THE PRENATAL SNUG
Pregnant?
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hances are you’ll have been buying lots and lots of stuff and decorating the baby’s room; these things are great, but don’t underestimate the value of emotional and moral support. One of the biggest challenges new mums face is feeling lonely and isolated (pre and post pandemic). I’ve worked from home for 10 years so spending hours on end on my own is no surprise, but if you’ve worked right up until your due date and then gone on maternity leave that’s already one massive life change. You’ll be excited about meeting your baby and mat leave can feel a bit like being on holiday, but it will all change again when your baby is born and needs your constant attention and love. What will you do for support? It’s wise to start thinking about it now. What sort of friendships do you have? Do you go out for lunch or walks with friends? Are you in and out of each other’s houses? Do you watch films together? Who is your best friend? Is she pregnant or does she have young children? There’s no reason why you can’t still be friends but the dynamic will be different. She won’t want chapter and verse on the colour of your baby’s poop, and after story number four about projectile vomit and the realisation that it now takes twice as long to get ready to go out for lunch you’ll find your friendship is ‘different’.
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Good friends will stay around, but you also need to find new friends; new mum friends who understand what you’re going through. If you are planning to be a stay-at-home parent it’s time to think about the classes available locally. Are you the type of person who would enjoy a parent and baby yoga class, or baby massage, or a sensory development class? Is there a baby and toddler group? Is there much of a new mum or new dad social scene? If there isn’t, consider starting one and find ‘your people.’ Depending on how or where you live some of these people might be around you for life; your children might grow up together. Online friendships can be wonderful, but, trust me, there’s nothing like a warm hug and a trusted pair of hands to make you a cup of tea or hold your baby for a few minutes. There’s a reason why we say it takes a village to raise a child. Don’t be caught like a rabbit in the headlights; start to think about life at home with your new baby now and make plans for a happy and supportive future that supports your whole family. Good luck!
M: 07787 701 131 | E: Sophia@sophiahanson.com | Facebook.com/theprenatalsnug | Instagram: @the.prenatal.snug
