https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:40:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088561 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:06:18 +0000 snowjewelz 2088561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get haircut, nails done... I mean I have gotten both things done since I've given birth but now I'm always thinking about DD and never truly just relaxed! </p> <p>Also, if you plan to BF, I would actually start playing around with your nipples. I had no idea I had inverted/flat nipples. And if you want to just pump your nipples, give them some work out so maybe they're more "ready" for BF later? That's one thing I never thought about doing and wished I did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088519 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:38:46 +0000 LuLu Mom 2088519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: I wasn't able to get my pump either, however I went the minute I was discharged from hospital to the place to pick it up (DD was still there.) </p> <p>I think there lots of opinions out there, some say pacifiers/bottles cause nipple confusion, others say it doesn't matter. I know many moms (actually all my friends) even though they were breastfeeding introduced a pacifier right away and I plan on doing the same with DD2 when she arrives. I think better to be prepared than not :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088516 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:37:35 +0000 looch 2088516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went to the dentist, sounds totally random, but I got a good teeth cleaning and check up.</p> <p>I also prefilled a bunch of pages in the baby book, you can do all the "about the parents" and that sort of stuff upfront, if you're doing a baby book.</p> <p>I also got some paperback books and magazines, and put them away in a drawer...in case I needed something fun and light to read.</p> <p>Oh, and pick up all your stuff from the drycleaner, if you use one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088504 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:30:08 +0000 PawPrints 2088504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: I definitely understand for NICU babies, but my impression of the to-do list was that most moms here are preparing for a non-NICU birth, so I'm still a little confused. My insurance won't allow me to purchase my breast pump until after birth, which I think is fairly common, so it wouldn't even be possible for me to be pumping milk immediately the day I bring my LO home from the birth center. Everything I've ready (outside this thread) has said to not go anywhere near bottles or pacifiers for at least a few weeks. Wouldn't you at least wait a week for your milk to come in (again, assuming no NICU stay) before discussing supplementing with formula? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088496 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:26:07 +0000 LuLu Mom 2088496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: I had a NICU baby, our nursing relationship never developed like I watned, I pumped and she bottle feed, I was so thankful to have bottles/nipples ready to go. they actually gave her a pacifier as well because they were encouraging her to suck, she was what they called a "lazy baby" and we started out feeding her by syringe because she didn't want to do anything on her own. You just never know what unforeseen complications can arise and it's better to be prepared! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2088494 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:22:40 +0000 Tippy0707 2088494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a great list! Being a first time mom, I hadn't thought about doing a few of these things. Thanks ladies! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086136 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:28:25 +0000 SweetiePie 2086136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: Not everyone can breastfeed exclusively right off the bat. It's good to have some handy so you aren't mad dashing when you get home. </p> <p>@macintosh: I think your list is good and everyone has added some great items too! </p> <p>Also a good idea to have formula on hand! Like I said, I had trouble BF since he was in the nicu for a couple of days. my husband ended up having to go out at 3am and buy formula from the drug store! </p> <p>What about infant cpr/safety</p> <p>Music/movies on your iPad or computer? I had a playlist ready and some movies since I was induced and we were there for a while. </p> <p>Maybe take a final belly shot? And a final pic of just you and DH. </p> <p>Oh and this is not for before but actually right after - I had my husband buy a couple of newspapers, local and national, from the day he was born, so we can show him someday what the news and weather and stuff was that day. </p> <p>I would also suggest not unpacking/washing everything. Without a doubt there will be clothing you never end up using and won't be able to return if you wash it. Especially newborn, Since they outgrow it quickly. And within newborn anything that is really cutesy (jeans and button downs, for example. They are stinking cute but we wore nothing but footed sleepers for the first month or two, so all of that went to waste). </p> <p>And I majorly echo some alone/couple time. Time to yourself because you will have so little after the baby arrives. And time as a couple! Go to fave restaurants, movies, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086126 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:14:07 +0000 magnolia 2086126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>the one thing I forgot was giant pads and bottom balm for bleeding and swelling postpartum. Congrats and good luck!! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086116 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:59:39 +0000 ShootingStar 2086116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: it's good to have them ready to go in case you need them. We used pacifiers and some bottles right from the start and never had nipple confusion or bottle refusal. </p> <p>@macintosh: Your list looks good! I'd also make sure to have freezer meals prepared and a food plan in place. I found it so hard to eat, especially breakfast. I'd usually put him on his playmat and heat up portrays because it was quick and easy. Don't be like me! Lol. Try to have lots of healthy snacks on hand too. </p> <p>If you're planning to BF make sure to have lots of burp cloths handy, I felt like everything was covered in milk the first few weeks. And stick up on diapers. DS was in NB diapers for maybe 3 weeks or so. If you buy too much of the wrong size you can always exchange them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086108 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:06:57 +0000 marionberry 2086108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get a pedicure!! This is on my to-do list before baby comes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086094 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 03:19:04 +0000 lamariniere 2086094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get a haircut! I actually scheduled one 3 weeks before LO2 was due, but she ended up arriving before my haircut, so I missed it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086074 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:46:23 +0000 gracecat 2086074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would read up on breast feeding and baby sleep strategies now as you will be too sleep deprived to have energy after. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086072 Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:02:20 +0000 PawPrints 2086072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Why all the washing bottles and pacifiers? Don't most people hold off on those for the first few weeks? Or am I missing something? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2086051 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:50:18 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2086051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: Go on dates with your SO, find a pediatrician (if you haven't already!), and if you're planning to BF it might be a good idea to have a Lactation Consultant's number on hand. It was so helpful for me to have someone to call when I needed help with BFing on one of our first days home, and I was so glad to have done that research in advance! </p> <p>Also, we stocked our freezer with breakfast items (frozen waffles and breakfast burritos) as well as dinner. It was so nice to have some hot breakfast items easily accessible when the last thing I felt like doing was cooking after a long night of BFing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083392 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:30:42 +0000 macintosh 2083392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chillybear: good point. I found a great resource for car seat inspections here: <a href="http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/" rel="nofollow">http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/</a></p> <p>Looks like my local PD doesn't do them but there are plenty of places nearby.</p> <p>@loki: No problem! :goodluck: </p> <p>@LuLu Mom: That reminds me, I need to buy a few things to wear at the hospital and postpartum, too.</p> <p>Also, I have to file my taxes so I can get my refund :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083389 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:26:19 +0000 raintreebee 2083389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would add that you should try to figure out any gear beforehand, like strollers, breast pumps, bottle sterilizers.... It's amazing how a simple task like unfolding the stroller can seem formidable once the baby arrives. I remember we took the newborn to the doctor in the stroller with the bassinet facing outwards because we couldn't figure it out, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083379 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:22:41 +0000 Chillybear 2083379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thought of another one<br /> - Sterilize pump and bottle parts - you have to boil everything for 10 minutes </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083376 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:20:54 +0000 LuLu Mom 2083376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and I just made my final list: </p> <p>1. install car seat bases<br /> 2. wash bottles/pacifiers<br /> 3. Last minute shopping trip to get a few remaining things<br /> 4. Organize linen closet so baby has a shelf for towels/washcloths<br /> 5. Finish packing hospital bag<br /> 6. Sam's CLub/Costco run for toddler snacks/meat in deep freeze ect.<br /> 7. have DD pick out gift to bring to hospital for DD2.<br /> 8. Buy a couple more nursing tank tops/clothes to wear on leave<br /> 9. Manicure/pedicure (this is a must in my opinion ha) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083374 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:19:53 +0000 loki 2083374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thanks for this post. i'm 34 weeks and have yet to do most of this stuff! ahhh! haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083372 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:18:06 +0000 macintosh 2083372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Nothing wrong with that! I actually love to send a photo card every Christmas. I'll probably put something together when he is a few months old. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083370 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:17:51 +0000 Chillybear 2083370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: I thought we nailed teh car seat install too, until we went to the inspection and they ended up re installing it, now we go and have them show us every time we switch seats.... it only takes about 20 min and was free. I dont know where you're located but in and around philly Kohls partnered up with the local childrens hospital to provide this service. I think its called Kohl's Cares Car Seat program </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083368 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:16:30 +0000 macintosh 2083368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady, @cascademom: yes, I hope to get things done and gave at least a couple of free weekends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083359 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:13:43 +0000 macintosh 2083359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: that's probably what we'll do :happy: </p> <p>@Chillybear: I like these questions!</p> <p>Will you be touring the hospital/birthing center?</p> <p>Done!</p> <p>Will you be taking a breastfeeding class? Do you have a LC lined up? Look for a mothers group, or LLL that you can join.</p> <p>Thanks for the reminder, I need to register for BF class at the hospital.</p> <p>Do you have a place nearby that inspects car seat installs?</p> <p>Not sure, maybe the police/fire station? I'm pretty good at that kind of thing myself though.</p> <p>Set up "Stations" on main floor and upstairs - Changing station, Napping place, set up swing, bouncer etc</p> <p>Not really necessary with our house. It's small, one level. The baby's room is no farther than the bathroom.</p> <p>If you are going to do any babywearing, get your chosen device out and see how it works - go through the instructions, try it on - I found the Ktan so confusing at first</p> <p>Good idea, will plan to try the Ergo and sling out once I get them.</p> <p>Newborn photos?</p> <p>No $$$ for that! My SIL and MIL are great photographers, though,</p> <p>Relax - enjoy your husband, go out to dinner, go to the movies</p> <p>Yes, I'm thinking a few nice lunches, one more prenatal massage, lots of naps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083356 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:12:54 +0000 cascademom 2083356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of "me" "husband/wife" time. Go out to dinner and movies. Do things like that before your life has to be scheduled around babysitters and bedtime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083352 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:11:48 +0000 blackbird 2083352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Oh, silly man, lol. @macintosh: I'm a traditionalist when it comes to paper announcements. I still get them and I gotta send 'em! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083338 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:03:22 +0000 catlady 2083338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your list looks good. The only thing I would advise is to take some "me time". A last minute weekend trip, long brunch with friends, marathon movie night, that kind of thing. If there are any restaurants you really want to try, go now. Good luck and congrats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083330 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:58:01 +0000 Chillybear 2083330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Will you be touring the hospital/birthing center?</p> <p>Will you be taking a breastfeeding class? Do you have a LC lined up? Look for a mothers group, or LLL that you can join.</p> <p>Do you have a place nearby that inspects car seat installs?</p> <p>Set up "Stations" on main floor and upstairs - Changing station, Napping place, set up swing, bouncer etc</p> <p>If you are going to do any babywearing, get your chosen device out and see how it works - go through the instructions, try it on - I found the Ktan so confusing at first</p> <p>Newborn photos?</p> <p>Stock your freezer</p> <p>Relax - enjoy your husband, go out to dinner, go to the movies </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083316 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:50:12 +0000 LBee 2083316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: We didn't send a birth announcement, but we sent an email to our friends and family. We didn't want to send a mass text and have our cell phones blow-up. Email allowed us to read replies at our leisure. </p> <p>It just said something like: </p> <p>Subject: Baby LBee is Here! </p> <p>Body:<br /> Abra Cadabra Lbee was born today at 12:00 pm! He is 17 lbs and 30" long. Lbee and baby are both doing great and we are thrilled to finally be holding our son. Thank you for all the prayers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083304 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:44:17 +0000 macintosh 2083304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: good point! I don't have any bottles yet. I imagine I'll be making an extra trip to BuyBuyBaby after the shower to get stuff like that.</p> <p>On birth announcements, I don't know that we'll even worry about that. I've never received a birth announcement from any family members (except on Facebook). Are they still that common? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/to-do-list-before-birth#post-2083302 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 11:43:01 +0000 LBee 2083302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: That's really smart! My husband kept telling me he wasn't a monkey and could write the announcement himself so I asked him what he would say and he was like "uh, I don't know - he's here and okay?" I told him the correct party line is "Mom and baby are doing great." He then proceeded to ask why people would be wondering how I was doing....</p> <p>He also didn't have email addresses of my friends easily accessible, so it kept us from having to go back and forth between emails, etc, at the hospital. We just pressed send and focused on our son! </p> <p>I would also write all your thank you notes. I thought I would write them all while the baby napped... nope, I watched a shit ton of Grey's Anatomy instead. Priorities. </p>