Every mother feels more than ready to meet her baby in the final days of pregnancy. As this exciting day approaches, you can do a few things to prepare yourself and your household. Essential tasks range from getting enough rest to creating a household plan. Read on for details on the best ways for new moms to prepare for postpartum life.
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Get Plenty of Rest
Getting enough sleep each night is important, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Our bodies recover when we rest, making it easier to heal from the birthing experience. You’ll most likely wake up several times at night to feed your newborn, leading to broken sleep. Talk with your partner about taking turns checking on the baby throughout the night and napping as needed during the day.
Prepare the Nursery
Setting up the nursery is an important part of nesting and allows you to feel more relaxed in the final days of your pregnancy. During the third trimester, you should assemble the crib and changing table. Additionally, if you plan to keep a bassinet in your room, set it up while you organize the nursery so you’re ready to go when your baby arrives.
Also, organize your baby’s clothes, diapers, and bottles as you set up the nursery. Ensure everything is easy to access so you don’t have to worry about moving things around while adjusting to life with a newborn.
Keep Yourself Cozy
Your baby isn’t the only one who needs new clothes. During postpartum, your body will continue changing, and your comfort should be a priority. Material type is one of the key things to look for in postpartum clothes. Your skin may be more sensitive than it normally is due to bodily changes, so it’s best to stick to natural materials as they do not cause skin irritation.
Create a Household Plan
Once your baby arrives, your focus will be on caring for your little one, so you may not have time to tend to household chores or cooking. Make a plan with your partner to keep the household organized. You could make a few meals before giving birth and place them in the freezer to make cooking easier. Likewise, you and your partner may need to temporarily shift household responsibilities; you may do fewer chores as your body recovers from birth.
Ask for Help
The final way for new moms to prepare for postpartum is to reach out to friends and family whenever needed. Motherhood isn’t always easy. Postpartum can become challenging as your hormones fluctuate and you prioritize caring for your baby. Ask a loved one to watch your pet in those first few days after giving birth if you have a furry friend.
You’re never alone on your journey, and the people you hold dear are there to support you whether you need a bit of encouragement or help adjusting. You got this, mama!
