Anticipating the arrival of a new baby often brings about the well-known “nesting phase” for expectant mothers, during which they diligently prepare for their baby’s arrival by setting up nurseries, acquiring essential baby gear, and ensuring everything is in order. However, little attention is paid to the experience of mothers expecting their third or subsequent child when the nesting instinct fails to manifest as robustly as it did with previous pregnancies.
In a relatable video shared online, a mother who is currently 27 weeks pregnant with her third child candidly confesses that she has made minimal preparations. She lacks a designated nursery, a car seat, and even a crib for her impending arrival. Only now is she recognizing the necessity of “gathering” the essentials her new baby will require.
“When does the nesting energy hit because I need some of that?” questioned @mrsmeganjane, reflecting the sentiments of many experienced mothers. The surge of energy associated with nesting sometimes eludes those with multiple children already relying on their care. Pregnant mothers often find themselves with limited time to dedicate to tasks like painting nurseries or shopping for baby clothes, activities they had more leisure to pursue in previous pregnancies. (The mother mentioned in the video’s comments that she already possesses a stroller, alleviating one essential purchase, and she hopes to have retained clothing and toys from her first two children.)
Drawing from personal experience as a mother of three, this writer empathizes with the challenges this expectant mother faces. The nesting instinct tends to wane with subsequent pregnancies, possibly due to increased responsibilities and fatigue. Seasoned mothers also recognize that many of the baby products on the market are superfluous, and they understand that newborns do not require an impeccably decorated nursery for their arrival.
Despite the less pronounced nesting phase, it is likely that this mother will ensure her new baby’s necessities are met, even if it means addressing them closer to the due date. Her experience as a parent has equipped her with the skills needed to handle the preparations efficiently.
