Congratulations, you’re almost there! Before you know it, you’ll be settling into life as a new (or extended!). Family and whether it’s your first time or you’re a professional, welcoming a new baby is an exciting prospect.
Like most things in life, not everything always goes according to plan. But with a little preparation and forethought. You can make sure the first few weeks with your new addition are as smooth and fulfilled as possible.
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Talk, talk, talk
Whether you’re feeling really nervous or cool as a cucumber, it’s important to share your feelings with your partner. Not only may they feel the same way, but talking will help strengthen your bond during this important time.
It is also good to remember that it may not be obvious to your partner how he can best help you. Not only during labor but also when you come home afterwards. Who will take care of the housework? Who gets up at night? Make sure you keep communicating so that you are both on the same page.
Write a Birth Plan
Putting pen to paper and jotting down a birth plan is a great way to let your midwife and your caregivers know what your wishes are. You might include a specific type of pain relief you prefer. Who you’d like to cut the cord, or if you’d like to use a birthing pool, for example. It doesn’t need to be rigid and structured. In fact it’s best to stay flexible in case things change throughout the day. But it’s a useful guide and can help you feel a little more in control.
Have fun with Soon-to-be big Brothers or Sisters
If you already have one or more children, they may feel a temporary sense of dislocation when the new baby arrives. Spending a lot of time with them now doing fun things like trips to the park. The beach provides the opportunity to spend more time bonding and creates some good memories too. So, before you get super busy with a new born, enjoy some quality time now.
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Buy Lots of Diapers
Go online and look for retailers that offer trial packs of diapers, both reusable and disposable. So once your little one arrives you can try a few and see what works best. But you will still need a good stack of them to get started and they are worth shopping for. Kids get an incredible amount. Around 10 or more a day if they use disposable products. So shop around and see if there are any on wholesale offer.
Batch cook
Like housework, you are unlikely to want to shop and cook during the first few weeks at home with your baby. By batch cooking a good variety of different meals and then placing them in the freezer. All you have to do is reheat them and you will have a healthy home cooked meal in no time. Without having to search for the takeaway menu!
Wash your Baby’s Clothes and Bedding
Clothes and bedding straight from the store can feel a little dusty or smelly. So it’s a good idea to take care of your newborn’s delicate skin by washing them in non-organic detergent first. This not only makes them fragrant and fresh, but also prevents irritation. And while we talk about washing.
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Wash your Clothes and Bedding too!
It’s nice to come home to a nice fresh bed and it will be glorious after giving birth. Plus, the more laundry you do now. The less you’ll have to do it later and you’ll also need to take some clean things with you to the hospital.
Put the Basics in Order
During the last two weeks of pregnancy. It’s easy to feel slightly overwhelmed with everything you need to remember for your baby. But take the cot, the pram, some bottles and infant formula if necessary and lots of nappies and ready-made clothes and you’re well on your way. Oh, and if your partner or family member drives you home from the hospital, don’t forget the car seat!
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Prepare the Hospital Bag
It’s worth doing this anytime after the second trimester, so it’s all ready just in case. Make sure your birth partner knows you’ve packed your bags and where your bag. So they can take it for you if needed. Just like a regular sleeping bag. You’ll need everything you need like shampoo, toothpaste, and shower gel, as well as lots of changes of clothes, comfortable pajamas, or a nightgown. You will also need baby clothes for your new arrival, some diapers and a dress to take them home. And don’t forget your birth plan!