Whether you’re a first-time mommy or a seasoned pro, preparing for a new arrival can be an incredibly stressful time. With so much to think about it can be easy to forget even the most obvious of things, especially when you’re focussing on keeping your bump safe and well.
With that in mind, here are 9 easy ways you can help ease the stress and prepare for your new arrival:
Plan Ahead And Write A Detailed Birth Plan
Writing a detailed birth plan is the best way to ensure everything goes the way you want it to, providing there are no complications along the way. Whether you are having your own child or you’re a surrogate, giving everyone who is involved with the birthing process a copy of your plan is important. Include who you want to be there, where you want it to happen and how you want to give birth and everything should go as planned.
For more information on creating a birth plan as a surrogate, it may be worth speaking to some surrogacy experts.
Get Tips From Any Experienced Mothers You May Know
If you have a strong network of experienced mums around you, asking them for their tips and advice could be a great way to help put your mind at ease. As they’ll have been through it before they are in the best position to help with any concerns or worries you may be having. Remember to take everything with a pinch of salt, though.
Baby-Proof Your Home
This may feel like a big task, but the sooner you get your home ready and baby-proofed, the more relaxed you will feel about the arrival of your little one. Baby-proof sharp corners, cupboards, stairways and anything else that could be a hazard to a small child.
Stock Up On The Essentials
If you’re lucky, a lot of people will buy you the things you need when you announce your pregnancy. Whether it’s a cot, baby clothes or a years supply of diapers – you probably won’t be in short supply.
If there is anything you find you’re missing, try getting it at least a month before your due date as you never know what could happen.
Carry Out A Deep Clean At Home
If you’re feeling up to it, deep cleaning your home (otherwise known as nesting) is a great way to prepare for your new arrival. When your bundle of joy arrives you probably won’t get a lot of time to clean and it will feel much better to get it done beforehand, especially as your home much be much cleaner for when you have lots of visitors!
Be Prepared And Pack Your Hospital Bag Early
Packing your hospital bag well in advance is incredibly important as you never know what could happen. Include your birth plan, baby clothes, comfortable pyjamas, maternity pads, lots of things to help pass the time and enough snacks to last a few days – you can never be too prepared right?
For inspiration on what to pack in your hospital bag, you can visit this handy guide.
Get Together A Support Team And Let Them Know Everything They Need To Know
Both pregnancy and birth can be exciting, but at the same time, they are incredibly stressful. To help you through this you will need a support network of people that can help you if needed – whether it’s family or friends. Let them know everything they need to know, including your birth plan and anything you’re worried about.
Choose A Going Home Outfit For Your Baby
Choosing a cute going home outfit for your new arrival is such an exciting thing to do! It will be the first outfit your baby will wear as they enter the outside world, and should, therefore, be something special. Whether it’s something that has been passed down in the family or a brand new outfit you couldn’t resist buying – make sure it’s something you’ll want to keep and treasure forever.
Try To Relax and Enjoy The Moment
It may seem hard, but giving birth is a magical moment so try to relax and enjoy it as much as you possibly can. You’ll want to remember this day forever.
No matter how far away your new arrival is, the time to start planning is now! So, did we miss anything off of our list? How would you prepare for a new arrival? Let us know in the comments below.
