Nesting is typically in full swing by the third trimester of pregnancy, so hold on tight—you’re about to hyper-focus on tasks you never imagined. You might feel the urge to redo loads of already clean laundry, start collecting and hoarding ring slings or vacuum the same reading corner multiple times a day.
You may order a breast pump and start watching YouTube tutorials. If you’re not breastfeeding, you may start stocking up on formula. You’re researching all kinds of mom groups to join. You’re meal prepping. Most of these tasks are pretty typical for expecting mamas, so try to embrace the drive to get home and hearth ready for you and your newborn.
No matter how your nesting phase manifests, it’s the mom instinct you want to follow. This drive is your brain and body’s way of preparing your environment for your newest little human. So add that espresso machine to your Amazon cart. Invest in that brand of swaddle blankets you’ve been eyeing. Put those canvas pictures up in the new nursery. Shampoo the carpet.
While it’s safe to follow most nesting urges, the American Pregnancy Association does suggest taking precautions. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Stay away from cleaning chemicals such as bleach or oven cleaners. Try not to wear yourself out and do get as much rest as possible—save as much energy as you can for labor, delivery and the fourth trimester. Be sure to accept help from others.
In the meantime, here are some ways nesting can take form, as well as a few tips and tricks to get through this stage of pregnancy. Though it can start during your earliest months of pregnancy, nesting may mean your baby’s arrival is just around the corner. Be sure to always keep in contact with your doctor, first and foremost.
Sometimes, nesting is putting up a few pictures in the nursery and washing all your onesies with Dreft. Other times, it can mean repainting rooms in the house, shampooing all the carpet and rearranging furniture. However it manifests, do what you can without overexerting yourself.
Tips and Tricks
- Try to focus on one thing at a time. You may want to tackle every task all at once, as if you’re on a very short timer—which you sort of are. Try to recharge your battery in between tasks. Tackle each item one day at a time. You will get it all done, but even if one thing does not get checked off, it will be okay. Your partner or family and friends will help you.
- Make freezer meals. You may have friends or family organizing a meal train, but it’s also smart to have frozen meals ready for after you and your family return from the hospital. The last thing you’ll have energy for is cooking.
- Pack your hospital bag. Keep a checklist of what you’ll need so you can just throw it all together when the time comes. Even with the best plan in place, you never know when Baby will decide to make her appearance.
- Stock up on postpartum supplies. Most hospitals will send you home with the essentials, but it’s never a bad idea to be extra prepared just in case. Heavy pads, hemorrhoid pads with witch hazel, Dermoplast, etc.
- Figure out your nursing needs. Order a breast pump and chat with a lactation consultant. Stock up on nursing bras, gowns, pads and creams.
- Create a “who to call” list. Then give that list to your partner, your closest friend, your mother, whoever you wish to delegate this task to. Once you’re in full labor, you will only have energy for recovery and for Baby. It’s best to let others break the exciting news to your loved ones.
Lastly, enjoy this sudden burst of energy during your third trimester—especially if your first two were full of exhaustion, nausea, and an inability to keep food down. Nesting can be one of the most exciting stages of pregnancy.
Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.