Advice from Local Moms:
- Set up baby’s room just the way you like it. Wash and put away clothes and make sure everything is where it should be before baby’s arrival. Do forget to have fun decorating!
- Get things in order around the house. Many moms recommended doing a deep clean of the house and stocking up on needed supplies like diapers, wipes, soap, clothes, food, and snacks.
- Freezer meals, freezer meals, freezer meals. Many moms said preparing freezer meals is a must. This simple preparation will make dinnertime much easier once baby arrives. Using disposable dinnerware can help too.
- “I start and end my pregnancies with making freezer meals! I make them the first few weeks so when morning sickness kicks in I’m prepared and end with making some for the first few weeks after baby is here!” – Becca B.
- Prep your “baby on the way” bags: Pack a bag you can take to the hospital full of the clothes and supplies you will need for yourself and baby. You can also prepare overnight bags for your other children if they will be staying at a friend or family member’s house when you are at the hospital. Lacee S. said it is fun to include your kids in this process too:
- “With my third [child], I had my two older [kids] help fold the clothes and get the other things ready. We also prepped mommy’s hospital bag and packed theirs for their sleep over with grandpa and grandma. They also helped pick out the coming home outfit for their little sissy!" – Lacee S.
- Help your other children prepare for their new sibling. Talk to your kids about the new baby, how they can help, and what it will be like having a new baby around.
- Be one step ahead – put the car seat in the car.
- Treat yourself: Do a little self-pampering before baby comes. Get a manicure, pedicure, haircut, or prenatal massage.
- “Prenatal massage – a must! Make sure the place has belly bolsters so you can lay on your tummy comfortably.” – Ashley T.
- Spend quality time with your significant other and kids. Try doing some fun out-of-the-house activities that may be complicated with a newborn. Some moms suggested a fun, mini vacation too!
- “Going on a vacation with my husband before we had our little one really helped us strengthen our relationship before it was all about the baby.” – Nikki S.
- SLEEP!
- Having a baby can be a scary thing. Be honest about your worries and get support from those around you, whether it be your significant other or a support network you create.
- “I talked to my husband about my fears regarding postpartum, and we discussed things that seemed to help me last time so we could be proactive in preventing as much postpartum difficulties as possible.” – Meredeth B.
- Whether it is childcare or extra support for you, arrange for help ahead of time.
- Don’t forget insurance: prep your insurance papers ahead of time so that it is easy to add baby to your insurance plan once he or she arrives.
- Write out your birth plan and share it with those who will be present for support.
- Last but not least, enjoy being pregnant!
ABOUT MOM TALK:
The wisdom you gain from motherhood is worth sharing. That is what our Mom Talk campaign is all about!
Every Tuesday for one month we will ask a special Mom Talk Daily Delivery question on the Intermountain Moms Facebook page. Those who comment with their advice get the chance to win diapers and other great prizes! On Thursday of each week, we’ll compile all the great advice we get from local moms and send it right to you via a text message.
To sign up for the Mom Talk text messages, simply text “mom” to 91234. You can also sign up to receive Intermountain Moms emails here. Look out for the next Mom Talk Daily Delivery post on Tuesday, November 10th!
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