Prepping yourself and your family is simply not enough when you are pregnant. There are hundreds of other things to do and we know that you have questions and we are providing you with some answers. This checklist would help you to maintain some sanity as you become more concerned about childbirth and labor pain.
1. Cut Down On Errands
Run all your errands before your due date. Arrange for all the medicines that you will need, diapers and maxi pads included. Also remember that you need to run your house so get it well stocked (like laundry detergents, rubber gloves, freezable food to binge eat, and others). If you have kids in your house, make sure that you have a babysitter to take care of your baby. Also, ensure that you have bought all the things that you need for your baby.
2. Call In Reinforcements
Once your baby is here, its going to be a hectic journey. Every parent can use a pair of helping hands, so, call in the grandmothers, grandfathers and friends. Recruit them so that they can take care of baby while you grab some shut-eye. This might sound splurging and you will be concerned about the welfare of the baby, but believe it when we say that a mother needs rest too.
3. Fix A Doctor For Your Baby
Midway through your pregnancy, start looking up for a pediatrician or family doctor. This may seem early, but finding out a physician who takes care of your baby and accepts your insurance is a good start for all those emergencies that you have not prepared yourself for.
4. Ready The Medical File
Why is this important? Because you know that once the baby is here, “you” would take a backseat and your life would revolve around your baby. Keeping your medical records in order will help in getting ready for those post-natal check-ups. And, please, no matter how busy your life is after the baby is here, go for those post-natal check ups especially if you have had a C-section.
5. Making Sure Things Work
It is important to ensure that things work and by things, we mean that everything that is in the house should work. The bottle sterilizer, the microwave and even the washing machine. These are some things that you would need once the baby is here, and if they are not functional, you will not have the time to repair it.
6. Talking To Veteran Moms
Motherhood is an exciting journey and doesn’t matter if it is your first or second kid, there are multiple things that will throw you aback. Therefore, talk to veteran moms who have been there and done that. They will also talk you through taboo topics – like sex, peeing (especially if you have a tear after a vaginal delivery). To cite an instance, most veteran moms will tell you that it’s a myth that bonding should happen immediately after birth. Finding out these mothers and discussing with them would help in adjusting your expectations.
7. Preparing The Older Child Or Pets
If this is not your first pregnancy and you already have a kid, its time to get the kid more involved in your journey. Chances are that the older sibling would have questions regarding the baby, talk with them and spend some valuable time with them.
With pets, it is a different ball-game altogether. There are local trainers who offer classes on how to introduce the baby to the pet. Also, make arrangements for a pet-sitter especially for times when you will be not be around (during childbirth or taking care of the baby).
8. Know What To Do When Labor Starts
If you are in your third trimester, you should know what to do when you start your contractions. Have a firm plan. Most healthcare providers who would give you a checklist of sorts, especially when to call the doctor and when to head for the hospital.
Plan the route before your due date and register ahead of time, including of where to park your car when you go into labor.
9. Pack Up Your Hospital Bag
This is the last thing that you want to worry about when you are in labor. Pack your hospital bag well in advance. The bag should have extra clothes (maternity wear, yoga pants and maxi pads) and don’t forget your toothbrush and your basic toiletries.
10. Check Up On Car Seat
Car seats come with an expiration date. If you are planning to use baby hand-me-down things, make sure that you have checked up on the expiration date. Most car seats expire within 6 years. Also, check up on the other things that are hand-me-downs, like for stains, and/or dirt which cannot be used if not cleaned thoroughly.
These are some things that you should be prepped up for, and these do not restrict to the baby or the mother, only. Keep your partner and your other kids (if any) posted about the changes that is going to occur. Remember to take as much rest as possible and ask for help whenever you need it.
