7 Little-Known Musts for Your Pre-Baby Checklist
I’m 38 weeks pregnant with baby girl #2, and we’re FINALLY making real progress on our pre-baby checklist. Part of that progress is due to actually getting things done, but another part is feeling like a grounded hot air balloon and not giving a crap that everything’s not perfect.
Most of my list came from those mainstream pre-baby checklists that include all the little things you might forget, like find a pediatrician and pick a childcare provider. But as I wrote my own list, I realized those other checklists were missing a few important reminders.
Here are 7 must-dos that might surprise you.
Disclaimer: If you’re already stressing about your long list to get done before baby comes, don’t you dare let this list of extras stress you out more! Just focus on baking that sweet little bun.
1. Stay Full
Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. All you need to worry about during early labor is relaxing and waiting until you have to leave for the hospital. You shouldn’t have to factor in a stop at the gas station too.
2. Find a Chiropractor
At some point in your pregnancy, you’ll get a present. Shooting pains from your hips down your legs (thank you, sciatica), some wicked carpal tunnel, or nearly debilitating lower back pain. Or all three!
Find a reputable chiropractor with good reviews before you find out what surprise your body has in store, and you’ll be ready to make an appointment as soon as the pain hits.
3. Pay a Stranger to Touch You
Treat yourself to at least one prenatal massage.
Yes, it’s expensive. But your body is working hard all day splitting cells.
You deserve it.
My doctor actually recommended it to help with swelling during pregnancy.
Plus, it might be a while after your babe is born before you can afford to splurge that kind of money (or time) on yourself.
4. Stock up on Books
You’re going to be nursing A LOT in the early weeks (or holding a bottle, as the case may be). Feeding a newborn can get kind of boring after the initial blush wears off.
Sure, you can watch TV while you nurse, but won’t you feel so much more accomplished if you finish a book in one day instead of watching back-to-back reruns of Friends for 10 hours straight?
Bonus tip: Get books you can hold with one hand, or use a lightweight e-reader. First on my list? Re-read The Hunger Games trilogy.
5. Get Waxed
Yes, there. This isn’t about looking decent for the nurses and doctors—they’ve seen it all. But with all the various bodily fluids gushing out of you before, during, and after, you might appreciate a different look. Just don’t do it too close to your due date—you certainly don’t need any extra tenderness in that region. (And if you’ve never done this before and you’re thinking “but…ow,” consider it a chance to practice your pain-coping techniques.)
6. Play Hooky
Your world will be upside down after baby’s here, and it might take a while to right itself. So pick a day with your partner that you can both take off work, and enjoy each other.
A few ideas:
- Go to a movie in the middle of the day
- Sleep in til noon
- Play a board game
- Mix up a Preggatini
7. Bake Something Yummy
During early labor, you’ll need something to keep you distracted anyway. So bake something, then pack it up and bring it with you to the hospital for the nurses.
Is it a bribe? Sort of. But the nurses will appreciate it, and it can’t hurt to engender a little extra goodwill from the people who will help you bring your baby into the world.
If you don’t have any ideas, these puppies are very likely the BEST DESSERT I’VE EVER MADE: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars.
Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: 75 Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear
Your Turn
What musts would you add to every mama’s pre-baby checklist? Share in a comment below!
Wow, Kelly, you’re getting so close! I’d add a couple to the list: sleep every possible minute – babies don’t need a perfect looking nursery or a fully stocked layette (still not clear on what the what that is) – they need a mom who’s feeling as good as she can.
Before our first child was born we had a party with lots of friends, knowing it might be awhile. Which was great. In retrospect I wish I’d cleaned up better after that – we had a home birth (yup, we’re hippies) – we had a huge pile of empties on the kitchen counter. Not sure how that made us look to the midwives. :)
Hope everything goes well for you!
Robin, sleep, YES! I can’t believe I forgot to add that. :-) It seems like I just can’t get enough sleep right now…
I love the party idea! Funny about the empties leftover, hehe. I can just imagine myself cringing at the midwives walking in and seeing that…or maybe you had bigger things on your mind at that moment? :-)
I didn’t realize you’d had a home birth – very cool. Props to you, mama! I was born at home – not on purpose though. It was during an ice storm in Dallas, and of course no one is equipped to drive on ice in Texas. I was on a faster timeline than the ambulance, apparently!
Thank you for the well wishes. I’m just sitting, waiting, wondering how this little one is going to come into the world. Feeling like I haven’t done enough Hypnobabies practice, and sometimes having a brief 10-second panic attack: “Is she ever going to come out of there?!?”
Wow, I love these tips! Pinning for future use.
I found my way over from your comment on Honest Mom — nice to “meet” you, and best of luck with the upcoming birth and your new little girl!
Lauren, thank you for the well wishes! I’m now 40 weeks 5 days, and no baby…whew!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and pinning this post. :-) I’m headed to check out your blog now too!
Hi Kelly, this is my first time on your blog and I’ve spent the past half hour reading post after post and I can’t stop. Even though I really need to get up and pee (33 weeks prego here lol). Anyway just thought I’d say how much I enjoy reading your blog. Blessings!