10 Simple Ways to Prepare for Motherhood (As a First Time Mom!)
Becoming a mom is one of the most precious and challenging journeys in a woman’s life, and preparing for motherhood is an important step most moms-to-be hope to learn about as they prepare to have their first child.
While it is true that some things you won’t learn until you experience them, there are many other things you can learn ahead of time that can prepare you to become a mom.
So, if you are a mom-to-be, here are ten simple and practical ways to help you prepare to become a mom.
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1. Surround Yourself with Other Moms
Having a strong support system is imperative in surviving motherhood. Especially in the early newborn days when you are sleep-deprived, talking to other adults seems more of a luxury than normalcy.
No one will understand you more and be able to help you more than other moms. So find a mom pack and stick to it.
Family, friends, local mom groups, moms at church, Facebook Groups for Moms, etc.
2. Get Organized
Another thing that will help you immensely in preparing for motherhood is getting organized. Nothing will spin things upside down more than having a child, so ensure you stay organized and have a plan in place to deal with the demands of the day-to-day.
Examples may include decluttering and organizing around the house, managing and keeping track of your finances, filing and organizing important paperwork, and creating a daily/weekly/monthly schedule.
You get the idea—simplify your life by creating a plan and organizing your work before the baby comes.
A great resource is the Printable Home Management Binder.
3. Focus on your Health
Another important part of preparing for motherhood is working on being as healthy as possible.
I am talking about physical health and mental and emotional help.
Once your child comes into the world, all of your time and energy will be poured into that child. So it is a great idea to focus on your health and be in the best shape you can be (mentally and physically) before the baby comes.
4. Take Time for Yourself
Another great way to prepare for motherhood is to find time to invest in yourself.
Is there a book you want to read? Movies you want to watch? Do it! Now!
When the baby comes, it will become much harder for you to find time for yourself. So take this time to dedicate some time for yourself and the things you want to do.
Knowing what I know now, if I were to be preparing for motherhood, I would:
- Get a weekly massage
- Take afternoon naps
- Go on weekend getaways
- Travel
- Read more books
- Watch movies (at home or in the movie theater)
5. Make a Plan
Although many parts of your motherhood journey will turn out to be completely unpredictable, coming into it with some sort of plan is always a good idea.
Consider some of these questions to put things in perspective:
- Will I need childcare?
- How long will my employer allow me to take off?
- When will I return back to work?
- Will I be starting an education fund?
6. Take Parenting Classes
One of the best things you can do to prepare for motherhood, especially as a new mom, is to take parenting classes.
Prenatal and Childbirth classes, in particular, are extremely beneficial in helping you prepare for labor.
When it comes to parenting and motherhood, there are several courses you can take online and several books that will help give you a great jumpstart.
Another wonderful course is Mastering Medical Emergencies for Moms by Shannon Tripp. It is comprised of easy-to-understand video instruction, downloadable PDF guides, and audio downloads designed to will help you feel confident knowing what to do when your kids get sick or injured.
7. Spend Time with Your Husband
Needless to say, motherhood comes with a full plate of responsibilities, which can often take a toll on any relationship.
When the baby comes, you will soon realize how difficult it can be to find time alone.
No wonder “babymoons” have become so popular in recent years. A babymoon is a short trip or vacation a couple takes just before the baby arrives.
So, as you prepare for motherhood, even if it isn’t a babymoon, don’t forget to prioritize spending time with your significant other.
8. Prepare for Birth
Your motherhood journey starts the minute you go into labor. So, getting ready for labor and delivery is a very smart choice.
The more you know about the birthing process, the more prepared you’ll be.
You can read all about the 5 Best Childbirth Courses here.
9. Prepare for Baby
Preparing for a baby is an important aspect of preparing for motherhood, much like preparing for childbirth.
It can feel a bit overwhelming to think that a new baby will come into the world for which you will be solely responsible. In addition to all that, we need to learn about other aspects of their care, such as newborn care, breastfeeding, and surviving the newborn stage!
10. Believe in yourself and trust your instincts
I know this will come slowly, as you are well into motherhood and have spent enough time in the “field.”
But it is worth noting that you, my friend, are capable of more than you know.
Believe in yourself, forgive yourself, and be patient with yourself. Some things will come easily and naturally, but others will take time to practice.
Trust your instinct and follow your intuition—yes, there is such a thing.
More on Preparing for Motherhood:
- 15 Best Non-Toxic Cribs and Mattresses (GREENGUARD Gold Certified)
- The Ultimate Organic Baby Nursery List (Non-Toxic Baby Furniture)
- 6 Ways to Prevent and Deal with Mom Anxiety Naturally
- Avoid Mom Burnout: 5 Places to Think Clearly for Moms
- Working Moms vs Stay-at-Home Moms (Pros, Cons, Tips, and Challenges)
- 10 Important Qualities of a Good Mother!
- Best Prayer to Pray Over Your Children (Hands Down!)
In Summary
Motherhood is a precious, ever-changing roller coaster ride of surprises and adventures.
While no one can help you fully prepare for your motherhood journey, you can do plenty of things to give you a head start.
I hope some of the aforementioned suggestions bless you as you prepare to become a mom.
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