It takes 60 seconds to relax for one minute. One minute of calm,
quiet, restorative focus can be just enough to get you past the moment
of anxiety where you think you are going to loose it. Set a timer if
you have to, one minute is a long time. It can be very easy to fall
into a mind set that you no longer have ‘time’ for yourself, or that
you couldn’t’ possibly rest (not sleep) just rest since there is always
so much to do. Someone told me once “Babies need mothers not martyrs.”
And it’s true. No one wins if you are too tightly wound to enjoy life.
You may not have the time that you used to, but you will. Everything is
going to be okay, starting now. Remember, you are Gorgeous, confident,
strong and are a great mother.

PS…Many women go into their delivery with a birth plan and if they
stray from the plan or if the unexpected occurs they can hold on to
feelings of guilt, failure or resentment. Try to approach your labor
relaxed and with the peace of knowing that your body is going to do
what your body is going to do. You can think and plan all day long, but
you body (as in mind/body connection) may have missed the memo. Trust
yourself and trust your body, believe in your body. If you have issues
regarding your delivery because things didn’t go as planned, now is the
time to let it go. Even if you have ten babies this is a physical
miracle that will only happen a few times in your life. Your body has a
mind all it’s own and it will perform and ‘deliver’ what it can.
Separate for a moment, mind and body and be grateful for the strength
and power of your body. While it is important to allow yourself the
reflection and time to heal emotionally, holding on to regretful
feelings will only hold you back from the beauty of the life before
you. You did it! The baby is here and this life is just beginning!