Checklist: What you need for the birth!
- Preparing for birth
- Attending a birth preparation course
- Find out about the different birth options (e.g. natural birth, caesarean section, water birth, etc.) and make a decision with your doctor
- Plan the birth process (e.g. who will be there, what equipment will you need, etc.)
- Preparing for the postpartum period
- Preparing the baby room
- Buying baby clothes, diapers and other baby items
- Attending a breastfeeding course or choosing the right bottles and breast pump
- Find out about baby care (e.g. bathing, changing diapers, etc.) and attend a baby care course
- Packing list for the hospital
- Hospital records
- Comfortable clothes for childbirth
- Personal hygiene items
- Camera or mobile phone for taking photos
- Nursing bra and nursing pillow
- Comfortable clothes for the postpartum period
- Snacks and drinks
- Entertainment options (e.g. books, music, etc.)
- Emergency plan
- Create an emergency plan in case the birth is unexpected
- Discuss the plan with your partner and other supportive people
- Make sure you have the phone numbers and contact details of the maternity clinic and your doctor
I hope this checklist helps you prepare for the birth of your baby!