4 Smart Ways to Prepare for Your Baby’s Birth

Pregnancy can seem to go on forever, especially in the last few days before you are due. There’s a long list of what you can do to get ready for your baby’s birth. Here are 4 smart ways to begin:

1. Learn about the birth process

Every hospital or health center offers the monthly or weekly ante-natal classes. These classes are held to educate and enlighten the expectant mother on the birth process, her current pregnant condition and how to deal with a lot of the discomfort that come with being pregnant. Now, the common issue is that most women do not attend these classes regularly, because they feel that they can read about it online relaxing on their beds or chair. Or they have access to apps that offer these information daily. True as that is, there is a different experience one gathers being actively involved and taught with a teacher, one on one, than reading up on your own. A pregnant mum will do well to acquaint herself with the birth process as many times as possible.

2. Get on the same page as your partner

A newborn disrupts the lives of its parents for a few months, it can’t be avoided. A smart way to minimize this disruption will be to discuss and plan with your partner ahead of baby’s arrival. Women often forget how needy and confused men can be during this period. Create a pattern on how you will share household duties, how he can support you during breastfeeding periods, and how he can also lend a hand during those odd hours of the night. Also, settle and decide together on your baby’s name, when you want to have a naming ceremony, if you want to have one and all the other celebratory processes that come with welcoming an infant.

3. Talk to experienced mothers before your baby arrives

Motherhood comes with the blues like: Diminished sex drive, leaking pee, crankiness just to name a few. Not every woman likes to be very open about these things. Why? Because they all want to create the image of being a perfect mother. The truth is, everybody’s experience is different. Mrs A might bounce back quickly, bond with her baby perfectly, have her sex drive back way before the 6 weeks period elapses and have a husband who understands everything about motherhood. Mrs B’s life however will be the exact opposite. In essence, finding out about certain things ahead of time can reduce the shock factor.

4. Prepare your older children

A new baby may disrupt your older child’s world more than yours. A toddler that is used to having her parents all to herself might initially be a little withdrawn and cautious, maybe even jealous of a newborn. Luckily, you have months to prepare and stage a child’s mind to welcome another baby. You can have pretend plays. you can make her kiss your tummy and tell her that mummy is cooking a brother or a sister for her. This done continuously overtime will help ease the adjustment process when baby initially comes.