Caregivers in Magnolia, WA
Making the decision to be a family caregiver for your elderly parents gives you a unique opportunity to bond with your loved ones, spend extra time with them, and truly show them how much their love, care, and support have meant to you throughout your life. When you step into this role, your caregiver responsibilities may take over a tremendous amount of your time, energy, and attention. If you are pregnant, however, it is important to carefully balance the attention you give your parents and the focus you place on your pregnancy to ensure you stay strong and healthy while still giving your elderly parents the care and assistance they need and deserve.
Balancing caregiving and pregnancy is about understanding your parents’ needs as well as your own and finding ways to meet both efficiently. Use these tips to help you enjoy both of your roles during this exciting time in your life:
• Get your rest. Most pregnant women experience fatigue and very low energy during their pregnancy, particularly during their first and early second trimester, and then the end of their third trimester. Even if you do not feel tired, however, you need to make sure you get plenty of rest throughout your pregnancy. Your body is working hard to grow your baby and it needs all of the energy it can get to do it properly. Find ways throughout the day to rest, even if it means sitting down while you fold laundry or taking a quick nap at the same time your parents do.
• Avoid heavy lifting. Lifting during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, can result in your abdominal muscles separating, pulling, or tearing. While this is not dangerous to your baby, it can be uncomfortable and even painful for you. Avoid lifting heavy items or supporting too much of your parents’ body weight. If your parents need extensive mobility or transferring assistance, consider hiring a home care provider to handle these specific tasks during your pregnancy.
• Bond with your mother. Pregnancy is a very special time and a great opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with your mother. During these months and when your baby is born you will get a much stronger perspective on your relationship with her and things you went through when you were younger, so take this chance to spend more time with her, talk about your experiences, and get her advice. Even if you do not agree with all of her ideas about pregnancy, childbirth, or infant care, just talking with her gives you much-needed support and builds lasting, meaningful memories.
• Put plans into place. You do not want your aging loved ones to experience a lapse in their care and assistance when your baby arrives, but babies are notorious for arriving unexpectedly. As soon as you enter your third trimester, begin planning for your “maternity leave” from being a caregiver. Consider hiring a care provider to start in the last few weeks of your pregnancy so you can focus on preparing for your baby and can feel confident your parents have the care they need no matter when your little one makes his appearance.
• Combine responsibilities. After your baby arrives, find ways to combine your caregiver and new parent responsibilities. Spending time with your newborn is wonderful for your parents’ mental and emotional health, and bringing the baby along with you allows you to continue being a part of your parents’ care without worrying about your newborn.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Magnolia, WA, or the surrounding areas, please contact SYNERGY HomeCare of Seattle at 206-420-4934.
