Having a baby is both an exciting and stressful time for many, and it’s important to make sure you are as prepared as possible before childbirth, to make your birth and postpartum recovery go as smoothly as possible. While there is quite a bit to do before the arrival of your newborn like setting up a nursery, planning a baby shower, getting maternity pictures done, packing your hospital bag, and so on, here's a few things we don't want you to forget!

1. Refill your prescriptions - Make sure you're fully prepared with any medications you may need, so you aren't making any late night trips to Walgreens when you get home!

2.Make a list of postpartum resources - Having a list of postpartum resources like your local IBCLC, Chiropractor (for you and baby), Postpartum Therapist, etc ready to go before babies arrival can prevent you from scrambling to find a specialist when you actually need one, or figuring out who takes your insurance! (Looking for suggestions in Davis, Weber, or Salt Lake County, Utah? Feel free to reach out!)

3.Stock up on household essentials - Having extra toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent etc. on hand before babies arrival will prevent you from running out with a newborn at home.

4.Take a childbirth class - if there is ANTYHING you can do for yourself before the arrival of your baby, take a childbirth class. Being familiar with the process can help you get the most out of your birth.

5.Take a newborn care class - Just like birth, there's a lot regarding newborn care that doesn't always come as naturally as people would think. Taking a newborn care class can teach you newborn basics like infant swaddling, sleep patterns, what to expect when it comes to diaper changes, nursing and more.

6.Choose a pediatrician- You'll want to allow yourself plenty of time to interview pediatricians to ask them any questions you may have to ensure they align with your parenting views. Ask questions, and make sure you understand the answers!

7.Take time to yourself - Self care is essential, and spending time to yourself to do any hobbies or enjoy a few extra naps before baby comes is so important - don't forget to spend time Don't forget to spend some one-on-one time with your partner if you have one too!

8. Make freezer meals - Preparing freezer meals, subscribing to a freezer meal delivery service or having a plan for what you're going to eat that first month home is essential. Having quick and healthy meals ready in your freezer can be a huge help! Interested in a freezer meal delivery service? Check out beehivemeals.com for freezer meals delivered right to your door, use code: 'BountifulDoulas' for a discount at checkout!

9.Join a local parenting group or community - Joining a local group on Facebook or that does in person meet ups for other parents with little ones can be great way to connect with other parents going through such a big change in their lives, bond and ask questions!

10.Hire a birth and postpartum doula (if you'd like to!)- Hiring a birth and/or postpartum doula to help educate, support and advocate for you during your birth and postpartum is a must for many. Whether you want someone to help walk you through childbirth, or someone to help with many of the other things listed like meal prep, providing a resource list for other professionals, childbirth classes and supporting you every step of the way. Some will even watch baby while you get a full night of sleep!