#1: I Packed my Hospital Bags. My bag has all of the hospital essentials needed such as this soft delivery gown, frida mom hospital bag kit, disposable postpartum panties, shower shoes, and general items such as toiletries, snacks, and items for baby boy and y husband. My bag of choice for the hospital is this cute army green weekender bag that is a steal for only $40. This bag is perfect for a typical 2 day / short hospital stay, and it’s versatile enough to be used for later down the road. I also love the fact that the bag comes in 3 alternate colors if you want options like caramel, grey, and black.
#2: I Completed Online Education from Tinyhood. The Childbirth 101: From Labor through Postpartum course literally answered every burning question that I had about what to expect from labor and delivery. I appreciated the fact that the course was online and self-paced since we are in a pandemic. I was not comfortable with the thought of attending an in person class, so this option was super convenient. Tinyhood offers a variety of self paced modules taught by leading experts. You can learn breastfeeding, child CPR, sleep training, methods for soothing a fussy baby, newborn care, and more. Babies don’t come with a manual, but this course definitely made me feel more informed and prepared. The best part is, there is always a promo code available, and the during the pandemic, all of their breastfeeding 101 courses are free! Check out Tinyhood here.
#3: I Listened to Meditations and Read Affirmations designed to prepare me mentally for Childbirth. Youtube playlist like “Built to Birth” and app based meditations offered on Insight Timer have really mentally prepared me for the fact that my body is fully capable to handle the birthing process. I also wrote out affirmations on sticky notes to visually keep positive statements about labor in my daily view and routine. The thought of labor and delivery initially gave me anxious thoughts, but now I feel pretty much at peace and prepared for the experience.
#4: I Booked a Postpartum Doula for support for after I’m released from the Hospital. I made arrangements for a postpartum doula to come to my house after I’m released to provide me with support with breastfeeding education, postpartum care, and at home support. The thought of this gave me peace so that I’m not released from the hospital and feeling like, “oh crap, what do i do now?”.
#5: I discussed my Birth Plan and preferences with my Husband. I reviewed in detail my desires, and ensured my birth plan was easily accessible for my husband. I also created a shared i-phone note for ease so that we both have access to labor information. I made sure to share with him important things like the hospital address, doctors name, and on call number so that when the time comes, we are not scrambling for that information. He appreciated this and it made him feel involved in my planning.
#6: I Read Books & Used apps to stay informed. I am someone who has a wondering mind, so information and insight settles my racing thoughts. I particularly enjoyed reading books such as Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant. I also loved apps such as Pregnancy+ and What to Expect that told me week by week updates related to me and baby.
#7: I Stayed Active & Kept Moving. In my final days of my third trimester, I do not feel like moving at all because nothing is really comfortable, but I continue to do daily walks, dance and stretch to keep my body moving. I hear that keeping your body active greatly helps with the labor and delivery process.
Go you for booking a postpartum doula! Just having this kind of support after having your baby boy is going to be a HUGE help!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I love that you are staying active and kept moving. I went for walks when I was pregnant it helped a lot so excited for you!