Having a baby is a big step that you as a couple decide on. Often for a mother it is a bigger step as your whole life changes. Honestly if I think about the ‘right’ time, there is no right or wrong but your whole life takes turn when a baby arrives. For a mother to be emotionally strong is a necessity before you have a child and you must be ready for priorities to change and increased responsibilities. Physically it is the best to be in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle when you try for a child.
However here is a checklist you must answer to yourself before planning to conceive:
Both of you are ready for a baby
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It is very important to know that you and your partner both want a baby, having a baby is not only a mother’s decision or a father’s decision it is something you both as a couple agree to. If your partner is not prepared for a baby and you want it, then you will not be able to take care of your baby properly. It is very important that you have your partner’s emotional support so that you can easily face all the new challenges together.
Your career is not coming in between
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In today’s time 60% women are working, and even after marriage they continue working. We are mostly busy our hectic work life and hardly have time to think about family. However when you have a high powered career taking care of a baby it is not that easy but isn’t impossible too. You have to balance your work-life accordingly if you want to raise a baby because, the baby needs you!
You have a family support
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For having a baby it is not only important to have your partners support, your family and peers are essential too! Your family will help you ease into the first few months of taking care of a child which is difficult for a first time mom! Getting prepared for a baby is not an easy decision, you need emotional support from your close ones so that you feel better emotionally too! PS Grandparents who are willing to help, make excellent caregivers for the child, especially if you stay in a joint setup.
Finances
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When a new member comes into a family expenses increase and you must overestimate what a baby will cost. There are unexpected surprises that come up in parenthood. There are many things that are needed for a baby and for that you must set up a budget to get an idea that will you be able to financially adjust with all the expenses of a baby. Because every parents want to raise their baby with extra care, pampering and fulfill all his/her needs.
Ready to compromise on sleep
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Having a baby brings many changes and challenges in your life, but the biggest challenge you will face is the ability to function as a human being with little to no sleep! Be ready for a few months of sleep deprivation and make sure your partner knows what will happen next!
You are physically ready
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It is very important to be healthy for having a baby; your health is the first thing you have to keep in mind so that you can have a baby without any complications. Make sure you’re relatively healthy, knowing your body well is an important step in preparation to have a baby. Your baby’s health depends on your health so; to have a healthy baby it is very important that your body is fit and healthy. Babies rely on mothers for every primal need they have, so if you have health issues or addiction issues that may have a bad affect on your parenting, take a step back until you can feel confident about your own health.
Ready to put someone else’s needs before yours
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After having a baby you have to change your priorities, balancing between self care and the needs of the child is essential. You have to understand that life is different after you have a baby!
So, although getting prepared for a baby is a very big decision and needs a lot of maturity but it’s an amazing journey that changes your entire world.
