Awaiting Your New Baby
The final weeks and days before baby’s arrival, are always filled with anticipation and excitement. You’re making sure that everything is ready for the arrival of a new family member – the nursery is in order, your hospital bag is ready, there is a baby car seat in the car, and the list goes on and on.
While taking care of all the practical things is necessary, don’t forget that being mentally prepared for this transformative moment is just as important. These last few days can be incredibly overwhelming, but it’s better to take it all in before your little bundle of joy arrives and changes your existence forever. So, how exactly can you mentally prepare yourself for this huge change in your life?
Reflect on Parenthood
What does parenthood mean to you? Take some quiet moments to reflect on the upcoming journey and the special role you’re going to have. Take some quiet moments to reflect and consider your expectations, fears, and the values you want to instil in your growing family. Embracing the emotional aspects of this transition can help you to be mentally prepared for the responsibilities and joys that lie ahead.
Communicate with Your Partner/Co-Parent
Chances are high that there have been plenty of talks between you and your partner all the way through the pregnancy stage, but during these last few days, it may be helpful to come back to these conversations or have new ones. Don’t skip out on this – open and honest communication with your partner or co-parent is vital during this time.
You should be able to share your thoughts, feelings, and any concerns you may have. It’s good to discuss the changes you anticipate and the ways in which you can support each other through this incredible journey. To some degree, talking about “what-ifs” could also be useful and reassuring. Have a discussion, be prepared, but don’t stress yourself out. Complications during labour are rear, but it’s useful to know how to deal with them, even if birth injury compensation claims are not (and certainly shouldn’t be) the first thing on your mind at this stage. Keep calm, keep talking and enjoy what sleep and rest you can get before your new baby will start dictating a new routine.
Get Emotional Support
The days leading up to birth can bring a mix of emotions, you may feel happy and excited one minute and tearful and scared the next. That’s normal. And it’s not just something that mums-to-be experience, but dads do as well. You need emotional support, your partner needs emotional support, and it’s great that you have each other, but sometimes help from friends and family is invaluable. Words of comfort and reassurance from people you love will help you both through the days of the nervous anticipation.
