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WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | New Mom Organizer | Month 9
Month 9
It's month 9 and in a few short weeks, your baby will be here! You've still got time to plan and organize what you need to accomplish before your baby is born. After this month, your organizational concerns will be focused on childcare and self-care of yourself after the birth.
Pack Your Bags
Yes, it's finally time to prepare your tote bag. Keep it in a visible place. It's easy to get confused in the excitement of labor and the last thing you want is to forget is where you put the bag. If you need new pajamas, robe or slippers for photos after childbirth, it's now or never for that shopping spree. Also think ahead for tucking in your glasses, makeup and other beauty products. Read: Pack Your Bag with the Right Stuff or Pamper Yourself at the Hospital
Arrange Breastfeeding Classes, Consults
To learn everything you can about breastfeeding, call a lactation specialist at your local hospital to see if classes are offered. Sometimes obstetricians will have a staff nurse who teaches breastfeeding classes, so check with your doctor, too. Reading "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding," by experts of the La Leche League International, can also be a great help. If you've decided to use pacifiers, be sure you buy several newborn, safety-size pacifiers. Read: Breastfeeding Techniques Ensure Success or Pacifiers Comfort Babies and Are Unlikely to Cause Problems
Organize Diaper Supplies
If you have decided to use cloth diapers, you'll need to get all of your supplies in order. If you've chosen to have someone else launder diapers for you, you'll need to arrange for diaper service. Call three weeks before your due date to arrange for diaper delivery. Most diaper services want to get you a full supply and the materials you need at least two weeks before your due date. Many of these services also sell plastic pants, pins and other baby items you may need. Having these delivered with the diapers can save you time. If you're going with disposables, remember to select newborn as well as a pack or two of the next size up in your chosen brand, to be sure you have a variety for any size baby.
Diaper supplies to have in stock:
For Second-Time Moms
Tour and pre-register at the facility where you will deliver if you haven't already done so. Although you've been through this before, it's good to review the hospital or birthing center's facility.
Pack the Freezer
It's time to consider making some meals and freezing them. In those first busy days after the baby comes home, you will be too busy to cook, but it is important for you to eat well. Consider making and freezing some Heart Healthy Meals, recipes provided courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institutes of Health.
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