10 Things Every New Mom Must Do Before She Gives Birth
Is childbirth right around the corner for you? There are always a million and one things to do before a mom gives birth; however, some of these “things” rank higher above the others. Check out these ten things that every new mom must do before she gives birth.
Birth plan
Every new mom needs to figure out her birth plan before she heads to the hospital. Keep in mind that birth plans don’t always go as planned, but having a written arrangement of what you want is important.
Pack her bags
Don’t get in such a rush to pack baby’s bag that you forget to pack your own. Make sure you have plenty of comfortable clothes on your back to help make your hospital stay relaxed.
Pack baby’s bags
When packing your baby’s bags, worry about clothing and less about diapers and wipes. Most hospitals have those items already and only take up precious room in the baby’s bag.
Shop for last minute items
Make a list of items you want to grab before the baby comes. Because after your baby is here, you’ll have a harder time remember what you needed from the store and getting there is a little more difficult.
Have a few meals prepped
Prepping a few meals before the baby comes is a smart idea. The last thing you’ll want to worry about is what you will make for dinner your first couple of nights home.
Make sure backup help is in place
Have a list of people you can call, just in case you need an extra set of hands. Extra help is always appreciated, so it’s best to know who is available to help you.
Enjoy a few naps and uninterrupted sleep
Your sleep schedule will never be like it once was. Take the time to enjoy a few naps, and your uninterrupted sleep before baby gets here!
Enjoy the house for a few hours with no one in it
Although the giggles and laughs of a baby are precious, that home of yours will never be kid free again. Enjoy a few hours in your quiet house before you welcome your new baby into it.
Talk on the phone uninterrupted
Just think, after you have a baby, an uninterrupted phone call may be hard to come by. Enjoy your conversations as much as possible.
Take a few selfies of her baby bump to remember for years to come
Don’t miss out on what it felt or looked like to be pregnant with your precious one. Take a few pictures to help you remember exactly how you looked and felt.
Write down how she’s feeling now
Keep a journal of everything you are feeling at this moment before baby comes. You’ll treasure these memories as time goes on.
Those are all great tips. I think bringing a new mom a meal is the best thing you can do for her.
Preparing for new baby is always so exciting! 😀 It is important to have healthy meals prepared (handy) so you can spend all your time focusing on that new bundle of joy <3
These are all great tips. You really have to have everything planned out to the best of your ability before the big day. Once you go into labor, everything gets crazy!
These are all great tips for new moms. I agree that you should be thinking of a birth plan, but be prepared to be flexible depending on how your labor is going. Be sure to discuss how realistic your goals are with your midwife or physician as well as your spouse.
Those naps and sleep are so important! As well as meals. We were spoiled with friends that brought meals for us the first few days.
What do new dads need to know… other than not to freak out!
You’ve put up together an amazing list! I wish I’ve learned all about this preparation thing 8 years ago! (Good thing mom was there! LOL ) I have to agree with @Stacie, everything goes crazy once you go into labor but at least you’ve come prepared! 🙂
This is a great list and all so true. I made sure to have copies of my birthplace with me 🙂
Great advice for new moms-to-be! I would have loved to nap before my baby was born but couldn’t get comfortable.
Yes! This is great. I did all of this minus birth plan. I never did only because I really just went with the flow. Everything I wanted to happen thankfully did but if there’s ever a next time I would make one!
Haha – sleep would be my number 1!! These are all great tips and perfect for a new mom!
I remember doing all these things before I had my son. I did find the birth plan useless though, you can never plan how your baby is going to arrive it seems! 🙂
It is really smart to have a few meals prepped. I like your helpful list!
I kept journals on my preganancies and wish that I continue to write in it, I failed miserably when my kids were born lol. When the baby is at home, the time slips by fast that you don’t have time to write in journals.
This is a really great list and so important to do. I really wish I would have gotten more naps and sleep before hand because now I haven’t had good sleep for over 15 years 😉
This is brings back so many vivid memories of a wonderful and exciting time – we were prepared and enjoyed our moment! Great reminders for new moms!
I remember the days when I was pregnant and the house was empty. It seems like such a long time ago!
Those are really great tips for moms-to-be. And your post made me nostalgic. I am now reminiscing those days when I was shopping for baby clothes and preparing the room and the bag for the baby. 🙂
This is such a great list, I wish someone told me this 17 years ago before I had my son. I had a rough pregnancy and I have maybe 1 or 2 pictures of me and my baby bump. I was too sick to enjoy it.
My nephew’s wife is expecting. This is a great post I’ll be sharing with her.
I wish I would have had this list when I was preparing my little guy! I’ll pass this onto a friend who’s expecting.