Pregnancy checklist: things to do before the baby is born As you prepare for parenthood, you make dozens of decisions you’ve never made before. Which crib should you buy? Do you want to use a baby carrier or stroller? Should you get gender-neutral clothes so you’re ready for the next baby? All the tiny details can be amazing – not to mention overwhelming and stressful. Organizing your pregnancy by creating a pregnancy checklist can alleviate some of that stress. At Women’s Care, we encourage you to focus on preparing for the parenting tasks in the following checklist. These steps are designed to help you take care of the health of your entire family and prepare you for the challenges of parenthood. Make a birth plan Your birth plan will describe how you want your birth and delivery experience to be. For example, would you like an epidural for pain relief? Who would you like to go to the delivery room with? Would you like to preserve the umbilical cord blood? You should give your doctor and nurse a copy of your birth plan so they know what care is needed for you and your baby. Choose between breastfeeding or bottle feeding Will you breastfeed or feed your baby food? We recommend researching which option best suits your needs and lifestyle before making a decision. If you plan to breastfeed, you should educate yourself about breastfeeding and get a breast pump (which should be covered by your health insurance). If you decide to feed your child formula, keep a supply at home for your new baby. Take parenting classes Most hospitals offer free or low-cost parenting classes or prenatal programs for expectant parents. These classes can improve your emotional readiness for a baby while teaching you the parenting techniques you need to have a healthy, happy baby. Build a support team Caring for your new baby can feel overwhelming. Sometimes you need to do more than just create a pregnancy checklist to reduce anxiety. Identify the people in your life who can support you during these important first weeks of your baby’s life. These people may include your partner, parents, siblings, or friends. Your support team should be there to give you the emotional help you need when you are sleep deprived or suffering from anxiety. Choose your childcare provider Even before your baby is born, you should know where it will be cared for. Are you or your spouse staying home with the little one? If not, you have a day-care center ready to take care of your little one. Some day-cares have waiting lists for infant care, so you may want to explore these options during your second trimester. Buy car seat You should have a car seat that is the right size for an infant well in advance of the baby’s due date. You cannot take your child home unless you have a car seat properly installed and ready in your vehicle. Store supplies Finally, there are certain paraphernalia that you should have ready for your first few days as a parent. Add these supplies to your pregnancy checklist to relieve stress when baby arrives: For mum: Maxi pads Witch hazel Nipple cream (if you are breastfeeding) Stool softener Frozen meals that are easy to prepare Healthy snacks on the go For the toddler: Diapers for new-borns Towels Formula (if not breastfeeding) Preparing for a new baby is different for every family, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. At Women’s Care, we’ve helped deliver thousands of babies. We know how to help you prepare physically and emotionally for your child, regardless of your family’s lifestyle or circumstances.