Every woman dreams of having a baby. And for many of us, that dream comes true when we welcome new little ones into the world. However, having a baby also brings along a whole host of unique challenges as well as opportunities. If you’re expecting, you’ll need to be prepared for everything from the physical and mental changes your body will experience throughout your pregnancy to the practicalities of taking care of yourself and your baby once they arrive home from the hospital. As such, it’s important to have an actionable game plan before you welcome a child into your life.
Here’s our ultimate guide on how to thrive as a new mom so that you can feel confident in everything from knowing what you should be preparing for and buying ahead of time to understanding what resources are available for new moms in your community, and so much more.
Know what to expect before you deliver
Before you get too far into pregnancy, it’s important to understand what you should be expecting from the experience. For example, most women find that their breasts become much larger and more sensitive to touch during pregnancy, which can make it difficult to sleep at the end of the day. Additionally, many women experience a sudden increase in their appetite around the time of their anticipated due date, which can make it both challenging and exciting to track your weight gain. Understanding these common experiences can help you prepare for the physical impact of pregnancy.
As pregnancy progresses, you’ll also likely begin to notice small but significant changes in your body. These might include changes in your breasts, feet, and lower back, among other areas. This is perfectly normal and something you can expect to experience. In most cases, these changes are temporary, though, in a small number of cases, they can also be a sign of a health condition, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or a more serious pregnancy condition called Baby Blues, which is characterized by fatigue, mood swings, and a decreased ability to concentrate. If you experience these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, as you move through your pregnancy, you might begin to notice a change in your appetite patterns, and you might notice that you’re often hungry between meals, or even ravenous in the middle of the night. This is also common during pregnancy and something you can expect to experience.
Consult an OB/GYN Physician
No matter how much information you have, you’ll also need to rely on your own judgment as well. While you should definitely take the time to research your pregnancy and make sure you’re ready for everything that’s ahead of you, you’ll also need to be your own advocate. Before you meet with your physician, you should take the time to understand what tests your doctor will be performing, what their purpose is, and what you can expect from your visit. If possible, make an appointment to meet with your doctor at least a few weeks before you deliver so that you have time to talk about your concerns and ask any questions that you might have. If you don’t have time to meet with your doctor before you deliver, always schedule a time to meet with him or her as soon as you can. Having a conversation before you deliver will help you feel confident in your doctor, and it will also give you the chance to ask your doctor any questions that you might have.
Buy and prepare ahead for baby-related items
Before you even get pregnant, you should start thinking about how you’ll handle the transition to parenthood. Part of that is ensuring that you’re prepared financially, both for the expenses that will arise now that you’re expecting and for any expenses you may incur while you’re taking care of an infant. You’ll also want to start thinking about how you’ll manage your time, whether that means prioritizing certain tasks, separating yourself from other commitments, or tapping into family and community resources. If you’re having a baby, there are a number of items that you’ll want to buy in advance. These include items like diapers, formula, and baby clothes, among others.
Learn how to breastfeed baby
Breastfeeding is by far the healthiest option for your little one as well as for you, but it does take some time to get used to. Luckily, there are a number of resources available to help you learn how to breastfeed, including online breastfeeding courses, in-person breastfeeding workshops, and breastfeeding peer support. It’s also important to note that breastfeeding isn’t just a physical challenge. It’s also an emotional and psychological one, which is why it’s so important to seek support, both from other new moms as well as from health care providers such as Nest Collaborative lactation consultants. Breastfeeding support groups, online breastfeeding communities, and in-person breastfeeding workshops can help you navigate this transition and truly make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.
Be prepared for your postpartum period
As you prepare for pregnancy, you should also be prepared for your postpartum period. This is a time when you might experience a range of symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and bleeding. If you don’t plan ahead and prepare for these symptoms, they can be both challenging and isolating, and they can also have a lasting impact on your daily function, both at home and at work. If and when you experience a postpartum period, it’s important to recognize that it won’t last forever, and it’s also important to seek support.
Stay connected with other new moms
As you move through your pregnancy and prepare for parenthood, you’ll want to make sure that you maintain a strong support system. This includes not only your partner or partner’s family members but also other new moms in your community. You can find and connect with other new moms through groups, online communities, and in-person support groups. By doing so, you can not only stay connected to the support system that’s helping you prepare for parenthood, but you can also gain insight and knowledge from the experiences of other moms who are also navigating these unique challenges.
Strive for self-care and maintenance
As you’re moving through each phase of pregnancy and preparing for parenthood, it’s important that you make self-care and maintenance a priority. This means prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and ensuring that you’re taking time for yourself and for other interests, including those that are not necessarily related to your family. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of sleep. By doing so, you can reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience complications or complications altogether, and you can also make sure that you’re able to fully participate in all aspects of your life, including work and your social life.
Invest in your mental health
As you move through each phase of your pregnancy and prepare for parenthood, you should also invest in your mental health. This means making time for yourself, for your partner, for your friends and family, and for other activities, including those that aren’t related to your family life. It also means making time for self-reflection, self-analysis, self-improvement, and self-affirmation. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re able to fully participate in all aspects of your life, including work and your social life.
Wrapping up
Thriving as a new mom is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it is doable. By ensuring that you’re prepared for pregnancy and prepared for parenthood, you can make it through each stage of the process with confidence, strength, and grace.