Sherwood has got to be one of the most confusing times of being an adult. On the one hand, there’s excitement and the thrill of bringing a new life into this world, on the other, there’s sheer unadulterated terror at the thought of having just brought a newborn baby into this world and even though it’s a saying as old as the trees, you’re truly, not alone. It would be strange if you weren’t feeling like this.
But, as conflicted and crazy as this period may feel, there are a few things at least that remain somewhat predictable and putting these in place in good time will save you a lot of sleepless nights. Here’s a few tips on bringing baby home.
GIVE YOUR HOUSE A SAFETY EXAM
This is probably the most important of all tasks save for remembering to buy enough baby food. You cannot be too safe and spending a good amount of time making sure that your home is babyproof is a very wise investment. Make no mistake, babies go from “can barely hold their heads up” to “and now I’m sleeping on a bookshelf” in no time at all.
DO A QUICK ONCE OVER ON THE “GERM FRONT”
You may need to rope in the help of a friend or family member for this one. Once the “big event” is underway, it will be incredibly useful and reassuring to have someone give your home or apartment a quick once over and spring clean (even if it’s not the spring). If they can make double-sure to sanitise with baby-friendly products, then you know that by the time you get home, everything will be right as rain and ready to welcome your new family home.
MAKE SURE THAT YOUR NURSERY IS 100% PREPARED AND STOCKED UP.
The squeaky back door can wait – your nursery cannot. A few days before the due date do the once over routine on your nursery. Double-check supplies of diapers, blankets, cleaning aids, trashbin liners, baby oils, powders, lotions – the works and if it’s possible, get someone to do one last run to the store for you too. You’re never going to need enough and the last thing you want in those first days home is you or your +1 having to do the midnight run for diapers.
PREPARE FOR THE EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT AFTER THE BIRTH
There are the baby blues and then there’s post-natal depression. They’re not necessarily the same thing. Don’t expect too much from yourself in those first days, take it easy. You’re going to be feeling every human emotion possible and sometimes seemingly all at the same time. But forewarned is forearmed, so be prepared.
STOCK.THE.FREEZER.
This is beyond important for the same reason why you want to make sure that your baby supplies in the nursery are well stocked. In the days after you’ve come home, there’s likely to be a hive of activity in and out of your home. This depletes tea supplies and you’re going to need a cup of tea at 03:30 and what you won’t need, is a post-midnight run to the shops. This is especially true if you’re a single parent.
Image by Tawny Nina Botha from Pixabay
START THINKING ABOUT RELIGIOUS SERVICES
If you plan on having your baby Christened, baptized or you’re planning on a bris there are timelines according to some religions, so remember yours. Some churches require you to attend a dedication ceremony only after you’ve attended and passed training and guidance classes, so check with your church, temple or place of worship in good time.
PRE-PLAN SOME ALONE TIME
The first couple of weeks after you’re back home is a whirlwind of activity and your home becomes the main hive and all of that is good well, after all, you want to share this with your family and friends, but you and your partner if you have one, are going to be tired in ways you’ve never experienced before. So decide on a few days in advance, and stick to them. Then as your days develop, you can set aside some more time as and when you need it.
ARRANGE A GIRLS NIGHT, AS SOON AS YOU’RE ABLE
This may seem a little trite at this point, but reconnecting with your tribe is very important to your emotional well being and a night out with your gal pals will also help recharge you and get you feeling a sense of normalcy again. Sure, your life has changed irrevocably but you’re still you and your friends are there to make sure you don’t forget it.
And finally…you’re never going to know it all, so here’s a handy “complete baby checklist” to get you started and while you’re at it, start thinking about when you’ll be ready to head back to work.
Good luck!
