How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. 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 newborn when your bundle of joy finally arrives.
- Don’t have unrealistic parental expectations
Start off by 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 baby, or you may have an easy baby. 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 baby’s temperament, or what his feeding/sleeping patterns will be. Embrace the unknown and don’t let it overwhelm you.
- Slow down your pace
Accept now that you’ll be doing everything at a much slower speed. 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 baby deciding they’re hungry again? No worries! Everyone is going to understand and that’s life with a newborn.
- Practice self-care while pregnant
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.
- 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. 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.
- 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
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your very first prenatal appointment is here—exciting! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
Getting baby’s nursery ready
Preparing the baby’s nursery is a fun job to do before your bundle of joy arrives. Here’s a baby nursery list to help get them settled in at home.
2 mins to read
How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.
5 mins to read
What to consider when choosing a nursery
Wondering how to pick a nursery to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a nursery, from childcare costs to location.
2 mins to read
How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.
2 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent, and bringing your newborn home, is the most daunting experience to navigate.
4 mins to read
Signs of Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Wondering how to know if I have postnatal depression? You’ve just birthed a human, your whole has been turned upside down, and you haven’t slept for what feels like an age.
5 mins to read
Your checklist of antenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about antenatal testing.
1 min to read
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labor checklist
Learn to identify the first signs of labor and understand the stages of childbirth. Get practical recommendations for a smoother labor experience.
5 mins to read
C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
2 mins to read
Coping with separation anxiety in babies and toddlers
Clingy Baby Syndrome, otherwise known as separation anxiety in toddlers, can be upsetting for you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you both cope with separation anxiety.
1 min to read
10 tips for a sound baby sleep routine
Baby sleep routines can vary enormously, often causing poor parents many a sleepless night. Here are some bedtime routine tips to help your baby sleep through the night.
1 min to read
Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!
2 mins to read
Six easy ways to deal with judging parents
Feel like you’re the victim of mom shaming or mom judging? It’s tough being a new mom, let alone if you feel like you’re under attack from parental criticism.
3 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
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.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
