nesting
NEST-ing
/ˈnɛstɪŋ/
The instinctual urge to clean, organize, and prepare one's home for the arrival of a new baby.
It is often a sudden burst of energy that occurs in the final weeks of the third trimester.
The story behind the word. Derived from the behavior of birds building a 'nest' for their eggs. In humans, the term was popularized in the 20th century to describe the psychological drive to 'feather the nest' before birth.
Word relationships
- preparation: Preparation is a conscious act; nesting is often described as an uncontrollable biological urge.
Commonly confused with
- hoarding: Hoarding is the accumulation of items; nesting is the organized preparation of a space.
Word family
- nest (noun/verb): A structure built by birds; to fit one object inside another.
Collocations
- nesting instinct
- nesting phase
- start nesting
- nesting behavior
Example sentences
- "The nesting instinct hit her hard, and she spent the entire weekend scrubbing the baseboards and organizing the nursery." Family life
- "Nesting is a common phenomenon among many species, not just humans, as they prepare a safe environment for their young." Psychology
Memory hook
Like a bird building a nest, a mother builds a home. Preparing the home.
When not to use
Don't use it for general house cleaning; it specifically implies the frantic preparation for a newborn.
Fun facts
- Nesting isn't just for mothers; many expectant fathers also experience a version of it, often focusing on home repairs or safety.
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