13 Things to do before baby arrives

A bundle of joy awaits you. However, as you enjoy the anticipation of your new arrival, it’s also time to start considering creating a “to-do” list to help you prepare. There are so many things to think about and do that checklist will help you be better prepared.

• Check with Human Resources. If you are working, you will want to check with your human resources department to check on maternity leave policies and any paperwork you will need to fill out. This is a great time to get many questions answered from the expert. Dads, be sure to speak with your employer as well for paternity leave and other policies.
• Evaluate financial and legal plans. Make sure saving plans and insurance beneficiaries are up to date, update your will, plan financially for the time you will be off work and make sure all policies are up to date.
• Tour the hospital. Schedule a tour of the hospital where you will deliver. Make sure you understand the process, what to bring, the different units, etc.
• Childbirth education. Childbirth and child care education classes are offered at most hospitals. Research which classes you will find most helpful and decide well in advance which ones you and your partner will participate in. Call well enough in advance to make sure you can reserve a spot as classes fill up quickly. UT Medical Center offers classes from childbirth preparation, daddy boot camp, sibling class, child care, baby massage, breastfeeding and more! Some classes even include the hospital tour. Check to see which prenatal classes at UT Medical Center are best for you.
• Create a birthing plan. To ensure your wishes and preferences are well communicated, create a birthing plan that expresses your wishes about medication/pain relief during labor, specific items you want to have at the hospital with you, the role of the coach/partner, who should be present during labor and delivery, do you want to hold the baby right after, who will cut the umbilical cord and other such details. Click here for a full list of labor and delivery questions to address.
• Baby supplies. Create a baby supply list that includes only the essentials. Then create a second list that includes your “wants.” You will be told you need lots of things for baby, but make certain you have what you really need. Registering for shower gifts is a fun way to make sure you have a list of essentials you can shop from. Click here for some ideas of baby supplies you may need.
• Feeding your baby. Talk to your provider about the benefits of breastfeeding and take a breastfeeding class around your seventh month.
• Prepare contact list. If not for you, for your coach, have a list of important phone numbers so you can quickly notify your physician and family when you begin labor.
• Plan your transportation to and from the hospital.
• Arrange childcare. If you already have children, make sure you have a plan for who will watch your child until you go home.
• Pack your suitcase. Just like vacation, you don’t want to over pack, but you do need to consider what you would like to bring with to the hospital. Things such as socks, underwear, nightgowns, toiletries, car seat, warm outfit for baby, health insurance card, medication list and other important items should definitely make the cut. You will want to be as comfortable as you can and so will your coach. Be sure to check with your hospital to see if there are any limitations such as with video cameras. Click here for ideas on what to pack for the hospital.
• Select a pediatrician. If this is not your first baby, you already have a pediatrician and may select to continue using him. However, it may be a great time to evaluate your family’s needs and make sure the pediatrician is the right one for you. If it’s your first baby, you likely will need to find one. Asking friends and families for referrals is a good place to start. Ask your family physician, OBGYN and other healthcare professionals for recommendations. Interview the candidates and decide on who you will use.
• Purchase and install baby car seat. Have your car seat ready in advance so you don’t have to try to mess with it at the hospital or just before leaving. Proper installation is important, so take the time to do it right early on.

There are many other things you will find that need to be done along the way, but getting these items in order will help you and your partner be better prepared. Speak with your OBGYN, friends and family about the experience for more ideas and assistance in preparing for your child’s birth.

Visit the Pregnancy Center for great tips on planning your pregnancy and delivery.

For more information on childbirth at UT Medical Center, visit the Center for Women & Children’s Health.