There’s nothing quite like the impending arrival of a new baby to send parents into a tizzy. Have we got enough diapers? Which pram do we settle on? What arrangements need to be made before taking time off work? It can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting time, especially for first-time parents.
However, it’s important to remember that you don’t stop being you just because you’ll soon be taking on the role of new parents – here are some simple things you can – and should – do for yourselves in the weeks leading up to the big day which will may help, even in small ways, when you’re caught up in those first weeks of new parenthood.
1. Get your hair done
It’s likely in the month or two post-birth you’ll be pretty busy. And tired. And occupied with the littlest member of your new family. Do something nice for yourself before the big event (easier still if you’re booked in for a Caesarean and know exactly when you’ll be having your baby) and get your hair trimmed, treated and washed – if you’re adhering to the ‘no hair-washing’ confinement rule, it could be a while before your hair looks and feels this great again.
2. Go on a date night
Heck, go on several date nights – go out for brunch, dinner and supper as often as you like, because soon, spur-of-the-moment dining out will be a distant memory. Get dolled up, go for a movie, dinner and drinks after (you can have mocktail!) and just enjoy each other’s company. You may be almost-parents, but you’re still partners, and it’s important to make each other still feel loved and special.
3. Stock up on supplies
When you’re out and about and find your usual brand of skincare and beauty products on sale, pick up an extra bottle or two to stash in the cupboard – you’ll be saving money and ensuring you have supplies on hand. The same applies to household products like laundry detergent, especially if you’re intending on using cloth nappies, toilet paper and cleaning products. This simple step is absolutely worth the satisfaction of having back-up when you run out of your preferred products.
4. Get your garden sorted
If you’re a bit of a green thumb and have been growing your own herbs and vegetables, now’s a good time to get things organised for a brief period of minor neglect. Weed, prune plants back, put down some slow-release fertiliser and plant some veggie seedlings so by the time baby arrives, you can have a nice little harvest fresh from the garden.
5. Organise some boredom-busters
It goes without saying that during the confinement period, if you’re sticking to the rules, you’ll be at home for the better part of a month. And while you may be under strict orders to rest, there will be times when you’d be wishing for something to occupy your mind – get a friend to bring you magazines or newspapers, relive your youth with a favourite old TV series, and buy or borrow books you’ve been meaning to read.
6. Surround yourself with pretty things
You’ll be spending a fair amount of time in bed, so why not splurge on a set of high thread count sheets? While you’re at it, throw out your flat old pillows and get some new ones, too. Ask your partner or visiting friends to bring you a fresh bunch of flowers every week, and give a place of prominence to a beautiful new print or artwork which you love. Don’t underestimate the power of simple pleasures.
7. Book in some pampering
You’ll soon be caring for a baby, but who will care for you? If you can, book yourself in for a pregnancy massage with an experienced masseuse – they should ensure you lie on your side and know to avoid certain pressure points. Alternatively, book yourself in for a full-body pampering session in the months after birth so you’ll have something to look forward to. Better yet, book your partner in as well for a couples’ massage to feel blissed out together.
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Faye Song is a city girl finding her feet in regional Victoria, Australia. A former journalist, she works in marketing and communication, but has found that her real passion lies in dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing – while she awaits the arrival of her first child.
Image Credit: Flickr user Allan Foster, Erick Gustafson, Melanie Wynne,
