Getting Ready for Your Delivery Day

The day you deliver your baby is one of the biggest days of your life. Through all the happiness and excitement there can still be some stress for expecting moms and dads. One of the best ways to help relieve some of the stress of the big day is by preparing ahead of time as much as possible. Take care of the small details that may turn into large headaches and you'll be able to concentrate on what's really important: meeting the newest member of your family.

Plan With Your Doctor

Many expecting parents know that the birthing process can be one full of unexpected events. Still, many like to have a birthing plan laid out with their doctor prior to delivery day. Things to document in a birthing plan include the preference to have a medicine free labor or not whether certain calming music should be played or the entire experience recorded. , Developing your desired plan and sharing it with your doctor ahead of time will help make sure everyone is on the same page of how you’d like delivery day to go. It can be a huge stress reliever, but remember to stay flexible should surprises arise, your doctor’s priority is doing what’s best for the delivery of your baby.

Pack the Hospital Bag

Packing a hospital bag with new baby and mom essentials is a smart plan to help the transition of leaving the hospital and taking the new baby home go smoothly. Packing the bag about a month away from your due date is a good timeline. When packing the hospital bag, think comfort! Pack a going home outfit for the new baby and mom, any important health information, and any basic hygiene items, like a toothbrush or make-up, which will help make your hospital stay more comfortable. Have a list handy of any last minute things you’d like to grab on your way out the door, such as a camera, cellphone chargers, etc.

Cord Blood Banking

If you’ve made the decision to collect your baby’s cord blood, be sure to have your cord blood collection kit packed with your hospital bag There are a number of potential medical treatments using your baby’s cord blood but cord blood stem cells can only be collected right after the umbilical cord is cut. There will be no time to go home and grab a forgotten kit if this is the route your family has chosen.

Meals for the Family

The addition of a new family member is an exciting, yet exhausting experience. In the days following when a new baby comes home from the hospital, many parents are busy handling bottle duty and don’t even want to think about cooking for themselves. This often means fast food or pizza delivery instead of your normal healthy meals. Don't fall into a junk food trap just because you've got a new family member. Cook simple soups, stews, and casseroles ahead of time and freeze them in microwaveable containers. You'll have freshly made lasagna or beef stew with biscuits in just a few moments while you relax and enjoy some needed downtime before dinner.

Taking these steps to prepare your family for a new member is a great way to get everyone prepared for this wonderful, life-changing day when your baby is born.

This article was written by Alan Cassidy, an active writer within the blogging community covering maternity and childbirth, and always advocating for infant and children’s health. Connect with him on Twitter @ACassidy22