Dear Beautiful Mama,
Congratulations! Whether you’re getting ready to welcome your first little one or adding to your beautiful family, this is such an exciting time.
I know it can feel overwhelming with all the things that need to be done, but take a breath—you’ve got this !
As I was preparing for my baby, I found a few things that really helped us feel ready and brought joy to the process (we went well past our due date). I’m sharing them here not as a checklist you have to complete but as ideas to consider.
Do what feels right for you, and remember that you can’t prepare for everything, but you can savor this time and make some beautiful memories.
And I’ve been asked this, much of what we blog about is informed by our own experience and ability to share our lessons with others as a resource.
Enough about me…now…
Waiting for baby what to do with all this time?
Celebrate and Savor the Moments
First things first, take a moment to celebrate! You’re growing a whole new person, and that’s amazing. Whether it’s a small gathering, a special dessert you love, or simply some quiet time to reflect, mark the occasion in a way that feels meaningful to you.
We didn’t have a traditional baby shower, but we made our own little celebrations.
One of my favorite things was a beautiful henna belly art session. A local artist created intricate designs, and I felt like a goddess with my decorated bump. It made the whole experience feel special.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Before the new baby arrives, make some time for your loved ones. We did a staycation close to home, which was a nice little break, and then we took a short family trip to San Diego.
We rented bikes, enjoyed the fresh air, and just soaked up those last moments as a family of four. We also made sure to plan some solo time for hubby and me—a couple’s getaway while family helped with the kids. These moments helped us reconnect, laugh, cry, and relax before the busy days ahead.
Do Things That Make You Happy
It’s so easy to get caught up in the to-do lists, but remember to do what brings you joy. We took the kids to a movie, which felt like a special treat, and it was a fun way to unwind.
We also made a point to do some small things that made me feel pampered, like taking warm baths with candles and enjoying my favorite desserts (because why not?).
Prepare for Baby’s Arrival
Now onto some practical things that made life easier when the baby arrived:
1. Create a Baby Registry: Even if you’re not having a shower, creating a registry is a great idea. We used Babylist, and it was perfect. It made it easy for family and friends to send gifts, and we could add all the little things we needed in one place. Plus, you’ll get a completion discount on anything you didn’t receive!
2. Declutter and Get the House Ready: I took some time to go through our stuff and make space. It wasn’t just about getting rid of clutter; it was about making room for this new chapter in our lives. We set up a cozy space for the baby with lights and decorations, and it made me so excited to bring our little one home.
3. Pack Your Hospital or Birth Center Bag: Do this at least a few weeks before your due date. I included comfy clothes for me, a cute going-home outfit for the baby, some snacks, and a few other essentials. It was nice to know I had everything I needed, just in case. We kept it very simple.
4. Install the Car Seat: This might seem like a small thing, but it’s so important. We had ours inspected at a local safety event to make sure it was installed correctly.
5. Sort Out Insurance and Paperwork: Before the baby arrived, we made sure to confirm our insurance coverage, adding the baby in-network, and reviewed the process for postpartum care. It was a relief knowing we had those details sorted.
Take Care of Yourself
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also be exhausting. It’s okay to take extra time for self-care.
1. Book a Prenatal Massage or Acupuncture: These were absolute lifesavers for me, especially toward the end. They helped me relax and relieved some of the aches. If you can, visit a chiropractor, too—those adjustments made a huge difference.
2. Walk Regularly (if medically cleared): Walking became our daily routine, whether it was a stroll through the neighborhood or at a nearby park.
It helped me stay active and gave us a chance to talk about the baby and the future. You can also ask about working out too! I did and kept it up! I also worked out up until my due date upon greeting approval from my midwife.
3. Identify a Lactation Consultant and Prepare for Breastfeeding: If you plan to breastfeed, it can’t hurt to prepare early. We found a local lactation consultant in advance, and having that resource made me feel more confident.
There are some great books and resources out there that really helped me get a head start. I shared some helpful info about omega-3 too!
4. Visit a Chiropractor, Acupuncture and a Massage Therapist: I made these appointments part of my routine, and it was such a good decision. It helped keep my body aligned and ready for labor. Make sure to consult with your medical provider first.
5. Make some meals ahead time and think about your plan – will you freeze meal service
6. Get support, have a list of things to do for when people ask how they can help (laundry folding, meals. Another set of hands is likely lovely when you need a break.
7. Check in with partner make sure his needs are met, ask what he needs, spend time together being his feet. This is listed as 7 but is really number 1 and keep checking on him! It goes a long way.
8. Charge cameras etc for big day, make way for pics and storage cards. We did this bud forgot to check the storage on one card.
9. Get all the appointments taking care for you and your family. We are a family of 5 and both my husband and I scheduled all our medical appointments for us and the kiddos to gave it out the way! This was a game changer.
10. Get your car serviced and checked out and take care of any repairs, oil change, air in tire or new tires, etc beforehand. We have an older car and had to get our breaks looked at 7 weeks after the baby. Especially if you have one care like us. 😝
Thankful we have our boys in school and only have one with us during the day so it made it easy, but it still required coordination. We didn’t end up needing the repair but it did take some time out of our day. We also made sure our
Enjoy Time with Your Family
Before baby arrives, savor this time with your family. We spent time in the Word together, and it helped us feel grounded and connected. Whether you’re spending time with your partner, older kids, or even a beloved pet, these moments matter.
We made the most of these days, knowing that soon we’d be adjusting to a new rhythm.
Get Everything Ready for Baby
1. Identify a Pediatrician: It’s a good idea to pick a pediatrician before the baby arrives.
We asked for recommendations and found a wonderful one who we felt comfortable with. It was important for us to find someone that with raving reviews that would love on our kids! You can ask your provider for list.
2. Purchase a Breast Pump and Other Supplies: If you’re planning to breastfeed, go ahead and get your breast pump and any other medical supplies you might need (compression socks, postpartum support items, etc.). Most insurances cover breast pumps, so check with yours about coverage.
I used Arrowflow and it was seamless, I provided the referral and they made sure I had my pump 1 month out. This gives you some time make sure your sized. I have historically used the pump as a back up and rarely had to use.
3. Do Some Henna or belly mapping:Henna was such a fun way to connect with the baby. I couldn’t find a mapper in my area but spinning babies may have someone in your area (super hard to find)! It was inexpensive and lasted for like 3 weeks! I got so many compliments!
4. Write a Letter or record a video for your Baby: This one’s close to my heart. Take a few quiet moments and write a letter to your baby. Share your hopes, dreams, and excitement for them. I did this, and I love looking back on those videos remembering the feelings I had while waiting for our little one.
5. Create a Baby Album: We put a baby album on our registry, and once the baby was born, we filled it with photos, sonograms, and little keepsakes. It was so special to have a way to capture those first moments.
Mama, you’re already doing a wonderful job by preparing and thinking ahead. YOU ARE Beautiful! Remember, you don’t have to do it all perfectly, and there’s no right or wrong way to get ready for a baby.
It’s all about finding what works for you and your family, and taking time to enjoy the little things.
This list is here to help you think of things you might not have considered, but it’s by no means exhaustive. Do what feels right for you, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments as you go.
Heck, if nothing else, remember relax, relax and enjoy your journey!!! Sleep goes with out saying but easier said than done!
Wishing you all the joy in this beautiful new chapter. You’ve got this, and your little one is so lucky to have you.
With love and many blessings,❤️ 🙏🏾🤎
Ooh, comment below if you have more tips, found this helpful and or have any questions!