10 things to do before birth

What must I take care of before the birth? With a birth just around the corner, there are many things to consider. The most important rule: don't panic! The sooner you make your own list of what you should take care of before the birth, the more relaxed and balanced you can enjoy your pregnancy. To prepare for life with a baby, mother and father should work closely together. As a little memory aid, we have summarized ten points for you that you should take care of before a birth. Find out about the time of great hope and read more on the topic of birth at schwangerschaft.at, the largest Austrian portal for those wanting children, pregnancy, and babies.

Tips – What should you take care of before the birth?

1. Inform the employer

Informing the employer, sending applications for maternity and parental allowance, application for family insurance: Applications should be submitted at least 10 weeks before the birth so that all important deadlines can be met.

2. Setting up the nursery

It doesn't have to be perfect yet. But the crib and the changing table should already be set up and filled with the most important accessories. Small babies in particular get cold quickly when being changed, so installing a heat lamp above the changing table is highly recommended.

3. Stocking the pantry

In the time after the birth, during the postpartum period, very few women are able to take care of the household, shopping, and extensive cooking. Therefore, you should think about this time before the birth and stock up on supplies. For example, frozen food, pre-cooked meals, but also pasta, cans, and ready-made sauces should be stocked in the pantry.

4. Organize help

Women need a lot of rest and time for themselves and the baby after the birth. Therefore, organize help for the time after the birth in advance. If grandparents or friends cannot help out, ask your health insurance company about a home help service.

5. Purchases for the baby

Purchase of a stroller and infant car seat. In many shops, displayed strollers cannot simply be taken with you, but must be ordered first. Since waiting times of 6 – 10 weeks are quite common, you should take care of the stroller and the car seat for the baby early enough.

6. Errands

If you have wanted to sort out drawers and cupboards for a long time, you should add this to the list of "what to take care of before the birth". Because after the birth, there will be no more time for that.

7. Pack the hospital bag

Think about what should be packed in the hospital bag beforehand and prepare it. There are useful tips for this in childbirth preparation courses, but also on the internet. Read further information on childbirth preparation courses on schwangerschaft.at.

8. List of important phone numbers

Before the birth, put together a list of all important phone numbers that could be relevant before, during, and after the birth. Hang it up in a clearly visible place so that you can find it quickly and easily in an emergency.

9. Ensure care for siblings

You should also take care of the care of siblings in good time, during the birth and afterwards.

10. Treat yourself one more time

Treat yourself, for example, to a visit to the hairdresser or a manicure. Because after the birth, you won't have time to worry about your hairstyle for a while.

To be able to master all the matters that you should take care of before the birth in a relaxed manner, the cooperation of all family members is very important; every helping hand counts!

Also read: Baby's favorite play mat with play arch

Photo by Janine, meinhaushalt.at