About 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned. Having planned your pregnancy makes it easier for you and your partner as you are both emotionally, mentally and financially prepared. If you have a partner with whom you share financial and relationship goals, it is never too early to start planning for a family. It gets easier to succeed when both of you work towards a healthy life style; good health, diet and exercise. Your partner’s health is just as important to the family as is yours.

Becoming a parent is one of the most life changing events you will ever experience. Pregnancy changes your priorities, value and expectations. The transition to parenting may take others by surprise and likely comes with a wide range of emotions. Preparing emotionally and mentally can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.

How to prepare emotionally and mentally for a baby.

• Make a plan.

The reality of early parenthood is that it’s not as rosy as one might think. It is important to make a plan on how your daily responsibilities will look like as it gives you a sense of control and competence.

• Connect with your partner.

It is important to build strong communication strategies with your partner before the arrival of a newborn. Newborn babies can sometimes stress a relationship. Good communication helps in managing relationship stress. Having a supportive partner is good for everyone involved including the baby.

• Get enough sleep and take care of yourself.

It is important that you maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Lack of enough sleep is linked to mood disorder risk. Take care of yourself by staying physically fit. During pregnancy the body is constantly at work and muscle fatigue can worsen emotional overload symptoms. Take time for yourself to watch some of your favorite shows or meditation. You may not have as much time once the baby arrives.

• It is important to establish a strong social support team. Connect with other parents, family and friends. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

• Overestimate recovery time. Snapping back from birth may not be easy. It could take a little bit longer to fully recover.

Pregnancy comes with the realization that life is about to change not only mentally and emotionally but also financially. Whether your pregnancy was carefully planned or a complete surprise, it is important that you consider these financial tips before your baby arrives.

• Organize your finances.

The arrival of a new baby generates expenses. The sooner you start planning yourself financially, the better prepared you will be for the baby’s arrival. It is important that you have a money talk with your partner to inform many of the financial decisions you will make in the coming months and years.

• Create a baby budget.

Having a baby can cost a bundle from baby nursery, beddings, clothing to baby care. Creating a baby budget helps to avoid unexpected surprises. Having a newborn checklist and shopping early will help you stick to your budget.

Need to shop for baby items? Check here.

• Check in on life and health insurance.

Life and health insurance ensures that your children have some form of financial protection incase anything happens to you. It can give you peace of mind that your growing family is well taken care of incase of anything. If you don’t have any life or health insurance, now is the perfect time to sign up.

• Build an emergency fund.

It pays to plan for a rainy day. Having an emergency fund helps you incase unforeseen issues arise during pregnancy or after delivery. This is a crucial part of financial planning and you should make sure it’s in a good place. It is advisable to have enough to cover at least 3-6 months living expenses.

If you need some help with a newborn baby Shopping checklist, see here. This checklist is a good start to prepare for a baby financially.

Need to shop for baby items? Check here.