Preparing for Birth: 7 Things You Can Do Before The Big Day

With the arrival of your sweet new baby, we’re sure thatpreparing for birth and having everything ready is at the forefront of your mind. As exciting as this time is, it also comes with many things that need to be taken care of and to-do lists to be checked off.

It can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to give you our top seven tips onhow to prepare for birth. 

1. Make a Birth Plan

First things first, make a birth plan. A birth plan outlines how you want the birth to look and can provide a sense of calm whenpreparing for birth. Having it ready to share with your doctor or hand off to the team at the hospital will help you feel more relaxed going into the process.

Many birth plans include the following:

• Relevant health factors (illnesses, medications, previous pregnancies, etc.)
• Whether or not you want pain medication
• Who you want in the delivery room
• What you would like to wear
• What part you want your partner to play
• A preferred way to labor (ex. In water, with an exercise ball, etc.)
• Any preferred birthing positions
• How you want your newborn to be cared for

Please remember that a birth plan is just that — a plan. Plans don’t always go the way you anticipate they will. Some things on your birth plan won’t play out the way you thought it would. So if you can look at your birth plan as more of a big picture tool, rather than focusing on little specifics, that will help soften the blow of anything going differently than you hoped.

2. Pack Your Hospital Bag

Next up, pack that hospital bag. We recommend having that hospital bag ready 3-4 weeks before your due date. Keep it in the trunk of your car or near the door so you can grab it and go.

Here are a few items we recommend including in your hospital bag:

• Comfy clothes, including pajamas with buttons 
• Nursing bras and tank tops
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pads
• Phone charger and extension cord
• Pillow (you will be so glad to have your own!)
• A postpartum recovery kit
• Makeup
• Hairbrush
• Going home outfit
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Any calming tools you like, such as oils, lotions, massagers, etc.

3. Pack Your Diaper Bag

Some moms pack items for their baby in the hospital bag, and if that’s how you would like to do it, that’s wonderful! However, we’ve found that keeping the two separate can be very helpful in staying organized. 

Here are some things you’ll want to include in the diaper bag for your baby while you’re at the hospital:

• Multiple outfits
• Multiple sets of pajamas
• Mittens, socks, and hats
• Diaper cream
• Burp cloths
• Any special stuffed animals or swaddles you want to bring

You may notice that we did not include things like diapers, wipes, etc. The hospital will provide many of these items, so there’s no need to bring those! If you are going to stop somewhere on your way home from the hospital, we’d recommend snagging a few diapers and wipes. Otherwise, you’re good to go!

4. Have All The Right Recovery Products

Too often, we get so wrapped up in the excitement of preparing for the new baby that we forget to take the proper steps to take care of ourselves. Childbirth is always followed by recovery, and having good healing products on hand will make a world of difference for you.

This is where a postpartum recovery kit comes into play. You can easily get everything you need in one box, making it easy to bring to the hospital or by your side once you return home. 

From mesh undies to postpartum pads, give yourself peace of mind and snag apostpartum recovery kitto take care of yourself after the birth.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Many pregnant mothers worry about the pain and discomfort that comes with childbirth. Practicing relaxation techniques can work wonders in relieving that anxiety as you work atpreparing for birth.

Some moms may lean toward using massage as a relaxation technique. Gentle pressure or kneading on the shoulders and thighs can work wonders. Others found that certain smells helped to bring a sense of calm. Consider what could work for you!

6. Take a Birthing Class

Another thing you could do is look into birthing classes in your area. Check with your provider or on any local online forums to see what kinds of classes are available to you. Birthing classes are chock full of valuable information and intel that will work wonders for helping you knowhow to prepare for birth.

Birthing classes can be a great guide in helping you put together your birthing plan, and if things don’t go as planned, you will have the knowledge from your birthing class to rely on.

7. Take Care of Your To-Do List

You know the one we’re talking about. It’s that list of things that need to be done before the baby comes. Trust us when we say that you will feel a million times better knowing that this list is taken care of before the baby comes! Some of those to-do list items might be:

1. Set up care for other children or pets: If you have other children at home, whether humans or fur babies, you’ll want to ensure you have accommodations for them. Babies come when they’re ready, and that sometimes happens with little to no warning. Make sure you have care lined up at a moment’s notice.
2. Do some meal prep: Preparing a few frozen meals ahead of time is a huge lifesaver during your recovery period. You don’t have to go over the top with it either. A week’s worth of freezer meals you can dump into a slow cooker is a great place to be!
3. Place a grocery order: In addition to having those freezer meals taken care of, you’ll be so happy to come home to a kitchen with milk, eggs, bread, and fresh fruit. Hold off placing the order until you know when you’ll leave the hospital and schedule everything to be delivered that day.
4. Catch up on laundry: The last thing you want to do once you get home from the hospital is fold laundry. Make sure there are plenty of clothes and towels for everyone to use so that you can focus on those delicious baby snuggles and taking care of yourself when you get home.

Let Sunflower Motherhood Help You Prepare For Postpartum Recovery

When it comes to knowinghow to prepare for birth, we know that it can feel like a lot. Here at Sunflower Motherhood, we are dedicated to shining a light on maternal care during the precious newborn phase. Through intentional products made just for moms, we love helping you feel seen through your pregnancy and postpartum journey.

With a variety of pregnancy and postpartum boxes, as well as comfy apparel and everyday gifts, there is something for every mom. Browse our selection today!