Skip to main content

5 things to do with your partner before baby arrives

Hello mums-to-be! 


As a mum of three, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to prepare for a new arrival. Between the excitement and anticipation, it's easy to forget that life as you know it is about to change. That's why it's crucial to take the time to connect with your partner before the baby arrives. Trust me, there won't be much time for romantic dates and long conversations once the little one arrives. Welcoming a new baby into your family brings so much change to your partnership, it’s important to spend time preparing for your journey into parenthood as a couple as well as enjoying the time you have before baby arrives, just the two of you. In this blog post, I'll be sharing five things you can do with your partner to prepare yourselves mentally and emotionally for your new roles as parents.





Why is good communication important in a partnership when adding a baby to your family.
Good communication is essential for any couple but especially when adding in a new baby. Sleep deprivation and fumbling your way through those early weeks can be a breeding ground for conflict if you aren’t on the same page. Bringing a baby into your family will change your relationship dynamics in ways you might not expect. You'll both be physically and emotionally exhausted, and your lives will revolve around this tiny human being who is totally dependent on you. It's important to discuss your expectations and fears about parenthood before you take the plunge. Make sure you're both on the same page about how you'll share the responsibilities of caring for your baby, how you'll communicate when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and how you'll make time for each other as a couple. Becoming a parent can also bring up a lot of unresolved issues from your own childhood and family history. It's important to have open and honest conversations with your partner about your own experiences growing up, as well as any fears or concerns you have about being a parent. This can help you both to be more understanding and supportive of each other when things get tough. Having good communication with your partner before adding a baby to your family can help to strengthen your relationship and build a strong foundation for your family. When you're both able to communicate honestly and openly, you're more likely to be able to work through challenges together and support each other through the ups and downs of parenting.









Here are 5 things you should do before baby comes:

1. Discuss responsibilities 

Every parent enjoys different things about parenting. It’s important to discuss what responsibilities each parent will have within your family. 

Some couples like to divide tasks evenly and others may have one parent take more of the household responsibilities while the other takes responsibility over the yard work. You may feel like just going with the flow and figuring out who does what when the time comes. However discussing this early on can reduce conflict, reduce partner resentment and save disappointment later on. Having this discussion while pregnant can help the transition into parenthood so much smoother. 

Responsibilities can include anything that needs to be completed, such as:
  • Mowing the lawn
  • Dishes (stacking the dishwasher, washing dishes and putting away) 
  • Washing clothes and putting away
  • Cleaning bathrooms
  • Vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Dusting
  • Cooking dinner
  • Doing the food shopping
  • Bathing baby 
  • Dressing baby 
  • Feeding baby 
  • Playing with baby
  • Putting baby to sleep
  • Teaching toileting 


2. Discuss parenting wishes and styles 

Parenting styles differ from person to person. Some parents are more organised than others and some are more strict compared to others. 

It’s important to discuss the big questions before baby arrives, such as:
  • What should our budget look like and will one person take more responsibility to keep us on track? 
  • Will one parent work while the other stays home with baby?
  • Will both parents work part time and share caring for baby?
  • Will you be active parents together (play and teach your child equally)?
  • What will night shift look like with baby - will one parent take all responsibility, will it be shared or will both get up together? 
  • Will one parent be more hands on than the other?
  • What are your views on discipline? 
  • What are your views on co-sleeping?
  • What are your views on saving the baby’s cord blood? 
  • What are your views on vaccinations? 
It is also important to discuss more practical parenting topics to decide what you will do once baby arrives, including:
  • Will we use cloth or disposable nappies?
  • Will we use a dummy, if so when will we introduce? 
  • Is breastfeeding preferred?
  • Will we use childcare or do we have family who can care for baby? 

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to new parents is to discuss their parenting fears with their partner before the baby arrives. It is important to have an open and honest conversation about the challenges you may face, as well as your expectations and concerns. This will not only help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead, but it will also ensure that you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to parenting decisions. 





3. Develop a communication plan

Everybody communicates differently, knowing what each person needs out of the relationship is important. 
Here are a few things to consider discussing: 
  • How you like to be spoken to
  • How you make decisions 
  • How you resolve problems 
Working through these questions can help. Knowing how you communicate can reduce issues when baby comes,  especially when you are tired. 


4. Discuss your wishes for visitors once home 

When you bring baby home you could be inundated with visitors wanting to see the new baby. It’s important to jointly decide how to handle visitor’s. 

Will you have an open house and anyone can come over for as long as they like, will you schedule people at convenient times or ask for no visitors for a while until you are settled. 



5. Relax together

Once baby comes your world will be all about baby for a while, it’s nice if you can take a weekend to just spend together as a couple before baby arrives. 

Consider a stay-cation at home with no distractions (unplug and relax) or a short trip somewhere you both will love. 



Final thoughts

So, there you have it. Five things you and your partner can do before your little one arrives. Remember, this is a time of transition and it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of preparation. But don't forget to take some time for yourselves and enjoy each other's company. Whether it's a babymoon, a date night, or simply taking a walk together, these moments can be precious and help strengthen your bond as a couple. And when your baby does arrive, don't forget to continue making time for yourselves and each other. It's important for your mental health and for the health of your relationship. Good luck on this exciting new journey!














Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Famous movie quotes to improve your mood

Movie quotes are a powerful tool that can inspire, motivate and entertain us.  They are often memorable, catchy, and can evoke a range of emotions from laughter to tears. Whether you are a movie buff or not, chances are you have heard at least one movie quote that has stuck with you. One of the reasons why movie quotes are so powerful is that they can represent universal truths or insights about the human condition. For example, the quote "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get" from the movie Forrest Gump, speaks to the unpredictable nature of life. Similarly, the quote "May the Force be with you" from the Star Wars franchise represents the idea of relying on inner strength and guidance. Movie quotes can also inspire us to take action and make positive changes in our lives. The quote "Carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary" from the movie Dead Poets Society, encourages us to live in the moment and...
Post a Comment
Read more

Embracing 100 Small Things in Life for Self-Discovery, Growth, and Love

Hello there !  Embracing the positivity in life can truly transform our journey. As I reflect on the power of focusing on the good things, it becomes evident that this mindset shapes our perspective, fostering self-discovery, growth, and love.  There are many reasons to prioritise the positive, here are a few: 1.  Enhances Well-Being:  Shifting focus to the good promotes mental and emotional well-being. 2.  Strengthens Resilience:  It builds resilience, helping us navigate challenges with a positive mindset. 3.  Fosters Gratitude:  Appreciating the good cultivates a sense of gratitude, enriching our daily lives. 4.  Improves Relationships:  Positive energy contributes to healthier and more fulfilling connections with others. Now, let's explore 100 things to be happy about, categorised to cover various aspects of life: Nature and Surroundings: 1. Sunrise and sunset hues 2. Blooming flowers 3. Calming ocean waves 4. Starry night skies 5. G...
Post a Comment
Read more

How a morning and night journaling routine can help reduce stress

Journaling is an excellent way to reduce stress, gain insight into yourself, and improve overall mental health.  However, finding the time and motivation to journal can be a challenge. One effective solution is to create a morning and night routine for journaling. Carving out a dedicated time in the morning and evening to help unclog your brain and focus on what you would like to achieve isn’t as hard as you may think. It can take as little as 5-10 minutes at a time.  Here are some simple tips to get you started. Morning Routine:   Focus on checking in with yourself, positive affirmations, goal setting and self care Begin your day with a check in on how you slept.  Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall well-being and is essential for optimal brain function, memory retention, and emotional regulation. Checking in with yourself each morning can help you identify any patterns or issues with your sleep that may be affecting your mood, energy levels, and overall...
Post a Comment
Read more

Embrace Serenity: 7 Mindful Exercises to Nourish Your Soul

Hey there!  Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace? If you're seeking ways to reconnect with yourself and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being, you're in the right place.  Today, I'm thrilled to share with you seven transformative mindfulness exercises that will help you tap into the serenity within. 1. Dive into Mindful Breathing Let's kick things off with a timeless classic: mindful breathing. This exercise is as simple as it sounds – just take a moment to focus on your breath. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and tune in to the sensation of each inhale and exhale. As thoughts drift in, gently guide your attention back to the rhythm of your breath. It's amazing how something as natural as breathing can anchor us in the present moment and calm our racing minds. Benefits of Mindful Breathing: - Reduces stress and anxiety - Enhances focus and concentration - Promotes relaxation and inner peace Tips for Practicing Mindful...
Post a Comment
Read more

6 YouTube channels that focus on Self Growth

If you are here, then you are interested in finding a YouTube channel for self growth. Pursuing self-growth is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for yourself. Not only does it help you grow as a person, but it can also lead to greater happiness and fulfilment in life. One important aspect of self-growth is the notion of lifelong learning. This means that the process of learning and growing never stops, no matter how old you are or how much you think you already know. There is always more to learn, and by embracing this idea, you open yourself up to endless possibilities for personal growth. Lifelong learning can take many forms. It can involve taking classes or workshops to learn new skills or gain knowledge in a particular subject area. It can also involve reading books, watching documentaries or YouTube, or listening to podcasts to expand your understanding of the world around you. But lifelong learning isn't just about acquiring new knowledge. It's also about bein...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Ways to Let Go of Partner Resentment and Build a Stronger Relationship

Have you ever felt a twinge of resentment towards your partner?  It's a common emotion that can creep into even the strongest of relationships, leaving us feeling frustrated, misunderstood, and disconnected.  But here's the thing, resentment doesn't have to be the downfall of your love story. In fact, it can be a catalyst for growth and deeper connection if managed effectively. Join me on a journey to explore five powerful strategies to navigate partner resentment and cultivate a relationship filled with love, understanding, and harmony. Understanding Partner Resentment: Before delving into the solutions, let's unpack what partner resentment really means. It often stems from unmet expectations, unresolved conflicts, or feelings of injustice within the relationship. When left unaddressed, resentment can fester and poison the connection between partners, leading to distance and disengagement. However, by shining a light on this emotion and actively working through it, we...
Post a Comment
Read more