Becoming a parent is a life changing decision, and the demands that a child puts on you - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and financially - will start striking you the moment you learn that you have conceived.
Do You Really Need a Baby?
Make sure you are not giving in to the pressure from your family and friends now that you have been married or are in a de facto relationship for a while. And just because your best friend has had a baby does not automatically make you the next in line.
Sporting a cute, cuddly baby might well be the biggest fashion statement of our times but celebrities who are either mums or one in the making have made a conscious decision to become parents, often putting their careers on hold.
Or one more birthday and has it suddenly dawned that your biological clock is ticking fast? Many women only have to step into their thirties to come to grips with what might have been at the back of their minds all along: time they geared themselves for motherhood. You don't have to if the thought of raising a family does not excite you.
What is it that attracts you about having a baby? Don't be lured by the baby bonus and the family benefit that you might receive from the government after your little one arrives. These payments will definitely not tide over your financial problems for all times to come. And what you get in the bargain is a huge responsibility, which is best fulfilled with oodles of love, confidence, sincerity and commitment.
But if you are all set to take on one of the most challenging tasks in the world, you should brace for some tough lifestyle and nutritional changes.
Financial Constraints
Bringing up a child is a luxury no less than have a five course meal in that swanky up market restaurant or indulging in that special spa treatment with friends. Money can start falling short in the run up to the baby's arrival - nappies, wipes, clothes, toys, cot, change table, bath tub, pram and car seat - and you are only halfway down the list.
It is a good idea to have a plan on how you and your partner will manage financially in one salary. It might be a while that you are able to return to the workforce but the bills will still keep coming in. You might want to have a practice drill living off one salary to gauge how well you are faring. You can then start working on avenues -- like eating out less -- to cut costs.
Childcare and nanny fees are on the rise too and, in the event you decide to return to the workforce, you might end up spending a major chunk of your salary in meeting those commitments. If you are lucky, you might get some reprieve in the guise of your parents and/or parents-in-law willingly taking on the task of looking after their little grandchild. Besides being a happy situation for the baby, this option will not be as big a drain on your pocket as the childcare expenses.
Nutritional Changes
Nothing is as important as ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy. This includes giving up smoking, cutting down on drinks and giving late night outs with friends a miss. Adopting a healthy diet complete with legumes, fish, red meat, rice, multigrain bread, milk products and fruits and vegetables will go a long way in helping your body get the right mix of all the essential nutrients to nurture a healthy baby. Your doctor may also prescribe some prenatal vitamins, which would give a healthy start to your baby.
Regular light exercise, including walks, will also do wonders as your body and mind prepares for the physical, mental and emotional strains you will undergo during pregnancy and after the delivery of the baby. It will also help burn those extra calories you might have piled on, courtesy middle of the night cravings for ice creams and chocolates.
Take It Easy
Enjoy your little one. You too are learning to become a parent, and so will make a lot of mistakes. This is okay for children come with their unique temperaments and personalities. Do your job with lots of love: you will be amazed that you had so much to give and share. (ends)
