The Duchess of Cambridge is due to give birth in a matter of months so if you, like her, are also about to become a mum we’ve got some top tips to help you on your way.
Parenting on Female First
Care.com have put together some tips on how to prepare for the birth as well as how to ease into motherhood after the birth.
Take a look at expert nanny Rosemary Albone’s words of wisdom!
The Third Trimester
1. Don’t Information Overload
It’s easy to spend all your time reading up on loads of information, especially if you don’t necessarily have someone to turn to for advice. Stay informed about pregnancy, giving birth and the care of new-borns, but be careful not to overwhelm yourself with conflicting information.
2. Know Your Hot-Spots
In terms of tolerating mess and disorder, if you can’t stand the beds not being made then make them, but consciously decide to let other things stay as they are. This is just as relevant once your baby is born.
3. Rally the Troops
If you are going back to work and have your childcare arrangements sorted, such as hiring a Nanny through Care.com, keep in contact with them and talk about the likely pressure points that might occur in the first few weeks of baby’s arrival and how you are going to manage them together. Things such as managing by yourself when your partner returns to work, and helping with your other children can be all useful topics of conversation.
However; it’s not just pre-care help that mums need. The first three months can also be the most demanding, whether you’re a new mum or a mum with several children.
The First Three Months
1. Double Means Less Trouble
Doubling up on some of the essential baby items can be very beneficial and reduce stress. Have nappy changing items and equipment upstairs and downstairs. Or, keep toys in different rooms around the house so that they are within easy reach.
2. Own Your Diary
Don’t feel that you need to ‘host’ visitors all the time when a new-born arrives. By all means, let people come and introduce themselves to the new addition to the family, but make sure it’s on your terms. And if they offer to, suggest they bring their own food so you can focus on what matters most…your new bundle of joy!
3. Get the Family Involved
If your parents are local and willing to get involved, welcome that, but be clear about things you’d like them to help with and those you and your partner would rather do. This also applies if you have a Nanny or another form of childcare. Care.com encourages parents to set the tone whilst the nanny, who is often seen an extension of the family, will work very closely with the parents to create a care plan that benefits the whole family.