Countdown to Baby: Your 3rd Trimester To Do List

It’s hard to believe that 4 weeks from now I’ll be in the hospital, induced and finally having this baby boy! That is unless he comes sooner. (Why am I being induced? More on that in another post.)

I used to be the queen of to-do lists. As if writing everything down in my most perfect handwriting gave me greater control of whether or not it got done. Since I’ve become a mom (and was a full time working mom), I’ve written fewer and fewer lists. I suppose being in survival mode caused me to give up on the notion that lists created control. Perhaps not having it written down gave me permission to not get it done. But alas, I am now home every day and as I look towards welcoming another life into my midst for which I will be responsible, I’ve been getting back into the practice of lists.

I made a list the other day with various projects I’d like to see completed before Joshua’s arrival (like this handmade mobile I’ve been trying to start for months). I’ve marked a few items off the list but there are several left to tackle. I’m not sure how I’m going to get to them but having them on the list makes me feel better. Although I have my trusty list, it dawned on me yesterday that there are many more, small-scale, practical things I want to do to get ready for this baby. So I’m compelled to author a (hopefully) comprehensive 3rd trimester to-do list for all of the mommies-to-be that I know read this blog regularly. I advise you starting on this list a bit sooner than I am (4 weeks out) thus the name 3rd Trimester To-Do List.

For more tips like these, check out The Pregnancy and Baby Companion books

The Pregnancy Companion 3rd Trimester To-Do List

•  If you haven’t already, begin looking into childcare options (if needed).
• Select a pediatrician. Take the time to interview a few in your area. There are great tips on choosing a provider in the book.
• Attend a childbirth and/or breastfeeding class at your hospital/in your area if you have not already.
• Make sure you know how to use your breast pump.
• Preregister at your hospital. This will save you lots of time when baby decides it’s time to grace the world.
• Consider and write down your birth plan.
• Wash, fold and put away baby’s clothes and linens (don’t forget to use a fragrance free laundry soap).
• Finish painting/decorating the nursery if you haven’t already (leave time for those paint fumes to disappear).
• If you are in nesting mode, tackle a couple of small scale organizational projects that will help clear your space (and your head) before baby’s arrival.
• Schedule last minute appointments such as the dentist or eye doctor. It will be much easier to commit to this “non-essential” maintenance without a newborn vying for your attention.
• Write and send thank you notes for gifts you’ve received.
• Finalize your maternity leave plans and begin to wrap up any unfinished projects at work.
• Plan a special date with your spouse. It might be your last one for a while.
• Plan a special outing with your kids (if possible, individually) so they have mom all to themselves one last time before baby comes.
• Schedule a pedicure or prenatal massage and give yourself at least 1/2 the day for “me” time.
• Get your hair cut a week or two before you are due. Nothing feels better than freshly cut hair. . .especially when you don’t have much time to “do” it.
• Make sure your fridge, freezer and pantry are stocked. Prepare a few meals that can be easily frozen and then thawed (this is especially helpful if you do not have someone coordinating meals for you after baby arrives).
• Schedule a thorough cleaning of your house. If you can afford it, splurge and have someone clean for you. If not, ask a friend or two to help you one afternoon. You will feel so much better bringing baby home to a clean house.
• Take inventory of your household items such as paper goods, toiletries and cleaning supplies to make sure you are stocked for a few months. Who wants to worry about running out of toilet paper AND diapers!
• Your baby’s closet is likely full of adorable clothes and linens. Are you stocked up on diapers, wipes and baby toiletries as well? Take a last minute inventory of your baby care items to make sure you have all the essentials.
• Prepay any bills you can so you won’t have to think about it for a few weeks after baby is born.
• Install baby’s carseat.
• Pack your hospital bag. There is a great list for what to pack in the book.
• Make sure you have your most essential cosmetic items on hand. There won’t be much time for a trip to the Clinique counter in the next month or so. I’m planning a post later this month on the Top 10 Makeup Must Haves for New Moms. . .I’ll talk more about this then.
• Create your labor and delivery music playlist. If your husband is into music, let him do this for you. It’s a great way to involve him in the process.
• Arrange childcare for siblings. If you do not have a scheduled birth, have a couple of options available as baby may come when it is not convenient for some.
• Write down your list of people to contact once baby arrives (with phone numbers and email addresses). Give this list to a trusted friend or family member so they can spread the wonderful news. You can also give them access to your Facebook page so they can post pics of your bundle of joy.
• Have photos taken of your beautiful baby belly. You may not want to remember what it felt like to be 9 months pregnant, but you will likely enjoy seeing it in years to come.
• Write a letter to your unborn child. Whether you have been journaling your pregnancy or not, now is a great time to record your deepest thoughts and emotions about carrying this little one within your womb for the past 9 months and how excited you are to finally meet them.

Whew! So much to do. I’d better stop writing and get started on this list. I’m so behind!! Have I left anything out? We’d love to hear your additions to this list. Although I really don’t think I could handle one more thing to do!

For more tips like these, check out The Pregnancy and Baby Companion books

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