If you are going to be a first-time mother, then the thought can be rather daunting. There is no job in the world that is more important than bringing a new life into the world, and you have found yourself in that position. One of the first things you need to remember is that is a natural process. Women have been mothers since the dawn of time, and this is no different. You were born with an innate ability to nurture and care for your newborn so let this ease your initial worries. The other is that having a baby will change your life. You will have a full-time dependant, so you will not have the freedom you once had. It will also have a major effect on your priorities, the way you think, and your values. What was once of primary importance to you may well fall by the wayside, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. The fact is, having a baby could be the making of you, and there is so much to look forward to:
Have a Plan
Your life is going to change, and there is no getting around that fact. However, you can mitigate your feelings of uncertainty by doing a little research and creating a plan for when the baby is born. The plan, otherwise called a parenting checklist, will help you manage the day-to-day and take some of the stress away. Perhaps you need to create a budget as being a parent is not a cheap experience. Maybe you need to save as much as you can beforehand, depending on what your maternity options are at work. Even if you do have a good maternity option, you will want as much backup as possible, so saving is a great thing to do in any case. You need to find out exactly how long you can have off from work and how much is paid and non-paid. If you plan to go back after nine months, discover what your baby daycare options are well in advance. This way, you can make plans and begin to detail how things will work. There are things to consider, such as grocery shopping and all the normal household chores that may seem so simple now, but with a newborn, you may have to rely on each other a lot more. Perhaps you need to create a method between you for ensuring all tasks get completed and all items are bought when and where necessary. Feeling in control of these day-to-day things can help you feel less stressed as the due date grows closer.
Stock Up
Before the baby is born, it is probably a good idea to start stocking up on items such as nappies, wipes, baby clothes, baby blankets, an infant tub, to name a few. Create a list of items you need to buy for your newborn baby. The more you can get in preparation, the better. The first few weeks after the birth are going to be the toughest, so if you have almost everything you need at home, all the better for you, your partner, and the baby.
Your Support Network
Having a strong support network is important. If your partner’s paternity leave is not long, then it may be even more important to have strong ties, especially with people who understand what you are going through. Have a word with your closest and see what you can come up with. Maybe someone is willing to pop to the shop for you or even help with the cleaning. Undoubtedly the first few months are going to be the most challenging as everyone settles into the new routine. Above all, the baby has to be the primary concern, so even if family ties are a little fragile, perhaps you need to be humble for the sake of the baby because at some point, you will need some support.
Speak to Other Parents
Why not become part of an online community? You will be able to find out so much about parenting and you can ask questions without that sense of feeling silly. Becoming a part of an online baby care community may give you the space and freedom you need to ask what you really want to ask without the need of a friend of a loved one knowing. Sometimes it may be hard to ask someone close to you, and then you may be inundated with unsolicited personal advice. In that case, an online community is a great option.
Discuss with your Partner
It is very important that you and your partner keep the lines of communication open and honest. Discuss with him your worries, let him unload on you. It is far better you both understand how the other is feeling without letting it bottle up. By staying together mentally you are able to relieve each other’s stress. It is important you have positive conversations too, like how you imagine the future to be, who’s going to teach them to swim or ride a bike. Talking baby names can be fun and exciting. It may be a good idea to go with something you feel is ancestral, like Celtic boy names, for example. Remember it is not all fear and worry, it can be a lot of fun, Yes you will have hard times, but imagine the smiling, laughing face of your newborn, or their first word. It helps to concentrate on the positives.
Be Good to Yourself
No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. That is the human condition. Ensure that you don’t focus too much on the bad stuff. What you need to be above everything else is loving, committed who try every day to do their best. If you know you are doing your best, even before the birth, by eating healthily and trying your hardest, be proud of yourself and ensure you continue a self-care routine. Being a parent is hard, and you are making the best decision a person can make. Life is precious, and soon, you will realize how much.
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