Suggestions about preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

Try to avoid moving households near the end of your pregnancy. Too many changes in your life at this time can add extra stress to your adaptation to parenthood.

Arrange for household help if possible. Outside help allows you more time to enjoy the new baby! Let someone else do the cleaning and laundry. If you have willing relatives or friends, be clear with them that you need help with the chores while you care for the baby.

At one of your last appointments, ask your physician or midwife whom you should call, and when you should call them if your physician or midwife is not available when you go into labor.

Review your health insurance policy to be knowledgeable of any recent changes. Make note of the length of covered hospital stay, visiting nurse services, and well-baby coverage.

If a car is not available, arrange ahead of time for alternative transportation. Keep telephone numbers of taxis and other resource people readily available.

Store as many staple items as space allows.

Freeze meals, clearly label their contents and include directions for heating.

Consider writing out two weeks of menus and have the ingredients on hand.

Start a file of restaurants with take-out menus and delivery services.

Consider covering your mattress with a plastic sheet or shower curtain a few weeks before your due date in case your water breaks. You may also want to keep a few towels and a couple of sanitary pads in the car.

Stock up on convenience items such as paper plates and napkins. Consider locating services such as grocery or drug stores that will deliver.

Purchase a supply of sanitary pads (tampons are not recommended for use until your period resumes later).

Keep plenty of gas in the car. Know the route to the hospital and approximately how long it will take to travel under varying traffic conditions. Consider making a trial run and make note of where to park.

Select birth announcements. You may want to address and stamp the envelopes ahead of time and fill in the blanks after the baby arrives.

Plan ahead for birthdays and anniversaries. Since shopping is often a challenge the first few weeks after giving birth, purchasing gifts, giftwrap and cards ahead of time can be very helpful.