Don’t forget to do these 10 easily overlooked things!
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10 Last Minute Things To Do Before Your Baby Arrives
Every single pregnancy is so incredibly different. Not just between friends and family, but they all differ between your own babies. This is one of the many reasons I love talking about birth stories – because they are all so unique and special. Whenever I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with Branden, I was able to focus 100% of my time and efforts on preparation for his birth. And since he went a whole week past his due date, I remember wishing that I kept working up until the very end instead of starting my maternity leave a week before my due date. After he was finally born, I looked back on that time and learned a lot that helped me make better decisions the second time around.
So today, I wanted to share what I learned from both pregnancies combined that I would have done different during those last moments of preparation for our babies. But, before we get any further, I would love for you to sign up for my pregnancy specific email list. This list is catered specifically to my pregnant mamas and will also send you a FREE birth plan print out, pretty enough to frame as a keepsake.
1. Get your hospital bag packed.
I know this is a little bit of an obvious one, but hear me out. My first pregnancy I basically packed the entire nursery in our oversized diaper bag. With Blake, I knew better. Here’s what you actually DON’T need in your hospital delivery bag.
2. Do some meal prep.
With Blake we did a mixture between meal prepped foods, pre-made store bought foods and just plain takeout and it worked for us. Having a few items meal prepped and ready to go were awesome to have handy and then I made these overnight oats when I got home from the hospital that lasted about 5 breakfasts (they are wonderful for breastmilk production!). Don’t stress about it, though, I recommend having 2 or 3 meals planned.
3. Rest.
I know it’s hard to settle your mind, but do it as much as possible.
4. Figure out your car seat and stroller.
We had one of those simple travel systems with Branden, but Blakes car seat and stroller were a little bit more complicated. I recommend learning how to do it ahead of time, because baby gear is more challenging to figure out than you think!
5. Enjoy some alone time with your partner.
It will be a long time before this happens again, so plan a fun night out.
6. Make a list of movies and tv shows to watch.
Let’s be real here: newborns sleep a ton. I know you will be catching up on household chores and hosting family and friends here and there, but allow yourself to relax with that sweet little babe in your arms and catch up on a show you’ve been dying to binge.
7. Choose your pediatrician.
Self explanatory, but easily overlooked!
8. Buy breastmilk storage bags.
I pride myself on being a super organized person, but this was the one thing that completely escaped my mind whenever I was pregnant with Blake and ended up needing to frantically order some on Amazon. Thanks goodness for Prime!
9. Get some postpartum clothes ready.
I have a whole post here for some postpartum style inspo! But seriously, as soon as you get home from the hospital you will be completely OVER your maternity clothes, but your old clothes won’t fit again just yet. My recommendation is to have one postpartum lounge outfit handy (like this one) and you will be so thankful you did.
10. Get a manicure and pedicure (and maybe a wax, too!).
Funny story: whenever I was pregnant with Branden, my sister (who works in a salon) actually gave me my first Brazilian bikini wax in preparation for giving birth. I could have cared less how I looked “down there” the second time around, but this is your reminder to at least get a mani and pedi done because not only is it great relaxation time before your baby arrives, but would will just feel better. And of course, you’ll be taking lots of pictures!
Looking for more pregnancy tips? You’ll love these articles!
- 5 Things To Consider Before You Plan a Med Free Delivery
- 10 Things Healthy Moms Do Everyday
- How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
- 5 Ways to Prevent Mom Burnout
- What I Did My Second Pregnancy That Were Game Changers
- How to Boost Your Confidence After Having a Baby
I’m going to go ahead and add one bonus here: learn your hospital sleeping procedures and prepare for it. This post outlines what ours were, and I hated everything about it, which made my recovery with Blake tough. Is there anything you would add to my list?
XOXO,
Allison
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