The First Time Mom’s Pre-Birth Playbook
Hey there, future mommies! Maybe like me before you, you’re probably a storm of “what
ifs,” “maybes,” and “hurray’s” before you finally get to hold your little bundle of goodies in
your arms. Relax—it’s normal! As someone who’s ridden the storm, believe me when I say
that there are some tips and pieces of advice that I wish someone had shared with me
before our big day. Take these tips below as your pre-game before baby—a little something
to soften your nerves before you go into infinity.
Week 36:Nesting & Practical Preparation
“That’s when the ‘nesting’ begins in earnest!” You’ll find yourself taking out all the little
baby outfits or tidying up corners you never knew were there. Harness that momentum for
something worthwhile in terms of preparation:
“Hospital Bag Essentials (and not-so-obvious items!): Naturally, you’ll want to pack
comfy PJs and basic toiletries. But you can’t forget to pack:”
Snacks for your partner and you. Labor can be a long haul. And hospital food isn’t
necessarily great. You can pack granola bars, fruit, nuts, or beverages.
A long phone charger. “Plugs are frequently nowhere near your bedside.”
Slippers or slip-on shoes: To move around easily within the room.
A comfortable pillow from home: Hospital pillows are what you’d expect— hospital
pillows.
Going-home clothes for you:
You are going to go home pregnant. Get rid of those pre-pregnancy pants.
Baggy clothes are best.
Car Seat Installation & Inspection
Do it now. Not the morning after the baby’s birth. Some hospitals won’t allow you to leave
with an incorrectly installed car seat. In many areas, your local police or fire station does
free car seat inspections.
Meal Preparation after Birth:
You’ll be so tired you’ll want to eat cardboard. You’ll become obsessed with your child.
Freeze meals you can thaw when you need them. Think lasagna, soup, or stew. Trust me.
Week 37 Attitude & Birth Plan Reality
As you approach, you might find your head spinning. It’s where the mental preparation
should take center stage.
Learn but Don’t Obsess:
Read up on labor stages, pain relief options, and what to expect. Knowledge really does
mean empowerment! Just remember not to get too caught up in frightful tales or
preoccupied with details. Every baby’s delivery is unique.
“Your Birth Plan Is a Guide Not a Contract”: It’s very helpful to have a birth plan outlining
your preferences. Share these with your healthcare provider. Just remember to expect
flexibility. Unforeseen circumstances can happen when you give birth. In fact, your child’s
well-being or yours could become more important.
Talk to Your Partner/Support Person: Be open with them about your needs and concerns.
Ensure that they are clear about what their role will be in supporting you in labor and that
they will represent you if you are not able to. It’s a team effort!
Week 38 Know Your Body and Labor Signs
“Body’s ready!”
It’s really helpful to know what to look for!
How to Distinguish Differences: “Braxton Hicks contractions are ‘practice’ contractions.
They tend to be irregular, not increasing in intensity, possibly relieved by movement or
drinking fluids. In contrast to true contractions which are more regular, increasing in
intensity, occurring more frequently.”
Know When to Go to the Hospital: Talking to your doctor first can give you specific
guidelines. But generally, go to the hospital if contractions are coming regularly, 5 minutes
apart, 1 minute long for an hour (5-1-1 rule). Other signs are if your water breaks or if you
are having heavy bleeding.
Rest Rest Rest
Seriously, get plenty of rest. You’ll need every bit of energy you can get to get you through. If
you aren’t sleeping well because you are nursing your baby, you can relax in a warm tub of
water, stretch your muscles or read a good book.
Week 39 and Beyond
Patience is a Virtue
You are now in the homestretch. It seems like it’s taking forever. Your baby will arrive when
they are ready. Don’t get too hung up on your due date. Few babies actually arrive on their
due date.
Trust Your Body! Women’s bodies have been bringing babies into the world for generations.
Just relax. your body knows what to do. Trust its incredible powers.
Adore These Last Quiet Days:
When you finally get to hold your little one in your arms after pregnancy, you will see that
your life will never be the same. And believe me when I say you should adore these last
weeks prior to bringing your baby into your life because you will never get to experience
these quiet days again.
The journey to motherhood is an incredible adventure with so many ‘firsts’ involved. In fact,
to allow yourself a small period to get ready both physically and emotionally will make you
that much more confident to face the journey of holding your baby.
CONCLUSION
Preparation is the best way to prevent pre-labour anxiety. In Week 36, you need to focus
your efforts on preparing everything practical – like packing your hospital bag, complete
with vital snack supplies and a long charging cord for your phone. From Week 37 onwards,
move into preparing your mind. Learn to realize that your birth plan isn’t set in stone but
rather something to fall back on. And finally, in those last weeks before your baby’s arrival,
learn to distinguish between practising labours and real labours. And get all the sleep you
can get. You’ve got this, mama!
