Happy New Year – a time of beginnings and what better example of new beginnings than a planned pregnancy? But it’s not always that easy, is it?

Many things can get in the way of an easy conception, but ensuring you are in the best of health, not overly stressed and have a strong support system around you, will certainly make the journey smoother.

Following the best guidance – eating well, taking folic acid and charting your cycles – is a great starting block for beginning your parenting journey. In this age of modern technology there are even apps for charting your cycle and discovering your most fertile times, ovulation periods and planning your conception.

Pregnancy is an adventure
Once you are pregnant you have one heck of an adventure ahead of you. The changes within your body are monumental and, as the Goddess you are, you should ensure you are well cared for, well-nourished and well rested from day one! Yes, I know women have been giving birth for millennia, but they have not been birthing in the 24/7 working world of modern Britain. Seriously, you are more than entitled to ‘special treatment’ before, during and after your pregnancy because – contrary to popular opinion – it is hard w­­ork!

Now is the time to plan your next nine months, to find ways to fit ‘supreme self-care’ into your daily routine and begin to drop a lot of baggage around ‘should’ and ‘must’. Nothing is more important than your health, especially if you are struck with a serious complication such as Hyperemis Gravidarum (a condition which causes extreme and ongoing nausea, often requiring hospitalisation).

You may remember Princess Kate having this debilitating condition. Well, if you are unfortunate enough to be afflicted, you deserve the Royal treatment and nothing will be more important than taking care of you and your unborn baby. Luckily, we are blessed with excellent medical services and you can rely on the NHS to offer you every intervention available until it is time to deliver your little bundle of joy.

Safe delivery is all that matters
One big thing to remember is that, even after carefully crafting your birth plan according to your deepest desires, the only thing that matters on the big day is that your baby is delivered into the world healthy and you are not traumatised during the delivery. Trauma is very common, especially in assisted births or emergency procedures, and this is where your preparation can be a big help.

If you practice mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation throughout your pregnancy, you are more likely to cope with any unexpected drama should it arise. Ultimately you want to remain centred, grounded and in a place of trust throughout your birth, not only to manage your pain but also to get through any shocks or surprises that baby might throw at you.

Of course the end result is what it is all about and nothing can beat the feeling of elation at holding your new baby in your arms for the first time. Now the adventure really begins!

Read more at robertaleesmart.com.