Below are 10 things to do (ideally) before having a baby.
1. Build Your Surroundings
The days when we had a whole village to help us raise a child are over. Things are so different today that mothers feel like they have to do it all. But this is not the case ! If you don't have an entourage, build one!
Here are some people I recommend:
A pediatrician
The first time you hold your baby, you'll need to find a pediatrician who shares your beliefs and has good contact with patients . Of course, any doctor will be able to provide medical care for your child, but it is important that they have the same philosophy as you on topics such as medication and breastfeeding.
Here are some tips for finding the perfect pediatrician. Do not hesitate to question several of them. You'll need to interview two or three doctors to find the right one for you—someone who shares the same beliefs as you and who you feel comfortable talking to . Ask him where he went to school, how long he has been practicing, what fields he specializes in, etc. He must be warm and friendly .
Postpartum Doula
If you're getting ready to have a baby, one of the best things you can do is hire a postpartum doula . A postpartum doula can help you recover from childbirth , set you on the right path to becoming the mom you envision, and more. So if you have the necessary budget, do not hesitate to hire one!
night nurse
Again, if you have the budget, a night nurse can help you look after the baby at night so you can sleep better if you don't have anyone around who can do it for you. If you don't have the budget for a night nurse, consider purchasing or pre-renting a bassinet. It can add hours of sleep for you and your family!
lactation consultant
If you plan to breastfeed, finding a lactation consultant ahead of time can save you time if you are having difficulty. Even if you are not having difficulty, a lactation consultant can answer your questions and guide you to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals.
sleep consultant
Being a new parent can be tough! And when your baby doesn't sleep through the night, it makes things even more difficult. But you don't have to suffer! Hiring a sleep counselor before your baby arrives will ensure that your baby will be through the night and having better naps in no time. They can answer questions specific to your situation and help you with sleep regression . The best ? Sleep consultants are usually free or very affordable.
Reliable and trustworthy friends
As a new mom, it is important to have the support of those close to you . It is very difficult to juggle the life of a new parent and you need reliable and trustworthy people around you. As soon as you find out you're pregnant, start thinking about who can help you hold your baby so you can have time for yourself. This will be particularly useful if they live nearby, because an hour's bus ride to transport car seats is no fun!
2. Create or update your will
Creating or updating a will before a baby is born is an important step because it will designate who will take care of your child in the event of an unexpected event or tragedy. You can appoint a guardian for your baby before it is born, which is important if you want to ensure that your child will be taken care of in the event of death.
You can also set up a trust to spread the life insurance payout over a period of 10 to 15 years. This will keep your children out of debt if something happens to you. And don't worry, they are still entitled to "living expenses" if they need it.
Before having a baby, you must write a will. Making a will is easy and inexpensive. Writing it doesn't take a lot of time, and it's often the most economical way for your family to avoid problems.
I recommend, if you can, do this exercise before you have knee-length layers. But, even if I'm late, put it on your list as soon as possible. You'll thank yourself when you cross it off your list. A weight will be lifted from your shoulders.
3. Create life insurance
Along the same lines as the will, to ensure that your baby will be cared for as you wish, I strongly recommend that you take out life insurance. Raising a baby is expensive! You really need to make sure you have enough life insurance for all income. This is especially true if one of you is staying home with the baby without a significant income.
But, if you think about it, even if you don't earn income, you are providing a valuable "service" that will have to be paid for in your absence. And, it's not just for a few years. It will take more than a decade for your children to be somewhat independent!
4. Don't stress about the nursery
Having a baby is a life-changing event, and there are a lot of things you need to do before your little one arrives. One of the most important is deciding whether you are going to leave your baby in the same room as you or in a separate bedroom.
It is recommended that you share a room with your baby for the first 6-12 months for safety reasons. (I wrote an article about it, click here to find out) We therefore advise you to plan that your baby stays in the same room as you for at least 6 months. Here are some things to consider:
Preparing for a new baby can be daunting, but it's important to remember that you don't have to do it all at once! One of the best things you can do is start decorating the baby's room . This will help you get excited about your new arrival and give you space to focus on your little one.
Don't stress if everything isn't perfect before the baby arrives, you might not even be using the room for months!
Another thing to keep in mind is your birth list . Everything doesn't have to be ready before the baby arrives, so don't feel like you have to wait until the last minute. Start making your list, then take your time finding the perfect items.
- Don't forget to read our tips on sharing a room with baby .
- When it's time to transfer your baby to their own room, try to do it gently.
- Be sure to read all sleep safety tips.
5. Prepare frozen meals
The moments after birth are often hectic, but you need to take the time to prepare for what's to come. Although your family, relatives and friends (see above) may bring you some meals and/or gifts when your baby is born, you will start to see fewer and fewer people over the weeks and months. that will follow the birth of the baby.
So when you really need help... when your baby hits the fussy peak of six weeks, you'll have a lot less help and you or your partner may be back at work too!
I highly recommend making frozen meals ahead of time that you can use when needed when you feel overwhelmed or on nights when you're too exhausted to cook.
I recommend that you prepare 3-4 meals a week until your baby is born. You will not regret it !
6. Join a waiting list for childcare, if applicable
If you're going back to work and plan to put your baby in daycare , plan ahead! Many daycares have waiting lists, sometimes for a year or more, so it is important to register as early as possible. You can also join a childcare waiting list if there is one in your area.
7. Spend a few romantic evenings or go on honeymoon.
Before you have a baby, it's important to take time for just the two of you . Spend a few evenings together or go on a honeymoon . This will allow you to escape the stress of organizing the baby's birth and allow you to bond before your baby is born and your new life begins.
Your life will never be the same again! It's a wonderful thing, but in my opinion, the more you can bond in your relationship before birth, the stronger your bonds will be during times of stress.
Consult your doctor to find out if you can travel and when you should stop. Don't wait too long, because there are times when you need to slow down and rest before the baby is born.
8. Schedule girl time, alone time and/or grooming.
When you're pregnant, it can be hard to take time for yourself. It may seem like the only thing that matters is your baby. However, before you have your baby, you should try to find time to enjoy life and do things with your friends or family .
You should also find time to spend with yourself doing something that makes you feel good. For example, you can hang out with friends , spend time alone at home listening to music, or getting a pedicure. Sometimes all of these things get overlooked when a person is pregnant because they are so focused on their baby!
9. Take maternity photos and find a newborn photographer
When you're pregnant, it's time to take maternity photos ! You won't regret capturing this moment. A good photographer will know how to see your beauty and you can cherish them forever. Now is also a good time to start planning your baby's newborn photos . They are growing so fast! I know everyone says that, but it's true!
10. Install your car seat.
Getting your car seat fitted ahead of time will be a lot less hassle than asking your partner to do it while you're recovering in hospital. Installing them is much easier these days. So you won't worry so much when you come home from the hospital. There is a lot of pressure to keep your family safe and let me tell you, it never goes away! I always feel like part of my heart wanders outside of my body.
Ideally, you should do all of these things before your baby is born , but feel free to do them now if you already have.
It's never too late to prepare for the arrival of baby
We hope this article has helped you better prepare for the important task of welcoming a new member to your family. These are just 10 things to do before you have a baby , but there are so many more ways to prepare yourself and your home.
Whether it's getting recommendations from friends who've had babies or reading parenting books , it's never too late to start preparing!
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