Finding out that you’re pregnant can be such an exciting time, but for many women, it can also be a period of uncertainty and worry. Concern for their unborn child while also trying to keep themselves healthy can be a source of stress throughout those nine months.
For a first-time mum, the biggest question might be ‘pregnancy: what to expect?‘ While there is no one answer to this question, and everyone’s experiences can be different, we’ve identified some key tips and advice that just about everyone on this journey will find helpful.
Educate yourself on what to expect during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a truly magical time for any woman, but it can also be overwhelming. After all, there are so many changes—physically, mentally,
and emotionally —that you need to be aware of and prepare for during this period.
That’s why educating yourself about what to expect during pregnancy is important. Start by getting the facts about your health and your baby’s. Many women will want to consider taking a childbirth class or attending prenatal yoga sessions in advance. It could also be helpful to talk to other women who have recently gone through pregnancy or are currently pregnant as well.
During this process, make sure you take care of yourself, too—eat a balanced diet with daily prenatal vitamins, try to get adequate sleep, and avoid any hazardous activities or substances that could harm you and your baby. With the right knowledge and self-care, you can create an environment where both you and your baby can thrive!
Make a birth plan and discuss it with your doctor.
When expecting a baby, there are so many questions that can come up as you prepare for childbirth and beyond. One of the most important things you can do is create a birth plan and discuss it with your doctor.
A birth plan helps to ensure that all parties involved understand your expectations for labor and delivery—from the setting in which to give birth to any prenatal tests or interventions you may want.
When preparing your birth plan, it’s important to consider the safety of both mother and baby while also considering your preferences. Be sure to discuss any questions or intentions directly with your doctor. Your hospital may have its own resources and guidelines that can help guide the process.
While birth plans can be helpful tools, do remain flexible and keep an open mind when discussing the details with your doctor, as unexpected events may occur during labor, making alternative arrangements necessary. Creating a birth plan helps you stay on the same page with both yourself and your doctor so you’ll know what to expect come delivery day!
Remember to discuss your expectations carefully with your healthcare provider before creating a formal action plan! Having this kind of communication in place will go a long way toward ensuring everything runs smoothly when it’s time for the baby to arrive.
Start stocking up on supplies for the baby’s arrival.
Having a baby can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time, and one way to combat some of the uncertainty is to start stocking up on supplies for the baby’s arrival. There are several items that should be purchased ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition when the little one arrives.
Before you enter the store, however, it’s important to understand which items are important and necessary so that you don’t waste money or buy unnecessary things.
- To begin with, look for diapers and wipes in bulk; having several packages on hand will save you stress in the middle of night diaper changes.
- Make sure to also pick up a few bottles and breast pumps if you plan to bottle feed or pump your baby’s milk.
- Additionally, purchase several sets of clothing in different sizes just in case your baby grows faster than expected.
- Other necessities include blankets, sleepers, burp cloths, diaper bags, and pacifiers.
Once this list is complete and you have all necessary items stored away safely, you can focus more easily on preparing for your new family member!
Prepare your home for the new addition.
Becoming a parent can be both an exciting and daunting time. Taking steps to prepare your home for the new addition is essential to ensure that your little one will have a safe and comfortable environment.
Babyproofing
One of the most important things is baby-proofing your home, as babies are often keen to explore and get into places they shouldn’t. This means putting covers over power outlets, keeping sharp corners covered with padding, or installing child-proof locks on cabinets and doors.
Larger purchases
Additionally, you’ll want to consider purchasing items like a crib, diaper changing table, humidifier, rocker or glider chair, and an infant bath seat. At first, it may seem intimidating to think of all the supplies needed for a baby but rest assured, there are plenty of resources available online or in stores where you can find advice on what items may be suitable for your family’s needs.
Planning reduces last-minute panics!
With everything prepared ahead of time, you won’t need to worry about rushing out at the last minute; instead, you’ll be able to focus on getting settled in with your new bundle of joy as soon as they arrive! After all, being well prepared can help make those precious newborn days a success. Not only that, but it also sets up happy memories for years down the line too!
Join or start a mommy group for support and advice
Being a mom is an incredible joy, but it can also often be incredibly daunting. The constant challenge of trying to raise your child while balancing the demands of everyday life means that regularly checking in with other moms is invaluable. Joining an existing mommy group or starting your own is an excellent way to get support and advice both online and in person.
These groups provide a friendly space to share experiences, stories, and tips. They can also help moms stay up-to-date on the latest products, parenting tools, and health information. A mommy group can be as big as a regular meeting group at a local church or library or as small as a virtual text message or private Facebook group – no matter the size, alone time for moms can quickly become time together with friends.
Stock up on food and drinks for those late nights with the baby
Having an infant can be overwhelming and exhausting. Those late nights spent rocking the baby and trying to soothe them, or maybe just staring at them with bleary eyes wishing that morning would arrive sooner. Well, those moments are infinitely more bearable when you have plenty of food and drinks!
Stocking up on pre-made meals, snacks, easy-to-eat fruit, juices and sports drinks will help you stay hydrated and give you the energy your body needs. If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding (or both!), it can be helpful to keep healthy food nearby. Even something as simple as keeping a bag of trail mix by your side can make a huge difference.
Having snacks nearby makes it easier to refuel when you don’t have time for a complete meal but need something nourishing to get through the night. So stock up on nutritious, convenient food items before the baby arrives and make those late nights a little more bearable! You won’t regret it!
Our Roundup
All in all, there are plenty of things to do to get ready for a new baby. The most important thing is to stay positive and take everything one step at a time. And don’t forget to enjoy this special time – it goes by quickly!
