Starting (or adding to) a family is a wonderful and exciting time. Soon after I shared the news that my husband and I were expecting our third child, a friend asked my advice about preparing for pregnancy. Because I’ve already been a mom for years, I was happy to give my friend some pre-pregnancy tips that also served as a refresher course for me.
1. Have appropriate health care coverage
In a country where so many are uninsured, I wanted to make sure my friend had personal health insurance. I certainly didn’t want her first foray into motherhood to be overwhelmed by debt from pre- and post-natal care. Thankfully, she was covered and needed only research what sort of maternity coverage her insurance company provided. I made a similar call, making sure that the midwife who had delivered my first two children was still covered by my family’s plan.
2. See your doctor
It’s wise to see your doctor for regular checkups, but especially when you’re planning to conceive. Doing so is a chance to ask questions – I certainly had quite the list with my first child! – and get tested for any genetic conditions. My friend, who is African-American, made a note to get tested for sickle cell anemia. As I had taken up smoking for a time after my second child was born, I met with my doctor to discuss my health. Though I had quit, I thought an overall physical would be wise. It also gave us the chance to review my family medical history.
3. Breathe
Some of the best advice I ever got with regards to family planning was to relax. I had been on birth control for some time between children and knew that it could take a while for my cycle to readjust. Though I conceived about four months after my husband and I made the decision to welcome another child, the delay caused me to worry. I made sure my friend knew to relax and keep things in perspective, as difficult as that was for me some days.
4. Consider the change to your family
Thinking about the smallest of things, like the fact that my family now requires five seats at a restaurant instead of four, helped me prepare for my third child’s arrival. I had to look at my responsibilities as a work-at-home mom and decided to hire a part-time nanny to help watch the children so I could work uninterrupted. A first-time parent, my friend did not know about the high costs of daycare and began doing research into affordable options months before it was necessary – but she was prepared.
5. Be positive
For a time, my family went through some difficulty because my husband was temporarily laid off. It delayed our plans to conceive again because we simply couldn’t afford the cost of another child. It’s paramount to make sure you’re in a good place in your life and to address mental health concerns like depression. I found that meditation really benefited me during that time and I continued the practice even after my husband returned to work. I find it’s especially helpful after dealing with a toddler tantrum.
Ideally, you will conceive on your first try and start – or add to – your family with ease. Try following the aforementioned tips when preparing for your own journey to parenthood, knowing that you are well prepared for a new arrival and able to share tips with friends who are also preparing to become parents.
Author Bio:
This is a guest post written by Holly Watson, a stay at home wife and mom of 2 (soon to be 3) and an avid blogger and admin for www.eatbreatheblog.com.
Recent Comments