5 Things to do Before Your Due Date
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At the end of the day, we know due dates are just a guess at when your baby might arrive. That being said they are pretty handy when it comes to planning. I didn’t deliver until 41 weeks, so I had plenty of time to make my preparations. Even with the extra time, you’ve got a lot on your mind! Check out my posts on labor and delivery and postpartum recovery for more tips. If you are counting down the days, read on for the 5 things to do before your due date.
Download the Baby Tracker App
There may be other apps that provide the same functions, but all the moms I know use the Baby Tracker app (for iOS and Android), and for good reason! This has everything you need in one place. I didn’t know about this before my baby was born, so when the hospital wanted us to track feedings and diapers on paper, we were a hot mess. The paper would go missing, we’d forget to write it down, questionable stains – all bad news. We downloaded the app, which can be synced to different devices, and it was truly a dream. I still use it more than probably any other app on my phone.
Set Reminders
If you have anything coming up after baby’s born that is time sensitive or important, put a reminder in your phone that will pop up and notify you. The postpartum period can be a bit of a haze even in the best of circumstances, so don’t assume that you’ll remember (ha!) or that you will be keeping up with your calendar. I had picked out baby announcements with plans to send them as soon as she was born and I 100% forgot. A reminder would have been great. This is also useful if you have bills that can’t be paid automatically or even for appointments.
Communicate the Plan
As you get closer to the end of your pregnancy, it might feel like you go over the details every day. In spite of that, you may not have shared what your postpartum plans are with family, friends or co-workers. This is very important no matter what you have in mind. Setting clear expectations will ensure that you can enjoy the time you have with your newborn without unnecessary interruptions. This is also vital when it comes to sharing the news of your baby’s arrival. Making sure everyone knows your wishes when it comes to sharing the news and visitors can help you avoid stress as your due date nears (or passes).
Prep Your House
As tired as I was (so pregnant!), there were a few tasks I did just before baby arrived. Just like the other 5 things to do before your due date, your future postpartum self will thank you for this if you make up a bed with fresh sheets and spruce up the kitchen and bath. If you don’t have the energy or you have a friend or family member who is dying to help, this is a great job to outsource. Stocking your freezer and pantry is useful too. I practically lived on the 5 minute Pho and Marie Callendar’s chicken pot pies from Costco. Last but not least, if there are things around your house you can automate, do it now! For example, programming a robo-vacuum or setting up an automatic watering system in your yard.
Get Your Nails Done
Even if it’s not part of your regular routine, getting a manicure and pedicure before your baby arrives is so relaxing. I could hardly see my feet at 9 months, so having them scrubbed, polished and massaged was amazing. Plus, there’s the bonus of having pretty fingers and toes for any photos of you with your new baby. I would recommend getting them pretty short so you don’t scratch baby’s tender skin with them. It’s been about 6 months since I last made it to the nail salon so savor it, mama!
Is there anything you made sure to do before your baby arrived? These 5 things to do before your due date will help make those first days and weeks easier for you. Whatever you can do to give yourself more peaceful, uninterrupted time with your baby is worth it.
