10 great tips to follow before giving birth to make life easier afterwards

Because a minimum of anticipation and organization , in the face of the tsunami of love, hormones and fatigue that the arrival of a child in the home represents, can simply spare you tensions, tears or even a tragic transformation into zombie mode #thriller.

Ah, childbirth. D-Day, the big moment, the long-awaited and—still, a little, or even a lot—dreaded one, the one from which everything will change. Yes, everything! Including your little habits regarding the organization of life at home . Because we have no doubt that in a modern couple based on an egalitarian relationship—if you're reading this article as a couple, now's the time to give your partner a sideways glance and a knowing smile—  You've naturally divided up the household chores and other joys that add so much glamour to your life as a couple. Nevertheless, we'd still like to offer you some wise advice (from women who've been there) and other helpful tips to make your life easier and allow you, once you're back from the maternity ward , to fully enjoy your insomniac wonder with the soprano voice.

Milk Away moms' tips

1) You will need to pack your nursing clothes

Simply to avoid the ordeal of rushing to the shops with a newborn baby. We therefore advise you to get comfortable (preferably with your bank card, which you've thoughtfully increased your spending limit on...) and treat yourself to a little online shopping spree (which will prevent your water from breaking mid-selection). The watchwords: practical, comfortable, and stylish. In short, everything Milk Away, because being a cool mum is a choice. In fact, take a break right now, you deserve it. And there you have it, happiness at your fingertips: discover the Milk Away online shop .

2) You will fill your freezer

As a reminder, eating is a vital need . We feel it's important to emphasize this because the first few days with a baby often fly by, and we frequently find ourselves past 9 pm without having eaten a thing (and incidentally, without having showered either, but we'll get to that later). It's therefore best to stock up on ready-made meals so that all you have to do is turn on the oven once the baby is well-behaved. Especially since it's important to eat a balanced diet to promote the production of sufficient, high-quality milk (we'll come back to that too).

3) Will you call your friends/family, or not?

They all say it: "If you need help, don't hesitate." Well, don't hesitate! Check with your friends and family beforehand to see what they'd be willing to do and when they're available, and make sure you have backup plans. After all, even Superwoman needs a helping hand now and then. And if, on the other hand, you'd prefer peace and quiet and to limit visits , don't be shy and say so clearly, with a smile, and without worrying about offending anyone. Those who haven't yet become parents will understand later, and for the others, they'll just have to deal with it. Stay cool, mother-in-law, or we'll say goodbye !

4) You will delegate the housework

Since we don't possess the gift of Snow White or Mary Poppins to get the job done in a flash, we're seriously considering getting help with this, especially if we're a stickler for cleanliness. As crazy as it may seem given their small size and inability to move around on their own, babies have this surprising ability to turn a house upside down in just a few hours. So, if the dishes piling up in the sink, the laundry accumulating on the floor, and the dust swirling with every step are starting to get to you, consider calling on a cleaning service, family members or friends , and of course, super dad … or even moving into a hotel.

5) You will buy from the pharmacy

This is important because it can clearly prevent a stressful (and unnecessary) trip to the emergency room on a Sunday in the middle of the night. Because yes, it's always on weekends and the eves of public holidays that our wonderful child gets sick; otherwise, being a parent would be too easy, right? Anyway, before leaving the maternity ward , ask a midwife or pediatrician for advice and put together a basic first-aid kit for the baby (thermometer, suppositories, saline solution, nasal spray, moisturizing oil, diaper cream, healing cream, etc.) but also for the breastfeeding mother and postpartum (nipple cream, compresses, nursing pads or shells, pain relievers, ultra-absorbent underwear and sanitary pads (actually, they're just like adult diapers), and a travel pad, etc.). In short, as you can see, it's all very glamorous!

6) You will anticipate the administrative tasks

It's advisable to check with the administrative center in your place of residence, or your embassy if you're an expat, to find out if certain legal procedures can be completed before the birth, such as early recognition of the child or a passport application. After giving birth, you rarely want to spend the morning standing in line with a few weeks old clinging to your arm or breast.

7) You will preserve your sleep

Let's be clear and concise: naps are life! Whenever the opportunity arises, close your eyes. If baby is napping, forget about housework and grocery shopping (see points 2 and 4) and go do the same. If you've created a model lacking this precious option, regularly ask someone to come and take care of them and drift off to sleep with a light heart. Especially since sleep plays an important role in successful breastfeeding . Indeed, a well-rested mother will produce more milk than an exhausted one. And just so you know, sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture under some political regimes. It drives people crazy. So let's avoid putting ourselves through that.

8) You will take your shower

Don't smile like, "Yeah, come on, it's not that bad!" It seems as obvious as remembering to eat, and yet, the accounts are unanimous and the excuses are often offered: "No, my hair isn't greasy! I'm trying out the wet look trend." The options are as follows: either you arrange for someone to look after the little one who monopolizes your arms and all your time (it's the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with the neighbors and offer them a break, aka a 15-minute coffee break every morning), or you get a cushion, baby swing, or other secure support and set the baby up in front of a play in which you're the star, thereby sacrificing any semblance of privacy for the coming months. But at least you smell good! It's also worth investing in a good supply of dry shampoo ...

9) You will book your medical appointments

We plan ahead to avoid endless phone calls in the first few hours at home. We look into government childcare services , arrange for a midwife to come to our home if needed, book a breastfeeding specialist , the first appointment with the pediatrician , as well as the (extremely important) postnatal physiotherapy sessions and the postpartum follow-up appointment with the gynecologist . We take the time to recover, to be diligent, and to practice our physiotherapy exercises consistently to strengthen our pelvic floor muscles , because our long-term well-being and health depend on it.

10) You will give yourself some time

As often as needed and without a shred of guilt. Becoming a parent doesn't mean giving up being yourself or enjoying leisure time, just like before. You simply reorganize your time. Easier said than done? Yes, especially at the beginning when you feel overwhelmed by the whirlwind of new experiences and work resumes, when you have a company to run, employees to manage, and colleagues to supervise. To be a happy and healthy mompreneur , you schedule time for sports, massages, movies, drinks with friends, with your partner, or taking turns. You take charge of your own happiness because a happy parent makes a happy child.

All you have to do now is get out your to-do lists and diaries! We promise you it's worth it.

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