From the editor

Ilove a new leaf! Every Monday is a chance to start again; so is every first of the month; and of course every new year. But the biggest chance at a new leaf you’ll ever get is during your pregnancy. Of course, we all know in broad terms how to live good, healthy lives. However, in our premotherhood years we will often work too hard, party too hard, eat on the run or not at all, waste time in relationships that don’t nourish us, and put our own well-being rather low down on a long to-do list. We’ll take risks and even expose ourselves to potential harm. How quickly the picture changes, though, when we find out that another life is at stake – the most precious life ever: that of your future child. As 2017 changes into 2018 and you await the birth of your baby, please take my message to heart: If you want to be a good mother, look after yourself first. Mother yourself a little. This is not a luxury, but a necessity. Take time to think about what kind of parent you want to be, what kind of child you want to raise and the kind of home life you want to create. Then decide what needs to change. Maybe you simply want to eat more fruit and vegetables. Maybe you want to quit smoking, or maybe you need to get out of a bad relationship. Your decision will take courage and you’ll need determination to see your choices through. Fortunately, for us women, this is easier when we do it with a baby in mind and not just for ourselves. We’re just wired that way, and it really is quite wonderful. Your Pregnancy is here to support you in your decisions and the new leaf you want to turn. Please support us in 2018 as well and keep the letters and connection going. Hugs