This is how I spent a good portion of last weekend: in a hospital gown, with my giant 36.5-week pregnant belly strapped to monitors. It wasn’t pretty, friends.
That’s what happens when self-care goes out the window. You find yourself in the hospital due to severe dehydration, mystery fevers, and painful contractions.
I’m extremely grateful and relieved to tell you that both the baby and I are just fine now; she was never in danger, although her heart rate was elevated due to my state for much of that hospital stay. She’s still inside my giant belly, happily growing and hopefully waiting at least another week or two before making her grand entrance into the world.
I’ve spent much of the past 9 months not feeling well — in the beginning, of course, it was just good old fashioned 1st trimester morning sickness. But these past several months have been rough, too. I’ve had cold after cold with a couple sinus infections and other maladies thrown in, all topped off by the events of this past weekend.
I’ve also pushed myself harder than I probably should have over these past 9 months. The beginning of my pregnancy coincided with the complete restructuring of my business and moving my private practice outside of my house, both of which came with big challenges.
Right in the middle of my pregnancy, we packed up our entire house, sold it, and moved into our dream house just a few blocks away.
And now, just a few weeks from my due date, I’m in the middle of even more (super exciting) business changes, running a Songwriting Challenge, producing a weekly podcast, and marketing my new songbook. These are all positive things, but stressful none the less.
Oh, and did I mention that I have a toddler under the age of 2? :)
So really, there’s no question as to how I ended up in the hospital. As careful as I’ve tried to be throughout this pregnancy, it hasn’t been enough. Self-care is a practice that will remain at the forefront from here on out, even if that just means stepping away from my work more often, going to bed earlier, and getting as much physical rest as I can.
What are some ways you take care of yourself? Ideas are welcome as I enter the final countdown.
Rachel – Thank you for sharing this with us so that we can send you some good vibes… Your honesty and transparency is inspiring.
My fur-babies help me relax. It’s funny how massaging, rubbing, scratching my little critters makes ME feel good. Then, writing makes me feel good as well. Lots of ways to take care of one-self, and thanks for inviting us in on your journey right now, right here, at this very special time in your life.
Sending lots of love – Kat
Thank you so much, Kat, both for the good vibes and self-care suggestions. It’s hard to admit when you’ve taken on too much and are not taking care of yourself, but I hope my experience inspires others to make self-care a priority. I’m already feeling the love — thanks again! (P.S. YOUR constant honesty and transparency through your writing inspires ME.)
Rachel,
hang in there! And yes self care is so important. As business owners we work extra hard trying to make sure everything is in order for our maternity leave! This EXACT thing happened to me at 32 weeks last year when I was pregnant with my second. Hospital..dehydration… Contractions.. Awful! Take it easy in the last few weeks!!
Sending warm wishes! – Marissa
Thank you so much for the well wishes, Marissa! And I’m so sorry you had to experience that, too. So scary! I definitely agree, as business owners there is that added pressure and it’s hard to draw the line. I will be taking it much easier from here on out.
Sending peaceful thoughts your way!
Thank you, Anita!