Whether you are planning a homebirth, a birthing center birth, or hospital birth, you should still have certain things prepared for your baby's arrival. Occasionally a planned homebirth will end up with a transport to the hospital during labor and the baby will be born in a hospital setting. This is unfortunate in that birth plans made had to be changed and this can be very emotionally disappointing to the parents (not to mention to your midwife, as well), but it does happen. The positive side is that you did have your baby and he/she is healthy and well. It would be wise for you to preplan and to prepare for this occurrence even though it may not happen in most planned homebirth cases.

Having a new baby can be a scary thing to new parents. Although, you may already have most everything prepared at home, with the help of your midwife, it never hurts to double check everything.

Do you have everything you need? During the last weeks of your pregnancy, you will have been gathering clothes, diapers, and baby items that you will be using for your baby for the first several weeks after the birth. Hopefully you were able to have a baby shower before you gave birth to help you with obtaining needed supplies while having a little bit of fun, too.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: A Birth Kit For Homebirth

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Baby Shower - Games and Gift Ideas

MoonDragon's Pediatric Information: The Layette: Baby's First Needs - Basic Supplies

There are always questions every new parent asks themselves, whether the baby is born at home or in a medical facility. The better prepared you are for the arrival of your new baby, the more confident you will feel when it is time to care for your baby.

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A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR BABY'S ARRIVAL

Make sure everything is ready for the arrival of your baby by the 37th week It is possible for you to go into labor anywhere between the 37th and the 42nd week.

Check the following:

FOR A HOMEBIRTH

For a planned homebirth, do you have all the birth supplies requested by your midwife?

FOR A HOMEBIRTH OR HOSPITAL BIRTH

Where is the baby going to sleep? Have you obtained a crib or portable baby bassinet.



Is the nursery ready? See Basic Supplies and Baby Shower for more information.

Is the house clean? You will not want to be running around doing chores after the baby is born. Not only will you be sore, but you will want to spend as much time with the baby as possible.

Are there meals prepared for after the baby is born? You will not want to be cooking. It is a good idea to have a few meals already made, and frozen. That way you can spend all your time bonding with your new baby.

Is your labor bag ready in case you need to go to the hospital?

THE BABY'S FIRST AUTO TRIP

Do you have a car seat for when you leave the hospital or go on your first outing with your newborn baby? If you give birth in the hospital, many hospitals rent car seats in case you do not have one, but you should make sure that you do. Here are some things to think about:


• It is a good idea to practice installing the car seat before you go to the hospital. You do not want to find out that the car seat does not fit right in the car as you are leaving the hospital.



• Does the car seat fit in your car? If it does not, you will need to return it. You may want to install it before you leave the store. Then, if it does not fit, you can easily get another one since you are already there.



• Do you understand how to install it correctly (be sure to read installation instructions carefully)? It is very important that your baby is properly put into the car seat.

MoonDragon's Parenting Information: Auto Safety

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Car Seat Security

Have a "help" list ready. In case you need help or have questions. Let people "baby" you after the baby is born.


Your Mom
Your Midwife
Your Health Care Provider
Pediatrician
Hospital Nursery (in case of hospital birth)
Breastfeeding Counselor
Postpartum Doula
Friends & Family Members


Baby's "going home" clothes. Pack them in a small bag marked "Baby".

Your "going home" clothes. Remember that you will lose approximately 10-12 pounds right after delivery. Do not expect to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes yet. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing will be best suited for you.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Packing A Labor Bag

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

If something happens and you do not know what to do, refer to your help list. The midwife, health care providers, and others are there to help you. If you are unsure about something, do not be afraid to call someone, and ask them your questions.





Amazon.com has a gigantic collection of baby gift ideas, furnishings, clothing, medications and supplements, and a host of other products. Use the search box included on this page to do a search for items that you need.

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MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

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MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors

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