Last-minute Tips for Mums-To-Be
As the estimated due date approaches, mums-to-be may feel a mix of excitement and nerves. These last-minute tips offer guidance and support for a smoother transition into motherhood, addressing key considerations and preparations before the arrival of your little one.
12 last-minute tips for mums to be
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.
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.
Birth Plan
Communicating your desires for the birthing space 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.
Refresh the Knowledge
A quick recap of any notes you’ve made during classes or read that chapter of the book again. If you’ve been doing our C-section UK courses, you can delve back into any chapter of these at any time to refresh your memory.
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.
Wash and organise baby clothes, blankets, and other essentials.
We love the smell of fresh baby clothes, and there’s nothing nicer in the sunny weather than hanging those baby clothes out on the line to dry.
List of essential contacts
You never know who or what you’ll need or when it’s needed. Preparing a list of contact details can help relieve the stress of frantic searches through phone books and Google.
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.
Practise Relaxation
Get your C breathing down to a T. 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.
Stay hydrated
We cannot stress this enough. 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.
Rest and Self-care
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.
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. From practical considerations to self-care practices, these tips aim to support and empower expectant mothers as they approach the momentous occasion of childbirth and motherhood.
Written by: Midwife Laura