You’re welcoming your baby and about to have a bundle of joy! Many moms and dads will tell you that having a new baby is a precious joyful experience. They’ll also share that it helps to have a plan of action.
Here’s the best part. There’s no right or wrong way to make a plan for how life will be when you have a baby. However, by planning, you’ll have a stronger sense of calm, confidence, and resilience.
Take some time to plan together with your spouse or partner. This is a great moment to talk about what brings you joy, calm, and peace of mind.
Here are a few of the items to include in your Welcoming Your Baby plan.
Friends, Family, Visitors
As the post-COVID world continues to evolve, be sure to check with the CDC for updates.
How do you want to prepare for visitors in this current environment? What are your guidelines to insure health and safety?
Will you require masks, social distancing, and hand washing? Will you allow visitors to hold the baby? Will you invite people to stay overnight?
Are you breast feeding or using formula? Will you allow visitors to help during feed times or would you prefer privacy?
While these are not easy decisions, the sooner you can communicate with friends and family, the sooner they will understand what to expect.
Food Planning and Preparation
With a new baby in the house, you may not be up to your usual cooking, baking, and planning. That’s why having an advance plan about food can be so helpful.
You can explore grocery delivery services. You can stock the house with snacks, basics, and easy-to-make meals. You can organize a weekly roster for food preparation from eager friends and family members.
There’s no doubt you will want to eat. Think about your food department in advance, and everything can go easier.
Pets and Household Chores
The dog needs care, feeding and walking. Household chores need to continue. The only question is: who will do it?
A little advance planning with friends, neighbors, and family members can help spread out the chores. People are happy to lend a hand – just remember to ask for help.
Working From Home
If you’re working from home, you know remote working has its rewards and challenges. You don’t have to jump in the car for a tedious commute. You won’t have to race to the office or stay late for meetings. However, you will need to balance your work and home life – plus a newborn.
This can be more complex as you will also need to include coordinating with caregivers, assigning work tasks, and setting clear boundaries. As you’re a pro about balancing work and home, you know when to ask for help.
Additionally, do your best to create a designated work area. This may be a home office, a former closet, or a refurbished attic. With a professional work zone, you and your family will have an easier time working from home with a newborn.
Taking Care Of Yourself
How will you take care of your own needs for sleep, exercise, and relaxation?
As you explore self-care, consider how you might take care of postpartum depression (PPD.) Having a plan for postpartum depression treatment enables you to have peace of mind.
Approximately 15% of new mothers are affected. One in seven women suffers from PPD in the year after they give birth. PPD is the most common complication of childbirth and affects women of every age, culture, income level, and race.
Talk with your doctor to explore your options for self-care during and after pregnancy.
Speak With Your Doctor
As you develop your postpartum plan, check with your doctor. You may believe that you have all the categories covered, yet there could be something you’ve overlooked.
Your doctor can advise you on possible treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS.) TMS uses magnetic waves to stimulate areas of the brain thought to regulate mood. This innovative treatment has been found to help with postpartum depression, and research findings show that it is safe while breastfeeding.
Taking Care of Caregivers
How will you also help caregivers who may need to have some time off, rest, and recharge-time?
Friends, family, and caregivers will appreciate your extra care and attention to their mental and physical health. While you are planning for your baby, taking care of the caregivers goes a long way towards building goodwill and nurturing everyone involved.
Sum Up
With your Welcoming Your Baby plan, you can be prepared and enjoy peace of mind.
