As the home stretch of pregnancy approaches, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to accomplish before your baby’s due date. From purchasing the perfect crib to organizing a delivery plan with your healthcare provider – there is so much to do! Though it’s easy to feel a bit frazzled by the thought of all these end-of-pregnancy essentials, remaining organized and prepared will make the transition from pregnant parent to new mom that much easier. Here are 5 essential tips to have ready before your baby’s due date that will make welcoming your new bundle of joy just that little bit smoother!
1) Create a Budget
Creating a budget before your baby’s due date is an essential step in navigating the financial side of parenthood. With a clear budget plan, you can easily track and monitor your spending both now and in the future. When creating your budget, be sure to consider both the necessary expenses (such as diapers and formula) as well as any potential unexpected costs that could arise (such as medical bills or extra childcare).
Make sure to set aside some money for yourself each month so that you can treat yourself every once in a while! Additionally, look into different types of savings accounts like 529 plans or Health Savings Accounts that allow you to save money for college tuition or future medical expenses. Having a secure budget will make parenting more enjoyable and stress-free.
2) Create a Birth Plan
Creating a birth plan is an important tool for communicating your preferences to your healthcare provider during labor and delivery. It’s best to create this plan prior to your due date so that when the time comes, you are not scrambling to make decisions during such an intense moment in life. When constructing your birth plan, be sure to consider all the possible scenarios (such as pain management, whether or not to induce labor, etc.).
Additionally, if you have any special requests – like having music played in the background – make sure they are included in the plan too! You might also want to include preferences for using services like Mobile Pregnancy Ultrasound Imaging Service, which can provide convenient and immediate access to imaging during labor. Similarly, you could specify whether you prefer intermittent or continuous fetal monitoring, and whether you’d like to use a birthing pool if available. While each woman’s birth experience will differ depending on their personal circumstances, having a birth plan ready goes a long way towards ensuring that you have some say in the process.
3) Stock Up on Supplies
It may be tempting to wait and purchase essential baby items after your bundle of joy has arrived, but having the necessary supplies ready before their due date can make bringing home a newborn much less stressful. Make sure to stock up on diapers, wipes and clothing prior to your baby’s arrival.
You’ll also want to have other essentials like bottles, blankets, bibs and burp cloths ready as well. Lastly, if you’re planning on using a breast pump – now is the time to rent or buy one! Having all the necessary supplies ready ahead of time will help ensure that when your little one arrives they have everything they need for their first days at home.
4) Pack Your Hospital Bag
Packing your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your baby’s arrival. In addition to items like clothes, toiletries and phone chargers, don’t forget to pack items specifically for the labor and delivery process such as additional pillows, eye masks or ear plugs.
If you plan on taking any photos during or after labor – make sure to bring along your camera too! Having all these items packed in advance will help ensure that when you’re heading off to the hospital you have everything you need so there’s no last minute scrambling!
5) Get a Lawyer
Depending on your particular situation, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer like Diane Rostron specialist birth injury solicitors before your baby’s due date. Having an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal issues surrounding parenthood such as adoption or surrogacy agreements, child support and custody arrangements.
Also, keep the number of a reputable Georgia child birth law firm on hand (if that’s where you live) in case of any birth mishaps. Although it’s unlikely that such an event would happen, it is better to be prepared. Whatever the case may be, you must have a will in order to ensure your wishes are followed in the event that you pass away. Getting advice from an expert is always recommended when it comes to any legal issue, especially when it involves welcoming a new life into the world!
By taking these steps before their due date, pregnant parents can rest assured knowing that they have everything prepared for their little one’s arrival and give themselves more time to enjoy all the amazing things that come along with parenthood!
