12 things to do before you give birth

You’re getting close and you can pop anytime now. You probably have the bulk of your pre-birth duties done, but just in case you’ve left a few things out, here are 12 things to do before you give birth:

1. Get your house cleaned
The last thing you want is to come home to a messy place.

2. Get a hospital bag
Pack all the things you’ll need to bring with you a few weeks in advance.

3. Discuss Godparents
Talk to your partner about the lucky people who will be your newborn’s Godparents.

4. Find a doctor
Birth recovery will take enough of your energy, so it’s a good idea to get this out of the way before you deliver.

5. Pamper yourself
Treat yourself to an afternoon at the spa. Get a massage or a pedicure and just let your body relax. After all, you deserve it.

6. Have someone prepare food
Your diet during the early newborn days is just as important as your baby’s. Have someone prepare home meals for you and keep them in the freezer.

7. Have a girls’ night in
You probably won’t get to spend as much time with your girlies after you give birth. Organise a fun night for you and your girls to gossip and watch a chick flick.

8. Go on a baby moon
Take a romantic trip with your partner (this could mean the bedroom) and just spend the night cuddling. Some quality time before labour day will give you something to look back on when the going gets tough.

9. Learn how to use baby equipment
Make sure you learn how to use your baby equipment i.e. car seat, buggy, breast bump etc.

10. Sort out finances
Set out a budget with your partner so you both know what to expect in the next few months –keep it realistic though.

11. Organise your home
A newborn can take up a lot of space, so make sure you get rid of all the bits and bobs before you deliver.

12. Breathe
Don’t let the nerves get to you. You’ve made it this far so you have the strength to go further. Take a few moments to close your eyes and take a VERY deep breath – it really does help.