I remember being pregnant and getting prepared for the baby with her bedding, feeding, bath and other things for her, but what about my husband and I? Knowing myself I was a bit of a control freak, especially because this is my first child.
Here are some tips to help prepare for you and your spouse before the baby arrives.
1. Clean Your House
I cleaned my house from top to bottom a week before my due date. I wanted to bring her into a clean house before she came. I also wanted a clean house so while I recovered I wouldn’t have to stress out over cleaning the house.
Because I had a huge belly I couldn’t bend down far or reach for things so I employed the help of my mother-in-law. This was a big help. Not only will your house be clean, when the baby is born you can focus all your attention on him or her.
Later when you are up to it, you can do chores around the house while the baby is sleeping. That’s what I did.
If you can’t get help from friends or family, you can always hire a housekeeping company.
2. Stock Up on Food
I got meat and vegetables in bags and froze them so all I had to do was thaw them out and cook them. If I can give one piece of advice to a new mother, stock up on food and freeze it if it needs to.
Having food available is a great help. Especially during the first two weeks of bringing the baby home.
As a new parent, I can honestly say with the first child the first two to three weeks are the hardest. You’re adjusting to a new sleep schedule, trying to bond with your child and do chores around the house. But being prepared with food for the first two weeks is a great help.
Since our daughter was the first grandchild to be born in the family, my husband’s parents and mine brought us food when they came to see her. My husband and I were eternally grateful for this because we had leftovers and we didn’t have to cook. After the leftovers were gone, I had plenty of food afterward that I prepared.
If your family can help you prepare some meals for you after your baby is born, I suggest you take it. However, if you cannot get help from others, in the week leading up to your due date, stock up on certain foods and freeze them. It will be a great help to you.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
There is nothing wrong with asking for help. If your family and friends are willing to help you prepare for the baby, don’t be afraid (or proud) to take it. As a new mom in a new century, you feel as if you can do anything and everything. But without help, it can be difficult.
I asked my mother-in-law to help me clean my house and she also helped preparing some meals for my husband and I. When my parents came over they brought food for us. I’m glad I asked because it was the biggest help.
As a new mom it’s good to think ahead, because anything can happen when you’re pregnant. Being prepared before the baby comes will help you a great deal.
