alarose Photography

Today I’m spilling the tea on everything you can expect from the early days to the mysterious "4th trimester."

Personally, I did not prepare enough for recovery and the newborn days in the 4th trimester and I have learned a lot since then!

I’m not only going to share with you what to expect in each, but also some local resources you can use as you plan for your pregnancy, and birth in Penticton. As a local mom and birth-nerd, but also a Penticton Maternity Photographer and Penticton Newborn Photographer, I know there is lots to learn!

First Trimester: The Secret Life of Pregnancy

The first trimester is like a secret club where only you and your growing baby are members. During these first 12 weeks, your body is working overtime to create a new life, and you might be feeling the effects (hello, morning sickness). It's like you're part of an exclusive group that only fellow expectant moms can truly understand. You'll be eagerly awaiting being able to feel kicks and have your bump grow, but for now you may just have some bloating (so fun!).

Here are some resources for the 1st trimester.

• Do you like essential oils? Pregnancy safe aromatherapy includes: peppermint, eucalyptus, German or Roman chamomile, lavender, lemon, neroli and sandalwood. But, many essential oils are NOT safe during pregancy. You can learn more in a book like Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding by Demetria Clarke.

• Some women get relief from nausea and body pain by using acupuncture. Personally I've gone to Mai Life House in Summerland for unrelated issues, but I know there are a few good Penticton acupuncturists with great reviews who can help you during pregnancy!

• You can utilize herbal teas for morning sickness! The most common pregnancy safe herbs are spearmint, peppermint, and ginger. Looking for something a little more exciting? Try this anti-nausea blend from Demetria Clarke:

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh orange peel

  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

  • 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves

    Heat water to a boil in a saucepan and add herbs. Decreae heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Drink 1 cup 2 or 3 times a day.

• For a few other herbs safe in pregnancy, check out this post from midwife and doctor Aviva Romm: https://avivaromm.com/5-safe-herbs-for-a-more-comfortable-pregnancy-and-better-birth/

  
  

Second Trimester: You may or may not feel better!

For many, the second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy, where you can finally start enjoying the journey. With the nausea subsiding and the baby bump showing, it's time to embrace the experience. However, some women (myself included!) get to experience nausea and other discomforts the entire pregnancy.

Here are a few things I suggest doing in the 2nd trimester in Penticton!

• Build your wardrobe of pieces that can go from belly-bump to nursing. The goal is flexible, comfortable pieces. Our only local maternity and baby store is Baby & Me in Kelowna. Otherwise, check out consignments and thirft stores like Value Village, and head over to Facebook Marketplace or online mom groups to score some second hand pieces!

• If you don't already have a practioner you like for body work (chiropractor, massage, osteopathy) I would find one now and build a relationship with them. Your body will thank you, and a body that is in alignment will birth easier as well! Penticton Chiropractic Co is my go-to for chiro and massage care. They look after babies and children as well!

• Stay active! Your favourite form of activity can be continued in pregnancy under most circumstances. Even simple walking really helps to keep your body healthy. Don't forget that birth takes endurance, and being in good (or, maybe just average!) shape can really help. There are many videos on YouTube for simple materity work outs whether you like pilates, yoga, or breathing exercises. Have you heard of Spinning Babies? They have birth prep/movement ideas for pregnancy and birth to help keep your pelvis in alignment and baby in a good position!

Plus: are you planning to hire a maternity or newborn photographer? Make sure to plan this ahead of time! Most maternity sessions are done between 33-36 weeks and need to be scheduled far in advance!

Third Trimester: The Home Stretch

The third trimester is when things start to get real. As you prepare for your baby's arrival, you'll want to make sure you have everything to plan for birth and prepare for a smooth transition.

Penticton Birthing Class

• Check out local Penticton birthing classes like those from Mother Nurture. While I don't think classes are absolutely necessary for women who like to do a lot of personal research, if you prefer to have someone teach you (and your partner if you have one), classes will help with tips and tricks and help explain what you can expect from local birthing locations like the hospital. A course from a local doula will provide more inside than a hospital course will!

Preparing your Home

• Now is the time to plan ahead! Make batch freezer meals ahead, prep your bedroom and breastfeeding stations, and talk with your partner (if you have one) about how they can support you with your recovery and feeding goals. Check out my posts Two Weeks to Go: A Quick Guide to Prepping Your Home for Your Newborn and Postpartum meal prepping: nourish yourself after baby for some ideas!

  
  

Birth: The Main Event - Prepare ahead!

The moment you've been waiting for is finally here: birth! Whether you're preparing for a vaginal birth or a C-section, this stage is exciting and emotional!

• If you're having a home birth in Penticton, I highly recommend prepping 2 different spaces in your home. While birth is unpredictable, there will be less running around during labour if you have 2 rooms with spare sheets, towels, and floor/furniture coverings (like chux pads). Most women prep their bedroom and living room, and may blow up a birth pool ahead of time as well!

• If you're planning a birth outside of your home, most women like to have their 'go bag' ready a couple weeks before their 'due date'. Be ready for the unexpected! Pack some creature comforts like your favourite snacks, tea bags, lotion and lip balm. Hospitals will have pads and other postpartum supplies, so you do not need to bring those unless you wants to use specific options like natural organic pads, cloth pads, natural perineal care like witch hazel, etc.

• After birth, be aware that you can request a referral to a local Penticton lactation consultant like The MILK Clinic who can help with breastfeeding challenges!

If you want more details on breastfeeding, head over here: Mastering the Art of Breastfeeding: When to Seek Support and Where to Find It in Penticton, BC

The 4th Trimester: What No One Tells You

Surprise! Your journey doesn't end with birth. The 4th trimester is the first three months of your baby's life, where both of you are adjusting to the world outside the womb.

• What most people don't know is that mom and baby are a dyad. Mother-baby dyad means that you are basically still one unit! The 4th trimester newborn has not realized they are separate from you. My number #1 tip is to lean into this. Do not expect that your baby will be happy to be seperated from you. Prepare to safely bed-share or co-sleep with a crib like an Arm's Reach cosleeper. Find a comfy wrap to babywear with once you are cleared by your midwife/doctor!

• Some cultures have a 40-day lie-in period for the new mom. While you don't have to do that, common advice is the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days tucked in bed, 5 days around the bed, 5 days in the bedroom/cozy place in house. This will really help with healing. Of course, gentle movement is great! Just don't overdo it.

Of course, every journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a whole range of emotions along the way. As long as you've got your support system and resources, you'll be able to navigate this crazy adventure.

One more thing: These are moments you’ll always want to remember (even if things don’t go perfectly according to plan). Hiring a maternity, birth, or Penticton newborn photographer is something I’ve never heard anyone say they regret!

 Since you made it all the way down here – are you looking for a Penticton Maternity or Newborn Photographer? Click here to see more of my Newborn portfolio.  :)

Thanks for reading! - Ashley