Are you counting down the days until your due date? Whether you’re excited or apprehensive about labour, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to prepare. Here are eight things to do before giving birth!
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Make a Birth Plan and discuss it with your Midwife
Giving birth is an amazing experience, but it can also be overwhelming. To help make the experience go as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to prepare a birth plan. This doesn’t have to be a long, complicated document – simply jot down your preferences for things like pain relief, who you want in the delivery room with you, and your thoughts on breastfeeding. Once you’ve got your birth plan ready, discuss it with your doctor or midwife. This way, they’ll be aware of your wishes and can work with you to make them happen.Birth planning might seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually a really empowering way to prepare for labour and delivery. Knowing what you want and being able to communicate this to your care team will help ensure that you have the best possible experience.
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Pack your Hospital Bag
When you’re getting close to your due date, it’s a good idea to start packing a hospital bag. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything and you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important. So, what should you pack? First, include any medications that you’re currently taking. You’ll also need a copy of your birth plan. It’s also a good idea to pack a going-home outfit for both you and baby, as well as some snacks and drinks for after the birth. You might also want to pack a few items to help make you a little more comfortable in childbirth, such as lip balm, a hair tie, and a hot water bottle. And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture those first precious moments with your new baby!
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Stock up on Groceries and Household Supplies
You’ve waited so long for this moment and it’s finally here. You want everything to be perfect. You want to be able to just relax and enjoy baby once you come home. The last thing you want is to have to worry about running out of groceries or household supplies. That’s why it’s important to stock up before baby arrives. nappies, wipes, formula, food, snacks, drinks, and some of your favourite meals. You might not think you need all of this now, but trust me, you will be glad you have it when you need it. Plus, it’s always better to have too much than not enough. So go ahead and stock up on everything you need. Your future self will thank you!
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Batch Cook and Freeze Some Meals
One way to make life a little easier for yourself once your new baby arrives is to batch cook and freeze some meals. This way, you’ll have a few home-cooked meals on hand for those nights when you or your partner are just too tired to cook. And, if you make a big batch of something, you can always eat leftovers for lunch the next day.
There are a few things to keep in mind when batch cooking. First, make sure you have enough storage containers. Second, cook simple recipes that can be easily reheated. And finally, make sure each recipe is freezer-friendly. Once you have these things in mind, batch cooking will be a breeze!
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Arrange for Childcare or Pet Care
Another thing you’ll need to think about is who will care for your child and pets while you’re in the hospital. If you have family or friends nearby, they may be able to help out. Otherwise, you might need to hire a babysitter or pet sitter. It’s a good idea to have a few people lined up, as you might need someone at very short notice. Once you have everything arranged, you can relax and focus on enjoying your new arrival.
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Clean the House from Top to Bottom (or have someone do it for you!)
There’s nothing like coming home to a clean house. But getting your house clean before baby arrives can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task. Where do you even start? The best way to tackle a big cleaning project is to break it down into smaller tasks. Start by making a list of all the areas in your house that need to be cleaned. Then, focus on one area at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once – you’ll just get overwhelmed. And if cleaning isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in hiring a professional cleaner to do it for you. After all, there’s nothing wrong with wanting your home to be a place of peace and relaxation. So whatever route you decide to go, just know that a clean house is within reach!
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Make some Pregnancy Portraits
One of the most amazing things about pregnancy is that it’s such a special and fleeting time. Even though it can be tough at times (hello, morning sickness and back pain!), it’s important to document this unique period in your life. Whether you go DIY or professional, there are lots of ways to capture the magic of this moment. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
DIY:
If you’re DIY-ing your pregnancy portraits, try to find a simple and natural setting. A park or your garden would be perfect. You can also use props to add interest to your photos, like flowers or a chair. And don’t forget to document your growing belly! A belly shot is a must for any pregnancy portrait session.
Professional:
If you’re hiring a professional photographer, chat with them about your vision for the session. You may want to consider doing a maternity shoot as well as a newborn shoot so you can document your journey from start to finish. And be sure to ask about wardrobe suggestions – flowing dresses are usually best for maternity shoots.
No matter how you choose to do it, capturing your pregnancy in photos is a wonderful way to remember this special time. Have a chat with us if you want to know more.
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Make Some Time for You!
There’s so much to think about and prepare for! But it’s important to take some time out for yourself before the baby arrives too. Once they’re here, you’ll be busy caring for them 24/7, so make the most of the calm while you can. Set aside some time each day to do something you enjoy, even if it’s just reading a book or taking a bath. It’ll help you feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your new bundle of joy.
With just a few months left before your little one arrives, it’s time to start preparing for the big day. We hope these tips have been helpful and made it all feel a little less daunting. Most importantly, do make time for yourself amidst all these preparations! At PhotoBaby, we’ve been working with pregnant parents for over fourteen years now, so we’ve got pretty expert at everything coming your way. If you’d like to hear more, or receive some lovely vouchers from us, just fill in the form and we’ll pop you on our mailing list where we’ll give you a weekly update on what bump and baby are up to.
