Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my Gaaaaod! Aaaaaaa… Maira caresses her tummy and squealed with delight! “Daadi I am pregnant”

Daadi: Wow! That is such amazing news. I am so happy for you my child. May god bless you.
Maira: Thank you so much Daadi. I love you. But tell me should I not move or jump with joy? Am I allowed to shout? Or should I just sit back and relax? I am thinking of quitting my job. Or should I wait? Daadi... Please help me, I know nothing.

Daadi: Relax relax my child. You have myriads of questions running in your mind. I totally understand your plight. Don't worry I will guide you through.
Maira: Yes daadi please tell me everything. The dos and don'ts. What should I follow?

Daadi: Firstly, I would like to tell you that, you must listen to your doctor completely. She is the one who would guide you thoroughly. Take medicines on time. I can only tell you stuff with my experience but the doctor is the best person to go to.
Maira: Yes daadi! I will be going to my gynecologist soon and follow her instructions but you also tell me something. I am too excited to know about this wonderful journey.

Daadi (giggles): Yes, it is indeed a wonderful journey my child now you not only have your responsibility but your child's too. Feeling fat lasts nine months but the joy of becoming a mom lasts forever.
Maira: All the time I wonder who is this person coming/growing/turning/floating/swimming deep, deep inside me.

Daadi: Hmm Right! First 3 months of the pregnancy are relatively tough than the others because you have drastic physical and emotional changes, mood swings etc. During pregnancy, biggest rule throughout is to ensure a healthy, good and balanced diet. Baby must get all of his/her nutrients from you!
Maira: Daadi I know I have to eat good because now I am not one but two. (Smiles)

Daadi: Maira! I know you are a big junk food fan but junk food and cola are as addictive as they are destructive to your health! It is bad for your figure, mental health, and stomach and twice as bad for your tiny developing child. Now cut down the intake of junk.
Maira: OMG daadi! How will I stay without that?

Daadi: You have to my child. Pregnancy is life's way of telling you to start caring for your body and health for the sake of your unborn child, as well as for your own sake. Now start loading your grocery cart with fresh fruits, veggies, non-sweetened dairy and non-processed meats and fish. Drink plenty of water during the day.
Maira (sulking): Ok I shall certainly try to cut down my junk and go green.

Daadi: Let me remind you to pray and meditate daily. You must chant shabads so that your baby is also inherited with beautiful values and is close to god.
Maira: Of course! My baby would need god's blessings every day.

Daadi: You may feel nauseous during the day and most likely to be exhausted as the baby is growing inside you. So don't think that it's abnormal to feel that way.
Maira: Oh ok! I have seen ladies fainting on TV when they are pregnant (They both laugh).

Daadi: It is not necessary to be bed tied. Work around a bit but don't go out of the way. Just be comfortable!
Maira: Alright daadi!

Daadi: Both parents have equal responsibility of the child. So, I'll tell Arun to take extra care of you and dare smoke near you because that will be really harmful for you and the baby. I feel it's high time he must quit.
Maira: I give you this responsibility daadi! You only tell him to stop because he doesn't listen to me in this case.

Daadi: And Its not that child birth is painful. It's that women are strong.
Maira: hehe.. Right!

Daadi: I can talk endlessly but on this subject I would ask you keep 3 key things in your mind:

First: Eat Right!
Second: Stay Active!
Third: Be happy!

Get the toxic people and situations OUT of your life I don't want my children to be sad. You can look out the window especially at clouds, new blooming trees and flowers in springtime, and the sun glistening off. Listen to music because what you do with your eyes during pregnancy is directly communicated to the baby.

Maira: I agree with you Daadi! I will be happy. I am already feeling a variety of emotions besides feeling excited and overwhelmed I am a little nervous too. Will I be able to take up such a big responsibility? Will I be a good mother?

Daadi: Trust God my child, have faith in Him. You are surely going to be a wonderful mother; I promise you that all will go well. You will have easy, happy months ahead; your baby will be healthy and beautiful.

Maira:I hope Arun supports me completely and our relationships take a new and improved turn.

Daadi: Yes of course! It is not only the birth of the child but you as parents as well. You and your husband will have wonderful times ahead, with all those marvelous movements and sounds emerging. And the mutual caring between you and Arun during these unbelievably special months will last forever, and it is a preparation for what's to come. For woman, birthing is very profound initiation to spirituality. All the best my child may god bless you! I love you.

Maira: hmm....

Daadi: And don't forget to visit your Doctor, regularly
Maira: ok Daadi.... Thanks Daadi, I love you.

 

Some other Suggestions are: Prenatal vitamin can be helpful. Ask your friends about pregnancy and parenthood. Announce your pregnancy to your family and friends, when you are ready. Use non-medicinal remedies for problems like nausea, heartburn, and constipation. Drink six - eight ounce glasses of water a day. Read yet another book! Have film and cameras ready! Practice relaxation whenever you can. Pack your bags if you are going to a birth center or hospital. Don't forget your insurance cards, pre-registration forms, camera, birth plan, etc. Take a picture of yourself before the baby comes! Get enough sleep, during the day. Aim 9 hours sleep daily. If you feel worried or suffer anxiety, Talk things through with your doctor, your spouse or a close friend or relative. Put your feet up. As your baby grows inside you the weight exerted on the rest of your body increases, so naturally your poor feet and legs will suffer. Keep yourself calm and de-stressed. Do things for yourself and preparation work for the baby. Organize your life, housework, nursery. Write a diary, Make plans or Write a Blog. Delegating and asking for favors is a must. Voice your needs. Keeping quiet and suffering will only lead to stress. Kiss the baby!
FOR WORKING WOMAN: It is always wise to tell your immediate boss before the pregnancy symptoms show up. Some women prefer to break the news in the initial stage of their pregnancy while others want to wait till the second trimester. If you plan to stop working after the baby, it would be ethical to inform your employer so that he gets time to find your replacement. Wear comfortable and loose clothes at work. Don't expect yourself to perform in the same manner as you use to before pregnancy. If your job is very demanding then ask your boss to temporarily transfer you to a less demanding job. It is very important to know your rights. Ask about company's maternity policies. If you think that the leaves are not sufficient then talk to your supervisor about it. Take breaks at regular intervals during work. You can also do some stretching exercises, to prevent faulty blood circulation or swollen feet and back ache. Keep juice and healthy munching snacks like fruits handy. Don't be hesitant in asking your colleagues to help you out. Keep your commitments to a minimum – Take as much rest as possible. At home, take help from your spouse.
I usually claim that pregnant women should not read books about pregnancy and birth. Their time is too precious. They should, rather, watch the moon and sing to their baby in the womb. ~Michel Odent