Preparing for Childbirth Checklist

Hot days, a trip to the pool or beach, barbecue and iced tea are all associated with summer time – and so are babies. More newborns arrive during summer months than any other time of year. Typically, July, August and September have the highest birth rates. Along with newborns, this summer is sure to deliver thousands of first-time parents.

To help prepare for the joyous occasion and ease the transition into parenthood, here’s a checklist to help welcome your newborn:

First Trimester

• Arrange prenatal visits with your doctor. If you don’t have one, choose one. Meet regularly for checkups and to discuss any questions or concerns you have during your pregnancy. Consistent prenatal care is very important and will help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur and prevent difficulties during delivery.
• Eat a healthy diet. Moms-to-be need more protein, iron, calcium and folic acid.

Second Trimester

•  Discuss birth options with your partner and health care provider.
• Follow any special activity instructions your health care provider recommends.
• Continue eating healthy and remember to increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration, which can lead to premature labor.
• Consider childbirth education classes to help you prepare for labor and delivery and many other aspects of childbirth and parenthood. Baptist Hospital offers general education, breastfeeding and breathing/relaxation classes for expectant parents, in addition to classes for brothers and sisters-to-be and grandparents. Sign up early since classes can fill up quickly and try to take the classes by your seventh month of pregnancy.
• Take a tour of the hospital’s childbirth center in order to have a better of idea of what to expect and where to arrive.
• Pre-admitting to the hospital allows you to complete paperwork in advance so you can focus on the birth of your baby when you arrive at the hospital. Complete and mail your admission form to the hospital at least eight weeks before your expected due date.

Third Trimester

• Check your insurance coverage and make necessary financial arrangements. You’ll also need to arrange health insurance for your baby to get regular check-ups and important vaccines.
• Select your baby's physician, ideally before the eighth month of pregnancy. Don’t wait until after your baby is born to choose a pediatrician. Your obstetrician or nurse-midwife can care for you only, not the baby. This will be one of the most important things you can do before giving birth.
• Pack your suitcase and labor bag with items to make your comfortable during your stay in the hospital.
• Make a list of important phone numbers.
• Find the shortest route from your home to the hospital, arrange transportation and include a back-up plan.
• Purchase and install your baby's car seat. Learn how to use it. Car seats are required by law. 
• Consider infant feeding options. 
•  Purchase baby care supplies, especially items you’ll need on a daily basis such as diapers, wash cloths, burp cloths and blankets. Stock up on essentials, like diapers, to prevent frequent trips to the store.
• Before baby arrives, purchase a cradle, crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping.

Geri Scott is a registered nurse and certified childbirth educator at Baptist Hospital, in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 7,000 babies are delivered each year at the faith-based hospital. www.baptisthospital.com.