Preparing for motherhood looks different for everyone. But one thing we can agree on is you’ll never be fully prepared. 

Being a first time mom, I am learning everything! No matter how much research or planning I do, there is always something new. 

Preparing for the arrival of baby boy was a journey. This included preparation with my body, my home and mindset. I didn’t realize how much a small being could make a big presence. That presence needed preparation. 

Being ready to adjust. 

Having a baby takes a lot. Truth is, you can prepare but you may not always be ready. That’s okay, mama. 

There will be situations that come along and you figure things out then. 

When I had gotten news that I was expecting, I had to adjust my life to the fact I was about to bring in a new life. I needed to adjust to the fact that I am going to be responsible for this new little person. 

My senior year of college I knew I had a plan. A plan that would set my family up for success. There’s just one thing. That plan changed. 

As much as I wanted to cry because things were not going how I envisioned them, I knew that wouldn’t solve anything. So, I adjusted. And guess what? Plans kept changing even down to giving birth! 

No one tells how much change we experience, but the truth is that it is bound to happen. 

So, while you are focused on preparing for the baby’s arrival, focus on preparing to adjust to some plan changes. They will happen and sometimes unexpectedly. But mama, you got this. 

Preparing for arrival 

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The baby is coming! This you know. So of course you are trying to prep your home as much as you can. You’ve probably been asked, “so do you have everything for the baby?” Every time I was asked this question, I’d second guess myself on the fact I knew I had what was needed, but I also knew more things would pop up. Again, that’s okay. 

The first project I started on to prepare was my Amazon registry. Adding all of the things I thought would be helpful to have no matter how much it cost or how big it was. 

Your baby registry not only invites others to gift you with what you need for your baby, but also helps you to keep track of what is needed.

Next, I prepared for the nursery. This was the exciting part. The main items I focused on for the room were a crib, extra storage, a rug and curtains. This was the foundation of the nursery. 

But by far the best item, I would have to say is the bassinet. This item came with a rocker, sound, and something for baby boy to focus on. Plus, it was just the cutest addition. It was so easy to move around when changing rooms. Check it out here! iComfort Bassinet.

After getting the nursery together, it was time to focus on the hospital list. 

Let’s start with the baby. Here is a list of baby items for the hospital:

1. Car seat. You’ll need a car seat in order for your baby to leave the hospital with you. 
2. Baby bag. (The following is what you can pack in it).
3. Two onesies.
4. One going-home outfit.
5. Socks, mittens, and hats (depending on the weather).

Now it’s time for mommy. Here are a few items I found helpful to pack. Majority of the items I was able to find on Amazon and received weeks before arrival. 

1. Two hospital gowns.
2. Toiletry bag.
3. Slippers and shower shoes
4. Nursing bras.
5. Overnight Pads/depends 
6. Undies 
7. Going home outfit

Now that you have the basics, get to packing! 

Baby’s Home! 

Alright, so you’ve finally gotten home and noticed there are plenty of items you have but still some you need. Maybe your home wasn’t exactly how you imagined when it was time to come home. You’ve noticed being home is different from the hospital. 

One thing we know is that your baby will cry. You can prepare yourself as much as possible for long days and nights, but that baby will still cry. Start to understand their cries. Are they hungry and want attention or is something wrong? You’ll know mama. But with all that cleaning, crying, and attention-giving, you’ll need support.

Prepare to allow your support system to be there for you. I know it’s hard to stay away from the little one, but you must take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself will help when trying to give your baby your best. Let your village help you to do that.

This will definitely be a journey, but it is a beautiful one.

Just remember, don’t panic mama! Take a deep breath and take each day one by one. Until next time,

Peace, Love and Happiness.