Bringing a baby into the world is a life-altering experience and one that should not be done lightly. The decision to start a family is an exciting one, filled with dreams of parenthood, laughter, and love. However, it’s also a decision that requires careful planning and consideration. If you are thinking about starting a family then here are 5 things you and your partner should discuss first.
Talk about the big stuff
Before embarking on the journey to parenthood, be open and honest with your partner. Discuss your desires, fears, and expectations. Make sure you are both on the same page and ready for this life-changing adventure. It’s a time for nurturing your relationship and growing together as a couple so be sure to discuss your long term goals both family related and individual ones too. Consider how these goals will fit around the new commitments you will be making as parents and how you can support each other when time is limited and funds have to stretch further.
It’s also worth noting that baby tests even the strongest relationships. So, besides talking about the big stuff, prepare by reading parenting books, taking birth classes, talking to parent-friends about lifestyle changes, and ensuring your partnership is solid. In addition, if considering alternative options like surrogacy, research legal policies and costs, as well as critical questions like does surrogate mother share DNA with the baby.
Hashing out the deeper specifics will bring you closer and get you on the same page for handling the more complicated conversations that will come up during your parenting journey. So, identify potential disagreements early and be willing to find compromises. Working as a team starts with understanding each other’s perspectives on the big, weighty topics unique to raising kids together. Face them before the sleepless nights begin!
Prioritise your health
Both you and your partner should prioritise your physical and mental health. Schedule preconception check-ups with your healthcare provider to ensure you are in optimal health for pregnancy. This includes managing chronic conditions, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques can also help improve fertility. You should also consider stopping smoking and drinking alcohol if you haven’t already.
Remaining vigilant about both partners’ physical and mental health pre-pregnancy has lifelong implications for your little one as well. Prioritising wellness before, during, and after welcoming your future baby gifts them a great foundation.
Organise your finances
Raising a child comes with significant financial responsibilities. Create a budget that considers expenses like maternity clothes, prenatal vitamins and maternity leave as well as all the baby essentials you will need for when they arrive. You may also find it beneficial to consider setting up a savings account dedicated to your child’s future needs too.
When you organise your finances before the arrival of a child, you alleviate the strain that money-related issues can put on relationships. By being prepared and financially secure, you can prioritise your focus on parenting rather than panicking over funds.
Prepare your home
Have a think about where you are currently living and whether that is the place you want to raise a child. If not it would be best to move house before you get pregnant to avoid any additional stress during the pregnancy. If you are in the home you want to be in long term then start to make plans for the arrival of the baby by childproofing certain areas, setting up a nursery, and ensuring it’s a safe and welcoming environment. Making any necessary renovations or adjustments in advance.
It would also be best to clean the entire home deeply, paying close attention to laundry and dish hygiene. Hoard essential supplies like stocking up on diapers, nursing materials, a first aid kit, and baby-safe cleaning agents. As things get cluttered, prepare places for stashing toys, gear, and clothing. Also, create cramped, friendly, easy kitchen food prep storage/appliance access.
Life admin
Although not very exciting and maybe even a bit morbid, when you want to start a family it is very important to consider the legalities involved. For example you may need to review and update your will, designate guardianship in case of an emergency, and ensure that all legal and administrative matters are in order. This step provides peace of mind and security for your growing family. It’s also important to discuss how you families will be involved in the babies life, what will your baby call their grandparents? Will anyone help with childcare or will you send your baby to a nursery? Will you Christen your child and if so who will the god parents be? These might sound like things that should be considered post birth but if you are on very different pages about this seemingly simple things it will make it harder to enjoy your new arrival, so best to sort them out first.
Planning for a baby is an exciting time but it does require lots of changes to be made. If you consider these five things in advance of getting pregnant you will be sure to find the transition to parenthood smoother.