How to Emotionally Prepare for Parenthood When You Are Expecting

Amazing news! You are expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood? Practise these five easy steps before becoming a mum and you will be as ready as you can be when your bundle of joy finally arrives.

1. DO NOT HAVE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Start off by repeating this over and over again, “There is no such thing as the perfect parent.” Mistakes will be made, so cut yourself some slack. You may have a high-need baby, or you may have an easy baby. You might find breastfeeding comes easily to you, or it might take some perseverance. You will not know your baby’s temperament, or what their feeding/sleeping patterns will be, until their arrival. Embrace the unknown and do not let it overwhelm you.

2. SLOW DOWN YOUR PACE

Accept now that you will be doing everything at a much slower speed. Whether that is initially recovering from birth or even getting out the door for a breath of fresh air, give yourself time to adjust to being a new mum. There is no rush and everything can wait. You have a playdate at 11am, but you turn up at midday due to your baby deciding they are hungry again? No worries! Everyone is going to understand – that is life with a newborn.

3. PRACTISE SELF-CARE WHILE PREGNANT

Remember to take time for yourself. Look into prenatal yoga classes, which are a great way to relax and meet some like-minded mums-to-be. And both you and your partner should sleep as much as you possibly can. You will be sleep-deprived parents for a long while once you give birth, so this is the perfect time to enjoy leisurely weekend lie-ins together.

4. DISCUSS PARENTING DUTIES

Have an honest chat with your partner about what you are both expecting when you become parents. Talk through parenting duties and household chores, and how you both feel these should be shared. Not feeling emotionally and practically supported can cause relationship problems for new parents, so it is best to be open about it now.

5. PREPARE YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK NOW

Family and friends can help guide you through your emotions during pregnancy and into parenthood. Connect with like-minded, soon-to-be parents at new parents’ groups and pregnancy classes. Combine it with a hobby like prenatal exercise classes. It will keep you healthy and fit, while giving you the opportunity to connect with other pregnant mums.

Article courtesy of Nestlé

This article is taken from our My Alvernia Magazine Issue #44. Click here to read the issue on our website or on Magzter.