Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Resolutions

New Year's resolutions may take on more meaning if you're preparing for the birth of a child in 2013. This year, perhaps for the first time, "join the gym and lose 10 pounds" isn't on the list. At the same time, many of the resolutions you make for a healthy pregnancy look a lot like those you would make for a healthy lifestyle, pregnant or not. For example:

• eat fruit and vegetables daily
• get 8 hours of sleep
• exercise 30 minutes a day
• carve out time for yourself
• ask for help when you need it

For a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, we've compiled a few significant resolutions for you to consider adding to your list this year.

Pregnancy

Listen to your body. If it's telling you to slow down, do all that you can to make it happen. Cereal for dinner? Why not. Nap at 6 p.m.? Yep. On the other hand, if you're feeling great, don't let pregnancy slow you down -- continue your exercise regimen, meet up with friends for dinner, enjoy life!

Learn about evidence-based maternity care. You can't always count on your care provider to give you the best, most up-t0-date care. How will you know if you're not receiving the best care? Learn how to navigate the maternity care system and how you can get the best care.

Labor & Birth

Plan for the best support. Who will attend your birth? Do they support your wishes? Will they provide positive energy? Think carefully about your birth support team. Look into hiring a doula. Share your birth plan with everyone well before labor begins.

Take labor one step at a time. Humans seem to be hardwired to think about what's going to happen next. With labor, it helps to only think about what's happening now. If you can take each contraction, each stage, each moment as it's happening, you'll be better able to put complete focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about what's to come.

Postpartum

Speak up. It's wonderful to have friends and family ooo and ahh at your new little joy. But a house full of visitors can be overwhelming during a time when you're trying to understand a brand new world. Feel free to ask for some time and space alone with your baby. Post visiting hours on your front door or update your Facebook status to let friends know when you're accepting visitors.

Know the signs of postpartum depression/disorders. Postpartum mood disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD, psychosis) affect hundreds of thousands of women every year. With knowledge of the warning signs and access to resources, women who suffer from postpartum mood disorders can and do recover.