Our big festive tip for the perinatal season: simplify
As you try to navigate this season, try to incorporate and remember some of these tips from our Perinatal Peer Support Group:
- Choose one priority a day.
- Small steps count: breathe, move, message a friend, spend time outdoors.
- Your pace is the right pace – say yes to help.
- Rest is productive – keep feeds and rest your non-negotiables.
Remember, babies don’t need “perfect” – they need you.
Three gentle practices for today:
- Name it: Name your feelings. “I’m feeling [anxious, sad, overwhelmed] and that’s understandable. The perinatal period can be both magical and messy.
- Ground it: 5-4-3-2-1. Look around you, name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel/touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. Or this could be a breathing practice – breathe in gently through your nose for a count of 4 and then breathe out slowly for a count of 6-8. Repeat 5 times.
- Share it: Tell someone how you are – whether this a family member, a health professional, a friend. Texts count. Support is a strength.