EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
First Years
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By the time most women reach the third trimester, there are precious few comforts upon which to cling. The accumulated aggravations of nine months have reached their boiling point, and husbands, mothers-in-laws and bosses would do well to tread softly near the soon-to-be mom. Swollen feet and flaring tempers notwithstanding, many expectant moms experience a welcome surge of energy during the final weeks of pregnancy. Make the most of your nesting instinct by preparing your home (and life) in advance of b-day, because once your little bundle has arrived, there will be little time for anything else. Take it from one overly ambitious mom, two months before your due date is not the time to move, purchase a home, and begin an extensive remodeling project. It is, however, time to put your nesting impulses to prudent use organizing, planning, cleaning, decorating and finishing all of those projects you’ve been meaning to get to on a rainy day. Simplify “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!” Henry David Thoreau’s famous exhortation should ring especially true for new moms. Nothing can overstate the need to rid your home of all of the superfluous stuff that can only get in the way of your parenting success. Clean out closets and donate unnecessary items to charity. Pack away your skinny jeans and all of those dry-clean-only clothes you won’t need them for a while. Overhaul the garage, making way for baby gear. Organize your home office so that bill paying and other family business may be streamlined. Stock up After the birth of your child, it may be weeks before you have time or feel up to the task of shopping. Make the most of your nesting tendencies by stocking up on essentials. Canned soup and vegetables are healthy alternatives to fast food and can be prepared in minutes. Load your freezer with ready-made dinners or homemade entrees that you have made in advance and frozen. Hydration is important to your recovery and vital if you plan to breastfeed your infant. Stock up on bottled water and fruit juice so that you have plenty of liquid nourishment handy. Prepare yourself In the midst of preparations for baby, don’t forget about yourself. Get your hair cut, have your nails done, and make sure your make-up bag is stocked with your favorite cosmetics. Buy cute lounge wear for the weeks that you’ll be caring for baby and greeting guests at home. It may take awhile to fit into your old wardrobe, and it will only deepen your postpartum depression if you have nothing to wear. If you plan to breastfeed, gear up with nursing tops and bras, breast shields, breast pads, and soothing lanolin ointment. Have your doctor recommend the appropriate over-the-counter pain medication or prescribe medicine that you can have filled in advance. Plan for Plan B (and C and D) You may feel crazy with excitement now, but nothing can fully prepare you for the range of emotions you’ll experience after the birth of your child. In spite of your best intentions, all will not go as planned, so make up your mind in advance to be flexible. Purchase formula and bottles so that you’re prepared to supplement if breastfeeding gets off to a rocky start. Make arrangements now for help with the baby and household chores in the event of an emergency Caesarian section or difficult birth. As you scurry around preparing for the big day, don’t exhaust yourself. Have fun feathering your nest; then, hop in bed and take a nice long nap. You’re going to need it! S. Danyelle Knight is a regular contributor. |
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