Pregnancy Prep: Tips for Parents-to-Be on Getting Ready Without the Stress
Preparing for a new baby can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. There are so many things to think about and so many tasks to take care of that it can easily become overwhelming. No matter how exciting this time is, it can also be filled with anxiety even if you’ve done it before.
Many parents-to-be feel pressured to make sure everything is absolutely perfect for the arrival of their baby. And from the nursery to the bottles, you’ll also probably face opinions about every detail of the process, both online and from well-meaning friends and family members. This can leave you feeling exhausted during a time when you should be resting.
However, there are things you can do to ensure you and your home are well-prepared for the new addition. By planning as early as possible, you can take some of the stress out of the situation, so get organized. Think about what would make life easier, both now and after the baby is born.
A few things to consider include:
●Making meals to freeze a couple of weeks before your due date
●Asking friends and family to help out with chores during the first week with baby
●Making sure pets will be taken care of during your hospital stay
Here are tips on how to leave stress out of the equation when you’re preparing for a new baby.
Get Organized for Both You and Baby
One of the best ways to get organized when a baby is on the way is to find a store that has everything you need for both your pregnancy and your little one. Stores like Walmart, Target or Kohls can help you save money on all the items you need to make sure your pregnancy is comfortable and safe. These stores have everything from maternity pillows to pregnancy journals, and most offer a baby registry so your friends and family members can help you stock up on the essentials.
Plan for Maternity Leave
The weeks after you give birth are some of the most important for both you and baby; this is a time for you to rest and bond with your child, so it’s important to make the most of your maternity leave. Planning well in advance will help ensure that you’re able to relax and stay comfortable during this time, so talk to your partner and family members as you prepare. Securing help with household chores, planning meals, and setting aside time for visitors are all great ways you can make your maternity leave stress-free.
Learn What to Expect for Delivery
Labor and delivery can be stressful, painful, and overwhelming for new parents, so it’s important to learn all you can about the process so you’ll know what to expect beforehand. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, talk to your doctor about possible complications and how to manage them. Decide now whether you want to have a natural delivery or an epidural, and create a birth plan that includes delivery classes.
Make Postpartum Life as Easy as Possible
Healing from the delivery and getting used to a new and demanding schedule can take a toll on your mind and body, so it’s important to take steps to make this time as comfortable as possible. Set up an area near your bed to keep extra supplies to make middle-of-the-night feedings easy—a comfortable yet flattering nursing nightgown can help with nighttime feedings. Also, a supportive, lightweight, and functional carrier from Clevr+ is ideal for transporting your baby around when you’re out and about.
Work out a schedule that allows you to get rest when you can. Set up a calendar so you can keep track of your doctor’s appointments, as there will be quite a few for both you and baby.
Preparing for pregnancy and a new baby is a big job, but it can also be an extremely happy time. Learning how to reduce stress during the process will help you enjoy it all, so keep communication open with your loved ones so they can assist you. With a little planning, you can ease into the joys of parenthood.