In your third trimester, the desire to clean, organise and tackle those tasks you've been putting off is often called "nesting" as you prepare the home, organise baby clothes, research a birth plan and make things safe and cosy by collecting sticks,

mud and shiny objects, arranging them in sturdy structure, maybe with a roof, lined with softer materials like hair and plant

fibre, typically in trees or bushes oh wait no, that's Magpies...


If you are indeed human though, you might find yourself obsessing over redecorating or decluttering, those non essential tasks which take a lot of energy and may stress you out once you begin. But there are plenty of useful things you can channel this nesting desire in to which won't tire you out if you do them bit by bit, with support, and will help you out during your early days as new parents.

Newborn baby swaddle in basket by Little Wonderland Photography Widnes Cheshire

AROUND THE HOME


  • CLEANING- Take one task on at a time and be realistic with your goals- don't aim to deep clean the entire home all in one day. Tackle maybe one aspect at time in each room- washing surfaces, dusting, descaling the kettle (you're going to be using that a lot!) and then when you feel energy waining, rest!
  • ORGANISING- Personally I find organising really relaxing! It takes you to a "flow" state of mind which has great benefits for your mental health. It's the state you get in to often doing creative tasks like painting, drawing, colouring or gardening. Organising can be the productive way! Sort through cupboards, Marie Kondo the hell through your tupper-ware draw, find joy (or not) in your shoe cupboard and set up a functional space for changing nappies and bathing baby, with everything you'll need within arms reach.
  • BABY PREP- Wash newly purchased baby clothes. Sanitise toys, bottles and breast pumps. Assemble the nursery furniture, practice collapsing that pram, work out how the car seat transfers and fits in the car- but remember one job at a time! Don't feel pressure to do it all.
Newborn baby holding parents hands and smiling by Little Wonderland Photography Widnes Cheshire

NOURISHMENT


  • MEAL PREP- Batch cook your favourite meals now so you have freezable portions of good filling food to keep you fuelled! Not having to think about shopping and cooking postpartum is an absolute game changer when you are low on energy and sleep!
  • STOCK CHECK-  Buy extra's of all of those essentials- washing up liquid, loo roll, sanitary care (I was not prepared for this one personally!) and of course lots of your favourite treats to keep you going.


newborn baby sleeping on side by Little Wonderland Photography Widnes Cheshire

LABOUR PREP


  • HOSPITAL BAG: I think it's really easy to over think this one! Combs, straws, fluffy slippers and more. Essentially, you just need fresh clothes/PJs for you, sanitary wear, overnight toiletries, clothes for baby in various sizes, nappies and snacks and drinks for you and your birthing partner but see more ideas here.
  • POSTPARTUM PREP: Breast pads, lots of sanitary wear as thick as duvets, nipple cream, and a cup or jug for pouring water on yourself if you have stitches and don't want to feel the burn every time you go the loo. All handy to have and ready to go in case you need them in the middle of the night, or it's the middle of the day but you're so tired you can't tell day from night and night from day and vice versa in infintium.


Mother looking at newborn baby smiling by Little Wonderland Photography Widnes Cheshire

LIFE ADMIN


  • BIRTH PLAN: It's great to have a good idea of what you do and don't want written down, so you and those around you can reference it and advocate your choices clearly when the time comes. But it's important to remember it's not really a plan, as how can you plan for the potentially unexpected? Do what feels right in the moment for you. You might consider hiring a doula who can help with these sorts of plans, the birth and beyond.
  • FINANCE: Create a budget for whilst on maternity leave so you don't have to worry about how you will cover the essentials and how you will pay for your newborn shoot with Little Wonderland Photography, which is really good value by the way, and leads me to...
  • BOOK YOUR NEWBORN SHOOT- It's a good idea to get this organised as early as possible if pictures of your baby are a personal priority and if you want to capture those early days of you all as a new family. My sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, making sure you know what to expect and knowing that I'll be patient, using over ten years experience working with babies and take my time creating for you and your families legacy.
  • Read more here.


Want to know more?


Get in touch now- no pressure, no sales techniques, just me, Becca, a creative lass from Widnes in the North of England who wants to help you in any way she can :)