Preparing for Bringing Your Baby H.O.M.E. in 4 Easy Steps

Wow, the thought of embarking on motherhood and fatherhood, especially for the first time, is exciting, yet daunting. There are many things to plan and prepare. During the prenatal period, the excitement mounts with baby showers and preparing the nursery. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the vast amount of information available on the prenatal and postpartum period. How do you decide what style of parenting is the one for you? If you take it all too seriously, the overwhelm wins and takes the joy out to the process. Here are some easy to implement strategies that make the Transition from Hospital to H.O.M.E. a success. For the sport's enthusiast these 4 Steps are similar to preparing for a winning season. 1. Get clear about what you want . What is the 'win' or the family's overall goal? Once that is clearly identified each player or family member can take their position, confident in their contribution. Successful teams huddle to map out their strategy. Each player knows their role and adds to the team's spirit. This is applicable to our lives. Have you taken a few minutes to map out your next steps on having a baby? Have you thought beyond the first few minutes of the birth and what needs to be in place so you can continue enjoy the process?What happens once you get home? Is there additional support you may need for the first days, weeks, months? What needs to be delegated so you may embrace this cherished time stress-free? We have a dream but then leave the steps to chance. Create your life by design and communicate with the team. 2. Plan. Once you have the goal in sight, what is the plan to reach that goal? If you decide you want dedicated, uninterrupted time with your newborn for nursing and bonding, have you taken the necessary steps to accomplish this? Do you need childcare for your other children while you are in the hospital? Something as important as this should not be taken care of at the last minute. Have you adequately prepared your other children for the changes about to happen in their life as well? What other roles and responsibilities need to be placed on hold or delegated to others? Anticipate and create an action plan that gets you where you want to be. 3. Rally the fans. We get caught in the trap of believing we have to do it all because that way we know it gets done. Your fans, family and friends who love you, eagerly rally in the stands awaiting the opportunity to support you. Your fans will do the heavy lifting during the prenatal and postpartum time in your life. It's up to you to communicate to them, how they can best help you. Whether it is taking you shopping, helping out in the nursery, or some good advice, allow yourself to receive the support from your fans. Again, it is up to you to let them know what you really need. They are willing. 4. Don't forget the victory dance. You know, that dance that the football player does after the winning touchdown. It spurs the fans, gets everyone in the stands cheering. It's his way of saying thank you for all the support. Well, don't forget to show your appreciation for the support you receive during this time. Everyone wants to feel that their efforts are appreciated and so do your fans. The more sincere and generous you are with your gratitude the more blessings you will receive. It's the Law of Giving.