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I know, mama. The last thing you want to do right now is work through a list of tasks. You’re exhausted, your feet hurt, and all you want is to take a nap.
But there are a few things that will make life easier and smoother after your baby’s birth if you do them now. These are the things I always do in my last trimester, so I figured I would share them with you for your own planning.
Hopefully your nesting instinct kicks in to help you power through the list. (If you’re like me, you’ll suddenly feel compelled to deep clean everything in sight around 37 weeks!)
1Make plans for your baby’s baptism
To be honest, this is the most important thing on this list, by far. I like to baptize my babies as soon as possible after they are born.
One thing to consider is that many parishes require parents to attend a class before the baptism or ask for forms from the prospective godparents’ parishes. It’s a lot easier to attend a class and track down paperwork before your baby is born than with a newborn in tow!
I like to schedule my babies’ baptisms while I’m still pregnant. You might choose a date about a month after you’re due, give or take a week or two depending on whether you usually have your babies before or after your due date.
2Review your birth plans with your doctor and/or midwife
As always, you want to hold lightly any plans you make for your birth, because inevitably something will not go the way you expected. But it’s prudent to think through how you want to handle different scenarios that may arise.
I like to use a simple, visual birth plan and print a few copies to bring to the hospital with me. You’ll want to share it in advance with your husband, doula, midwife, doctor, or anyone else who will be at the birth.
3Finish setting up baby’s space
Maybe this means putting the finishing touches on your baby’s nursery, or simply setting up a little bassinet next to your bed (my personal preference!). Whatever your style, it’s a great feeling to get those last details squared away before your baby’s arrival.
4Get in the right headspace
Now is the time to make your birth playlist, or to listen to your hypnosis for childbirth tracks. Pray for your baby and your birth. Try to let your heart rest in trusting God’s goodness. Breathe deep. You’ve got this, mama.
5Install the car seat
And now on the logistical side of things, you’ll want to get that car seat installed and ready to go now, so you don’t have to figure out how to buckle in that thing while you’re in the throes of postpartum sleep deprivation!
6Buy newborn diapers
Another practical matter: Add a jumbo pack of newborn diapers to your shopping list. I always take a moment to appreciate how cute and tiny those little diapers are!
7Pack your hospital bag
If you’re heading to the hospital or birth center for the birth, you’ll want to get your bags packed and ready. I like to make a checklist on my phone during the weeks leading up to the birth, and then finish packing the night before I go to the hospital.
If you’re having a home birth, you’ll have a list of things to do around the house and supplies to prepare as well.
8Nail down childcare for older kids
If this isn’t your first baby, you’ll want to finalize plans for who will watch your older children while you’re in labor. I like to have a back-up option or two just in case I go into labor early!
I think that’s just about everything. Did I miss anything?
Best of luck, mama. Know that you have what it takes to get through your pregnancy, labor, and birth. My prayers are with you!
And today we celebrate...