How To Know When You’re Emotionally Ready For A Baby
Deciding whether or not to have a baby is huge. Bringing another life into the world comes with great responsibility. Just like buying your first home and getting married, having a baby can be scary. It’s hard to know when you’re ready for a baby.
As a mom, I know that you will probably never be fully ready to have a baby. Raising a child is a learning process and that’s okay! But how do you know that you want to take that next step now?
Gathered here are four signs that you are as ready as you’ll ever be to have a baby.
1. You’re in a stable relationship
Most people don’t want to parent alone. They want to have a partner by their side. (Though if you do want to be a single parent, more power to ya!)
Even if you’re not married to your significant other, you should be thinking long-term with this person.
I had my son at an early age and I wasn’t married or even sure who I was as a person yet. I didn’t have the option of waiting until I found someone to plan a life with. If you do imagine yourself raising your children with a significant other, then this is an important thing to consider.
If you’re unsure about the relationship you’re in or feel like there’s work to do to make it more stable, then consider talking to a therapist. You can find one to meet your exact needs through Talkspace. They’re a virtual counseling service that connects you to a licensed therapist on your own time. Learn more about Talkspace below!
Talkspace: There are some days where this fear of feeling like you are not enough can completely take over your thoughts and it can seem impossible to get over the hump you may be facing. I can personally say that therapy works! Not sure how to even go about finding a therapist? There is this amazing service called Talkspace that allows you to be connected with a licensed therapist via text, video, and audio messaging. It is SUPER convenient for even the busiest of us.
2. You’re where you want to be in your career
Your twenties and thirties are your prime time to figure out where you want to be in life.
The question is: have you made it there?
Having a baby while still trying to figure out things can be quite difficult, especially if you are still trying to get your degree or climb the career ladder. Trust me, I am currently going through this, it is challenging.
By feeling confident in your career path, you’ll be able to focus more on your child.
3. You’re financially stable
Now I’m not saying you have to be rich, but being financially put together is important.
Ask yourself these questions: Do you pay your bills on time? Do you live on your own? Do you have any money put away in a savings account?
Having a baby is expensive. There are diapers, wipes, formula, food, clothes, and more. It is vital that you are financially stable before taking on the responsibility of a baby.
One way to reach this point is by building a savings account. Digit can help you! Digit thinks about your goals, balance, and bills. Then calculates an amount to put into a savings account on a regular basis that won’t interrupt your life.
Get an IRA plan recommended for you and your long-term goals in just a few minutes. Plus, you receive potential tax advantages as you invest for your future.
4. You’re emotionally healthy
This one may be the most important.
Maybe there are some things in your life you haven’t addressed that you probably should. Any unresolved trauma you have can unintentionally affect how you parent your future child. And you want to be the best parent you can be, right?
It is okay to ask for help when needed. Once you have a child, you are their role model, and they base their actions and morals off of you.
Again, Talkspace is here to help you with this. If you’ve never been to therapy, this is the perfect time to give it a try! Get started today.
If you are confident that you are in a good place in your relationship, career, finances, and mental health, then you are as ready as you are ever going to be for a baby. And since you’re already thinking of these things, you’ll definitely be a good parent!
Best wishes! Having a baby is truly a blessing.
