How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first child. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood? Practice these five easy steps before becoming a mom and you’ll be as ready as you can be for life with a little one when your bundle of joy finally arrives.
- Don’t have unrealistic parental expectations and start repeating this mantra now “There’s no such thing as the perfect parent.” Mom mistakes are going to happen and it’s best to learn now to accept these. Cut yourself some slack! You may have a high-need child, or you may have an easy bundle of joy. You might find breastfeeding comes easily to you, or it might take a bit of perseverance. Until he comes along, you won’t know your child’s temperament, or what his feeding/sleeping patterns will be. Embrace the unknown and don’t let it overwhelm you.
- Accept now that you’ll be doing everything at a much slower pace. Whether that’s initially recovering from birth or even getting out the door for a breath of fresh air, give yourself time adjusting to being a new mom. There’s no rush and everything can wait. You’ve got a playdate at 11am, but you turn up at midday due to your child deciding they’re hungry again? No worries! Everyone is going to understand and that’s life with a small child.
- Practice self-care while pregnant and remember to take time for yourself. Look into prenatal yoga classes (a great way to relax and meet some like-minded moms to be). And both you and your partner should sleep as much as you possibly can… You’ll be sleep deprived parents for a long while once you give birth, so this is the perfect time to enjoy lazy weekend lie-ins together.
- 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. Emotional support is also key when you’re a new parent, and not feeling emotionally and practically supported can cause new parents relationship problems so it’s best to be open about it now. Read our first-time dad tips (or ask him to!) for more ways he can get involved.
- Start to prepare your support network now. Family and friends can help guide you through your emotions during pregnancy now and beyond when you become a new mom. Connect with like-minded, soon-to-be parents, too. Research local new parents groups and pregnancy classes in your area. Combine it with a hobby like prenatal exercise classes. It’ll keep you healthy and fit, while giving you the opportunity to meet pregnant mums in your area.
Related articles
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but it isn’t always what you see in the movies. Here are a few signs of labour to look out for.
1 min to read
How to Cope with First Trimester Anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Planning a diaper party checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a diaper party for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some diaper party ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
7 Changes During Pregnancy
You lament, “I’m not myself anymore!” With a blossoming belly, comes crazy physical changes.
4 mins to read
The 6 Best Apps for Couples in Pregnancy Mode
We’ve tracked down 6 apps to help you and your partner make the most out of this exciting stage in your life.
1 min to read
Children’s names help
Need children’s names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
What to pack in your hospital bag
Time to think about what to pack for your new child — including that special going-home outfit — and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.
3 mins to read
Working mom woes? Follow our tips for going back to work after giving birth
If your family finances demand that you’re to become a working mom, you’re more than likely planning your return to work while navigating a rollercoaster of emotions — from feeling guilty and anxio
3 mins to read
Getting your child's nursery ready
Preparing your child’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a nursery list to help get them settled in at home.
2 mins to read
Is it Time? Learn About the 6 Signs of Labour
Giving birth is a difficult, painful experience that marks the beginning of a new happy, exciting adventure, even more so for a mom who’s experiencing it for the first time.
3 mins to read
11-Week pregnant: Development and diet
If you could look inside, you’d see thin little hairs developing on your little love’s eyebrows and above her lip. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
27-Week Pregnant: Development and Diet
Your little sweetheart still has some growing to do but as of today, he’s over 30 cm long, big enough lying down to fit on your forearm between your hand and your elbow.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week scan
Finally, your 12-week scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
1 min to read
Food for Your Third Trimester
The final stage of pregnancy is a wonderful time as your body is getting ready to welcome your child into the world.
3 mins to read
6-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Your child’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments on such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
22-Week pregnant: Development and diet
If you could look inside, you may see your little angel sucking her thumb. It’s nature’s way of getting her ready to breastfeed from birth. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
38-Week pregnant: Development and diet
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Nourishing yourself nourishes your child
Did you know? It is important that you eat a healthy diet while breastfeeding and drink plenty of water and other fluids to help with milk production.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Ovulation calendar
Determine when you are likely to ovulate can improve your chances of conceiving.
Pregnancy week
Find out what changes you can expect in your body, your emotions, your life and your little one.
