Israeli midwives reveal techniques for pregnant mothers on how to deal with stress caused by rocket strikes

Although the recent rocket strikes in Israel have been far from constant, they have caused a significant amount of stress for pregnant mothers in the country. Many of these mothers are naturally worried about the safety of their unborn children. And babies are not waiting for a war to end before they get born.

In order to help pregnant mothers deal with this stress, Israeli midwives have been advising them on a number of different methods. These include exercises like deep breathing, other relaxation techniques, and even meditation. By using these methods, pregnant mothers can help to keep their stress levels under control and provide a higher chance that their unborn child remains safe. The recommendations are simple yet effective and are suited to help probably anyone being in a distressing situation. The following list is a derivative, extended by some other habits you might be able to build beforehand in order to utilize the recommendations even more so.

The first and foremost goal should be to reach a more relaxed state of mind

As Judy Siegel-Itzkovich, author at the Jerusalem Post writes, sentences such as “My baby will arrive in time and join the family that is waiting for him/her” or “I trust myself to know what is good for me and the fetus inside me.”, can empower you when you write them down.

It is crucial to understand that pictures, images, and sounds have an effect from the subconscious to conscious thought. Therefore, it's important to reduce screen time and compensate by thinking about pleasant memories and fascinating photos.

Photo by Ian dooley on Unsplash

Try to spend time with your beloved ones and stay in touch with people living close to you. A U.S. study of 2020 anyway suggests that adults should limit their exposure to social media to 40 - 60 minutes a day for better mental health. A relaxed mind also strengthens the immune system and reduces the secretion of cortisol. Cortisol is known to increase restlessness.

Start with smiling - even if it is forced

It will help to keep you calm, and you will be able to think more clearly. Take a few deep breaths - Inhale through your nose and exhale through the mouth. It may feel silly at first, but it really does work. Try to stop thinking about the situation that is causing you distress. If that does not work, try to change your thoughts and focus on a positive memory instead.

Help others

Talk and if someone has a panic attack ask open questions. These are questions that require a full answer and cannot be answered with yes or no. Being in this conversation will likely help you and the other person.

Try staying close to a safe room or shelter

This will help reduce the feelings of anxiety and insecurity that come with not knowing where to go in the event of a rocket strike. Listening to happy music, singing, and dancing with others - especially when kids are around - will help you to relieve stress and build memories.

Create a support system of family and friends.

This support system can provide a sense of stability and normalcy during times of stress. If you are feeling anxious or angry, try to let it go with a few deep breaths. If you do not feel comfortable doing it alone, ask for help from a friend or family member.

Take care of yourself

This means getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated.

By taking care of their own needs, mothers can better cope with the stress of living in a war zone.

It is to say that these recommendations are meant for pregnant and mothers under extreme stress.

But they surely apply to all of us.