Maternity leave is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from your hectic daily routine, focus on yourself, and bond with your new family member. To make the most of this special time, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 top things to do during maternity leave before and after your baby’s birth.
The Top 5 Things To Do On Maternity Leave Before Your Baby Arrives
Maternity leave before baby is a time for you to relax and prepare yourself for the big day. Of course, there are a lot of practical things to do: researching birth and breastfeeding, organising your home and baby gear, stocking up on food, etc. But we are here to talk about the fun stuff.
It’s going to be a massive change, and when baby arrives you’re going to be spending all your time and energy on this new little person. You should make the most of your last few weeks of pre-baby maternity leave by making sure you have spent time enjoying yourself, not just by doing chores.
Then, when the whirlwind of motherhood begins, you’ll be ready for it! So, here are 5 fun things for you to do on maternity leave before your baby arrives:
1. Make It All About You
The most important thing to do during your pre-baby maternity leave is to put yourself first. You won’t have much time to relax once the baby arrives, so make sure you do something special for yourself before life gets crazy. Get pampered with a massage or a new haircut; fit in plenty of baths, and prioritize some pure relaxation time!
2. Spend Quality Time With Your Partner
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done and fall into a state of constant busyness. But there’s one thing you can’t afford to forget: spending quality time with your partner!
Dates! Walking together! Cuddle time on the couch while binge-watching shows – you better get your fill of quality couple moments now, parents-to-be! Once baby arrives, those romantic dates will likely have a strict curfew, and snuggles might just mean nuzzling into sleep deprivation. So go forth, couples, and savour every second before an exciting but exhausting new adventure begins!
3. Enjoy Some Much-Needed Rest
Your maternity leave is a time for rest and relaxation. So take it!
Kick back with some snacks and a good show—nap guilt-free with no worries about what needs doing around the house. Read books all day long if you want! It’s okay to relax!
Your body is doing amazing things right now, so don’t feel guilty about taking the time to rest up!
4. Have A Maternity Photoshoot
Have you been thinking about having a pregnancy photo shoot, but just haven’t gotten around to setting one up? Now is the time!
Maternity leave is the perfect time to tick off all the things you’ve wanted to do but didn’t have time for. Including documenting this incredible journey you’re going through.
Your body has done something amazing and deserves to be celebrated! Hire a professional photographer or ask someone you know to take some photos of you before your due date comes around.
You’ll be so glad you did!
5. Pick Up A New Hobby
Yes, maternity leave is a time to slow down and prepare for birth. But why not make the most of your free time? You can finally take that art class you’ve always wanted to take or start writing that novel you’ve been thinking about doing for years. Or maybe there’s something else that has been dancing around in your mind but never quite got off the ground—now is the perfect time to start!
Make the most of this opportunity; it’s unlikely you’ll have another chance like it for the next 18 years!
The Top 5 Things To Do On Maternity Leave With Baby
The first few weeks of parenthood are a roller coaster of emotions. Between sleepless nights, dirty nappies, and the constant crying, it’s hard work and it’ll take time to adjust.
So don’t beat yourself up about days spent just cuddling with baby. After all, you’re recovering from childbirth and getting to know your new child. But, when you’re fully recovered and ready to get back to the real world, here are 5 fun ideas for things to do with your baby on maternity leave:
1. Check Out Local Baby Groups
While you’re on maternity leave, it’s important to make sure you’re staying connected with society. And what better way to do that than by checking out local baby groups?
They are a great way to connect with other mums in the area, build some support networks, get advice from people who’ve been there before, and just have fun! All while helping your little one develop their social skills.
And if you’re on a budget: most local libraries have weekly baby groups available free of charge!
2. Stay Social
To reduce the risk of postpartum depression, it’s important to stay in contact with friends and family during your maternity leave. You may not feel up to going out, but it’s important to try.
Being around others can make you feel more grounded and supported, which is especially important when your life has been turned upside down by the demands of caring for your new baby. Whether it’s an afternoon coffee with your best friend or going out to lunch with your mum, it’s important to stay social!
3. Keep A Journal
The first time your baby smiles, the first time they roll over, the first time they take their first steps… these are all milestones that should be celebrated. And there’s no better way to do that than by keeping a journal of them all.
Keep handprints and footprints, take photos, and remember those moments forever!
4. Sign Up For Baby Swimming
One of the best things you can do during maternity leave is; to take your baby to swimming classes.
They are a great way to introduce your baby to water and spend some quality time together, while also getting some exercise in. And you’ll have the chance to meet other parents in the area.
5. Travel
Maternity leave is probably the last time you’ll get to take a long break from work for a while—so why not go all out?
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but it can be totally worth it. You’ll get to do something amazing as a family and have memories that will last forever.
The Bottom Line
Enjoy every second of your maternity leave because before you know it, it will be over!
We hope this list of things to do on maternity leave has helped! If it did, be sure to share this with any friends and family who are also expecting.
Thanks for reading!
