Thinking of growing your family and adding to your brood? There’s no joy quite like pregnancy and then welcoming a new little life into the world. The chance to nurture a new child as a younger brother or sister is truly exciting. In order to make this happy event as stress-free and relaxing as possible, it’s essential that you do some preparation beforehand. Here are four practical matters to consider before having another child:
- Medical Cover
Do you have adequate medical cover? Going into debt when you’re faced with a medical emergency can place unnecessary pressure on the family when you’re welcoming a new life into the world. Whether it’s for the birth itself or for those pivotal early childhood years, ongoing assurance that you have adequate medical cover is crucial. There are plenty of innovative ways to save on dentists and doctor’s bills besides the typical medical insurance plans. Branch out and research all of your options.
- Emotional Resources
We’re told that parents must be selfless, unconditional, and always prepared to forgive when it comes to their children. This kind of love is hard to understand until you become a parent yourself. Only then do you understand how special this connection is. As easily as this love comes to children, it is not given without great sacrifice from a parent. Sleepless nights, the constant worry, the selfless giving and the never-ending obligation can be exhausting. Are you ready for this all over again? Are you equipped to give your full attention to the needs of your new addition? If you already feel stretched, consider working towards hiring help and building a better support system before you welcome your new baby into the family.
- Finances
Birth (or adoption) is expensive, and that’s not even including the $20,000 to $50,000 an average family spends on their newborn in its first year of life. If you’re planning for the next one, you need to ensure you have the financial resources available to make that first year easier. It’s important to think back on how challenging and exhausting this time truly is. It requires a tremendous amount of flexibility as you adapt to the sudden changes in your life. Having the necessary funds available will make it easier to meet the needs of your little infant.
- Your Physical Health
Pregnancy can be draining if you’re not strong prior to conception. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to go in for a comprehensive health analysis as part of your pre-pregnancy protocol. Blood tests to measure that you’re not deficient in minerals or vitamins can make pregnancy easier as well as helping to ensure the good health of your growing baby. Folic acid is a supplement that doctors always recommend women take prior to pregnancy and especially during the first trimester as it can reduce the risk of birth defects.
A Stress-Free Pregnancy Is Healthier
Experiencing anxiety during pregnancy is not considered unusual. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, insomnia, a heightened perception of risk, and even depression. While it’s not unexpected, you do need to monitor your stress levels. Consistently high-stress levels can affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby. There are safe interventions available for pregnant women that are overly stressed. However, having adequately prepared for the baby before conception can help you relax and feel equipped for the journey ahead.