Baby Steps

Getting back to work after having had my third baby (who is about to turn one next week) has had me pondering about space. Not stars and planets, but the space in your life for new things, be they people or projects or whatever.

We talk about 'making time' for things, but we're kidding ourselves really. We can't make time. We can only redistribute it; prioritise differently.

One of the things that can be hard in pregnancy, whether it's your first or your fourth, is making the space to really focus on the new life growing inside you. To give you and your baby time to just be together. This can be especially hard if you've lost a baby, at whatever stage. This new little bean may feel too tentative, too fragile, to really allow yourself to acknowledge. But whenever you feel you can make that connection, you're building a relationship that will last a lifetime.

Practicalities. How do you do it? I know lots of people have found it hard to find the time to do the things they'd like to to support themselves through their pregnancy and to prepare for birth (and beyond). Finding the reason for the lack of time can be helpful. Is there something worrying you? Could you do with more emotional or practical support?

Is there anything you could drop or adapt to give you just a minute (literally) each day where you could turn inwards and say hi to your little one? It doesn't have to be a Big Thing. You don't have to be artfully arranged on a white sofa wearing yoga pants. You could be in the shower, on the loo or waiting for the kettle to boil to take a few deep breaths and check in with your baby. This can, of course, be harder when you already have a child or more; but look for those little moments in the day where a minute of quiet presents itself. I know, I know; easier said than done. But give it a go and see what happens.

Starting small – baby steps – will help you to make space in your days (and your heart) for your baby. As time goes on, one minute may become five, or ten, or one minute many times a day. Then carving out the time to do the things you want to do will feel more possible.