Top 10 "Must Do's" Before Your Baby Arrives

hat baby of yours is ready to meet you and greet the world, but are you fully prepared? Time is of the essence – and take it from me, the original ROCK STAR MOMMA - there are certain things you really must do in order to be completely ready and rested before junior arrives.

MUST DO #1: SLEEP
This will soon be a pleasure of the past. As all new moms will confess, lack of sleep is one of the toughest struggles with having a new baby. Be sure to get plenty of sleep in the weeks prior to your due date. Sleep not only helps you think more clearly, but being well rested reduces the stress and anxiety that often comes with having a new baby.

MUST DO #2: EAT WELL
Now more than ever, it’s super important to stay healthy and eat well-balanced meals. You are going to need all the energy you can get in the weeks after your baby’s birth, and continuing with a proper diet will help achieve that. I know how busy you can get preparing for your little one’s arrival, but make sure to never skip meals. Stick with a diet full of protein, vegetables, and fruits. Also, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

MUST DO #3: PACK THAT BAG!
You can never be quite sure when junior will arrive, so being prepared in the most unlikely of moments will reduce stress and allow you to focus on getting to the hospital without delay! You might think you know when that moment will come, but life is full of surprises and now more than ever you should be prepared. Always let your husband, partner, mom, or friend know where you have stored 'the bag.' That way, if you go into labor when you’re away from home, someone can easily grab it for you!
{See The Cradle’s “Hospital Checklist: What to Pack" for ideas} 

MUST DO #4: ROMPER ROOM
When preparing your home, the most important thing to do is to have a safe and clean environment for your baby. Be sure to properly wash everything that your baby will come in contact with, from the crib bedding to the bassinet lining to the towels in the nursery bathroom - and of course, all of the beautiful new clothes. Make sure to wash with a hypoallergenic, baby friendly detergent. A newborn’s skin is sensitive to just about anything other than their mother’s touch, so choosing the proper detergent is very important.

MUST DO #5: WORK IT OUT
It’s important to discuss the details of your maternity leave with your employer well in advance of your departure. Your boss will more than appreciate knowing your plans. Prepare for upcoming projects and events and be sure to keep your replacement in the loop on what you’ve done and what he/she will need to do in your absence. You will feel so much better knowing that you’ve left your company in good hands.

{See The Cradle’s “What to Expect from Your Maternity Leave”}