Preparing for Parenthood: Practical Tips for the Journey Ahead

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming and even a little scary. With an endless to-do list and a sea of information to sort through, it's easy to feel like you need to have everything under control. Take a deep breath. You've got this! We're here to offer some guidance and steps to help you start off on the right foot.

Trust Yourself as a Parent

Parenting comes with a variety of guidelines, philosophies, and opinions, but remember this: YOU are the parent. Not your relatives, your close friends, the stranger on your social media page, or your neighbor down the street. Only you decide what is best for you and your little one. Trust in your instincts and do what you feel is right.

That said, having a strong support system while welcoming a new addition to your family is invaluable. Your support system can offer you the encouragement you need when the going gets tough, you need guidance, or when you need a little alone time. People in your support system could include your parents, friends, relatives, co-workers, or anyone in your life who encourages and uplifts you. Don't forget to explore parenting and support groups for people experiencing similar things, providing a safe space to share your feelings and connect with new people.

Budgeting for Baby

Let's talk about budgeting. Parenting can be expensive! But before you let the stress get to you (or maybe you already have) there are practical ways to help ease the financial stress.

• Review your finances: A great first step can be taking a look at your current finances. Where can adjustments be made in your expenses and savings? How much would you like to save before the baby arrives?

• Create a budget: Estimate the costs for essentials like diapers, clothing, baby gear (crib, car seat, stroller, etc.) and medical expenses.

• Take advantage of free resources: Alight has a Diapers & Wipes Program where we offer free diapers, wipes, and formula every single month. We also offer clothing up to 5T, blankets, breast pumps, strollers, etc. to help lighten your load.

Budgeting can feel overwhelming but remember to find strategies that work for your family's unique situation.

Setting up Your Space

Something fun that you can do to childproof your house is crawling around your home (bear with me) to see potential hazards from a baby's perspective. This may sound silly, but it really works! Give it a try. It's also important to secure heavy furniture, cover electrical outlets, remove choking hazards, and install necessary safety gates. For more tips on babyproofing your house, check out this article by What to Expect.

Preparing for the Big Day

When it's time for your baby's arrival, having a plan can make things a lot smoother:

• Go over your birthing options and decide where you want to give birth (hospital, birthing center, water birth, home birth, etc.). Your body was made for this! You are in control.

• Have a bag ready to go with items you'll need for your stay or organize your home for a comfortable birthing experience.

• Have some meals prepped for your postpartum journey, ensuring you will be nourished as you recover.

Take Care of Yourself

If you take anything away from this post, let it be to prioritize your physical and mental health. Not everything can be perfectly planned, and that's okay. We are here for you. Whatever you need, support is just a phone call away.

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