by Sarah on 21. February 2012 in
Somewhere between 5 months and your due date, you have most likely found yourself with an uncontrollable urge to get things done! Whether it is deep cleaning, organizing, or tying up loose ends, one thing many soon-to-be moms have in common is the primal instinct to nest. Have you found yourself irrationally demanding that every square inch of your home be cleaned? You’re not alone. It’s a true fact—females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need to ensure that their offspring will be cared for properly after birth.
The experience of nesting is different for all women, and although your hormonal fluctuations may make you act in crazy ways…the sudden burst of energy you may experience when nesting can be a great time to get things accomplished. It’s important, however, that you keep your own health in mind first and foremost…and try not to over-do.
Trying to make some sense of how to put this altered state to the best use? We have included a list below of worthwhile tasks to devote your nesting energy into without pushing yourself too hard. Nesting can be one of the most rewarding parts of pregnancy—and it can also be a bit overwhelming. We suggest making short and long-term lists to help yourself feel like you’re accomplishing tasks without overwhelming yourself and your body by trying to get it all done at once. Remember that part of nesting can also be mastering the art of a really good honey-do list!
:: Equip Baby
After you have put the final touches on baby’s room, stock your nursery with all of the baby essentials…. clothes, diapers, baby soap, baby thermometer, nasal syringe, nail clippers, bottles, formula, etc. Most likely you won’t feel like running to the store multiple times a day, and you’ll be at ease knowing you have these things on hand when they’re needed.
For a great list of baby essentials… check out the What to Expect Buying for Baby Worksheet here .
:: Equip Self
While you’re busy supplying baby’s needs, don’t forget your own! In a fit of nesting, get your hospital bag packed and ready to go! Read our recent Oilo blog post about hospital bag essentials here.
While you’re at it- stock your personals with post-baby essentials such as post-partum clothing, nursing bras, nursing pads and all of your regular personal care products. Trust us- sending daddy to the store to buy cosmetics (or worse) is not ideal!
Lastly, equipping yourself and your growing family with a good camera/video camera option during this time is something you will so appreciate having done when baby decides to make his/her arrival.
:: Equip Home
Nesting is a wonderful time to deep clean and organize your home. It’s also a great time to stock your house with essential s such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundering products, etc. You’ll be grateful to have plenty of these products on hand- especially if you’re lucky enough to have the helping hands of others for the first little while.
In addition to these household items, it’s also a great idea to stock your pantry with staples that your family uses often. Grocery store runs will probably be one of the last things you want consuming your time- and having your favorite snacks and meals stock piled is an easy way to eliminate some stress. During the final weeks of your pregnancy when nesting can be at its most powerful peak- cooking in quantity and freezing extra servings of your favorite meals can be the ultimate convenience shortly after baby is born!
