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After Birth Plan Checklist: How to Prepare for Bringing Home Baby
Posted in: Birth & Postpartum, Postpartum
Are you ready to bring home your baby? There’s so much to do, buy, and prepare to feel ready for your baby’s arrival. It can feel overwhelming, no matter how excited your are! To ensure a smooth homecoming, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out postpartum plan in place. You’ve got your birth plan checklist – now it’s time to create your AFTER birth plan checklist. Let’s take a comprehensive look at your to-dos to be ready for life with a new baby.
Nursery Preparation
Preparing the nursery can be a whole lot of fun! But if you don’t have a dedicated nursery space, that’s totally fine too. Your baby just needs the basics so that you have what you need to take care of them comfortable and safely.
- Set up the crib, changing table, and other nursery furniture
- Stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
- Wash and organize baby’s clothing and linens
- Install necessary safety equipment [i.e., window guards, baby gates]
- Ensure the nursery temperature is comfortable and well-ventilated
Feeding Supplies
Do you have a feeding plan? Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle feed, or a combination of the two, you’ll want to have the tools and knowledge to get started on a good foot.
- Purchase bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush [if formula-feeding or pumping]
- Stock up on breast pads and nursing bras [if breastfeeding]
- Purchase a breastfeeding pillow
- Purchase a breast pump [often covered by health insurance]
- Prepare a comfortable area[s] for feeding your baby, with all essentials within reach
Postpartum Care
They say ‘it takes a village’ for a reason. In the early weeks, your role as a new parent is to rest, heal, and bond. Putting other responsibilities on hold as much as possible is the key to a doable after birth checklist.
- Arrange for help with household chores, meal preparation, and older children [if applicable]
- Stock up on postpartum recovery supplies [i.e., pads, perineal care products]
- Prepare a comfortable space for rest and recovery
- Gather essential self-care items [i.e. nursing pillows, nipple cream]
- Prepare frozen meals or consider asking for friends to organize a meal train for you
- Research your options for professional in-home postpartum care
Baby Care Essentials
Babies don’t need a lot – but the overwhelming amount of baby products available today can make you feel otherwise. Once you have the essentials in place, the extras can come in time:
- Assemble a well-stocked diaper bag
- Purchase a baby bathtub, towels, and gentle baby soap/shampoo
- Gather supplies for nail care [i.e. baby nail clippers, file]
- Stock up on burp cloths and bibs
Transportation
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to install your car seat.
- Install the infant car seat correctly and practice using it
- Ensure your vehicle is clean and well-maintained
- Plan the safest route between your home and the hospital
- Plan where to park and enter the hospital when you go into labor
Healthcare + Safety
Take measures to plan for your baby’s health and wellbeing.
- Research options for your baby’s health insurance plan
- Choose a pediatrician
- Take a baby CPR and safety class
- Prepare a list of emergency contracts such as your pediatrician, poison control, and local friends or relatives to call for back up support
The Top After Birth Plan Checklist To-Do: Build Your Support System
It’s so easy to focus so much on a creating a birth plan, that you forget to also create an after birth plan. Becoming a parent or growing your family is a huge life transition and it’s is not meant to be a solitary feat. Arrange for family or friends to visit and assist during the first few weeks. Join local parenting groups or online communities for support and advice. Consider hiring a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist to help you land softly into this new season with your little one.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome your newborn home and navigate the early days of parenthood with confidence and ease. Remember, every family’s needs are unique, so feel free to customize this list to suit your specific circumstances!