You Matter Too: Self-Care During Pregnancy & Birth Prep
It’s Not Just About the Baby—You Matter Too
It’s a funny thing that happens during pregnancy. As soon as you share the news, the questions start rolling in:
"When are you due?"
"Is it a boy or a girl?"
"Do you have a name picked out yet?"
Everyone is thrilled for the baby—and rightly so. New life is indeed a miracle. But somewhere along the way, the focus shifts almost entirely to the little one growing inside you.
And it can start to feel like... you've faded into the background. Yet, you are still there with all the emotions, the physical demands (nausea, tiredness, hormonal shifts), the decisions, the appointments, the late-night worries, and the never-ending mental checklist of things to prepare. You might be smiling and answering baby questions on the outside while quietly wondering "Who's checking on me?"
But mama, can I remind you of something?
You matter too.
Not just as the beautiful vessel bringing this baby into the world, but as a whole, complex, incredible human being walking through one of the most powerful transitions of her life.
Your body is doing extraordinary work. Your mind is carrying invisible mental lists and questions. Your heart is stretched with hopes, fears, and maybe even a little uncertainty about what lies ahead.
So let me say it again: you deserve care too.
Care that’s just for you.
Care that’s not about measuring belly growth or checking baby kicks—but about your own peace, your own strength, and your own experience.
This is exactly why we believe in the power of Doula support.
Yes, a Doula is there for your birth—but she’s also there for you before and after. To listen. To guide. To remind you that your voice, your preferences, and your emotional and physical well-being all deserve space in this journey into parenthood.
You don’t have to carry it all. You were never meant to.
This journey may be centered around a baby—but never forget, you were the beginning of it all.
Take care of you, too.
Contributing Writer(s) for CFBN: Janet Farmer of Bellies-2-Babies. This content may contain opinions that may or may not be shared by all CFBN Members. The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice; it is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical health professional.
About the Author
Janet Farmer is a seasoned birth professional with over 30 years of experience as a Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Doula Trainer. She is the owner of Bellies-2-Babies Doula Agency and the founder of The Doulas’ Mentor. Janet is passionate about supporting families through the journey into parenthood, as well as training and guiding new and aspiring Birth Doulas in building thriving, sustainable businesses. When she's not teaching Birth Classes, attending a birth or mentoring Doulas, Janet enjoys slow mornings with coffee on the porch, spending time with her hubby, adult children and 11 grandchildren, and beach time.
