If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, I am sure you are painfully aware of just how much you need to do to prepare.
I could talk to you about practical stuff like:
Choosing your pram
Decorating your nursery
Baby-proofing your house
Packing your hospital bag
Batch cooking meals
And many other things that feature on a million other pre-baby lists and blogs.
But I’m not going to – you can check out someone else’s blog for that!
Because,
Dear reader, in a short few months, nearly everything you do will be for your baby.
You will breathe, eat and sleep (not enough sleep though!) for your baby.
Therefore, I think something just as important as planning the practical things is to plan a little indulgence.
To make the most of this short period before your life becomes a blur of nappy changes, feeds, and snatched sleep (and of course LOVE for your much longed for new arrival)
Even if you just make time for a couple of things on this list, they can help you welcome your baby, relaxed, refreshed and ready for your new journey.
Counting down from 10…….
10) SLEEPING IN
Once your baby arrives, a lie-in will become a very distant memory.
Especially if you will be breastfeeding.
I highly recommend making the most of lazy, snuggly mornings in bed in the run up to your due date. Before sleep becomes one of the biggest luxuries in your life.
09) CINEMA TRIP
Babies and cinemas don’t really mix very well…
Unless you have a babysitter already lined up, your next cinema trip could well be taking your toddler to see the latest Paw Patrol film or enduring some other sickly-sweet children’s show.
So why not make the most of being as yet, bound by the constraints of parenthood and go and see the latest blockbuster. It may well be your last for a while.
8) PAMPERING SESSION – THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOUR BABY ARRIVES
You probably haven’t seen your toes for a while, much less painted them.
Why not treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure and a luscious pregnancy massage. Soothe all those painful muscles and rejuvenate yourself.
Salon Bellissimo have a lovely package here
7) BOOK A MATERNITY SESSION
Pregnancy isn’t all about putting on weight, swollen ankles, and tiredness.
Growing a human is one of the most incredible things you can do and should be documented!
Even if you don’t feel like it now, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and what your body is capable of is INCREDIBLE.
Your photographer will know a multitude of clever tricks to get you looking like a million dollars, even if you don’t feel like it.
I know what you are thinking – “The last thing I want right is to have photos of me taken!!!” – this blog [link to our blog post about maternity sessions] will tell you more about what these sessions really are about… and why they are worth considering!
6) BOOK A NEWBORN SESSION
This goes hand in hand with booking a maternity session.
Babies grow and change SO much in those first few weeks. Booking a professional to capture those tiny-teeny features is something you will not regret.
Head over to my dedicated page (click here) to learn more and see if these are the right choice for you!
5) DATE NIGHT OR “BABYMOON”
When two become three, you will soon forget what it was like to get ‘alone time’ with your partner.
Not trying to scare you, but it could be a while before this happens again – so get as many lovely meals for two in as possible! Before child friendly restaurants become your go-to place to eat out.
More and more people are booking “Babymoons” – yes ok, we cringe too at that name, but essentially, it’s just your last weekend away as a couple, before becoming parents.
4) READ AND WATCH – THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOUR BABY ARRIVES
That book you meant to start, or the film or box set you planned on watching?
DO IT NOW! While you’re still not too tired to concentrate, or too busy to stop for a few hours.
And if you love reading, I would highly recommend considering Audible and getting your library ready. When baby arrives, having time (and hands free) to sit down and read might be a real challenge… so audiobooks are a great alternative!
3) SAVOUR THAT COFFEE WHILE IT’S STILL HOT
You think I’m joking, but part of being a new Mum is half drunk cups of coffee or tea, growing cold while you feed baby.
Make some coffee dates with your friends and family and really savour those hot drinks. (Obviously with cake too, that’s the law)
2) APPRECIATE YOUR BUMP
It might be uncomfortable. It might be awkward. It might get in the way.
But soon, it’ll be gone.
Many new Mums find they miss it.
Take a moment to reflect on how it’s carrying your precious load. Watch how it ripples as your baby kicks. Nature at its most amazing.
1) DON’T BE SCARED BY THIS BLOG!
I know, I’ve mentioned all the things you won’t be able to do.
How tired you’ll be.
How your life will no longer be JUST YOURS.
But honestly? It’s all worth it.
You are about to embark on the most incredibly amazing adventure of your life.
Good luck!
Fiona McKean Photography – based in Dumfries – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography.
Want to know more about my Newborn Session? Head over here
Or how about a Maternity photoshoot to capture your beautiful bump? Click here