The Basics: Preparing for Birth
As a soon-to-be parent, you might have a lot of questions about ways to prepare for your baby’s birth day. You are not alone! Here are suggestions of important things to consider and complete before the big day. Talk to your doctor about these and any other decisions you need to make. If you are the one giving birth, try to tackle these items with your “birthing partner,” the person who will be with you during childbirth. This person will be your main support the day of delivery and can work with hospital doctors and nurses to make sure your preferences are met.
Attend Your Third Trimester Appointments
As you near your due date, your doctor may ask to see you more often. Be sure to attend these appointments to make sure everything is on track with your and your baby’s health. Your doctor also will need to run some important tests during these visits, including a test for Group B Strep bacteria. Make the most of these last few appointments and ask your doctor questions to best prepare for the big day. For instance, how to know you’re going into labor, when to go to the hospital, and how to pre-register for delivery at the hospital (paperwork is the last thing you’ll want to do when you’re in labor!).
Take a Birthing Class
These classes can help you learn the basics of childbirth and are commonly offered by hospitals. You can also ask your doctor or other mothers for suggestions. Often, these classes cover information on labor (how to know you’re in labor, techniques to ease pain, and pain medication options) and delivery (the pros and cons of vaginal birth and cesarean section, or c-section). If possible, ask your birthing partner to join you. If you will be breastfeeding, you might want to also consider taking a breastfeeding class since you will need to breastfeed your baby almost immediately after birth.
Create a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a document where you write down your birthing preferences, such as method of delivery (vaginal or c-section) and medications you might consider (such as morphine or an epidural). You share this document with the hospital medical team the day of delivery so that they are aware of and follow your preferences as best as possible. Make sure your birthing partner also has a copy of your birth plan. Work with your doctor ahead of time to create a birth plan and get answers to any questions that you might have. See the Babycenter resource, below, for a birth plan template.
Create a List of Questions
As you prepare for the big day, write down any question that comes to mind. If you don’t have a chance to get answers from your doctor or from a birthing class ahead of time, make sure to ask the doctors and nurses at the hospital. You can also add questions to your list while you’re at the hospital. For instance, you can ask about baby care basics (how do you swaddle?), breastfeeding (am I doing this correctly?), or postpartum recovery (how much bleeding is normal?).
Prepare Your Hospital Bag
Try to pack your bag at least four weeks before your due date in case the baby decides to arrive earlier than planned. Keep your bag by the door or in the car you’ll be taking to the hospital. Some important items to include:
- Photo ID
- Medical insurance card or information
- Printed copies of your birth plan
- Birthing ball, if you will be using one during labor
- Phone and phone charger
- Toiletries (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties, and a hairbrush)
- Eyeglasses or contacts, if you need them
- Comfortable clothing (including underwear, night gowns, socks, and slippers)
- Drinks and snacks, to keep you and your birthing partner hydrated and energized
- Loose-fitting outfits for you and baby to wear home
- Infant car seat
Helpful Resources
My Birth Preferences (Babycenter): This is a birth plan template (in PDF format) that you can download and fill out. You can use this as your birth plan or to get ideas of information to include in your birth plan. This can also help guide discussions with your doctor about your labor and delivery preferences. Giving Birth: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag (Babycenter): This website offers detailed lists of items that the mother and birthing partner should pack in their hospital bags (and items to leave at home). It also offers tips from other mothers of helpful items to pack.
