I honor my changing body...

© madaise

Pregnancy is a time of seemingly never ending changes. Your breasts change size and shape... your belly expands and makes room for your growing belly. You look and feel different. Honor those changes...

Take a picture every week, in the same place and position. Make a silhouette picture every month of your ever changing baby belly and breasts. Henna your belly. Paint your belly. Show off your decorated belly off now that it's getting warmer. Wear clothes that emphasize your changing shape.

And make a belly cast - a three-dimensional mask that you can decorate or leave plain. This is my very favorite memento of pregnancy... they're perfect for actually being able to see and feel and remember where your gorgeous baby lived before he or she was born. You can do just your belly - sometimes called a belly bowl, your belly and breasts or even one with your arms cradled around your tummy in a permanent hug. Kits are available online and in local pregnancy shops or you can just visit a medical supply shop for fast drying plaster gauze. Messy and fun and well worth the time.

Whatever you do to honor your changing shape, remember it is all for the beautiful babe inside you and the mother you are becoming. Honor the changes... all of them! How did you or how will you honor the changes?

I co-create new life... I am blessed.

© unfurl

When we are pregnant, we are the co-creators of life. Never in our lives can we feel so close to the divine as during these nine months. From the positive pregnancy test to the first little flutters of life, and the beginning pangs of labor on the threshold of birth...

Treasure each and every day of your pregnancy. Honor and celebrate yourself and your baby. Each little movement your baby makes is an amazing, everyday miracle. A blessing.

Feel blessed, and know you are...

I am powerful, pregnant and proud!

Kristie Moore finally took to the ice Monday night in Women's Curling at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. She's nearly six months pregnant and is the alternate or fifth member of Canada's Women's Curling team. The Canadian team won that game 6-2, defeating Sweden in their quest for a gold medal.

Moore is only the third woman in Olympic history to have competed while pregnant and is the furthest along. Figure skater Magda Julin of Sweden skated to gold in her first trimester back in 1920. And in Torino in 2006, Diana Sartor competed in the scary-looking sport of Skeleton and placed fourth overall.

While you may not ever compete in the Olympics while pregnant, take some inspiration from the soon-to-be mama who rubs her belly for luck before each match, and feel powerful, pregnant & proud...

Go Mama! Go Baby! Go Canada!

I am in tune with my body and my baby.

©Amethyst Photography

Are you listening to your body? What is it trying to tell you? Not quite sure? Then take a two-minute retreat from your day and listen, really listen. If you can, sit down somewhere comfortable and close your eyes. Breathe in slow and deep... breathe out just as long. Relax and try to quiet your stray thoughts. When you're ready, do a quick self-check of your body from head to toe. Are your feet sore? Are you hungry? Do you need to go outside? See something beautiful? Do you need a mental break from what you are doing? A physical break?

Sometimes women find it easier to sit down, close their eyes and ask their baby what they need. "What do you need right now, little one? Spinach salad with strawberries, red onions, feta and raspberry dressing? A tummy rub? A nap with your mama?"

Whatever you discover, make an effort to try and do what your body needs - what your baby needs. You'll be a happier, content mama with a happier, content baby.

I am already a good mother to my baby.

© Torsten Mangner

As a pregnant woman, you have already started to make decisions for you and your baby. Everything from choosing a care provider to what you had for breakfast this morning. As birth approaches, take a few minutes now and then to reflect on how far you've already come on your journey to motherhood. Trust those developing instincts. One decision at a time. You are already a good mother...

Shh... my baby is listening.

Pregnant mamas often find themselves the target of someone else's advice about pregnancy, labor and child rearing. The sight of a baby bump often compels complete strangers to share their stories of labor and birth, much of which dwells on the negative. If someone is telling you their story, feel free to interrupt them and say, "Shh... my baby is listening. Positive stories only, please..."

I love my blossoming belly!

© katinalynn

Your belly cradles, protects and nurtures your growing babe - it's beautiful. There are so many ways to honor and celebrate your baby belly. Try taking a picture once a week, in the same pose. Gently massage your belly with a belly oil or lotion daily - it may not prevent stretch marks, but it feels great and does help with itchiness. Choose clothes that emphasize that luscious belly, and make you feel good. Remember you are a fertile goddess...

I am ready for my new path as a mother. I will embrace the change.

The passage from maiden to mother is one of the most tremendous changes in a woman's life. And going from a mother of one to two, three or more is just as important. Finding your own individual way on the path starts during pregnancy... there are so many directions and only one of them is uniquely yours. Trust your instincts, be open to new experiences, and eventually you'll find your way...

I trust my inner voice; she is a worthy ally.

Mother's intuition develops during pregnancy. Your inner voice has always been there, yet somehow it changes and you are more able to feel and act upon what she is telling you. Listen to her, for she has the wisdom of your foremothers...

As I nurture new life, I nurture myself. I will take some time for me.

© sean dreilinger

I know it's hard to find time for yourself. Sometimes the only time I have to myself is a few minutes in the washroom, and occasionally thanks to my toddler, not even then! But, even if it's only for a few minutes after you've climbed into bed, take a minute or two, breathe in deeply, breathe out the tension and just be...