Diving Deep with Tips to Prepare for Parenthood
Featuring The Herb Shoppe's Parent-To-Be-Flower Essence
Spring is in the air, for how can you ignore the bees buzzing in the trees, the colorful, aromatic flowers blossoming or the brave, fledgling birds leaving their nests? This is the time of year, with sweet abundance all around, that may have you thinking about starting a family of your own. Perhaps there feels like an overwhelming number of things to consider when your own season of conception begins, but before checking out every single book on what to expect when you’re expecting at your local library, check out these 5 helpful tips that will help you get on the right road to building a healthy family.
Consider a Pet First
A pet is a great way to break into parenting gently with your partner or family. It’s still an important responsibility and a new relationship, so in many ways, it mimics introducing a child into the grand picture but on a smaller scale. If you chose to get a puppy or a pet that is not housebroken, there are spill-ups to clean up after, house training and other obedience training to do, and sleepless nights – you get the picture. Even a pet with fewer demands still needs care and attention, and how you each tend to your new animal can teach each other about how you may choose to parent your future children as well.
Keep Yourself on Your Toes – Literally
Exercise can actually increase your fertility, as studies show that it decreases ovulatory-related infertility when performed for over half an hour a day. Balance is key, however, as similar studies have also found that infertility rose if exercise was too intense or went on too long (over 60 minutes per day). Once you have a toddler running around, you’ll also be glad that you’re in shape. Keeping up with your children will keep them healthier as well, and as they grow you can all participate in outdoor activities together. This will keep you all in better health and will show your kids that healthy activities are normal and fun.
Update Your Diet
The miraculous growth a new human being requires means that your body will need specific nutrients in greater quantities than it normally would. The most important nutrients for the growth of the fetus are folate, iron, iodine, and Vitamin D. You can find these elements in whole grain cereals, wheat germ, and bran flakes, as well as lean meats, eggs, lentils, dark leafy greens like spinach or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, hazelnuts, walnuts, or potatoes. It is more important than ever to consider what goes into your body now as you’ll soon be eating for two. Staying away from junk food, sugar, alcohol, and food additives, and choosing these nourishing options instead, begins building a better place for your little one to grow.
Take a Truthful Look at Your Habits
If you want your children to lead a healthy lifestyle, now is the time for you and your partner or family to start practicing what you hope to preach to your children. Developing regular routines may also be wise so that your kids will learn what to expect as far as bedtimes and playtimes. On top of not wanting to pass on bad habits to the next generation, smoking, drug use, drinking, and unhealthy food choices can also contribute to poor sperm quality if you are trying to conceive. Sperm health and sperm quality actually begin to decline around the age of 25, so you’re never too young to adopt healthier habits.
Flower Essences
Bach flower remedies were developed by Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician, in the 1930s who believed that most physical illnesses could be attributed to emotional and psychological issues. Bach’s remedies work by restoring balance to the body's energy system and by addressing emotional and psychological imbalances. Bach flower remedies are natural, gentle, and safe to use during pregnancy. They can be particularly helpful during periods of change, such as welcoming a new addition to your family. Try Parent-To-Be Flower Essence, a propriety blend of Cerato, Chamomile, Corn, Lavender, Manzanita, Mariposa Lily, Star Tulip, and Walnut flower essences in distilled water and cane alcohol. Cerato will give you confidence in your ability to make wise decisions. Chamomile and Lavender soothe and release emotional tension, especially any held in the stomach and solar plexus area. Corn brings a grounded presence while Manzanita promotes healthy perceptions of your sexuality, allowing for freedom of expression and emphasizing deep unconditional love and appreciation for your body. Mariposa Lily is a wonderful mothering flower essence, giving a warm, feminine, and nurturing energy while Star Tulip asks that you remain receptive and attuned. Finally, Walnut is the best remedy to help you accept and move forward positively during a period of great change. Obviously, this blend is perfect for the special season that is conception and family planning so don’t hesitate to add it to your overall strategy.
These tips are just meant to help get you started on a new adventure – one that millions of people have been making for centuries. So even if you feel overwhelmed, remember that we’ve been doing this for eons now – family planning is not a new concept by any means! So, take a deep breath and a few drops of Parent-To-Be-Flower Essence, and realize, you got this!
