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20 Essential Preparations Before Welcoming Your Baby
As a first-time expectant mother, I was consumed with the idea of preparing for my baby’s arrival. “I will create a comprehensive list!” I announced a month before my daughter was set to be born. Upon rediscovering that list, I realized how naive I had been. Here’s a look at the things I thought I needed to accomplish before my baby arrived:
TASKS TO COMPLETE PRIOR TO BABY’S ARRIVAL
- Prepare a hospital bag stocked with snacks, cosmetics, music, books, and my laptop for what I anticipated would be a lengthy labor.
- Establish a regular bowel routine to avoid any mishaps during labor.
- Purchase a stylish bikini and curate a soothing playlist for an ideal water birth experience.
- Watch more birthing videos on YouTube to enhance my understanding; knowledge is empowering.
- Launder all new baby clothes using gentle, baby-safe detergent.
- Wash my own clothes in the same baby-friendly detergent.
- Clean all crib bedding in baby-safe soap to ensure a safe sleeping environment.
- Consult with my midwife about washing sofa covers and muslin cloths in baby-friendly detergent.
- Disinfect the entire home with antibacterial wipes daily until the baby arrives.
- Engage in daily pelvic floor exercises to compensate for neglecting them throughout my pregnancy.
- Groom my bikini line to avoid any potential discomfort during delivery.
- Acquire books and DVDs to keep me entertained during maternity leave.
- Make a pact with my partner to avoid looking at the ‘bottom end’ during childbirth.
- Learn baking skills (or at least attempt to make cookies).
- Purchase a baking cookbook for inspiration.
- Buy a cake pan to facilitate my newfound baking interest.
- Revisit “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” for further insights.
- Practice perineum massage (perhaps with the help of a YouTube tutorial?).
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with my partner, knowing that outings may be limited after the baby arrives.
- Congratulations! You’ve completed this list—now take a moment to relax before your little one arrives!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to number 20. In fact, I didn’t even progress past the first item.
“First babies are always late,” I was told. “You’ll likely go beyond your due date.” They were mistaken.
While indulging in a Big Mac (our planned romantic meal), my water unexpectedly broke. We hurriedly packed a grocery bag with essentials, raced to the hospital, and before I knew it, my daughter was born—thwarting all my careful preparations. There was no time for snacks, reading materials, or my carefully curated playlist. I found myself bringing my newborn home to a house that hadn’t been cleaned, smelling of fast food, and dressing her in unwashed clothes.
For my second pregnancy, I opted against creating a to-do list. With one child already in my arms and another actively kicking inside, I was far too fatigued to engage in any of the previous tasks. I discarded the books, neglected baking, and certainly did not indulge in any Big Macs.
For more insights on family planning and pregnancy, consider reading other informative resources such as this one on intrauterine insemination or check out this post for further guidance. If you want to explore home insemination options, Make a Mom provides valuable information on at-home kits.
In summary, while the desire to prepare for a baby is natural, it’s essential to remember that not everything will go according to plan. Embrace the chaos, and trust that you’ll figure it out as you go.