“‘The time has come.’ Go!”
Oh, man. I love me some “I Love Lucy,” and especially this episode. In order for this scene not to be your scenario when getting ready to leave for the hospital (you know, like being left behind), here are some things to take care of before you leave to welcome your little bundle of joy into the world.
By now you have completed your registry list and have fully nested. You’ve washed more baby clothes than you ever thought you would see (just wait, you’ll wash way more once he or she is here), and you have packed your bag. You’ve even checked off everything on the to-do list I made for you. Now the fun part is just about to start. But who’s going to call the doctor (in Ricky Ricardo’s voice of course)? Since I am a lover of lists, here are 15 things to know and do before you leave to the hospital.
1. Have your hospital bag(s) in your car.
This is not such a bad idea. You’ve already packed, and if you are working up until your due date, you might as well be prepared for an emergency dash to the delivery room. I had about 4 bags, a pillow, and a nursing pillow. I was ready for vacation. But I toted around the bag with my necessities, just in case.
2. Install your baby’s infant carrier.
We did this a month before Charlotte was due since people insisted that Charlotte was going to come early, but we all know how that turned out. However, I am so glad that we did install it early because it gave us plenty of time to check that it was installed properly. There are tons of Youtube videos on how to install your specific brand’s carseat into your vehicle, and there are even places that will check to make sure it is installed correctly. Definitely get this done in advance.
3. Register at your hospital and make a payment if necessary.
Once you’re due date is looming, you’ll most certainly need to do this. Ask your OB when you should register. I think I registered at 30+ weeks, but some hospitals want you to register at 20 weeks. When you register, a payment might be required. This is not fun stuff, but some hospitals do indeed require it. Be prepared. Also, some hospitals offer suites or luxury suites. Be informed and know how to snag one if this is up your alley. We did and have no regrets.
4. Know when to call your doctor.
Ask for your doctor’s call service number and when you are supposed to call. Contractions every 30 minutes for a few hours? Or contractions every 20 minutes? You’ll need to see what your doctor’s protocol looks like, but more than likely, you’ll be calling in like they are your new best friends. I called the hotline a handful of times, but I never received the go-ahead to head to the hospital until my C-section was scheduled. (More on Charlotte’s birth story later.) But I promise you will love when you hear these words: “Come on in.”
5. Have a birth plan.
There are so many wonderful birth plans out there. We received a template at one of our birth preparation classes, and I loved filling mine out. Here are some things to consider for said birth plan: Who’s going to be in the delivery room with you? Delivery with meds or no meds? Pacifier or no pacifier? Keep the baby in the nursery or in the room with you? Here is a very simple birth plan from Baby Center, and here is a more extensive example from The Bump. Both are PDFs.
6. Be prepared for the unexpected.
You know how you just filled out that birth plan? Be prepared for it not to go exactly as you had planned. I ended up having a C-section and having to supplement my breast feeding with formula. Who knew? Just know that all will be okay. That’s why it is so critical to know and trust your doctor.
7. Have your house deep cleaned.
Vacuum your carpets, mop your floors, dust your windows and countertops, wash your linens and towels…or hire someone to do it for you. This may very well be the last part of your nesting, but it is certainly important. You’ll want a clean house for the arrival of your sweet baby and all of the guests, too. It might be a while before you deep clean again.
8. Pamper yourself.
Sounds silly, but really, paint your nails (clear if your doctor insists…I actually called my hotline to ask them this question), get your eyebrows done, get a haircut, shave your legs, and glam yourself up for your time to shine. You’re about to be a mama!
9. Prepare some freezer-ready meals.
We did not prepare any food, but it was a nice thought in theory. Do you remember what pregnancy looked like for me at the end of my pregnancy? Maybe you’ll do better and be more prepared than I was. There are ton of Pinterest recipes for such dinners, so get pin happy and cooking…or have someone help you out and do it for you. If you are going to be nursing, make sure and make the spices mild. You won’t want to upset your baby’s sensitive tummy.
10. Make arrangements for your animals.
We had a dear neighbor watch our pup Chapman when we headed to the hospital. We had made the arrangements several weeks in advance, and she was graciously on standby. Our delivery hospital was 40 minutes away from our home so making arrangements for Chapman was a must.
11. Communicate your plan for visitors.
If you are only wanting family at the hospital to visit, let your friends know. If you want some of your friends there, let them know. Communication is key. Make sure you have a plan for visitors after the hospital, too. I knew I would need help in the first few weeks, and I solidified that notion once I found out I was having a C-section. But if you want to soldier on with just your hubs once you are home, that is up to you. My only advice is to communicate your wishes well in advance. The last thing you want to worry about is entertaining, whether that be in the hospital or at your home.
12. Have a phone tree ready.
Once you know the delivery of your baby is imminent, make sure to have your phone tree ready to go. Whether that be a group text or just a phone call to one person, make sure your people are informed of go-time. Maybe make someone in your family in charge of all communication relating to baby. You’ll have enough to worry about; the phone should be the least of your worries.
13. Know your hospital route.
This may be a given, but just keep the route in mind before you ever have to go in for showtime. Also know alternate routes if you live in a big city. Living in Houston, you just never know what traffic is going to be like. Thankfully, we headed to the hospital on a Saturday morning. Just be aware of traffic patterns, construction, detours, highway closures, and the weather. If it sprinkles here, traffic is backed up for miles. This is why an alternate route might be necessary.
14. Charge your camera or hire a photographer.
I’ve already mentioned in my to-do list to hire a newborn photographer if that is something you’re interested in, but will you want the photographer at the hospital with you or will a family member be in charge of the camera? If a loved one will be behind the lens, make sure your camera is ready and charged. Also, it might not be a bad idea to have some poses in mind or special picture ideas listed so that you won’t be wishing later that you had taken a specific picture.
15. Get your hubs a little something.
For the past 40 weeks, the spotlight has most likely been all on you. And it will probably quickly go to your little love. I bought MJ something special, a very nice wallet, and gave it to him when we were in the hospital. I also had written out a card to go with the gift. You’ll want your baby daddy to feel special, too. Just be prepared to cry. You’ll be doing lots of that. Dang hormones.
With all of that, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy instead of just twiddling your thumbs until your water breaks or your contractions start or your C-section is scheduled. May God watch over you and your sweet family during delivery. Happy baby prepping! :)
