Kinda a dumb question maybe, but I have about 9 weeks left until my c-section, all the books tell you what is going on inside you but none of them talk about what I should be doing to get ready for this baby,

This is what is on my list so far, please add anything I should be doing in these last few weeks,

1. put together crib
2. pack hospital bag- I am not sure what to put in it
3. pack diaper bag for the hospital
4. set up the nursery and wash the bedding
5. order a glider/ottoman


I know I have to be missing things!! Please help

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CaRtEr
April 19, 2008

I had all the baby clothing washed, put away, and ready to go. It was so much fun to take my time and fold the tiny, little clothing and I pretty much knew that would be the ONLY time I enjoyed that! I also did all of my thank you's from my baby shower before the baby arrived. That was my first. My second ... I think I packed the night before I actually went to the hospital. Though I did have his clothing washed and ready to go.

Try to have a couple of meals put away in the freezer as well. Especially with a c-section and the new baby, cooking is going to be the last thing on your mind!

I wondered about that, I did not know if I should wash all the clothes, or just like the newborn and 0-3 incase he is big or small or changes seasons, Hummm

GOod advice about meal prep I need to make a *stock Up* grocery list too!!

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CaRtEr
April 19, 2008

Just think about everything that you do on a daily basis and figure out how you can do some of those things on auto-drive while you're concentrating on the baby and recovering. Does your husband know how to pay the bills? Feed the dog? Do a load of laundry? One time I was recovering from surgery and after about two weeks I got a call from our bank. Seems everytime I needed a prescription my husband would write a check out of our medical spending account like he had always done. However, he didn't realize he had to make deposits to that account to cover the checks!

Needs will become apparent after the baby comes which is why I recommend that new parents have some extra cashed stashed away. For instance, one new mother I knew had trouble starting breast-feeding. She didn't want to lose her milk until she could get it going so suddenly had a need for a breast pump and some extra supplies (nipple shields, etc). Those are things you might not immediately have on hand but it so nice to be able to buy them if you do need them.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

You are right cookie 2 DH never pays the bills..... wow ladies I am glad I asked!!!

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CaRtEr
April 19, 2008

Do the 3 months as well and maybe a couple six months. You're going to be amazed at how quickly that baby goes through that clothing!

And don't forget to enjoy this time! It's the last time that it's going to be just you or just you and your husband for awhile. But this is such an exciting time for you! It makes me smile to think back to those times.

This is my 2 cents about the glider/rocker - they are horribly uncomfortable.

Instead, we have a very cushie La-Z-Boy rocker / recliner. That chair has been used by almost every baby - DD, grandchildren, friends - that have come to our house. Usually the baby falls asleep on my shoulder or lap but will wake up immediately if I try to put him/her down in the crib. When this happens, I usually end up sleeping in the recliner with baby on my chest. The rocker / recliner is wonderful for when baby is sick. It is also great when I'm sick since reclining is much more comfortable than laying in bed. Our recliner has big over-stuffed arms. While I don't like the look of any recliner, those arms are actually pillows for baby, especially as they grow older and no longer fit comfortably in your arms.

Since you haven't bought your chair yet, I'm throwing the idea out there.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

What to take to the hospital? This is what I took...a hair brush, a little make up for pictures (I am so vain, I know) stretchy clothes for myself to wear home, an outfit for the baby to wear home including socks and a hat, extra blanket for the baby, snacks, my own shampoo, my own toothbrush and toothpaste. That's all I can think of right now.

I was in the hospital for 3 days with Jamie and my husband seemed to be taking things home and bringing new things every time he came, lol.

Heres my 2 cents, you wont need a diaper bag for the baby just pack and outfit or 2 and socks and a hat just in case also a blanket. The hospital will give you 1 if not more than 1 diaper bags and they give you so much stuff to take home its unbelieveable. Also when they stock your cart stash the diapers and stuff so they keep bringing you more that way you wont need a diaper or anything when you get home. Also at the hosp I deliever at they had these nice paper towel like clothes that were really thick that you used to wipe them with or whatever grab lots of those they are great for everything including laying the baby on to change them. Take your favorite pillow and some books if your a reader something to keep yourself ocupied while the baby is sleeping and you have no visitors. Also those beds really get uncomfortable after sleeping in them for a bit so theres a warning there just be prepared for a sore butt hips stomach everything. Also rely on your nurse thats what they are there for and make sure they stay on top of your pain meds if you need them cause if they slack off you will pay for it not them. I have had 3 c sections so if you have any other questions feel free to pm me.

If you can, go on a date with your hubby - enjoy this time together!

Make up meals and freeze them, or stock up on things that can be made quickly.