Ideas to Love on YOU for Valentine's Day This Year
February 14th is right around the corner! Do you have big plans for love day this year? Although Valentine’s Day is traditionally spent loving the people around us, it’s also a good reminder to love ourselves. So many women struggle with body image issues during pregnancy—everything is different and changing, and some people don’t even feel like themselves. So why not spend some of the days loving yourself? Take this time to thank your body for doing such a fantastic job growing your baby, and give yourself some appreciation for all your hard work!
Make a Belly Cast
You can do this activity with your friends or your partner. Belly casts turn out the best when you make them in the third trimester, usually between 34 and 36 weeks. Once it's dried, you can paint it however you want and hang it on your wall! It's a precious memory of when your baby lived inside your belly. Belly cast kits are available on Amazon or at a local baby store or craft store.
Plan a Home Spa Day
Pick up some of your favorite scented candles (or use LED candles) and some Epsom salts (the lavender-scented ones are so relaxing!), and then create a comfortable spa atmosphere at your house—light the candles, turn on some soft music, put on a face mask, and soak in your warm bath. Pamper your skin with a sugar scrub to exfoliate, soften it, and moisturize it with cocoa butter when you get out. If you want to feel super fancy, you can warm your towel while you’re soaking, so it’s nice and warm when you step out of the bath!
Book a Prenatal Massage or Have Your Partner Treat You to One
Now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a prenatal massage! Look for reviews for someone who specializes in pregnancy massages in your area, or let your partner be the one to help you relax. Sunflower oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are safe for massage during pregnancy. You can add lavender or chamomile essential oils if you want an additional scent. A massage during pregnancy is a great way to show your body some love and give it a sweet “thank you” for all of the hard work it does during pregnancy.
Plan a Photoshoot
Capture the amazing things happening in your body with a pregnancy photo shoot! You can make this a fun photoshoot by getting pregnancy belly stickers, or you can make it a sexy photo shoot with or without your partner. So please set up a tripod, use your camera’s timer, and go for it!
Make Exercise Fun
Exercise can become more difficult as your body changes during pregnancy, so maybe now is a good time to try something new. Sign up for a prenatal yoga class or join a prenatal walking group. Having other people who are going through the same things and encouraging you through the hard days can make all the difference! Even though it can be hard to keep going, your postpartum recovery will be much easier if you keep exercising until you go into labor. Finding an exercise class is an ideal way to show yourself some love!
Take a Nap
Every day during pregnancy, your body works hard 24/7, growing a baby and sustaining you. You can show yourself some love by taking a well-deserved nap! Rest allows your body to reset and recover from the work it’s doing, so schedule it into your day and love yourself by getting the rest you need.
While you love on your husband or partner, your kids, and your family this Valentine’s Day, remember to spend some time loving on yourself. You are doing amazing things every day! I hope you’ll remember to thank yourself for all you do this Valentine’s Day.
About the Author
Rebekah Mustaleski is a Medical Advisor for Motif Medical. She is a Certified Professional Midwife with Roots & Wings Midwifery, where she promotes evidence-based maternity care for families seeking an out-of-hospital delivery.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
