So, you have just found out that you are pregnant and shared this fantastic news with your family and friends. For parents that already have children, you will know what needs to be done in preparation for the new arrival. However, for new parents, the news of their first baby can be a little overwhelming. This is perfectly normal, and there is lots of help out there to ensure the pregnancy and early weeks and months of the baby’s life is as worry-free as possible.
From the moment you find out you are pregnant all the way through to the delivery date, there are things you need to do to make the transition as smooth as possible. Following these simple tips will ensure preparing for a new baby is an absolute breeze.
Find a Pediatrician
If the little bump is your first child, then you should search for a pediatrician as soon as possible. This will give you time to find the right doctor for you and your family, avoiding any unnecessary stress further down the line.
Finding the right doctor can take time, as you need to find one that is accepting new patients and also accepts your insurance. Once you have found a few choices, then you need to do some more research and arrange visits to meet with the doctors. If you are lucky, you will get a good recommendation from a family member or friend, but if you are new to an area, this will be less likely, so you will have a lot of research to do.
Get the House Ready
Having the baby’s room ready, a clean supply of clothes, and a store of diapers and supplies is a good thing to do and can also keep you busy during the maternity leave. It is a fun experience, and you should get all the family involved. This is a great way to get dad and the other kids or parents involved and prepare them for the new arrival.
You will likely be surprised by the sheer volume of things that you need for your little one, so it is a good idea to set aside space to store things like cribs, chairs, and clothes so that you still have space for yourself. During the first six months, your baby will likely sleep in your room so that you can use a spare room or nursery during this time.
Draw Up a Budget
Having a baby can be expensive and lead to a significant drain on your finances. No matter what your financial situation is, it is a good idea to draw up a baby budget for all the things you’ll need following the birth.
If you know other parents, then they will probably have clothes and baby equipment that they are willing to pass on to free up space in their homes. Also, they may have clothes that no longer fit their kids, which would be excellent for your kid. This is an excellent way to save money during the early years.
Learn About the Delivery
When you meet your doctor, they will talk you through the birth and give you the opportunity to discuss all the aspects of the birth. This can include details on the labor, pain relief, delivery methods, and what to expect after the delivery. This meeting gives you the opportunity to better prepare yourself and your partner for the big day.
At this stage, you have the option to draw up a birth plan which lists your preferences for the delivery. For example, you can state the form of pain relief, who you want in the room, and preferences for the delivery. You can discuss these options with your healthcare providers and doctor, but it is essential to remain flexible, as each pregnancy is unique, and things can change.
Get Ready for the Big Day
As many existing parents know, a baby doesn’t pay any attention to due dates, so it is vital that you are ready for anything the nearer you get to your due day. Make sure that you have a hospital bag packed and ready to go, and that you have a plan to get to the hospital. All of these things can be done by speaking with your partner and the hospital team.
Many parents make a trial run of the labor day and will have a backup plan in place should other family members need to take charge of getting the mother to the hospital.