what should i do NOW, to prepare for the arrival of my first baby?

Question

i'm 29 wks pregnant with my first baby, and a bit overwhelmed!

on top of trying to decide on a birth place & plan and get the nursery painted & put together, my husband & i are still settling into our new home. but i need to make sure i have all the essentials ready...

what should i do NOW to prepare myself, my house, my life, my pets, etc for her arrival?

i know i need to get the nursery done, find a pediatrician, find a lactation consulatant, get a few essentials (car seat, bassinet, diapers & wipes)... but what else???

Answer 1

You need to calm down. Get your birth plan together, and settle on a hospital. The hospital will have lactation consultants there that you have access to the entire time you breast feed.

Honestly, I didnt finish my nursery until my son was 3 months old. You'll find when baby gets here that, especially in the beginning you spend ALL your time nursing. Because of that you end up with baby either in bed with you, or next to your bed. You dont even use the nursery.

So that takes a lot of the pressure off.

And also, in the beginning, babies are poopie spitty monsters, so you have no time or use in putting onsies and sleepers in drawers, just keep them in the basket by the bed.

You only *need* clothes, a bassenette, and nursing gear in the beginning. All the rest is just done in advance to make it easier as the months pass. So just relax and enjoy what you do, you have PLENTY of time.

Answer 2

Just relax. The baby doesn't need much, enough clothing to keep it warm, clean diapers, a place to sleep, and a car seat. I'm not thinking that a lactation consultant is necessary...we've been nursing babies for thousands of years. Relax about the pretty things, get rest while you still can. They should have a nurse at the hospital (if that's what you are doing) who can help you get started with nursing. The wic program also has people who can help out with nursing issues. I'd avoid the LaLache League, they tend to get a bit, uhm, strident.

Answer 3

You hospital will have the lactation consultants waiting for you, get a plan together and choose your hospital.

As for the nursery, we never even touched ours. I always thought oh you can no have the child in your room, well from the moment he was wheeled into my hospital room we slept together, it helps with breastfeeding, it keeps them close and secure and creates bonding. After he got mobile we used the nursery but only as a play space really. No need to rush to get it done, honestly. It is only to make it appealing looking to adults not the baby :)

All you really NEED is onsies and sleepers (they will live in them, have an outfit or two to dress up when you go out but don't worr about all kind of fancy clothes) diapers and baby towels and clothes (I used babyclothes instead of wipes, so we had more than most need, but it saved greatly on wipes cost)

Answer 4

When your baby arrives you'll be tired and all your energy will be used to keep up with eating, pooping and crying.If you have time try and prepare meals ahead of time like lasagna or chili.Portion it so you only have to heat and serve.Any baking do ahead and freeze as well.Arrange for a family member on the day you bring the baby home to drop off some fresh groceries fruit, buns, lunch meat,milk it'll help make the first few days easier when you don't have to worry about cooking.My wife when she breastfeed would keep granola bars, fruit cups and individual applesauces next to where she feed for easy access.Things we didn't know we needed in the hospital were breast pads, lansinoh breast cream. Just relax, get some rest and enjoy the holiday season

Answer 5

My hubby & I weren't even finished getting our house set-up when our son was born. I actually helped him put the TV armoire together while I was in labor & my father surprised us by assembling the nursery furniture while we were still in the hospital!! I had been overwhelmed with a feeling that I wasn't prepared, and it all ended up working out beautifully anyway.

Preparing yourself- 'try' to relax & rest as much as possible. To relieve a bit of anxiety, get your hospital bag packed (or at least figure out what you're going to bring). I felt so much more prepared once our bags were packed even though they sat around for a couple weeks.
Have you taken a birth class? You may/may not benefit from one, but it should ease your mind a bit:
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/childbirthclasses/l/blonlineclasses.htm

You still have approx 2 months (full term) till your daughters arrival. Try to take it easy and get done what you can at your pace. Everything will come together.

Answer 6

No matter how hard you try, you will never be fully prepared. If breastfeeding is very important to you then finding a local la leche league could be very helpful. Visit before the baby is even born with questions. Checking out breastfeeding books could also be helpful . YOu seem to have lots together. Also, i know many ped recommend washing babies cloths in a baby detergent or a detergent free from perfume and dyes(like all free and clear).

Answer 7

relax and breaaaathe.

the best thing i did to prepare was i packed myself a bag with every possible thing i could need for me and baby when i was at the hospital. we just grabbed it and ran when the time came. go to the store and stock up on all the travel size stuff like a toothbrush. toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, hair brush, shampoo, etc. i also packed outfits for my son, and pads for me.

good luck!

Answer 8

have you had a baby shower?

you can get a lot of the little things, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

your doctor can advise you on several of the things you mentioned. don't be afraid to ask.

good luck, and relax.