If you’re due anytime during the holiday season (even as early as November), it will be so much less stressful if you’re able to check things off your holiday to-do list early. Here’s a list to help you manage your time while waiting to meet your baby.
Hire a Doula
Your doula will help ease you into the reality of having a baby during the holidays. She’ll help you activate your postpartum support network now, before baby, so that everyone is ready to help as soon as your baby is born. And yes, doulas work during the holidays!
Be Flexible
Your baby will change everything; your schedule, getting out the door, driving around, your energy! The more you’re able to do now (even if baby is due way before the new year), the more you’ll be able to let go of what can’t get done.
Shop Online
As a local Portland business we love supporting other small establishments. As a well-mama-well-baby business we know that you can’t do it all (nor should you). If you’re tired, stressed from driving, and want to stay in your cozy maternity pants all day long, then shop online. And not just for presents, think about grocery shopping online and meal delivery services. Bonus – most doulas visit you in your home rather than an office setting.
Be a Guest
If you usually host holiday gatherings, let everyone know that you’ll be skipping this year. See what family members or friends wants to host the big dinners, cookie exchanges, and holiday festivities.
Minimize Decorations
Go easy and light this year. It may be fun to decorate your home in your traditional way, but keep in mind that you’ll also have to take down those decorations and then store them, all while caring for a new baby. It’s a lot of work.
Prepare for your Birth
Pack a hospital bag, write down important numbers, install the car seat. Spend cozy hours nesting, cleaning, and preparing for your baby. Your doula can help you with suggestions and resources for welcoming baby.
Rest
Doulas love telling their clients how important it is to rest. And we understand that the bustle of the holiday season makes it difficult to do so. But try. Labor is hard work. Birth is hard work. Rest well.
ASK
Consider asking for gift certificates of self care and support for YOU this season. If your needs are met for maternity and baby things, let your loved ones know to consider gifts of helpful, healing experiences. Massage, pelvic floor care, postpartum doula support, acupuncture, house cleaning, meal prep delivery can all support your need for self-care.