General Preparations

As your due date approaches, it’s easy to lose sight of your everyday needs, especially arrangements that need to be made for after the baby’s arrival. Use the list below as a quick reference to make sure you haven’t missed anything, but most importantly – focus on yourself and take time for the things that are important to you.

Plan your meals and household needs

Prepare as much as you can beforehand – chilli, stews and spaghetti bolognese are all meals that you can freeze and heat up easily.
Set up online shopping and delivery – it’s convenient and cheap, and you may not feel like doing a big food shop in the first few weeks after your baby’s birth.
Stock up your cupboards before your due date – don’t forget basics like toilet roll, washing-up liquid and bin bags.
Try and stick to healthy foods – eating well is important if you’re breastfeeding
Do a big clean just before your baby is due – get your partner, friends or relatives to help if you are too tired.

Take care of work concerns

Have you sorted your maternity leave? When do you plan to finish work and have you thought about when you might return?
Has your partner discussed paternity leave?
Start making handover notes – you don’t want to be worried about work later on.

Make arrangements for baby’s arrival well in time

If your partner can’t be with you in the first few weeks, or you’re a single mum, make arrangements with other friends and family to step in and help.
Make sure that at least two or three people are on speed dial for when you go into labour.
Pack your hospital bag and pack another one for baby – include your antenatal notes and make sure your partner knows where they are,
Make arrangements for pets to be taken care of when you go into hospital, especially if you live alone.
If someone is planning to drive you to hospital, work out the route and make sure you have a few alternatives. Regularly check there’s enough petrol in the car.
If you don’t plan to drive, make sure you have a few reliable taxi numbers ready.

Take time for yourself

Spend some quality time with friends or with your partner.
Apply Aloe Vera ointment to any stretch marks you’re developing – it’ll help them fade.
Relax and stretch out at a pregnancy yoga class.
Take the time to get your hair cut and pamper yourself – you deserve it!

Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips AVENT cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.