If you’re like most expecting mothers, you like to be prepared. You make lists and check things off as you go. You plan for the future and try to think of everything that could possibly go wrong — just in case. So when it comes to something as crucial as your due date, it’s only natural that you want to ensure you have everything planned out perfectly.
However, some things are often completely forgotten about in the midst of all the planning. Here are five extra things to think about before your due date.
1. Contingency Birth Plan
You may have already made a birth plan detailing everything you want to happen during labor and delivery. But have you thought about what you would do if things don’t go according to plan? It’s essential to have a contingency plan in place in case you need to be induced, have a C-section, or have any other unforeseen circumstances happen on that fateful day.
For example, if your water breaks while you’re out and about, be prepared with a bag of clean clothes and a change of shoes so you can get home safely and comfortably. And if your water breaks while you’re at work, have a plan for someone to come pick you up and take you to the hospital, so you don’t have to worry about getting there on your own.
Likewise, if you live alone or your partner works night shifts, make sure you have a list of people who can be contacted in case you need help getting to the hospital or taking care of other children while you’re gone. It’s also a good idea to keep a stack of cash on hand in case you need to take a taxi or Uber.
2. Breastfeeding Gear
Of course, if you plan to breastfeed, you’ll need to ensure you have all the gear you need — from a good nursing bra to a pump and storage bags. Don’t wait until the last minute to get these things, as you may not be able to find what you’re looking for, or it may not be the correct size.
Nursing bras are especially important, as you’ll want to make sure they fit well and are comfortable so you can wear them for long periods of time. It’s also a good idea to get a few different styles, so you have options depending on what you’re wearing or how your breasts feel that day.
Breastfeeding is not always easy, and sometimes it doesn’t work out despite all of the mom’s best efforts. If breastfeeding is something that’s important to you, make sure you have a backup plan in place so that baby still gets the nutrition they need if nursing doesn’t work out. This could mean bottles, formula feeding, or even supplementing with donor milk — whatever makes sense for you and your baby!
3. Newborn Photoshoot
One thing that many moms forget about is booking newborn photography sessions. It’s easy to think that you’ll just use your phone to take pictures of the baby. Still, these professional shots are so important, and they always turn out better than anything you could do on your own.
Choose a newborn photographer well in advance of your due date, so you don’t have to worry about it later. And if you’re planning on doing a home birth or having a natural delivery, make sure to let the photographer know so they can be prepared for anything that might come up.
Hiring a professional photographer is also a good idea if you want to get family photos taken with the new baby. This can be done at the same time as the newborn session, or you can schedule a separate photo shoot. Either way, capturing these memories while they’re fresh is vital so you can look back on them and remember this special time for years to come.
4. Childcare Arrangements
If you already have children, it’s important to ensure everything is arranged for their care while you’re in the hospital giving birth. This may mean hiring a babysitter or asking a relative to stay with them for a few days. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case your first choice of childcare falls through.
And if you’re planning on returning to work after the baby is born, you’ll need to make childcare arrangements well in advance. This can be a difficult and expensive process, so it’s essential to start looking into options early on so you have plenty of time to make the best decision for your family.
Having a baby is a huge life change; there’s a lot to think about and plan for. But if you take the time to prepare in advance, it will make the whole process a lot easier and less stressful. So start making your list and checking it twice — your due date will be here before you know it!
