Here are a few tips to get you going!
Getting Ready for the Big Day - Where do you want to have your baby? Who do you want in your support team? An OB, GP, midwife, doula, or a combination of these? Some of the more popular options can begin to book out as early as the seven week mark (I barely knew I was pregnant then!) so start investigating and book as soon as you can. You may also start exploring courses you can take to help prepare you for the birthing process such as prenatal yoga, Calmbirth, and Ju Ju Sundin just to name a few. They key is finding what is right for YOU.
Finance -The addition of a new family member usually results in less cash flowing in and lots more cash flowing out. I know many of us dread the ‘b’ word in regards to our spending, but it is important to start talking now about your new budget strategies. Also (and hopefully you will never have to use these) make sure that the family has adequate life insurance coverage and a will that includes guardianship of your child to be. Guardianship can be a pretty hot topic - lots of interesting discussions have been had between partners around this one!
Baby Gear - The fun part…..shopping! I like having everything set up and ready to go 3 weeks before the due date. You start to get tired as you approach the finish line and also some little cherubs like to surprise us and come out a bit early. You don’t want to be ready to leave the hospital and realise you don’t have a car seat! Approaching the middle to the end of the second trimester is a good time to finalise your ‘to-buy’ list, register at a baby shop, and order any custom made goods that could have a longer lead time.
Childcare/Schooling– ‘I can’t even see a bump’, you say, ‘why should I think about this stuff already?’ Because it is in high demand!! Is daycare a possibility? Get on the waitlists now, even if you plan to take 12 months off. Is private school an option? Some schools require an application within weeks of the birth to guarantee a spot. Get the forms now and pre-populate as much as you can so you can easily complete and send in once the baby is born.
Suzanne Murphy is the owner of Baby Butler, the ultimate organiser for busy parents to be. www.babybutler.com.au
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