Family planning
Starting to plan a family
Family planning means making a conscious decision about having and raising children. It involves thinking through when the right time to have a child might be, how many children are desired, and what the family’s possibilities and needs are.
When planning a family, it is important to consider one’s health, financial security, and daily life arrangements. It also includes preparing to balance work and family life, as well as for the emotional changes that come with becoming a parent.
Family planning concerns both women and men equally and helps create a safe and stable environment for children to grow up in.
Important to know concerning this step
In addition to personal decisions, family planning is influenced by the surrounding environment. Close relationships, the community, and various services and support networks shape perceptions of having children, parenthood, and family life. A supportive environment helps families feel more confident and find the information and assistance they need.
It is important that communities are open and take into account the diverse life situations of families. Accessible information, understanding attitudes, and effective support services contribute to family well-being and support children’s safe development.
Additional information and practical advice on family life, parenting, and child development can be found on the Tarkvanem.ee website.
A support network consists of people and services that can be relied on in different life situations. This may include family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and professionals. A support network provides both practical and emotional support and helps families cope better with changes and challenges.
Support networks can vary greatly in size and composition. Some families have close people helping on a daily basis, while others may live far from relatives or raise a child as a single parent. Therefore, it is worth thinking already during pregnancy about who to turn to when help is needed. A support network does not have to be large – it is important that there is at least one reliable person or service that can offer support.
A strong support network helps parents adapt to life with a newborn by offering help with childcare, household tasks, or simply through listening and emotional support. This helps reduce stress and supports parental well-being. A supported and well-rested parent is better able to care for their child.
For single parents, a support network is especially important, as all responsibility rests on one person. Practical help and emotional support ease the burden and support daily coping. Equally important is the opportunity to share joyful moments and experiences with others.
Consciously building and maintaining a support network helps make the journey into parenthood safer and more balanced. Asking for and accepting help is a natural part of supporting families and helps create stronger and more functional family relationships.
Both partners should be aware of their health status and fertility. Healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, sufficient rest, and avoiding harmful addictions are important for maintaining fertility.
When planning a family, it is also advisable to assess mental well-being, as stress, mental exhaustion, and prolonged tension can affect both conception and overall health. If needed, it is worth consulting a healthcare professional for advice and support.
In addition to health-related aspects, partners should discuss expectations, readiness, and the sharing of responsibilities related to having a child. Open and honest communication helps create a stronger foundation for starting a family.
Contact
Tartu University Hospital supports childbirth at every stage – from fertility assessment and infertility treatment to pregnancy monitoring, delivery, and newborn care.