The day is almost here when you welcome your new baby into the world and begin life as a family. You have been planning for this day for ninth months, maybe longer. Careful preparation and organisation at this stage will let you relax in the knowledge that you are as ready as you can be, that you haven't forgotten anything and that your baby will have your undivided attention.
Prepare yourself
- Nurture yourself – get plenty sleep, enjoy quiet moments, relax whenever you can, eat regularly
- Go for gentle walks
- Keep some old towels ready and leave some in the car you will be driven to hospital in
- Have two bags ready – a bag for the labour/birth and a bag for your hospital stay
- Take your hospital bag with you wherever you go
- Have a notebook and pen handy to record your contractions if they start
Prepare for the hospital
- Know the route to the hospital and how long it will take
- Find out which entrance to use (especially if arriving after hours)
- Find out where parking is and whether you need money
- Have someone ready to drive you to hospital (and have a back-up plan in case that driver is unavailable)
- Have the hospital's number beside the phone – you'll need to ring before you leave home so that they have your records ready for your arrival
- If you plan on taking electrical items (oil burner, stereo, etc) to the hospital, check whether the hospital needs to do safety checks
Prepare for the journey home
- Ensure the car seat is fitted properly and ready to use
- Ensure you have collected all the necessary paperwork from the hospital (registration forms for birth certificate, etc)
- If you intend breastfeeding, make sure you get the name and contact details of the hospital's lactation specialist in case you experience difficulties
- Take an extra bag – you are certain to be taking home flowers, presents and cards
Prepare for your first few days at home
- Let family and friends know when to visit – give yourself and the baby time to settle in
- Make sure your freezer is stocked with nutritious meals
- Accept help from anyone who offers it – maybe they can pick up a carton of milk or biscuits
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