The beauty of childbirth can feel like one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences of your life. Where responsibility is evident, stress resides. For new, expecting parents it’s important to understand how to navigate these rocky waters.

The holidays can add stress that comes with the expectations of family traditions. Time can feel especially hectic during these months. To navigate the holidays as expecting parents, use these tips to find confidence.

1. Create a Budget

Financial planning plays a major role in a healthy childbirth, adolescence, and adulthood. One aspect of stress often stems from financial pressure. Every expecting parent should consider health insurance, work to clear any debt and create a savings plan.

For health insurance, it’s important to understand your plan if you have one at all. Without insurance, the birthing process can cost up to thousands of dollars. This is an optimal time to ask several questions to your health insurance provider. Some of these questions include what’s covered under prenatal care, what is your deductible, and does it cover a hospital or NICU stay?

For expecting homeowners with student loans, or credit card debt, it’s best to consolidate them. When expecting a child during the holidays, the financial pushback of debt can be exhausting. Taking out a home equity loan or using a personal loan are both reliable options. Both offer funding in a lump sum and allow you to make one consolidated monthly payment over time.

Another way to prepare for the long run is by creating some sort of savings or emergency fund. If offered by your company, investing in a 401k can help you lower your taxable income per year. Additionally, building an emergency fund over time can provide a well needed net of backup funds for unexpected costs that may come up. 

2. Educate yourself

If it’s your first-time experiencing childbirth, learn more about what to do and how it works. Understanding the intricacies of the process can help reduce stress of the unknown. Create a communicative relationship with your primary care doctor and OB-GYN doctor. Their information is critical to keep track of as you progress through your pregnancy.

Another way to learn more is by joining a parenting group or online community. There are also local organizations or non-profits whose mission is to educate expecting parents. Search for reputable websites to educate yourself on a variety of topics. Some topics include mental health patterns, and social transformations that occur while time progresses. One example is recognizing your labor augmentation and tracking the labor process.

3. Organize a schedule

The holidays are always a hectic time, and it can become overwhelming. It’s important to learn how to accept stress and organize specific tasks or appointments. When Christmas and New Year’s roll around you’ll want to divide time for family gatherings. Some events can include parties, attending church and more. Use a calendar to create a specific schedule that you can follow.

Rest is essential for expecting parents. It’s important to balance your health along with the demands that the holidays can bring. Try distributing time for tasks, naps, and pregnancy related appointments. Labeling a Google calendar or physical calendar are great ways to organize your time. Consider creating a post-pregnancy plan to develop peace of mind after the birthing process.

4. Accept help

It’s important to realize that you’re not alone on your journey even if it feels like you are. If you’re stubborn, accepting help can be a difficult concept, it’s critical to seek out help if you need it. Time can feel restricted when you combine your health, work life, and hobbies with the holidays.

Consider using family members or friends for help to complete little to major tasks. Depending on the size of your family, someone will be able to help balance your life. Most friends and even neighbors are open to helping when they can. If you want to take a nap, go for a walk, or go Christmas shopping, these people can be your resources. If you’re feeling overworked, remember there are people out there that are willing to help.

It’s important to remember the way you were and look forward for what’s to come. Don’t get too ahead, try to live in the now. The holidays can seem like chaos, yet you can still find a balance by incorporating these tips. For more parenting insight, your friends at the Gender Experts have the information you need.

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