Disclaimer – no, I am NOT pregnant.

I did, however, learn over the weekend that you can teach anyone (in my case my husband) how to walk like a pregnant woman.  Without further ado, here’s the quick go-to guide:

How to Walk like you’re Pregnant

  1. Procure a pair of snowshoes.
  2. Find a snow covered area for hiking.
  3. Awkwardly bend over and strap on snowshoes.
  4. Point toes slightly out to the side and begin walking.
  5. For added effect, place a 40 – 60 lb. backpack on frontwards.
  6. Keep walking for at least an hour for the full “pregnant lady” simulation.

This effective how to guide will soon replace the common “put on the weighted boobs and baby bump” that my husband and I experienced in our birthing class.  He wore it for a full two minutes – just like the other dads, and just like the other moms, I laughed and shook my head, thinking, “You have NO clue what this is like.”  Snowshoeing was spot-on for the pregnant waddle.

Though we’re standing still in the pictures below, trust me, we were both waddling.  The pictures were taken in Door County, Wisconsin at Peninsula State Park.  This is otherwise known as the “thumb” in the mitten shape of the state of Wisconsin. Daddy O. and I enjoyed a little kid-free weekend getaway (yes, this IS late March in Wisconsin). Since we live here (and plan to for years to come), we are deciding to embrace winter and get into more outdoor activities, making snowshoeing a great choice! The park was so peaceful and quiet – a stark contrast from the warmer summer months.

Plus, Door County is a cherry lover’s paradise. We indulged in cherry stuffed french toast, cherry juice, cherry pastries, cherry soda / wine…it seems the cherry options are endless! My husband LOVED it!

All in all it was a beautiful, relaxing, and delicious way to recharge – something all parents / couples need from time to time. What do you like to do on your getaways?

How else do you simulate pregnancy to help others understand how it feels?  Do you have any suggestions other than snowshoeing?

Daddy O. – on the trails
View of Horseshoe Island from Pennisula State Park
Mama O rocking the snowshoes
The more difficult portion of the trail, under the lake’s bluffs
Looking directly up at the bluffs
View of the frozen lake and Horseshoe Island from the bluffs
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