Last-minute Tips for Mums-To-Be
As your estimated due date approaches, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves which is completely normal!
These last-minute tips offer guidance and support for a smoother transition into motherhood, addressing key considerations and preparations before your little one arrives.
12 last-minute tips for mums to be
1) Pack your Hospital Bag
Ensure your hospital bag is packed with essentials, such as clothes for you and the baby, toiletries, important documents, and snacks. There’s nothing worse than realising you forgot an essential item when you’re looking for it.
Make use of lists and check each item off as you pack your bag before the birth. Remember not to stress about it; there’s always someone who can grab the thing you’ve left at home.
Check out our simple hospital bag guide if you’re unsure what to pack.
2) Car Seat Rehearsal
Car seats are the safest way to transport your baby in a moving vehicle. They are so secure, though, that you need an engineering degree to understand how they work.
Both you and your partner should have a go at using it before you need to put the baby in it and drive off. That way, stress levels can be kept to a minimum.
Also, remember to allow your body time before driving again.
3) Know your Birth Plan
Communicating your desires for your birth is key to feeling fulfilled after the delivery. Ensure you communicate with the health professionals to help them understand what is most important to you. You should also speak with your birthing partner and make sure they know the plan too!
You can refer to the acronym BRAIN to help make informed decisions during your birth. BRAIN stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition and Nothing. Using BRAIN when facing any intervention during childbirth allows you to consider a variety of angles before deciding.
4) Refresh your Knowledge
A quick recap of any notes you’ve made during classes, reading that chapter of your favourite birthing book again or listening to a birthing podcast can provide you some reassurance and confidence.
If you’ve been doing our C-Section courses, you can delve back into any chapter of these at any time to refresh your memory.
5) Setup your Feeding Area
This is an excellent task to complete if you have the space. A few nice cosy blankets, something to prop up your feet, and a good book or viewing the TV will help you during those relentless feeding moments.
If you’re looking for more guidance on support with feeding with a C-Section scar we’ve recently launched a new series of courses to support you and your baby.
6) Wash and Organise Baby Clothes, Blankets, and Other Essentials
We love the smell of fresh baby clothes, and there’s nothing nicer than having this sorted before you’ve given birth.
7) Have a List of Essential Contacts
You never know who or what you’ll need or when it’s needed. Preparing a list of contacts of who can help with what can help relieve some stress. Just be sure to let them know in advance too!
8) Plan for Meals
After birthing my children, the best present I ever got was the family-sized lasagne from COOK. It helped to take the thought out of what I was doing for dinner.
Preparing meals in advance and then freezing them for later use can reduce you and your partners workload during this exciting period. If you’re unsure what foods you should be eating which can also aid recovery we’ve put together the ultimate C-Section diet guide.
9) Practise Relaxation
Use your C breathing (belly breathing) to help reduce your stresses and anxiety . It is really important to do this relaxation breathing with intent because it will be your saviour if you experience any labour or c-section-related anxieties.
10) Stay Hydrated
We cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated throughout your pregnancy and birth. It is the basics of self-care and self-love.
Nurturing your body in the right way means it can heal more gently and quickly. You need to be at your best for yourself and your bundle of joy and it starts with something as simple as drinking water.
11) Ensure You Rest and Take Care of Yourself
The time before your baby arrives should be treated as preciously as it deserves.
We don’t get that time back, so credit yourself with relaxation points. You might need to cash them in post-birth.
12) Communicate
Be honest about your anxieties and expectations. When the birth of your baby is approaching, it can feel like uncertain territory for everyone. Keeping an open dialogue and being transparent about your expectations is essential to feel validated and heard.
Incorporating these last-minute tips into your pre-baby preparations can help mums-to-be feel more confident and ready for the exciting journey of welcoming their new arrival.
Written by: Midwife Laura