Preparing for pregnancy emotionally can be more difficult than preparing physically because emotional needs vary from person to person. However, there are general things you can do to help emotionally prepare yourself for your pregnancy and all of the changes you will be experiencing. Now, more than ever, it is important to take time for yourself and surround yourself with supportive people.
Pamper Yourself
Pampering yourself shouldn’t be seen as indulgent but rather as a necessary component to overall well being. Many times the advice women get when pregnant center around what you need to do to keep the baby healthy or how to keep your body healthy. Pampering lets you take care of your emotional needs, which are equally important. There are several ways you can pamper and they depend, primarily, on what makes you happiest. Some ideas for pampering yourself are getting a prenatal massage, buy a new book, buy a subscription to your favorite magazines so you’ll get a monthly treat. This is not a definitive list, you should look for those things that make you happy and
Create a Support Network
Your support group can be made up of family, friends, mothers, and expecting mothers. Talking to other mothers will help you prepare for the changes you will experience during pregnancy. Another benefit of talking with other mothers is that it will help you realize the symptoms and feelings you are experiencing are not abnormal. Just knowing that you have someone to talk to that understands what you are going through can help tremendously when you are feeling confused, frightened, or overwhelmed. Family and friends are essential because they will be able to help you with day to day tasks if you are not able. Having someone who is able to help with necessary tasks can be a huge emotional relief.
Prepare Your Children
If there are other children in the household, it is important to also prepare them for the birth of the new baby. Younger children are often keen on receiving all of the attention of mom and dad and can become jealous of the baby after birth. Keeping the older baby happy by making them a part of the daily baby activities is an ideal way to keep all emotions even and happy after birth.
For older children, the effect of a new baby will often be the same jealousy even though they will present their reactions far differently than the younger siblings. Make sure not to put too much pressure on the older children after birth in regards to helping out with the baby. Making special older child dates where one or both parents spend quality time with the older child will also keep everyone happy.
Having a new baby is a time of emotions. When mom becomes pregnant, the preparations will not only involve her but dad and fellow family members alike. Taking care of a baby is a tough task and making sure to keep family time and alone time with dad and the other children in the household will make everyone happier.
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