Four Signs You’ve Started Nesting

Nesting is one of those hard to scientifically prove yet frequently documented phenomena of the human world.  In animals it is much easier to spot.  We see dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds (hence the name nesting) preparing for the arrival of their young.  Rituals are followed and changes are made.  

Among humans, something similar happens to many mothers.  As the baby’s due date approaches, many mothers begin nesting, whether they realise it or not.  Stemming from a natural instinct to protect the baby and prepare the baby’s environment.  It comes from that primal need to survive, which often involves making sure the newborn essentials are in place.

Not sure if this has started happening to you? Here are the four signs that you have started nesting:

1. You’ve started cleaning EVERYTHING

Mothers understand that newborns can be fragile and they need to be in a clean and safe environment. Have you all of a sudden become absolutely particular about how things are cleaned and how to keep them clean until after your due date? Chances are, you’ve started nesting!

2. You’re stocking up on supplies

It’s a few weeks or months until your bundle of joy makes his/her appearance, and yet you already have diapers enough to last you three or four months. Hey, at least it’s just diapers and those are always useful! Watch out for when you find you’ve bought two different rockers and you’re not sure where to put them!

3. You’re organising and decorating

Preparing your baby’s room is a clear sign of nesting. Organising clothes, decorating the walls, making sure everything is clean and neat can bring joy to many mothers. In some cases, the baby room is the prettiest room in the house!

4. You’re packing and planning

Weeks away from your due date and your hospital bag is already packed. You have an action plan for what to do depending on the time of day your water breaks, and you’ve rehearsed this plan already. Yes, it’s a little intense, and yes, you can dial it back a little, but at least now you know what to tell your family when they raise their eyebrows. Just tell them: I’m nesting!!

Psychologically, nesting is a good way for some mothers to cope with the stress and anxiety of the baby’s arrival.  It can take their mind off of wondering and worrying if their baby is doing alright.  It is important, however, for mothers–and fathers–to be mindful of when nesting becomes dangerous or detrimental.

If you’re up at 2am just preparing the baby room, stop and think about why.  Remember, you need to sleep and your baby needs you to sleep.  If nesting is making you lose sleep, then it may have crossed the border to an unhealthy anxiety.

If you’re trying to lift very heavy things or find that you are over-exerting yourself in an effort to keep things clean, stop and take a breath.  Remember, stress can induce early labour, and that can lead to complications you probably do not want.  You can always aks for help when it comes to cleaning and lifting or climbing ladders to hang paintings and decor!

Always remember your own needs as a person and as a mother, and your nesting phase should be joyous and healthy.  

Some things you can do–that will be useful–include: 

• Stocking up on healthy and nutritious food and snacks (freeze some of the dishes if you like) so that you have a few less things to think about when your baby comes and you start having less time to cook.  Try to do this at around 36 weeks or so, which is about one week before you might give birth, but still four weeks before your actual due date.

• If you have older kids, stock up on the snacks they like and necessities they need. This will minimise your having to go out and get these items frequently when your new baby might need you close by.

• Stock up on two months worth of diapers and nipple cream (if breastfeeding). You’ll be thankful to have as many as possible!

Not all mothers will go through a nesting phase.  This is why it is still considered an unproven occurrence.  There are few formal studies on the incidence, but one study has shown that pregnant women tend to clean more than non-pregnant women as well as stay home more often and be choosier about who they see.