Getting Ready: Your Before-Labor Checklist
Practical things to do in the last month before the due date
Visit the Caregiver and Hospital
Meet the doctor or midwife before labor. Tour the hospital or birth center, learn which entrance to use during the day and at night. Figure out the route during rush hour and slower traffic. Preregister at the hospital to save time when you arrive in labor.
Consider Having a Doula
Studies show doulas reduce cesarean rates, shorten labor, and reduce requests for pain medication. A doula does not replace you, your partner knows and loves you as no one else does. But a doula can guide you, reassure you, and step in so you can eat, nap, or take a break during a long labor.
Preregister and Pack
Complete hospital preregistration forms and medical consent forms in advance. Pack your hospital bag by week 36, see the Hospital Bag checklist in the app for a complete list.
Prepare a Contact List
Write down phone numbers for: the caregiver, hospital/birth center, your doula, employers, family, babysitter, pet sitter, and the baby's pediatrician. Enter them in your phone and post a copy somewhere visible.