Pregnancy and post delivery are nothing but a constantly changing list of to-do’s and whether you get things done or not more gets added😀. I am trying to help you with most common things that need to be done before the baby , during the hospital visit and after you are back with little one(s). Hope this reduces one of your “to-do’s” ie making the list 🤣!!
Things to do before the baby arrives :-
Have your finances, insurance processes in place
If you are working , check out the maternity leave details and plan your leave. Look into partners leave benefits as well, if any.
When you are nearing due date, clean the house and stock / arrange kitchen and pantry ( it’s called Nesting 😀 so expected to trigger anyways)
Buy necessary baby items. Check out my Baby shopping list blog for ideas!
If you don’t have family or nanny to help, meal prep few dishes in fridge, deep freezer etc. Having few kitchen gadgets like Electric pressure cooker, rice cookers helps !
Try to have hospital tour around 35-36th week (depends on the hospital).
For first time parents, if possible attend parenting class but it’s not necessary.
If planning to breastfeed , don’t assume it’s natural and every mother knows how to do it. Its takes figuring on both your and baby‘s end. Attend breastfeeding classes if available ( I didn't but wish I did) . If not, watch videos so you are aware. If your hospital has a lactation consultant, don’t hesitate to talk to them if you are struggling. Sometimes insurance might cover it so please check.
Try to sterilize few bottles, pacifiers
If planning to pump , sanitize breast pump parts and watch breast pumping videos to be aware (even you don’t plan to pump be aware in case there is a situation to pump in hospital)
Wash baby clothes and arrange them
Keep hospital bag ready (check below for items and postpartum blog to get few ideas)
If baby has sibling(s), get small gifts from “baby“ for sibling(s) that would help warm them up to the baby
Keep emergency contacts , hospital numbers handy
Have cars cleaned snd fueled up. If you don’t have a car, have a plan how baby will be traveling home.
Fix car seat with help of friend or cop/firemen ( US/Canada).
Set up nursery corner in your bedroom or get baby room ready. Keep the items needed for first few days handy - Diaper, Wipes, Baby lotion, Snot cleaner, Nail clipper etc.
Confirm pediatrician contact and have a meet and greet or confirm new patient procedures ( you ll visit the doc/clinic at least 6-8 times in first year so try to choose comfortable location )
Decide full name for the baby , if possible and write it / call it out to see if you like it.
Check with hospital if they need birth plan( have one in place but know nothing is in out control), parking situation and any other latest rules they have.
Things to do for hospital stay:
Bring car seat and your hospital bag with just necessary items as you need to take it all back with a baby (in a car seat) so pack lite and smart. Few items are
Pack wrap around or simple bath rob - easy to wear clothes ( don’t buy one as it might be stained etc)
Baby‘s “going home” - preferably cute and comfortable. (In Canada , have to get baby clothes, hat, NB diapers, wipes since it’s not provided in hospital)
Breast feeding pillow but not necessary (I just kept in car in case I needed it)
Tank top or maternity bra/tanktop - easy for nursing)
Few snacks for you and support person
Water bottle as you need to hydrate before and after delivery
Phone, laptop ( if needed) and their chargers
Documents required by the hospital like ID card , insurance etc
Credit cards , money and loose change for vending machines, parking lot machines
Change of clothes for support person
Post birth, have hospital photographer take photos of baby and family(Not available during Covid ). If not take pictures from phone.
Fill documents for birth certificate / SSN or SIN, OHIP that hospital supports
Ask if any questions to doctor and pediatrician
Things to do after coming back home:
REST whenever possible and enjoy lovely moments with the baby. Try and take photos, videos as these moments don’t last very long !
Eat healthy ( I was on special diet my dads house follows which I shared in postpartum diet blog)
Inform office on delivery and final maternity leave dates or in Canada’s case submit EI application if eligible .
Add baby to your insurance or any other necessary documents
Apply for relevant documents like Passport, SSN/SIN, Health card etc
Keep track for days when you will have pediatrician appointment ( will have multiple appointments in first 2 months) and keep record of immunizations
Book 6 weeks appointment with your OB/GYN
Continue prenatal vitamins while breast feeding
Call your doctor in case any questions
Slowly buy other baby items based on baby's needs like toys, outfits, any supplements( Vit D), medications, size 1 diapers etc
Let me know if you think of any other items that should be on the list !
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