 |
WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | New Mom Organizer | Months 3 to 9
Months 3 to 9
Month 3
You're in your third month of pregnancy now and most likely you're looking and feeling quite pregnant. Your waistline is expanding and hopefully morning sickness is a thing of the past. Now is the time to begin making preparations for your baby's arrival.
Use the following checklist to get a head start on pre-baby planning during month 3:
Sign Up For Class
It's time to call the hospital or birthing center and make arrangements for childbirth classes. Some classes are long sessions held on Saturdays and other classes meet weekly for an hour at a time.
In addition to helping you learn what to expect in labor and delivery, and how to be an active participant in the process, these classes are a great way to meet other prospective parents.
Ask about newborn classes, too. These can help you prepare for everything from diaper rash, to what to do about colic.
Tour Your Hospital
To put your mind at ease, especially if you are new to the area or you are a first-time mom, tour the hospital or birthing center where you plan to deliver. It's probably not a good idea to drop in unannounced, so call and find out if there are scheduled times for tours or make an appointment to see the labor and delivery suites. Read: Do Your Homework Before Choosing a Hospital
While you're on tour:
Find out when you need to fill out and turn in your pre-registration forms. Read: Pre-Register for the Hospital If You Can
Ask to see the room you will labor in. If you are concerned about having a private room, discuss those arrangements.
Ask about how and when hospital or birthing center staff would like to receive your birth plan. Read:Birth Plan Can Be a Roadmap to a Fulfilling Experience
Ask about hospital policy on internal fetal monitoring, rooming in and other concerns. Read: Monitoring Can Provide Early Warning for Problems During Birth
Car Seats
Since there are few objects you'll have to purchase that are more confusing than car seats, you'll want to research safety issues, compare products and buy the car seat. Check with consumer organizations to find product safety and quality reviews before you shop the stores or online. Read: It's Not Too Early to Install Baby's New Car Seat
Get Your Social Security Card
If you don't have a social security card, it's time to begin the process of replacing it. Why? The easiest and quickest way for you to get your newborn a social security number and card is when hospital staff is preparing the birth certificate. Without proof of Social Security numbers from both parents, you can't get a number and card for your baby. Read: How to Get Your Baby's Social Security Number
Baby Carriers
You may also want to get a baby carrier to carry baby around. If you like the option of a cloth baby carrier, which can enable you to carry him or her as you attend to daily chores, look for one that allows you to carry baby on your tummy or back with Velcro closures to make it easy to take baby in and out. Check with consumer organizations to find product safety and quality reviews before you shop the stores or online. Read: Stocking Up for Baby
Check Out Maternity Leave
Whether or not your pregnant tummy is noticeable, it's never too early to research your company's maternity leave policy, sometimes referred to as the 4 to 6-week (6 to 8 weeks for a C-section) period taken by an employee after childbirth. If maternity leave is not included in your employee handbook, contact human resources or your personnel department for a complete list of employee benefits and rights. Although it is up to you when and how you inform your boss and coworkers that you're pregnant, it's best to have your maternity leave plan figured out before the big announcement. Also, you might want to tally up any unused sick days or vacation time before you sit down to talk maternity leave with your boss. Read: Planning Your Maternity Leave
Carry a Water Bottle
Begin carrying a water bottle and sip it all day long. This is an easy way to insure you're drinking that needed 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. It is also a good habit if you plan to breastfeed. Keeping yourself hydrated is key to breast milk production and good health. It can also help prevent constipation and keep your skin healthy. Read: Getting Your Daily Doses of Water and Food
Play the Name Game
Who is that baby growing inside you anyway? A person's name is key to their identity. If you begin mulling over names now, you will be sure to give yourself enough time to make this important decision. You'll also have a more personal feeling for the tiny person who's growing inside of you. Read: Finding the Perfect Name for Baby Month 4
Many women feel that the second trimester is the best part of pregnancy. The nausea and discomfort of the early days is over, but your girth hasn't expanded to the point that it's harder to get around.
It isn't uncommon to feel a burst of energy at this time. If this describes you, take advantage of your heightened energy level to tackle more pre-baby planning during month 4:
Get a Head Start on Childcare
Let's face it: separating from your baby, whether it's for a Saturday night movie or a return to work, is never easy. Finding good childcare is a top priority, so it's never too early to begin looking at the options available near you: in-home care, nanny, au pair or day care center. Read: Making Decisions About Childcare
Get Your Financial House in Order
For most people, having a baby means rethinking the family finances. Just as you are preparing your home for a new life with baby, it's important to prepare your finances, too.
You may want to consider developing a family budget, if you don't have one already. If you have consumer debt, you may want to begin accelerating payment on credit cards and loans. Read: Financial Preparedness Will Pay Off
As a new mom, you may also find that the supermarket is the "black hole" in the family budget. Here are some ways to keep the grocery monster at bay. Read: The Frugal Shopper: Ten Tips for Saving at the Grocery Store
Rethink your spending habits. Evaluate how you have spent money in the past and look at your future goals. Read: To Buy Or Not to Buy: Keeping Purchases in Check
Choose the Hospital, Birthing Center
Where you labor and deliver your baby is an important decision. You'll need to gather information, ask questions and get a feel for the kind of experience different facilities offer. If you haven't already taken a hospital tour, it's a good idea to schedule one now, while you're still feeling spry and light on your feet. Read: Seek Answers to Questions In Choosing a Hospital
Consider Feeding Options
Are you going to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby? Consider how your baby will be nourished during the first year. If you are going to return to work, breastfeeding is still an option. This is a personal decision that requires careful examination and you will want to consider your choices.
Educate yourself on infant feeding options; choose from the following to read:
Baby's Best Bet is Breast
Breastfeeding Techniques Ensure Success
Breastfeeding After You Return to Work
Breastfeeding Problems Can Be Overcome
Baby Can Thrive on a Bottle
Make Nursery Ready
One practical place to direct the nesting instinct you may be experiencing is the nursery. It's time to plan a welcoming, interesting and safe room that you and your baby will both enjoy. Read: Decorating the Nursery: Thoughtful Touches, Colors Make Nursery Ready
Contact Your Dentist
Even though it is generally considered safe to have routine dental work performed at any time during pregnancy, it's a good idea to have dental care performed early in your pregnancy when it's more comfortable to sit in your dentist's chair and you may have fewer pregnancy side effects than in the months to come. And since infections can result from untreated tooth or mouth conditions, it's best not to let dental problems go. Special dental problems, including inflamed gums, also can be caused by pregnancy. Be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and indicate any allergies you have or medications you are taking. Read: Get Serious About Dental Care Month 5You're more than halfway through your pregnancy now. Gradually, there will be more and more things to do in preparation for bringing the newest member of your family home. Your month 5 "to do" list includes insurance concerns, religious events and choosing companions during labor and delivery.
Check Your Insurance; Find a Pediatrician
Get out your health insurance policy and look at the list of pediatricians who provide care under your policy. You may want to interview several pediatricians before you find the right doctor; so starting early is a good idea. Read: Do Your Homework to Choose a Pediatrician or Take a Close Look at Your Health Insurance Plan
Check With Your Rabbi, Priest, Pastor or Religious Leader
How will your baby be welcomed into the world? You may have a baby dedication, baptism, a Brith Milah or other religious ceremony if you belong to an organized religion. If so, call your place of worship to find out what is involved and how to schedule a religious ceremony. Read: There are Many Ways to Welcome Your Baby
Find a Doula or Choose a Birthing Companion
Finding a companion, a doula, to assist in your labor and delivery can take time. Talk to friends and begin the search now. Read: Doulas Can Help Make Childbirth More Satisfying or You Get to Choose Who Attends the Birth
Consider Life Insurance
If you and your spouse do not have life insurance, you may want to consider a policy at this time. There are different kinds of life insurance that serve different purposes, so you'll want to research policies and the companies that sell them. Many companies require a physical examination before selling you a policy. If you already have a policy, find out how to change or add beneficiaries to it. You may also want to increase the policy amount. Read: Financial Planning Is Part of Pregnancy Preparation Month 6
As your pregnancy progresses, you'll have more things to do to prepare for your baby's arrival. During month 6, everything from scheduling a massage and signing up for childbirth classes, to considering a family car and choosing how to announce your baby's birthday, will make things easier both today and months from now. Later, you'll be fully occupied with the love and care of your baby, so take the opportunity this month to take care of business.
Prepare Birth Announcements
Taking care of birth announcements now will save you precious time during those first weeks when your baby comes home. If you are using paper announcements, you can stamp and address the envelopes now to save time later. All that remains is to add photos, if you wish. In the 21st century, you have almost endless options of how to announce your new child in the world.
Make an Appointment For Massage
It can ease the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Find a qualified person who is specially trained in massage during pregnancy. Be sure to look for someone with the professional designation, LMT (licensed massage therapist). Find a massage therapist through the American Massage Therapy Association. Read: Therein Lies the Rub: What Massage Can Do for You
If You Need a Different Car...
Your pre-baby wheels may not be appropriate for driving around with a baby. If you need to unload your two-door sports car for a more practical vehicle, it's time to investigate your options. Read: Buy Car Before Baby Comes Home
Where There's a Will There's Security
Getting a will drawn up may not be a pleasant thought. After all, there wouldn't be a need for a will unless something happened to you or your spouse. But a will is a way to be sure your child will be cared for in the event of an accident or illness. If you already have a will, you'll probably want to change it to include a new beneficiary. See your legal counsel or purchase a pre-made will-writing kit to make your own document. Month 7
Your due date is just 2 months away. Before you know it, you'll be circling the neighborhood with an occupied jog-stroller. In month 7, you'll be concentrating on shopping, writing a birth plan and making things easier for yourself.
Set Up Automatic Bill Payer
Most banks now offer this service for a minimum fee. You might also consider using online banking. Usually, you spend a little time developing a merchant list and then paying your bills is as easy as point and click.
Hire Cleaning Help
Almost all mothers of newborns will tell you that they are surprised at how little time they have for keeping the house clean. In the past, you may have considered a cleaning service an unnecessary luxury. But the birth of a baby can move professional cleaning from "unnecessary" to "can't live without it," at least for the first six months. Hiring a cleaning service now will make the last months of pregnancy easier and you won't have to worry about it when the baby comes home.
Develop a Birth Plan
A birth plan helps you think through all of your preferences about labor and delivery. It can be shared with your doctor or midwife and can serve as a guide for your birth experience. There are a number of details to consider. So it's best not to wait too long to prepare your plan and share it with your provider. Read: Birth Plan Can Be a Roadmap to a Fulfilling Experience
Shop for Baby "Must Haves"
There are some items that you absolutely have to have for your nursery, your bathroom and your car. Without them, coming home from the hospital with a new baby would be much more difficult. For example, you don't want to come home and find you have no receiving blankets. There won't be time later so stock up on these essentials now. Read: Stocking Up
Shoes Can Be a Mommy's Best Friend
Hit those shoe sales! Now's the time to buy quality, supportive shoes for your wider feet and to support the new, rounder you. Choose flat shoes and consider slip-on styles (without laces or buckles; you won't want to bend over) that will stretch to give you maximum comfort and support. Read:Keep Feet Happy During Pregnancy
Practice Your Breathing
You will want to practice your breathing and muscle strengthening techniques until you can do them without thinking. A good time for you and your spouse to practice is in the evening. You can even practice during commercial breaks while you are watching television. Practice is a way to ensure you'll remember what to do automatically during the hard work of labor. Read: Childbirth Classes Vary in Approach and Content Month 8
This month a good time to line-up friends and family for other help such as:
A casserole brigade so you don't have to worry about cooking. People are always pleased to cook for a new mother and family.
If other children need rides to soccer practice or rides to and from school, now is the time to alert neighbors and friends.
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.
|
|
|
|