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Expectant Mother's Checklist |
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Congratulations expectant mother!! At last you’re in the home stretch. That sweet angel you’ve been dreaming about for months will be in your arms soon. While you have been gathering bottles, diapers, and blankets, there is still plenty to do to prepare for your baby and a lot to do to prepare you physically and mentally for the arrival of your sweet angel. THE COUNTDOWNTwo Months Before Baby q If possible, take childbirth classes. q Write your birth plan and make copies for your doctor and the hospital staff. q Keep tabs on your baby by counting its movements in an hour; you should be able to count a certain number of movements in two hours (ask your doctor what the minimum number of movements should be in each hour.) q Start interviewing pediatricians for the baby. q Continue eating well and drinking lots of water. Six Weeks Before Baby q Have a heart-to-heart talk with your husband or partner about childcare. q Set up your baby’s sleeping, diapering, and play areas in the house. q Register for postpartum parenting classes and a postpartum mom’s support group. One Month Before Baby q Pack your bags for the hospital (see “Packing for Hospital” info). q Practice your driving route to the hospital. q Continue eating well and drinking lots of water. q Save time. Place your preorder for birth announcements with matching chocolate bars. (Need birth announcement gift ideas? Go to DiscountMegaSite.com) q Go out for a fancy dinner with your husband or partner. q Plan a girl’s night out with your friends (no alcohol!). q Enjoy a night to yourself, doing whatever you like to do (and won’t be able to with a baby in ‘tow’.) q Start preparing and freezing family meals for after baby is born. Three Weeks Before Babyq Start watching for signs of labor (Use your doctor’s signs of labor checklist.) q Continue to eat well, rest, and sleep. q Go shopping for nursing bras. q Tie up loose ends with baby plans. (Put sheets on the crib mattress, wash the baby clothes, buy diapers, etc.) See “What to Have Ready for Baby” checklist. q Continue to exercise and stretch. Two Weeks Before Babyq Try to take time off from work. q Stop Weight Training q Eat light frequent meals One Week Before Baby q Watch for signs of labor (Use Your doctor’s signs of labor checklist.) q If possible, get a massage. q Sleep in, take naps. The Final Days Before Baby q Make sure you know your partner's schedule. q Continue to exercise and stretch, if possible. q Wait for baby! Other Important Details To Remember q Insurance papers for hospital admission office. q Address book with friends and family phone numbers. q Buy a local newspaper on your child’s birth date and keep it as a souvenir. PACKING FOR HOSPITALBelow is a list of essential maternity items that you and your newborn baby will need for the hospital stay. And in order to avoid last minute rushes (early birth arrivals, etc.), it would be advantageous to pack, at least, 4 weeks ahead of your due date. Bag For Mother’s Hospital Stay q 3/4 nighties/ pajamas (front opening if breastfeeding) q 1 old t-shirt/nightie for birth q 2 bras - nursing bras if breastfeeding q 2 towels/flannels q Dressing gown/slippers q 2 packs of maternity pads q 5 disposable panties q 20-30 breast pads q Toiletries, lip salve, make up, etc q 1 pair of warm socks (feet can get cold during delivery) q Water mist spray (Optional) q Book (Optional) q Disposable camera for hospital stay (Optional) q Phone card/money, list of phone numbers (Optional) q Tissues q Outdoor clothes for going home (remember you will probably still have quite a bump) Bag for Baby’s Hospital Stayq 1 pack of Newborn Nappies q 1 roll/pleat Cotton Wool q 3/5 Sleep suits q 3/5 Body vests q 2/4 Bibs q 2 sheets (check with hospital first, most do not supply sheets) q Hooded towel q 1 pr of scratch mitts q 1 hat q Going home clothes, e.g. sleep suit, hat & cardigan Labor Bag For MotherIt is advisable that you pack this separately from your hospital bag. Everything needed in the labor suite is then quick to find and close at hand. q Loose T-shirt/nightie for birth q Nightie or pajamas, bra q Disposable panties for after the birth q Dressing gown and slippers q 1 pr Socks (feet can get cold during delivery) q Flannel & Towel q Maternity Pads q Toiletries, hairbrush, etc q Water mist spray q Disposable Camera for Labor Room q Money/Phone card/Mobile Phone Charger q Food/drinks for birth partner Labor Bag For Babyq 1 Sleep suit q 1 Body vest q 1-2 nappies q Newborn Pampers WHAT TO HAVE READY FOR YOUR BABYClothingq 4-6 diaper shirts q 6 stretchy jumpers with feet q 4-6 pant/top outfits q 4 bibs q 1 hat q 4-6 receiving blankets q 6 pair of socks q 2 sweaters or jackets Extra Clothes for Winter Babiesq 2 blanket sleepers q 1 snowsuit q 1 warm hat q 1 stroller blanket Nursery Accessoriesq 2 crib blankets q 4 crib sheets q 1 waterproof crib pad q 2 hooded bath towels q 6 washcloths q Infant tub q Brush and Comb q Nail clippers q Nasal aspirator q Ear thermometer q Diaper pail q 40+ disposable diapers or three dozen cloth diapers with four diaper covers Toiletriesq Baby wash soap q Baby shampoo q Diaper rash ointment q Infant Tylenol q Rubbing Alcohol (for belly button care) q Cotton balls DISCLAIMER - As it relates to your health and safety, you are advised to consult with your doctor during the countdown phase. Information in the countdown checklist has been provided as a guide only.
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