First Time Mums: 4 Top Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Baby
Having a baby is a huge leap! virtually every mum agrees that motherhood is one of the most (if not the most) profound transitions a person could ever experience. Whether you want it to or not, having a baby changes you.
So instead of getting worried about what is to come, a few adjustments in the months leading up to the baby’s arrival can make this transition as smooth as possible.
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See below, four ways in which you can optimall prepare for the arrival of your little one;
1. Make A Plan
Anticipating the arrival of a new baby can cause you to feel significant amount of anxiety and stress especially if it’s your first but even if you’ve handled being a mum before, you can still experience some of it.
Set your plan for maternity leave in advance, make a list of the shopping you need to do, and some of the essentials you will need once the baby is born. This will give you a sense of control as well as keep you calm, knowing you have one less thing to fret over.
2. Relax
The ‘mum guilt‘ is quite real, and can be particularly real for a first-time mum. As a first-time parent, there is a high likelihood that you will question your abilities as a mother, but you are already have what it takes and should cut yourself some slack!
The good thing is that your children don’t need perfect parents. They need you!! They need parents who are committed to them and provide a support system that loves them. So cut yourself some slack! You are doing just fine and will get better.
3. Pay Attention To Your Wellbeing
You will get a lot of advice from friends, family, and other well-meaning people during your pregnancy. Every one of them probably means well but all of that may just heighten your anxiety and make you feel worse.
You need to remember that when you are pregnant, your body will be working overtime and that fatigue can make everything feel worse than it actually is. Do your best to spend a few minutes every single day taking care of yourself. Take a nap, have a long bath, indulge your cravings in moderation, and generally, try to be in a genuinely healthy physical and mental state of health.
4. Tend To Your Relationship
The hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy are enough to put stress on your relationship. You and your partner may need to adjust to the new experience. In all, remember to be patient with yourself and your partner.
Talk to them about how you are feeling and how it is affecting you. Listen to them also and work with them. Ultimately, you need each other and your baby needs you both.