Pregnancy can be a joyous occasion and daunting all in one, especially during a time when the world is turned topsy turvy and we are in the midst of a global pandemic. No matter how much you get done on your “to-do” list, it still seems like it will never end. Make sure to focus on the necessities and the rest will just magically fall into place, and if not, that’s okay too!
According to the experts in a recent interview with People Magazine, here are some of the most important things to get done first that will keep stress down as you prepare for baby.
1. Make sure to choose the right doctor for you and baby. Take your time to interview and find the best healthcare provider for you and baby. Make sure that you are comfortable with your healthcare provider and that they answer all of your questions the way that you want. Interview pediatricians and make sure that they are the right fit for your coming bundle of joy.
2. Have a financial plan. Babies are expensive. Formula, diapers, clothes, toys, etc. tend to add up quickly. Sit down and figure out a monthly budget that will include the things that not only you need but that baby will need too and try to stick to it. Make sure to be flexible, because you never know what unforeseen things will pop up when baby actually gets here.
3. Come up with a birthing plan. Create a birthing plan with your doctor that you are comfortable with. Have a plan B or even C in the mix because even though you have six weeks left to go, baby may have other plans. Or, what if your doctor is called out of town in an emergency and you have to have someone you have never met deliver your baby…things happen. Having a birthing plan already established will take the stress off of you when the time comes to meet your little one.
4. Take classes. Birthing and parenting classes get you one step further on your journey to parenthood. These classes are designed to make first-time parents feel a bit more comfortable with what they don’t know and they also give vets a refresher course on what they may have forgotten.
5. Prepare your home. Make sure that you have baby’s room in order well before your due date. Baby-proofing isn’t so much of a concern until they can crawl and walk, but setting up the nursery needs to be done as soon as you can. What if baby decides to come a bit early? You want to make sure that preparing your home isn’t even something to worry about.
Do you have any tips to share? Sound-off, we want to hear from you!
