Now you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy – have you considered keeping a diary? Even women who have never kept a journal – or haven’t used one since their school days – should consider writing a diary during their pregnancy. Whether you take out the old-fashioned notebook and pen or decide to go digital with your pre-childbirth thoughts and experiences, writing in a pregnancy diary is a wonderful idea. Why keep a pregnancy diary? The nine months of your pregnancy will be unlike any other period of your life, and tracking this time will help you re-live the magical moments (and the not-so-magical moments!) in the future. Not only can keeping a pregnancy diary be a fulfilling experience for you, but it can also help you gain rich insights into yourself. You might find your pregnancy reveals aspects of your personality you would otherwise never discover. How to keep a pregnancy diary The first thing you need to understand is that there is no ‘correct’ way to keep a pregnancy diary. If the way you approach it helps you get through the tough times and reflect on the process, you’ve already achieved the primary goal. Expecting mothers sometimes get hung up on what they’re ‘supposed’ to write about. Don’t let this bother you. Simply channel your raw thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the words that come naturally to you. If you’re a perfectionist who needs everything to sound right, you can always go over it and edit after writing! As with keeping any kind of journal, the hardest part is often remembering to keep it updated. The best way to solve this might be to set aside a pre-planned, specific time of every day (or second day) for writing. Obviously your pregnancy diary won’t always be your top priority, but it’s important that you value this allocated time in order to get the most out of it. For professional assistance with any aspect of your pregnancy, please contact our clinic. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and […]

Having your first baby marks an exciting new phase of your life. However, being a new mum isn’t always the wonderful experience you might imagine it to be. In particular, a newborn inevitably leads you to sacrificing some of the quality time you previously spent with friends and family. While bonding with baby is certainly special and essential, the disconnect from the outside world can leave you feeling isolated. Here are some ideas for coping with loneliness as a new mum. Join a mums group, make new friends You’re never alone as a new mummy. Set up some catch-ups with friends who have also become parents recently or consider giving a mothers’ group a go. Spending time with other women who are in the same situation as you can be immensely helpful and make a big difference to your feelings of loneliness. Start a new hobby or course for you or bub if time permits! Whilst having a new baby can be time consuming as well as exhausting it is important to try and do something for yourself. If you are feeling like you need company then consider start a new hobby or short course if time permits – even if it is for an hour a week to get you out and meeting other people. If you aren’t able to then create a new hobby for bub that means you meet people too such as a Gymboree class or swimming classes when old enough. You’ll potentially meet mums with children the same age and keep bub active at the same time which can be a great way to get some vital interpersonal interaction into your routine! Don’t hesitate to ask for help Sometimes prolonged feelings of isolation after becoming a mum can be a sign of postnatal depression. If you experience extended or intense feelings of sadness after welcoming your new child into the world, don’t be afraid to seek help from your doctor or a counsellor. Our clinic specialises in assisting women during and after pregnancy. For advice about coping with anything – including loneliness after giving birth […]