From stroller shopping to baby shower prep, there’s a lot on the checklist. And with all that stuff — there are a few key things people often forget to consider. So, let’s take a look at a few items that might be missing from your new baby checklist.
Note: This blog is a joint contribution of Jessica Medrea, a professional doula, and Kyle Johnson, a lawyer.
Navigating the Postpartum Stage
Once that bundle of joy arrives, life takes a turn you might not expect. Those first days postpartum are a mix of soreness, exhaustion, and getting to know your tiny human, all while running on minimal sleep. So, here’s some things to plan ahead of time to reduce conflict when you’re exhausted and dealing with a major life change:
- Figure out a support plan for the recovering birthing partner.
- Discuss who’s handling meals, dog walks, and keeping the house in order.
- Plan how much time off the non-birthing partner will take. How do you want to balance income vs. support and bonding with your new child?
- Think ahead about what support the partner staying at home might need.
Taking the time to figure these things out ahead of time can make the postpartum stage less of a shock and ensure that you can focus on what’s really important at that time – your baby.
Adjusting Responsibilities for the New Normal
A new baby means a shift in tasks and responsibilities. It’s hard to picture what that looks like until the baby is here, but it’s crucial to start these conversations early:
- Talk about how tasks and errands will be divided, especially with changes in work arrangements.
- Plan for breaks for the partner staying at home.
- Anticipate new responsibilities related to the baby, like appointments.
- Find ways for both partners to care for their needs while getting some rest and social time.
Make these plans before the baby arrives and revisit them regularly during the first year. It’s unlikely you’ll have it all figured out ahead of time, but having a gameplan can help you adapt to unexpected challenges and keep things running smoothly.
Planning for the Unexpected
The day-to-day chaos of a new baby can be all-consuming, making it tough to plan for the future. But as adults it’s important to remember that sometimes things go badly; death and sickness are part of life unfortunately. Most parents want to have a plan in case they can’t be there for their child. It’s a tough topic, but setting things up ahead of time can help ease the logistical and financial strain of a tragedy. What can you do to set things up before a baby comes?
- Get your estate planning sorted before the baby comes. This usually involves having wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements drafted for both parents.
- Clearly outline asset distribution and guardian appointments in your will. Who do you want to take care of your child if you can’t? Without this designation, things can get complicated and your child may fall into Ministry care before your family can sort things out.
Setting this up ahead of time can take some of the stress out of worrying about what will happen down the road. People put off wills, but it can be nice to know that it’s taken care of and you’ve set things up as best you can so that your children will be taken care of as you wish if something does happen to you.
Conclusion
Amidst the excitement of preparing for parenthood, it’s crucial to balance the joy with practical considerations. Beyond the cute nursery stuff, addressing postpartum needs, planning responsibilities, and preparing for the unexpected make for a well-rounded new baby checklist.
Curious about Jessica’s doula services? Check out her website.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals to create a personalized estate plan suitable for your specific circumstances.
