Hello World! Welcome Friends! There is nothing like welcoming a new family member into your home. Deciding to have a baby is a big decision and is something that you can’t ever compare to. No matter if you have children already or are looking to have your first child, there is no doubt that it will bring about a big change to your life and the way that you live it. If you have just found out that you are pregnant it can be a bit of a shock and you can wonder just what to do next. How can you get ready for the impending pregnancy and beyond? There are many things you can do to get ready for the upcoming arrival, both physically, mentally and to do with the space that you are living in. Here are some top tips for welcoming (and getting ready to welcome) a new baby into your family.
Prepare Any Other Children You Have
If you already have other children it is important to get them prepared ahead of time for the impending arrival. A new baby can have a large impact and your other child or children can get jealous of the attention that they might get. Be sure to sit them down and speak to them about how things will change but that you will always love them just as much and they will always be just as important. Show your children your belly and explain that the baby is growing in there. Allow them to feel it kick and encourage them to talk to the baby, telling them that the baby will be able to hear them and is looking forward to meeting them. Get them to pick out a new toy or outfit for the baby from the shop and be sure to also spend plenty of time with them one on one both during your pregnancy and once your new arrival is here. You can also check lovemajka.com to help you with your breastfeeding journey.
Get Their Nursery Ready
A nursery is one of the most important aspects for any baby and you want to make sure that it is ready ahead of time. It could be that you need to rejig your house in order to make room for the baby, perhaps moving one of your children into another room so they can share it with a sibling while the baby is small. Think about all the logistics ahead of time and get as organized as you can. You want to make sure that the nursery is a relaxing space to be in, while also being practical. You will need items such as a crib, a changing table, a rocking chair or another chair that you can do your night feeds in, as well as plenty of space to store the baby’s clothes, toys and other necessary bits like diapers and sensitive baby wipes . It is a good idea to get a thermometer to keep track of the temperature in the room as well as a nightlight to be a bit easier on the eyes in the middle of the night!
Come Up with a Birthing Plan
When you are pregnant, you want to think about the birth and what your preference is. A birth plan is essentially a place where you outline your preferences for labor and the delivery of your new baby. You can include things such as who you will want to be there when you are giving birth, the type of birth that you want, and if there are any specific pain medications you want (as well as if you want any at all.) It should include all the basics such as your doctor’s contact information and address, where you are looking to have your baby, and what will make you feel comfortable during the birth. Will you want dim lights? Do you want the room to be quiet or have some background noise? These are all things that you are going to want to think about. It can be a good idea to find a doula near you on Meela, as they can offer a lot of advice and support on different types of birthing. Consider your birth, would you prefer a natural birth? Do you want a water birth? An epidural or gas and air? These are all things that if you plan ahead of time, can help you when the time comes to give birth to your new little baby.
Decide if You Need Assistance
Welcoming a newborn into the household is a joyous yet transformative experience that brings excitement and challenges. As parents adapt to sleepless nights and new routines, the decision to hire help such as a nanny or an au pair can make a significant difference in maintaining balance. A nanny offers tailored, one-on-one care within your home, often with a flexible schedule that adapts to the family’s needs. But what does an au pair do? Alternatively, an au pair provides live-in support and cultural exchange, which can be particularly enriching for families seeking an immersive childcare experience. The choice depends on factors like budget, household dynamics, and the level of support desired, making it essential to assess the specific needs of your family before deciding on the right fit.
Take Photos to Document Your Pregnancy Journey
While it can feel that you are pregnant for a long time, in actual fact it goes extremely quickly. For this reason, it can be a good idea to document your pregnancy journey with photos and a journal. Take photos every couple of weeks or keep a photo of your ultrasound and stick these into a diary or a scrapbook. You can write notes about how you were feeling that day and anything notable. For example, it could be that you felt the baby’s first kick or the baby hiccuped. These are all things that might feel small at the time but you will feel so treasured to have it all to look back on once the little one is here. You could also include things such as your bump measurements. This is great for reflection but also to ensure that your bump is growing at a reasonable rate. If you notice it is not, you can tell your midwife or doctor about it and will have a regular record.
Take As Much Care of Yourself as Possible
When you are pregnant it is vital that you take care of yourself. Try to eat as much healthy food as possible, particularly that which is high in iron and various other vitamins. These will help to keep you in the best form possible for when it comes to giving birth, as well as helping your baby to grow and become strong and healthy too. You are allowed to indulge in junk food too – after all, you never know what those pregnancy cravings might throw at you! But try to limit these just to a treat and stick to fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins wherever possible. If you are tired, make sure you nap and don’t lift any heavy objects as this can cause harm to both you and the baby. Sleeping while pregnant can be difficult as you are trying to deal with different aches and pains, acid reflux and much more – as well as a big bump getting in the way! Do some research and find ways that you can sleep easier when you are pregnant. It can help to avoid caffeine for example, as well as taking deep breaths before bed and other helpful exercises.
See Babies of Your Friends or Family Members
If you have never been around babies, the idea that you will soon have one of your own can feel daunting. Think about if any family members or friends that you know have little ones and see if you can spend time with them. This will give you some time to get used to being around babies and practice how to hold and feed them while having someone with you. It can make you feel a bit more confident about your new addition while also making you excited for everything that you have to come!
Exercise when You Can
While you might not feel like it, light and gentle exercise when you are pregnant can be of a great benefit to you and the baby. By having light walks or doing things such as yoga, you can help to ease any anxiety you might be feeling and keep your mind and body happy. Be sure to speak to your instructor before any class and let them know you are pregnant so they can ensure the exercises they set are suitable for you in your condition. Don’t do anything too strenuous, but if you are someone who does heavy workouts, speak to your doctor ahead of time and check what you will and won’t be able to do.
Sort Out Maternity and Paternity Allocation
One of the biggest things that you need to consider when you have a baby is your maternity and paternity allocation. Fathers and Mothers might be able to share this depending on the circumstances and geographical location. Look this up and decide what will be best for your home life and for the baby. If you both work from home it could be that you just take turns looking after the baby.
These are just a few things that you can do which can help you to welcome a new baby into your family. By getting prepared ahead of time you will feel much more prepared when the time comes. Having a baby is a huge life change but also one of the best things that you will ever do. Remember to take things at your own pace, don’t compare yourself to others and don’t believe everything that you see on social media! Focus on how well you are doing and be sure to document your journey to look back on in the future. What are some top things that you would think to do in order to welcome a baby into a family? Let us know in the comments below – we would love to hear from you!
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