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Are you wondering how to prepare for a baby? If you’re an expectant parent, this
question might be on your mind day and night! But preparing for a baby isn’t just
about getting your home in order—it also means preparing for labor and making a
list of fun things to do before having a baby, which can support the end of your
pregnancy journey. Read on for our top recommendations of what to do before your
little one arrives!
How to Prepare for Labor
When you’re preparing for your baby, much of your timeline and many tasks will
focus on getting ready for labor and birth. Check out our master list so that you
know how to prepare for birth.
1. Take a Childbirth Class
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, it’s a good idea to take a
childbirth class. Taking a class can support you with preparing for labor
physically and emotionally—learn about breathing techniques, pain relief
strategies, and how your body prepares for labor with practice contractions, known
as Braxton Hicks.
Further, childbirth classes can help you understand what to anticipate in labor,
how your healthcare provider will support you, and what happens after delivery, so
take advantage of this resource!
2. Create a Birth Plan
For some, crafting a birth plan is essential to preparing for labor. Though
childbirth can be unpredictable, and you may need to deviate from the plan, it
helps to have a written record of your preferences and best to provide a copy to
your partner, family, and healthcare provider. You’ll thank yourself later when
everyone’s on the same page while you’re amid labor!
3. Pack Your Hospital Bag
Although this is a relatively easy task, don’t put it off until the last minute!
Only 5 percent of babies are actually born on their due date, so packing your
hospital bag in advance may very well save the day! We have a handy hospital bag
checklist you can use to make sure you don’t forget the essentials.
4. Talk With Your Birthing Partner
A birthing partner (or labor coach) might be your partner, but a parent, sibling,
or friend could also take on this role. Not everyone chooses to have a birthing
partner, but if you do, it helps to make sure you’re in sync and supported while
preparing for labor and during labor.
5. Follow a Healthy Diet
It's likely that you’ve been paying attention to what you eat and following a
healthy pregnancy diet. If not, now’s the time to start! Eating well helps keep you
and your little one healthy, promotes steady growth, and supplies the energy you
need for childbirth and motherhood—so it’s a crucial component of how to prepare
for a baby.
6. Try to Get Daily Exercise
In addition to eating well, exercising every day can help your body prepare for
labor. Exercising while pregnant can help strengthen the muscles that you’ll use
when giving birth. Experts recommended about 30 minutes of moderate exercise most
days of the week.
7. Practice Relaxation Techniques
If you're taking a childbirth education class, you’ll likely learn several
relaxation techniques that can help in preparing for labor. Prenatal yoga,
meditation, and deep breathing have been known to reduce labor pains and can help
you minimize those common anxieties and worries about giving birth and the big
changes that lie ahead.
8. Plan Your Birth Announcement
Once your new addition arrives, you may want to send out birth announcements.
Whether you plan to post on social media or send out a card, you can prepare the
basic announcement ahead of time and add details like time and date of birth and
your baby’s name after delivery.