Calm Before The Storm: Easy Steps To Feel More Prepared For Your Baby’s Arrival

That first pregnancy is a long sea journey to a country where you don’t know the language, where land is in sight for such a long time that after a while, it’s just the horizon — and then one day birds wheel over that dark shape and it’s suddenly close and all you can do is hope like hell that you’ve had the right shots

Emily Perkins

If you or your partner is pregnant and you’re feeling slightly (or majorly) overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place.

No matter what your circumstances are, pregnancy comes with a lot of emotions and revelations. Whether you’ve been blessed with a baby after years of trying or you’re welcoming an unexpected but pleasant surprise, pregnancy is a lot to take in.

You’ll undergo a lot of physical and emotional changes while you make preparations for a completely new stage of your life. It may sound scary, because it kind of is!

At the same time, it’s also exciting. You’ll soon be meeting a person that will fill you with so much love and hope. We want to help you feel as calm and prepared as possible, while ensuring that all of your other emotions are 100% valid.

3 steps to become more prepared for your baby’s arrival

Pregnancy is a special time filled with both physical and spiritual growth.

As you begin to nurture a connection with your baby, you’ll also need to start planning for what your life will be like when the little one arrives.

It’s totally natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious about the future, which is why planning and preparations are so important.

Follow these 3 steps to feel more prepared for your baby’s arrival.

Take classes and courses

Sometimes it’s best to ask the professionals. You may be reading books and blogs or getting advice from family and friends about parenthood, but getting professional advice will make you feel more confident. There are many different group classes and online courses available that will help prepare you for birth, breastfeeding, and beyond. The great thing about attending classes and taking courses is that you’ll be able to ask questions and receive direct answers from professionals – something that you can’t do with books. You’ll also be given unbiased advice to help you make decisions that feel right for you, which you might not receive from friends and family (even if they are coming from a place of love).

Define support roles once the baby comes

Be clear about what your life and baby routine will look like by establishing roles early on. It’s fantastic if your loved ones have already offered their help and support – just make sure you know exactly what that will look like. Do you have a family member that will stay with you for the first few weeks? If you’re co-parenting, what daily responsibilities will your partner take on? Having these guidelines set in place well before the baby comes will help you feel more secure in your new role as a parent.

Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few moments

As exciting as baby preparation is, don’t forget to cater to your needs as well. Your body is going through a lot and deserves to be pampered and treated well. Reconnect with yourself by regularly engaging in light exercise, yoga, or meditation. Ease pregnancy-related discomfort with massages and aromatherapy. You deserve time for yourself more than ever.

Taking these vital steps to care for yourself both mentally and physically will benefit you from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. They’re also extremely beneficial for your baby. You’ll feel confident and proud knowing that you’ve done the best you can for them, setting the tone for a healthy and loving relationship.

There will always be times when you feel like there are a few more things that need to be taken care of, but that’s perfectly fine. Allow room for change and growth, but keep on learning and preparing.