Managing the exciting highs and challenging lows that the holiday season brings requires an outlook very similar to the way we may be approaching our pregnancy journeys: mindset matters, there’s always an ebb and a flow, and the one constant is change.
This time of year has typically been a chance to celebrate our culture, traditions, history, and personal experiences with the loved ones who bring all those things to life. But when you’re pregnant, there’s an added element to the season that can impact every facet of your celebration. Once I became pregnant, the holiday talk often turned into a barrage of unsolicited advice – what I should or shouldn’t be eating, doing, or another favorite, “When is another baby coming?” I’m sure my experience isn’t unique and while it’s a joyous time and the commentary comes from love; the holidays can still add stress to any pregnancy.
You may be excited to gather and see family while simultaneously feeling the pressure of hosting. You may be battling morning sickness, trying not to reveal an early pregnancy, or dealing with challenging news about a pregnancy everyone is already aware of and excited about. Add navigating a table full of food you may be discouraged to eat, and this time may start to feel more miserable than merry. You also can’t ignore the element of being pregnant in a pandemic, which clearly adds a number of unconventional elements to consider.
Regardless of how the holidays are hitting you this year, below are a few tips that may help you and your bump concur the season.
Menu
So many holiday events revolve around eating and drinking and when you’re pregnant, that can be a real challenge. But who says your meal has to look like it did last year?
Change the menu to accommodate your pregnancy needs: swap the pate for a fully cooked dip and if you’re watching your sugar intake, skip the pie (or expand the dessert menu) to include more fruit, (hard) cheeses, and nuts.
Cut yourself slack on the hosting duties and ask for, and accept, help where you can: allow guests to bring more dishes and there is no shame in the catering game!
If you’re a guest and you anticipate being served foods you can’t eat, let the host know and offer to bring an option you can enjoy adding to the table.
Dress Code
When you look good, you feel good so take the time to make sure you’re dressed confidently and comfortably.
Choose wisely and focus on what makes you feel great: a holiday gathering can be the perfect time to show off that growing bump (or not.)
Remember who you are…and that your style may be different now! Don’t feel pressure to live up to a pre-pregnancy standard.
Dress for comfort, not competition – you need to only impress yourself.
Bring a backup. (If you’re on the fence about what you’re wearing, having another option is ideal. And who doesn’t love a mid-event wardrobe change?)
Table Talk
Family members (mine at least) are great for offering unsolicited advice. I know that being pregnant prompted a lot of guidance from my family about what I should or shouldn’t be doing while pregnant or after the baby arrived and how I should or shouldn’t be doing it.
Try to keep it all in perspective and be gracious – they’re (usually) trying to help.
Remember who and where it’s coming from – (usually) a loving place!
Be open-minded! You never know what nuggets might stick and prove really useful.
If all else fails, master the ‘smile and nod’ approach. It’s always a safe bet!
If the pandemic is making you pause, don’t be afraid to sit another year out. It’s completely reasonable to be concerned about gathering and your loved ones should be supportive. Listening to your mind and body is the best way to take care of you and that baby.
As with all things pregnancy (and holiday-related), this time is both joyful and stressful, and outlook is everything. Managing your expectations of both pregnancy and the holiday season is likely to help you avoid frustration or disappointment. And remember that neither the holidays nor your pregnancy will last forever!
At Mae, we are here to support you on your pregnancy journey during the holidays and beyond. We hope you find plenty of joy in this time and have a healthy and happy holiday season.
Visit us at MeetMae.com to learn more.
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