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While You're Waiting For Baby |
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by jenlemen  (December 2006) (rank 9th) |
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Even the most patient mother-to-be starts to feel a little restless in those last days before baby makes her grand arrival. Chances are by the last week out you have already laundered the baby clothes, prepared your hospital bag, and organized enough around the house to feel prepared for the
big day. But what do you do AFTER all those things are finished and the kid still isn't here yet? Here's a list I like to give my doula clients when they call claiming they can't wait one minute longer:
- Make plans with friends. After baby comes you'll have an adjustment period where it isn't quite as easy to run around visiting the way you might be able to do right now. I encourage my clients to make plans with two or three close friends for the days up to and following the due date. These should be positive people who you enjoy being with--no obligatory social calls please! The idea is to fill your calendar with lunch and/or coffee dates with people who will keep your spirits high. On those down days when you really are sick of being pregnant, you'll be able to look at the calendar and remember you have something to look forward to--either baby will be here or you'll be preoccupied with friends.
- Plan a nice night out with your partner. Nothing is more stressful than juggling tiny babies and restaurant atmosphere. This will be the last time in a while that you'll be able to have a nice conversation uninterrupted by baby needs, so plan some quiet evenings with the one you love. Movies are also a nice option.
- Prepare for a birth-day party. Get baby announcements addressed and stamped. Prepare a favorite meal that can be easily frozen. Assemble all the ingredients you will need to make a cake by scratch--cake baking is a great early labor activity that can distract you and remind you that someone sweet is arriving in no time. You'll have everything you need for a mini-celebration once you are home from the hospital and ready to get settled.
- Write a letter to your first (or second or third, etc) born child. A lot of times moms have unspoken anxieties about bringing a new child into the family. We worry that our current only (or youngest) child will feel less loved or neglected. By writing a nice letter for the baby book, you can express your commitment to your growing family as well as reassure your children that there's enough love in this family for everyone. It doesn't matter if your child is two or ten, this is a nice keepsake for the baby book to be read with love in the years to come.
- Extend your support network. You can never have too many meals, too many babysitters or too many friends who are willing to entertain your toddler while you take care of the baby. Take this time to make some calls and ask the people closest to you if they would be willing to come over for one hour or one aftertoon once the baby is born. You'll be glad later that you reached out for the extra reinforcements. Don't forget help for simple things that pile up like laundry, yardwork or returning library books. You'd be surprised by how much people are willing to help if you just ask.
- Take slow, lazy walks followed by a nice nap if possible. It's important to keep moving and to stay active. Taking in nature and making sure you have plenty of rest and fluids will ensure your spirits (and your body!) are in good shape when baby finally arrives.
What helped you stay distracted in the days before your baby was born?
