If you have a little one on the way, this is great news. The next nine months will bring both challenging and beautiful moments that will lead towards some of your happiest days. You’re going to have a lot on your plate as you prepare to welcome your newborn into the world. It can sometimes feel difficult to know exactly what you need to do any many things can quickly fall off your to do list, so let’s take a moment to go through a few that you might need to bear in mind or carry out before your little one arrives!
Considering Baby Names
Many of us begin to plan baby names long before we even have children. If this is you, now is the time to draw up your list and start mulling over which options you want to choose. If you haven’t thought of names yet, now is the time to start searching. There are countless baby name books and sites that you can browse for inspiration. Alternatively, you can turn to books, TV shows, news articles… the list goes on. There are names everywhere and you never know where you might find one that you love.
Creating a Nursery
Your home is going to have to change a lot to accommodate a little one. For many of us, the biggest change is the creation of a nursery. A nursery isn’t absolutely essential, but it’s generally best for you to bring your baby into a home where they will have a bedroom of their own. A nursery is what will eventually become their bedroom, with furnishings and decoration changing over time to suit your little one’s needs as they grow. Start by choosing a colour for the walls. Choose baby friendly lighting. Invest in nursery furniture. Then choose some storage solutions. These steps will all culminate in a safe, comfortable, baby friendly space where they can happily spend the first years of their life. It also creates a space where you can store their belongings – and trust us, a baby comes with many.
Attending Birthing Classes
If you haven’t given birth before, you may not really know what to expect. Birthing classes are classes that expecting mothers can attend, where they can gain tips, guidance and other insight into the birthing process. Here, you can learn exercises that may make the process easier, as well as tips such as breathing exercises and more. They also serve as great social spaces, where you can meet other women who are in the same boat as you. They can serve as a support network throughout the process of pregnancy and birth.
Creating a Birthing Plan
You should also take time to create a birthing plan. You should be able to work with your midwife to come up with something that suits your needs. Different people prefer different approaches. While some prefer to opt for a caesarean section, others prefer water births, home births and more.
Hopefully, some of the suggestions above will help to prepare you for your little one’s arrival!