10 Great Things to do While Waiting For Baby

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Anyone who has waited for a baby to arrive knows that those last days or weeks can pass very slowly. People often get stuck in the rut of watching too many DVDs or re-organising the spice collection because they don't want to go to the trouble of organising an activity just in case they have to cancel. Take back some control of the situation with these (mostly) cheap and easy-to-plan activities. Please share these ideas with a pregnant friend or anyone who has some time on their hands for any reason.

1. Pamper and pretty yourself. What a great way to make a first impression! Plus, you will feel relaxed, enjoy a massage and leave feeling pampered. At the Australian College of Hair and Design, you can get a pedicure for $18, plus you will be helping a student get trained up with experience on a real client. For more details of services, click here . There are salons in Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton and Wodonga. It may be cautious to chat to the student or their instructor about meeting your needs as a pregnant woman, for example, pressure points to avoid during massage and pillows for extra support.



2. Get cooking. How often do you get inspired by an awesome looking recipe, only to think that it is too fiddly and time – consuming? This is the perfect time to attain that holy grail of cookery! Let's be honest, soon you will be less inclined to eat those extra kilojoules, which gives extra reason to cook now. Think decadent, intricate and spectacular and you will be on the right track. I tackled my Nana's legendary Ginger Fluff recipe, but you may be inspired by a croquembouche, pavlova or perfect scones.

3. Pin it. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can be used to bring on a birth when you have passed your due date. Moreover, it is an extremely interesting and relaxing experience. I had never tried acupuncture before but tried it when I was overdue. As a non-medical person, I am not recommending it as a surefire method for inducing your baby. However, I was fascinated to go through the process. I learned about Chinese medicine firsthand; learned how your pulse can be used to determine gender of the baby, saw the collection of natural medicines and had very fine pins stuck in me- some were warmed, others pulsed. I left feeling intrigued but mostly very relaxed and sleepy. To find a local accredited practitioner, go to the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association website.

4. Go shopping. OK, this one might seem obvious, but take the time to plan a shopping expedition for yourself that doesn't scream "filling in time at the local plaza". Is there a local shopping strip you like? Or are you a keen opshopper? For me, it is Daiso, the new 100 yen store in central Melbourne. Lose yourself in the aisles and appreciate the time to yourself (or at least, without a newborn).



5. Accessorise your coffee table. There are heaps of deals online that make this an affordable and impressive way to present your photos. As for a theme for your book, maybe you could record your pregnancy so far, your time as a couple or the travels and adventures you got up to as a single person. In the months and years to come, your photobook will remind you that there is a big, wide world beyond your baby, nappies and feeding.



6. Get scrappy. You might prefer the process of scrapbooking, especially if you have some printed photos and other memorabilia you would like to organise. Many department and craft stores have a scrapbooking section with lots of papers and tools to get you inspired. Scrapbooking for many people is a really engaging and all-consuming project, so be prepared for afternoons to disappear while you consider both the page subject and aesthetics.



7. Walk, talk, cake and coffee. In Melbourne and across Victoria there are so many beautiful places to walk – and conveniently, they often have a café nearby for refuelling! Think St. Kilda promenade, sections of the Yarra Trail, the Fairfield boathouse, the botanical gardens or the Maribyrnong River. Perhaps you'd prefer to choose a leafy suburb and go window shopping for a new home. Alternatively, go for a wander inside at a gallery or museum. You'll also be getting some exercise and perhaps allowing gravity to encourage birth, but that should not be the object. Stop and sit if you need to – it is all about enjoying the experience. And the cake.

8. Hit the books If you are not a regular library user, this is a great time to get in there and find out what is available to you – free – to borrow. Once you are a member, you can go online to search for books, reserve them and arrange for collection at your local branch. Beyond regular books, most collections will have DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers for you to peruse or borrow. You could also find out about infant story times and borrow some books to read to your baby / baby belly.



9. Get crafty. Have a go at making something for your baby or the nursery. You do not need to be Martha Stewart to make something special for your little one; consider bunting, booties, cushions, a collage or a toy. You may have some material around the house that you were keeping to do something with one day? Today's the day!

**10. Write all about it./B] Everyone says it and it is true: it is a special time! Find a journal you like and write about your pregnancy, your doubts, hopes and memories from your own childhood. 10 best moments with your parents? Write them down and see how you get thinking about how you can make your own child's early years memorable. Add some photos and write about them. A journal will get you reflecting on childhood and parenthood, while providing a lasting memento to be shared with your child in years to come.

How did you fill in time waiting for baby?

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