Parenthood is a daunting endeavor, especially for individuals who are doing it for the first time. You may be feeling a little out of depth, no matter how much advice your family and friends have given about the subject. There’s no reason to fret since this is perfectly natural.
A great way to make the months (or weeks) leading up to your child’s birth a bit more bearable is compartmentalizing. After all, you’ve got time, so why not break down each task for specific days, if not hours?
Let’s say it’s almost the end of the pregnancy. Panic is at an all-time high cause you’re drawing nearer and nearer to the date when you can finally hold your daughter or son. Take deep breaths and consider the following tasks that you need to accomplish before the due date:
Deep Clean the House
You’ve heard of general and spring cleaning and probably do either regularly. But there is some dirt or grime that can’t be removed by simple sweeps or vacuuming. That is why your home must go through one or more deep cleaning procedures before the big day. This process includes scrubbing the grout on tiles, sanitizing the wastebaskets, cleaning the inside of stove ranges, and many more.
It’s understandable if you and your spouse can’t do this process on your own, considering one is heavily pregnant. Fortunately, countless cleaning companies offer residential cleaning in Plain City or other areas. Each offers packages unique to their company, so it’s best to look them up ahead of time to figure out more about their company’s values and rates.
Consider Attending More Classes
Numerous parenting classes are available for amateur and veteran parents, but you can never be too prepared. If you and your partner still have the time and energy, try to attend more classes, especially ones that have to do with childbirth, breastfeeding, baby care lessons, and even infant CPR.
Organize the Baby and Mommy Bags
The baby bag — the most important item to bring when you’re planning to give birth at the hospital. While every parent has their own take on what a baby bag should contain, some essentials shouldn’t be lost in the sea of baby items. For example:
- Clothes to go home in (include mittens, socks, and bonnets even if the weather is not cold)
- Blankets and swaddles
- Newborn-sized diapers and baby wipes
- Approved infant car seat
While it’s good to have everything you need for the baby ready, you mustn’t forget about mommy in these crucial times. Here are a few essentials that should be in every mommy bag:
- Toiletries
- Picture ID, insurance card, and the contact details of your baby’s doctor
- Spare nightgowns and bathrobes
- Underwear and maternity bras
- Birth plan, if you have any
- Sugarless candies for labor
- Going home outfit
Both bags should be kept near the door so that they will be easy to bring along when you and your spouse are rushing to the hospital.
Take a Deep Breath
The panic that first-time parents feel usually stems from the fear of making mistakes that can cost their children’s safety. While you can’t always guarantee perfection as a newbie mom or dad, you can keep a level head amidst all the preparations. Breathe and relax. You likely have spent so much time reading up on what to do that there’s little to no chance of things going wrong.
Moreover, you need to remember that you aren’t doing things on your own. You have your partner, friends, and family to help you out.
