You’ve spent nine months preparing for the baby.  Now what?

First you have to recognize that baby changes everything.  Life will never be the same. 

Most people spend their time during pregnancy reading about their changing bodies and the birth process.  Hours are devoted to decorating the nursery and selecting the perfect baby name. 

It’s much like planning a wedding.  All of the focus is on one single day that will go by in a flash, and very little thought is given to the marriage that will follow.  The hard work starts once the honeymoon is over, and that is also true about pregnancy and childbirth. 

So how can you make the transition easier for you, your partner and your baby?  Preparation is the key.  Thinking about and planning for life after baby arrives can really make the difference between a fairly smooth transition (it will never be without some bumps) versus a stormy, rocky, miserable experience.

Click on the links below to read about how Moms and Dads can prepare for the new baby, and to learn what “essentials” you will need when bringing baby home.

Ideas for the Expecting Mom

What’s a Dad to Do?