The internet is rife with information about how to prepare for a baby. Articles focus on the obvious baby prep. From getting a nursery ready to stocking up on everything your child is going to need. We’re going to go ahead and assume you’ve got all that covered. If not, there’s already enough information out there to help. Instead, we’re going to look at the baby preparation that isn’t spoken about. Rather than focusing on what you need when baby arrives, we’re going to look at what you should focus on during pregnancy. The one thing you can be sure of is that everything is about to change. So, take these nine months to get things in order and prepare for the changes to come. Here’s our alternative guide to preparation!
CLEAR YOUR DEBTS
You don’t need us to tell you that babies are expensive. It’s probably all you’ve been thinking about since you found out about your pregnancy. Of course, nothing else is so worth the expense. But, that doesn’t stop the financial commitments seeming daunting. Make sure you’re in the best financial position when the baby comes by clearing your debts. You may not be able to clear those debts completely in nine months, but now is the time to come up with a plan. If you pay a good chunk of the amount you owe, you’ll be in a much better position down the line. A company like Money Expert is by far your best bet here. Such companies help you pay back your debts on a monthly payment plan. And, you already know how many months you have to play with! Work out how much you would need to pay each month to clear the debt, and decide whether it’s doable. If not, try to come up with a payment plan that will get you as close to being debt free in nine months as possible.
ENJOY YOUR ALONE TIME
This is a point you won’t find in many preparing for parenthood guides. New parents are meant to be busting to meet their bundle of joy. And, there’s no denying that you fall into that category. Even so, there’s no shame in admitting that you need to spend time alone right now. Once you become a mother, alone time will become a thing of the past for a good few years. Embrace that by getting plenty of it now. We all enjoy the chance to wind down alone every now and again. It’s one thing that many parents wish they had more of. Through your pregnancy, set aside at least one night a week for yourself. Do all the things you most enjoy when you’re alone. It may be that you relish in a solitary walk, or love to sit down with a good book. Make set dates with yourself, and stick to them. This is your last chance to enjoy those secret pleasures. Okay, that may be a little drastic. But, you can be sure that it’ll be many years before alone time is so easy to come by. Don’t waste the opportunity. Of course, you won’t be completely alone, even now. Your baby is there with you, even when you can’t see them. But, the odd kick is a distraction worth having!
NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP
In the same vein as alone time, it’s important you nurture your relationship right now. Providing a strong and loving home is the best way to give your baby the best start in life. Yet, when the baby comes along, there will be an added strain on your relationship. You and your man aren’t going to be able to spend half as much quality time together. Of course, time spent as a family of three is still a form of bonding. But, you want your relationship on the best footing when baby arrives. As with your alone time, schedule a date night a week. Work out the dates with your man, and make sure he knows not to make other plans. Then, set about planning things that you know you won’t be able to do when the baby comes. This could be a simple as going for a romantic meal at a restaurant. Or, you could go all out and arrange trips to the theatre, or even nights away. The most important thing is that you luxuriate in each other. Put all other worries aside. Make a rule that you don’t even talk about the baby on these dates!