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50 HOOK the wisdom of those who came before us. In the final days before birth, when the world hums with the fullness of spring, I feel both an eagerness and a s3ll- ness se4le within me. There is a sacred quiet before the storm of change, a moment where everything is calm on the edge of transforma3on. I step outside one last 3me before labor begins, barefoot in the grass, feeling the earth solid beneath me. Above, the maple tree sways gently, its branches full and alive. It has grown without force, without doubt, simply trus3ng the seasons to carry it forward. I take a deep breath, place a hand on my belly, and whisper the words I know I need to hear: You are ready. You are growing. You are enough. HOLISTIC PReGNANCy & NATuRAL BIRTH BOOKS The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Preg- nancy & Childbirth by Genevieve Howland — A great guide for those seeking a natural approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Covers nu- tri3on, remedies, and mindful birth planning. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin —A must-read for those interested in natural birth. Wri4en by one of the world's leading mid- wives, it includes inspiring birth stories and prac3cal advice. The First Forty Days: The essen-al Art of Nourish- ing the New Mother by Heng Ou —Focuses on postpartum recovery, self-care, and nourishing the body through tradi3onal healing foods. Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Op-mal Prenatal Nutri-on by Lily Nichols —A deep dive into holis3c, nutrient-dense ea3ng for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, early Motherhood—and Trus-ng yourself and your Body by Erica Chidi Cohen — A beau3fully wri4en guide that blends science with intui3on, covering pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Birthing from Within by Pam England —Encourages a mindful, intui3ve approach to childbirth with a focus on emo3onal prepara3on and birth as a trans- forma3ve journey. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Heal- ing your Body, Balancing your emo-ons, and Restoring your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson — A holis3c guide to postpartum recovery, helping mothers heal physically and emo3onally. Nourish With Inten-on Eat fresh, vibrant foods that make you feel energized and connected to the life grow- ing within. Think of it as tending to your inner garden. Move With Love Whether it's a slow walk beneath blooming trees, prenatal yoga, or gentle stretching, movement is a way to honor your changing body. Rest Without Guilt Just as seeds grow in the darkness of the soil, your body needs moments of s3llness. Sleep, nap, and allow yourself deep rest. Create Rituals of Connec-on Place your hands on your belly, journal your thoughts, or take a moment each day to simply breathe and feel your baby's presence. Prepare a Postpartum Sanctuary Gather nourishing meals, cozy blankets, and suppor3ve voices to carry you through the early days of motherhood. Lean Into Support Pregnancy is not meant to be walked alone. Reach out to loved ones, midwives, doulas, and those who can hold space for you. Trust the Process Just as spring unfolds at its own pace, so too does pregnancy. You are growing, transforming, and blooming in exactly the way you are meant to. www.calonews.com/health/column-embracing- the-mexican-cuarentena-a#er-i-gave-birth/ar3- cle_1749862a-e217-11ee-b5f5-df1564d70882.html Tending To Your Own Growth Self-Care for Pregnancy

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