Becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful things a couple can experience in their life together. It’s a wonderful experience, but it can be just as challenging. In fact, it involves many changes and responsibilities. But in order to cope with all these upheavals, you need only be prepared. Have you just learned that you are going to have a child? Here are some tips that can help you prepare for this experience.

1. Prepare yourself psychologically

Pregnancy is a period that can render parents fragile. For moms, it is the change of their bodies, and for moms and dads, it is the added burden of responsibility that makes them more vulnerable. Expecting a child is a stage of psychological restructuring. You will have the impression that you no longer have control over your emotions, thoughts, feelings and even your body. You will also ask yourself a lot of questions about all sorts of things, but above all you will wonder about your ability to assume responsibility for a child.

Of course, this sounds like a lot, but in order to prepare yourself, you will have to get used to change. It all starts with your body. Acceptance is the first step when you are expecting a child. You have to accept that your body is not the same as it was before, that your life is going to be turned upside down, and that some of the things you are used to doing will now become secondary.  

2. Get informed

This advice is valid even if you choose co-parenting. A child does not come with instructions. Each parent must do his best to make him feel welcome and to educate him well. You must learn how to change your child’s diapers, and how to bathe and feed him. However, this can only be learned through practice.

But in order to avoid feeling ignorant about these many things, it is important to learn more about how other parents have done it. This will give you an idea of what you need to do. Still, getting well informed will not prevent you from making small mistakes. You should be prepared for this to avoid judging yourself too much.

3. Be present at the various medical check-ups

This advice is mostly for dads. Even if you are not actually pregnant with your child, you must also prepare for the arrival of your child. You will not only be supporting your partner, but most importantly, you will not be excluded from your child’s growth stage.

You must then accompany your partner during the various medical examinations she has to undergo throughout her pregnancy. In fact, your participation in these various examinations is an indicator of your interest in your child. Besides, a pregnant woman needs to feel helped and supported during this period. Who better than her partner to take on this role?

4. Choose a first name

When we were kids, we already thought of a couple of names that made us daydream. We even said to ourselves that the day we had a child, we would give him that name. However, you are not the only one involved, since both parents have to be involved in this process and come to an agreement.

One of the preparatory stages before the child’s arrival is the search for a first name. This is the name your child will bear throughout his life. You should choose a name that means something to you. The process of finding a first name can be done from the first months of pregnancy. However, as a precaution, you should prepare two first names, one masculine and one feminine, or find a first name that is gender-neutral. Although nowadays it is possible to determine the sex of your child in advance, ultrasound scans are not exempt from errors.

5. Practice meditation and other Zen disciplines

No matter the situation, the practice of meditation and other Zen disciplines will always be beneficial. It comes as no surprise that they are also recommended during pregnancy. Being a parent is all about exhausting your patience, and meditation allows you to get ready for this experience. 

These practices also help you to recognize your emotions as well as to enjoy your body and your time before the arrival of the baby. You can use applications or simply listen to soft music that will help you to completely relax your body. What’s more, your baby will also enjoy it from inside your belly.

6. Participate in the birth preparation course

Birth preparation lessons are a source of stress for all mothers. During this period, they need the involvement of dads more than ever. Support is one of the most important elements when it comes to expecting a child. Of course, the father is not directly involved in carrying the baby or giving birth. But by participating in the birth preparation course, he can become more conscious of the task that his partner will have to go through.

Some women overlook this step during childbirth as well. They think that it is not really necessary. However, the breathing exercises needed during childbirth cannot be learned in a few minutes. You need to learn how to hold and release your breath when it is time to push your baby out.

7. Prepare your baby’s things

It is definitely one of the favorite things for future parents or co-parents to do. It is even one of the most enjoyable moments if the couple is in perfect agreement on their choices. In most cases, the future parents prepare their child’s room from the fifth month of pregnancy onwards. But nothing prevents you from doing this at an earlier stage. You also need to buy things such as diapers, bottles, changing tables, bottle warmers, clothes, a crib, etc.

Some people often wait until the last minute to do all the arrangements. But we advise you to do this as soon as you are strong enough to go shopping. 

8. Anticipate your return from the maternity ward

When you come back from the maternity ward, your whole life begins to change. It’s hard to be at home with your child. Being separated from your child on the first night can be difficult, so you need to prepare for it. And if things don’t go as planned, you shouldn’t feel guilty.

You should also keep up with your child and try to rest when the child is sleeping. This will prevent you from being exhausted. The early stages with a newborn baby are always difficult. You should be kind to yourself, to the father and to those around you. They also need an adaptation period. This will also prevent you from sinking into depression.

9. Save money

A child requires you to spend more than usual, so it’s important to save money long before you conceive. Putting money aside allows you to raise your child in better conditions. A child won’t understand about lack of money and the concept of saving, which means that you have to make sure that he doesn’t lack anything.

On the other hand, the baby’s things, the various medical examinations and the delivery require a lot of money, even if you have a proper health insurance. By saving money, you give your child the chance to live in good conditions.

10. Trust your intuition

Being a parent for the first time can be scary, you can become insecure along the way. However, you are not alone on this journey. All parents go through this stage. To overcome it, you simply have to trust your intuition. You are in the best position to know what is best for your child. As the months go by, you will get to know your child better and learn to detect his reactions. If you have any doubts at certain times, listen to your instincts, they will not deceive you.

Have you decided to have a child through co-parenting? Coparentalys can connect you with future parents who can help you to get ready to take on this responsibility. You will not feel alone while expecting your child.