Preparing For Your Baby: 9 Things To Do Before You Give Birth

Whether you are expecting your first child or your fourth, giving birth can be a roller coaster of emotions. Preparing for your baby can be equally exhausting and overwhelming. Moreover, during the newborn phase, you may find routine tasks difficult due to either lack of time, lack of energy, or both. 

Preparing For Your Baby

At Kernodle OB/GYN, we are home to an exceptional team of Board Certified Obstetricians, Gynecologists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives. To help you prepare for your baby, here are eight things to do before you give birth that will help you savor those precious, fleeting newborn moments. 

1. Prepare All The Baby Gear

In preparing for your baby, you should have certain things purchased, assembled, and tested to make sure they work and you know how to use them. The most important essentials are a properly installed car seat and a safe place for your baby to sleep, such as a bassinet or crib. If you plan to use other items like an infant swing or changing tables, you’ll want to assemble those as well. 

This does not have to be seen as a huge chore, as many people find decorating and furnishing a nursery enjoyable. Some women have “nesting” urges while pregnant, and this is the perfect place to funnel that energy. Having a completed nursery with plenty of seasonally appropriate clothes, diapers, and wipes will give you peace of mind. 

2. Make And Freeze Meals

In the weeks leading up to your due date, consider pre making and freezing meals so you are not scrambling for things to eat or relying on less healthy packaged and take-out options. Sometimes, friends and family will offer to bring meals to meet the baby, but you can’t always rely on that. There are plenty of recipes out there that are easy to make and can be frozen and reheated. It’s easy to get wrapped up in caring for a newborn, but it’s important in preparing for your baby, parents don’t neglect taking care of themselves, and eating a balanced, healthy diet is a big part of that.

3. Stock Up On Household Essentials

The last thing you need when caring for your new baby on little sleep is to run out of toilet paper. Before the baby comes, stockpile things like toilet paper, paper towels, safe cleaning products, and personal care products you use regularly, such as shampoo and soap. If buying in bulk isn’t your thing, use technology to your advantage and automate as many things as you can through subscription services like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save. And don’t worry, you can modify or cancel your delivery schedule at any time. 

4. Make Plans For Your Furry Family Members

Another thing that may not be essential for everyone, but absolutely essential for many, is making sure things are in order for your pet to be properly cared for after the baby comes. Also, arrange for someone to stay with them or take them to be boarded while you are in the hospital if necessary.

If you think your pet might have problems adjusting to the new dynamic and are worried about them developing behavioral issues, you can work with a pet care professional like your vet or a trainer to come up with a plan for everyone to safely coexist.

6. Make Sure You Are Up To Date On Preventative Care

Leading up to the birth of your baby, it may seem like all of your healthcare has been pregnancy-oriented. However, in preparing for your baby, you should take care of other routine healthcare tasks. Go to the dentist and the optometrist for preventative care. If you need dental work or new glasses or contacts, take the time to get these things done while you do not have to worry about bringing a newborn along.

7. Get A Jump Start On Baby Proofing

This won’t be needed until the baby is older and mobile, but getting ideas and making lists of things you need to do can’t hurt. Also, many parents say that it is worth beginning to babyproof early if you can swing it. Your baby could be mobile and trying to get into everything in the blink of an eye. Here’s a helpful checklist for baby proofing the house so you do not forget anything. We also recommend taking some time to review recommendations from The National Safety Council about important safety measures to protect your child.

8. Take Some Time For Yourself

The time before you have your baby is valuable for more than checking logistical things off a list. Taking time out for yourself, both alone and with your partner, is important. You’ll love your new baby in an all-consuming way, but you might still miss having alone time or a quiet moment with your partner. Take the opportunity to enjoy the things you love before the baby comes. Some people go on vacations, or “babymoons,”  before their babies are born. If you have the means, time, and energy for this type of vacation, then go for it! If you can’t swing a full-fledged vacation, don’t sweat it. Weekend staycations in your town or even just planning downtime to stay home are great ways to take time for yourself and with your partner. 

9. Get Ready For The Hospital Or Birthing Center

As the due date approaches, you should prepare for your stay in the hospital. This includes knowing the best routes to the hospital and packing suitcases to have on hand in case you need to leave in a hurry. Here is a helpful list of suggestions for what to pack in the hospital bag. Most of the essentials will be provided for you at the hospital. 

At Kernodle OB/GYN, we know that preparing for your baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. We want to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. So, while you take care of these tasks, we’ll be here to take care of you. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact us at (336) 538-2367 or schedule online.