Whether it's your first time, your fifth time or any time you're having a baby, there are a few things you might want to put on then check off the ol' to-do list. Pregnancy brain is real and if you're already a mom then doubled up with mom brain it's so easy to forget these things. No, it's not the end of the world if everything or even nothing is checked off before baby arrives BUT it probably would make the crazy readjustment period easier for everyone. So with the help of friends, because #mombrain + #pregnancybrain right here, I've compiled a list that hopefully will be helpful for those of you in the home stretch of your pregnancy. All you have to remember is to use it!
Order A Breast Pump
If you plan to breastfeed you will need to contact your insurance company to find out how to go about ordering yours for free! While you're on the phone with someone there, make sure to ask if there is anything else you need to do before baby's arrival if he or she will be covered under your plan.
Install Car Seat
If this is your first rodeo you want to make sure that the car seat and/or base is installed correctly. YouTube videos can be really helpful or your local fire department can show you! Even if this isn't your first baby I'd still advise having the car seat installed and ready to go because it's one last thing you have to worry about in the whirlwind of going to the hospital and having a new baby.
Contact Your Pediatrician + Pre-Register
First time mamas, you need to pick a pediatrician and make sure the practice is accepting new patients. If you already have another child and will continue to see your current doctor it's still nice to let the office know you are nearing your due date. Also, most hospitals allow you to pre-register either online or by phone. One less thing to worry about when you're in labor!
Gather Supplies + Pack Bags
Make a hospital bag packing list and have everything you need for you and baby. Depending on your situation, you may want to pack those bags around 36 weeks. But if you at least have everything then someone should be able to go back home and grab anything you forgot in a rush to get out the door.
Confirm Maternity Leave & Childcare
If you are a working mama you've already talked to HR about your maternity leave plan. But it's a good idea to do a final check-in to ensure everyone is on the same page and you are aware of how the payment schedule and insurance coverage will work while you're gone. You will also want to have your childcare situation taken care of whether it's choosing and setting up daycare or just confirming with whoever is going to be caring for your baby.
Spend One On One Time
Go on some final dates before it's no longer just you and your hubby or your family dynamic totally changes again. If you already have kids make it a point to do something fun with them individually.
Baby Registry or Wish List
I highly recommend completing or at least starting your baby registry in your second trimester. It can be so daunting as a first time mom and the more time you have to consider the massive variety of items the better. If you aren't having a shower this go round someone may still be throwing you a little sprinkle or you at least need a few new items for baby. Go through what you have and make a list of what you want/need so you can share the list with family + friends or use it yourself to shop. If you plan to nurse make sure you do have everything you think you'll need including some nursing friendly clothing items. Possibly you didn't like something you used or wore the first time around and want to go a different route so do that now! It's also a good idea to have a few different types of bottles to see which your baby prefers but also not a big deal if someone needs to run out and pick a few up after baby arrives.
I highly recommend completing or at least starting your baby registry in your second trimester. It can be so daunting as a first time mom and the more time you have to consider the massive variety of items the better. If you aren't having a shower this go round someone may still be throwing you a little sprinkle or you at least need a few new items for baby. Go through what you have and make a list of what you want/need so you can share the list with family + friends or use it yourself to shop. If you plan to nurse make sure you do have everything you think you'll need including some nursing friendly clothing items. Possibly you didn't like something you used or wore the first time around and want to go a different route so do that now! It's also a good idea to have a few different types of bottles to see which your baby prefers but also not a big deal if someone needs to run out and pick a few up after baby arrives.
Wash Clothes + Bottles
Mamas using hand me downs or a few new things for babe, break those out and throw in a load. First timers, don't rip the tags off of everything just yet! Your baby may never even wear newborn sleepers and you actually don't need 25 receiving blankets. Go ahead and wash 0-3 and up and pick your favorite blankets, nursing pillow cover and accessories (socks, bottles, hats, mittens). If you get one round done and ready to go you're ahead of the game. The rest can wait. Same goes for bottles. Get enough bottles and pump parts if you're nursing clean and shiny then you can see how things go with certain bottles and/or breastfeeding is working out.
Set Up Baby Gear
Put together whatever baby will be sleeping and/or lounging in, learn how to use any carriers you plan to and make sure the baby monitor is working properly. Not only is this helpful because these are things you won't be trying to do under the pressure of a screaming infant, but having them out can also help prepare older siblings and/or pets for baby's arrival.
Birth Plan
If you feel strongly about anything you are able to control during labor and delivery, write up your plan and share it with your doctor. It's also necessary to have a plan in place for siblings while mom and dad are at the hospital. Then there's the conversations you never want to have put probably should. Talk to your partner about the what ifs and how you think you'd want things handled should those unfortunate situations occur. If baby has to go to the NICU will dad go with him or her?
Extras
If you have time and are of a mind to care, make some freezer meals to have on hand for those early crazy weeks. Have someone come to deep clean the house or do it yourself because #nesting. Organize baby's supplies so you aren't fumbling around looking for things when you get home from the hospital. If baby has siblings maybe consider big bro/sis gifts "from baby".
Hopefully this list is helpful but not overwhelming. Having a baby is a big deal. Don't stress if you don't check everything (or anything) off the list because I promise someone will step in to help. But definitely don't feel bad for making it a priority to cross off everything either. Wishing all you mamas to be a safe and easy delivery + healthy babes!
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