Are you an expecting mom-to-be or brand new mom? Join Genicca Whitney, PowHERhouse Conscious Spending Editor, for her special series, Babies, Budgets & Balance.
It’s been an adventurous journey since getting married and building momentum in my career. It seems that with every year that passes, time flies before my eyes, and getting a grip starts to become really imperative.
We are on the verge of welcoming our first born and wow, what a journey it has been so far. Not only has it brought my husband and I closer, it has made me look at my life at an angle that I never have before. The weekends are no longer wine nights but bubble baths, the budget no longer attracts high heels or cute dresses, and time with family has been on the priority list with less networking.
How does one prepare for such a life-altering chapter?
The first thing to do is NOT to overwhelm yourself with the idea. The bottom line is, it is in our nature to grow our families, and we must trust that everything we want for our child will find it’s way to our lap. It means that life doesn’t need to feel chaotic or overbearing with the thought of babies, budgets and balance. It also means that we are not alone in this journey, and I encourage every new mom out there to reach out for support, join mommy groups and to be open to asking for answers that might put your mind at ease.
While having a budget is key, there will always be unexpected expenses we incur along the way. The best way to shop for your newborn is to start looking out for coupons, deals and sales. That way, when you have to spend on something you didn’t expect, your effort to save will kick in! Simply Google “FREEBIES for new mom’s” or “Coupons for babies”, and you’ll be surprised at what you can get for FREE as a new mom. Also, in your attempt to connect with moms in your circle or new moms outside of your circle, just ask that they fill you in on any good deals they come across. I had my neighbour call me the other day because diapers were 50%! I stocked up for the next 6 months and saved A LOT thanks to her. Budgeting is all about planning ahead, comparing and research. Saving can be a lot of fun if you make it so!
Avoid asking other mother’s about their pregnancy or birth.
The reality is, everyone’s story is different, and your experience will not be the same as someone else’s. Spending too much time taking advice from other moms – or searching the internet – can make you anxious, nervous, scared and even confused. Inevitably, people will offer their advice. Simply smile and nod. Say thank you, and move right along. The advice from your Dr., O.B., midwife and/or doula is always helpful. They are the experts – the professionals – and chances are, they don’t use scare tactics or mislead you with false information. You will know exactly what to do when you are faced with any challenges if and when the time comes. Spend your energy now talking to your baby, having nice baths and reading your favourite books. Enjoy the moments you have left with your spouse as a couple, and talk about the important things like, family values and parenting. The love that you both have for you child will guide you along the way. Let go and let love lead the way.
How do you put the brakes on your career?
Slow and steady wins the race. Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean its the end of the world. It just means that your world is changing, and we need to make room for the time it takes to be a new mother. Your body will send you messages along the way, and it is up to us to respond to them. As your pregnancy progresses, you may want to cut down your hours on the road to get the rest you need.
- What I find to be empowering is saying NO to the things that don’t serve me now which would have otherwise tempted me pre-pregnancy.
- Finding ways to accomplish work at home is also a great way to creating balance. You can have your naps when you need it, but with technology these days, you can also schedule your regular coffee dates over Skype!
- Creating balance during this transition is all about prioritizing what is important – now. For me, it has become very important to spend quality time with my husband when I would otherwise be attending events to grow my business.
I have been told that the first two years with your newborn will flash before your eyes. These are also the most crucial times to develop and to grow as a family. I figure that I will grow into my career while figuring out how to be a mom.
What’s most important to me right now, however, is life at home. Because when life at home is a pleasure and filled with love, everything else falls into place.
Photography credit (top two photos): Daphne Chan Photography
