Aside from getting yourself ready for labor, you must also have your maternity go-bag essentials ready as well, especially if you’re really close to giving birth.
In case your baby decided to arrive early, it is recommended that you prepare most of your labor and birth essentials 2 to 3 weeks before your due date. Here’s all you need to know.
How to prepare for childbirth
Are you excited to see your baby? Have you completed all the necessary tasks you need to do before you give birth? Being able to complete all the preparations before you see your little one will put your mind at ease and will make your delivery smoother and less stressful.
Here are things you need to do before your baby arrives:
- Make sure you have decided what type of childbirth you want to have. The various options, as discussed with your healthcare provider, may be natural vaginal birth, cesarean section, or water birth. Note though that there should always be plan B just in case things don’t happen as planned.
- You also need to have a final decision on where you want to give birth. Do you want to give birth in the hospital? Or a birth center?
- If you picked a hospital as your place of delivery, it is important to be familiar with the admitting protocols of the hospital, as well as the documents you need to process. It is better if you have an attending physician affiliated with the said hospital.
- Have all your IDs and documents ready. Documents such as birth certificates of both you and your partner, past laboratory test results, birth plan, and insurance policy are just some of the important papers you need before delivery.
- You also need to clean your house before your little one arrives. A few weeks before your due date, you might feel an urge to clean your entire house spotless, this is called nesting.
The Four Stages of Labor and Delivery
After giving birth, you might not have the chance to deep clean and organize your house for a few weeks to months. That is why nesting is a great way to make your house ready for the baby’s arrival and for you to be less stressed when you get home from the hospital.
- Give your partner a run-through of all the things you do in the house. This will help your partner to keep the house running smoothly while you recover.
- Do the groceries and stock on essentials that you might need once your baby is born. You can also prepare big meals and stock them in the freezer so you will not worry about what to eat in the first week after giving birth.
- Make sure your transportation is also ready before your delivery. You don’t want to stress about how to get to the hospital while in labor, right?
- You also need to prepare and complete your maternity go-bag essentials a month or a few weeks before delivery. This will help you not to forget anything that is needed during your stay in the hospital.
Other preparations prior to giving birth depend on the type of delivery and the place you will give birth. It is important to check with your birth team the processes you need to take so that you can enjoy the last moments of your pregnancy.
What maternity go bag essentials do I need?
Packing your bag before giving birth is quite stressful and exciting at the same time, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Here is a list of essentials you might need for yourself, your partner, and your baby.
For yourself and your partner:
- Important documents such as identification cards, birth plan, doctor’s note, all your past laboratory test results, and your insurance policy must come in handy.
- Cash or any form of payment you have available is a necessity when you’re at the hospital. Including spare cash as part of your maternity go-bag essentials will help during emergencies.
- Comfortable clothing such as a loose maternity dress, maternity panties, and nursing bras will help you move freely when you’re in labor. Also, don’t forget to bring extra clothes for your going home outfit and for your partner as well.
- Personal hygiene essentials such as towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothbrush and toothpaste must be in your maternity bag. You might also need lots of maternity pads as you might still have moderate vaginal bleeding after giving birth. These might change depending on both of your preferences.
- List of phone numbers and names are also needed for you to inform other family members that you’re about to give birth or have given birth.
- Entertainment or leisure items such as your phone (don’t forget your charger), tablet, laptop, or magazines to keep you busy. These items will help your partner pass the time while waiting for your delivery. It will also divert your attention from contraction pains.
- Pack snacks and drinks for you and your partner to share. Snacks and beverages are important as you might lose energy during labor. However, ask your medical provider if you’re allowed to eat or drink before delivery.
A camera or a video recorder is also an important gadget the parents never forget to bring during birth. It is for you to capture the best moments of your delivery (if allowed) or to capture your first moments with your little one.
What to pack for your baby
- Clothing such as onesies and other infant wears, hats, and socks. You also need to pack a cute and comfortable going home outfit.
- Toiletries such as diapers (lots of it), fragrance-free baby wipes, cotton, alcohol, baby oil, and a gentle baby cleanser.
- Towels and receiving blankets are things you need to include in your maternity go-bag essentials.
- A car seat is also important for a safe travel and if your city requires you to have a car seat when driving with an infant.
Key Takeaways
When you are so close to giving birth, you might feel pressured and stressed. Keeping yourself busy and carrying out last-minute preparations before your target delivery date will help you ease your worries.
Do not forget to get yourself and your partner ready for a new chapter in your lives. Enjoy the last moments of your pregnancy and soon after, you will meet your little one.
Learn more about Pregnancy and Giving Birth,here.
