Prenatal Tendency Towards Nesting
Preparing for Baby: Understanding and Managing the Nesting Instinct
Pregnancy can be an exciting and overwhelming time, and as the due date approaches, many expectant parents may experience a sudden burst of energy known as the nesting instinct. Dr. Erin Higgins, MD, an Ob/Gyn, explains the signs of nesting and what to do - and not do - if it hits you.
The nesting instinct is an urge to prepare the home for a new baby, experienced by many expectant parents. This instinct is primarily influenced by hormonal changes and the approaching labor, with factors such as a rise in adrenaline and a decrease in progesterone playing a role [3].
To effectively manage the nesting instinct, it is important to balance this energy with adequate rest and self-care to avoid exhaustion or physical strain. Practical steps include prioritizing important tasks like organizing the nursery and cleaning, setting realistic goals, and accepting support from partners or loved ones to share the workload [2][3]. Recognizing limits and taking breaks to avoid overexertion is also crucial [3].
Tasks to consider during nesting include doing the laundry, preparing fresh bed linens, blankets, and burp cloths, and considering postpartum recovery clothes. It's recommended to clean if the urge to do so is present, but use caution, not overdo it, and enlist help if possible [1].
While cleaning, it's best to avoid using harsh cleaning products while pregnant, as they could be harmful to you or your baby. Opt for gentle cleaning options like baking soda, vinegar, and soap [4]. When setting up your baby's sleeping space, use a firm mattress and a tight-fitting crib sheet, but avoid crib bumpers due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [2].
Preparing meals that can be frozen and heated later, especially if you're breastfeeding, is also a good idea. Install your baby's car seat in your vehicle weeks before delivery, and check with your local firehouse for a car seat check or search for a child passenger safety technician [6].
It's important to remember that the nesting instinct does not predict what kind of parent one will be. Not everyone experiences the nesting instinct, and it doesn't correlate with how much someone cares about you or the baby [2]. If your partner isn't experiencing the nesting instinct, don't take it personally. Ask for help from your loved ones to get ready [6].
Babies don't need a spotless house, so cleanliness is good but squeaky clean isn't necessary [2]. It's also important to avoid climbing ladders or lifting heavy objects during nesting, as it could risk your safety [1].
In addition to managing the nesting instinct, it's crucial to pack your hospital bag, including toiletries and going-home clothes for you and your baby [5]. The nesting instinct is not a natural instinct, but a way to feel in control and deal with pre-baby jitters or stress [7].
In summary, managing the nesting instinct well ensures a healthier pregnancy experience. By balancing activity with rest and self-care, prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and accepting help from partners or support networks, expectant parents can make the most of this productive phase and prepare for the arrival of their new baby.
| Factors Influencing Nesting Instinct | Effective Management Strategies | |-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Hormonal changes (e.g., adrenaline, progesterone) | Balance activity with rest and self-care | | Instinctive preparation for safe baby environment | Prioritize tasks; set realistic goals | | Psychological readiness for labor | Accept help from partners or support network |
The nesting instinct can be linked to health-and-wellness, as it promotes a sense of readiness and control during pregnancy, which can positively influence the health of both expectant parents and their baby. Building a clean and safe environment for the new arrival is an essential part of ensuring the baby's health, as demonstrated by the recommendations to use gentle cleaning products and a firm mattress.
When managing the nesting instinct, it's crucial to focus on the environment around the baby, considering factors such as cleanliness and the arrangement of the sleeping space, to promote a harmonious health-and-wellness ecosystem for the newborn. Furthermore, preparing meals and planning for postpartum recovery clothes can also be considered elements of health-and-wellness that fall under the auspices of effective management strategies when dealing with the nesting instinct.
