Pregnancy is a time of wonder, anticipation, and, of course, countless questions and concerns. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the huge amount of advice, books, online resources, and social media accounts.
But what if we told you that there's a slightly different approach to pregnancy, one that is followed by French moms with great success?
Let's take a closer look at how French mums do pregnancy with a French touch.
A Balanced Diet
French cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors and balanced approach to eating. French moms-to-be often follow a well-rounded diet during pregnancy, with a strong focus on fresh, whole foods.
They embrace the idea of "manger équilibré", or balanced eating, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. They also believe in the importance of enjoying everything in moderation, including the occasional treat.
Staying Active
Staying active during pregnancy is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and easier delivery.Â
French women are known for their love of walking over driving, and many continue this habit during their pregnancy. Prenatal yoga and swimming are also popular choices, helping them maintain flexibility and strength.
Stress Management
French culture values a slower pace of life and relaxation, which extends to pregnancy.Â
French moms are known for taking time for themselves and finding ways to manage stress. Whether it's through reflexology, yoga, long baths, or simply enjoying a good book, they believe that pregnancy is a time to keep stress at bay and take care of themselves.
Prenatal Care
In France, thanks to an affordable and well developed healthcare system, most future moms receive care from both a midwife and a gynecologist throughout their pregnancy.
Midwives provide continuous support and guidance during pregnancy, fostering a sense of trust and companionship for the new mom and dad to be.
Breastfeeding and Baby-Led Weaning
French mothers tend to embrace breastfeeding and often follow a more flexible approach to introducing solid foods through baby-led weaning.
They believe in allowing their babies to develop their own tastes and preferences, promoting independence from an early age.
Minimalist Baby Gear
In contrast to the abundance of baby gear and gadgets often seen in other western countries, French mothers tend to be more minimalist in their approach. They focus on the essentials, prioritizing quality over quantity.
A final note…
While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy, it's worth considering some of the practices and philosophies of French moms. Whether it's their balanced diet, emphasis on self-care, or their minimalist approach to baby gear, there's something undeniably appealing about the way French mums do pregnancy with a French touch.
Ultimately, what matters most is a happy and healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby, no matter which cultural influences you choose to embrace.