“Homework” for Expecting and New Moms
Category: Parenting Tips
May 10, 2024
Pregnancy and Postpartum Homework
During pregnancy, we all know it’s important to take care of yourself and your growing baby. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and seeing your doctor for check-ups. But beyond staying hydrated and resting, it’s also a time to prepare yourself for the future. So we’re giving you some homework! These activities will help you prepare for your new baby and have guided conversations with your partner or family members who are supporting you.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Homework
It helps to have a partner, family member or friend who can help you with some of these conversations. These are important things to think about and discuss with those who will support your parenting journey .
- Get a journal and make notes about how you’re feeling, what you’re excited or nervous for, or just what your bump did today. You’ll have other opportunities to write yourself notes, reminders and ideas in this journal so pick something that makes you happy.
- Give yourself a belly massage (or have your partner rub your belly) while talking to the baby. Love art? You can use finger paint to draw belly art.
- Take time to connect with your partner, family, or friends who will be with you after the baby is born. Grab lunch or coffee and have open conversations about what you hope the next year will be like.
- Talk about what you think the baby will look like and what their personality will be like.
- Write down things you like for self-care. Which of these things can you do with your baby (cup of tea, a walk outside) or without the baby (a long bath, time to read a book)? Writing it down in your journal will remind you later on when you’re busy and sleep deprived.
- Talk with a partner or friend about how you picture your life changing around the baby. What hobbies do you want to continue doing with your new baby? What support do you need to make this happen?
- On the tough days, who can you reach out to for support? Write down those names. Make a list of 3-4 things that would be helpful for someone to do so you have something to say when someone offers to help you. This can include things like pick up groceries, drop off a meal, or come for a visit to talk about anything but babies.
- Where will the baby sleep? If the baby isn’t sleeping, how will you manage things? Who gets up if the baby needs soothing or a diaper change but not feeding? Sleep deprivation will happen; how will you get the support you need (during the night and during the day)?
- Who can watch the baby during the day if you need help? Even if it’s for an hour during their nap so you can run an errand by yourself or have lunch with a friend.
- Find local community events and activities that you can look forward to doing with your baby. We have a list of family and baby-friendly events to consider.
In the 6 months (or longer!) after baby arrives:
Once baby arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in daily caretaking. Give yourself a chance to re-center with these ten to-dos:
- Use skin-to-skin time to talk with your baby. Use the baby’s blanket so it captures your scent. Talking to your baby is so powerful! It introduces language and sharing emotions, and helps both of you connect. Use skin-to-skin time to say what’s on your mind, or even just tell baby about what you’re doing tomorrow. Infants are very good listeners.
- Once daily, take a moment with your partner or a friend to say one thing you’re thankful to each other for. Foster those relationships that matter!
- Attend a parent support group or community events with other moms and dads. Socializing has proven benefits for new parents, and can help you discover new friends, parks or resources.
- Introduce your baby to your favorite music. Whether it’s a song your parents sang when you were young, or your favorite pop album. Dance and move!
- After your baby is asleep for the night, have an at-home fun night. Make popcorn and watch a movie, play a board game or make cookies. Enjoy being with a friend or partner without the baby around.
- Write a letter to your baby, seal it in an envelope, and save it until they’re in elementary school. Then let them read about what you were thinking when they were just an infant.
- Look in the mirror together and make silly faces with your baby. Smiling helps both of you!
- Write in your journal or talk with a partner about some things that you’re excited to share with your baby as they get older.
- Remember those hobbies and self-care ideas you came up with? Aim to do at least one each day, even if it’s just getting outside or savoring a cup of coffee.
- Give your baby a spa day! Find one day this week when you have time to give your baby a slow and luxurious bath. Dim the lights, put on quiet music. Give them a slow, quiet bath and then finish with a soft massage with moisturizer before putting on their outfit.
Personalized Programs for New Moms
Through it all, remember to take care of yourself, seek help when you need it, and make special moments with your baby and the people close to you. Congratulations on this exciting journey!
Also, be sure to check out our free Nurturing Parenting classes and childbirth classes to ask questions, gain community, and set yourself up for a successful transition into parenthood! If you’re pregnant for the first time, our Nurse-Family Partnership program may be a good fit too. Or check out Healthy and Fair Start (Parents as Teachers) to get connected with a certified parent educator.
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