Hire a doula ;) Buy an exercise ball and sit on it as often as possible. This will relieve back pain, keep your pelvis limber and allow you to practice comfort techniques. Do Kegels in the grocery line-up, at every red light & during commercials. Find a local La Leche League group or get in touch with your local Family Resource Centre. Buy slip-on shoes. It’s hard to tie your shoes when you can’t even see your feet. Ask for help from family and friends for after the birth. Put sticky notes around the house (ex. Please wash me! next to the dirty dishes). Write down the names and numbers of everyone who offers to help. Consider hiring a Postpartum Doula. Pamper yourself. Check out www.skindeep-online.com or Foxy Moon Hair Gallery (444-7675) for blissful, but non-toxic, experiences. Don't go crazy decorating the nursery and buying tonnes of "stuff". Simplify. Try Value Village or Frenchy’s first and remember, baby doesn’t care if it’s new or the right colour. Drink lots of water. Go for a massage. Try to find a massage therapist with a prenatal table. Use a body pillow. Use two. Try yoga. It’s a beautiful way to, not only limber up, but to learn how to listen to your body. Talk to your baby, get your partner to read them a bed time story every night. Involve your partner. You get to interact with baby 24 hours a day, give them some baby time too. Snuggle as often as possible! Visit DoulaNetwork.com, Breastfeeding.com and Kellymom. Make a groaning cake during early labour. This is a beautiful Old English tradition and was meant to be a celebration cake. The original recipe is for fruitcake but I like this recipe because it’s so flexible. INGREDIENTS 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS For a Yellow Cake: Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in shortening until fine crumbs are formed. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Beat at low speed for 1 minute, then high for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl frequently. Variation for a White Cake: Prepare as for the basic cake except use 3 egg whites for the 2 whole eggs. Whites may be beaten separately and added for a lighter cake. Variation for a Chocolate Cake: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the basic cake mix prior to adding the milk. Variation for a Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice to the basic cake mix. Pour batter into greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes.