Third-trimester planning takes the pressure off when you are busy learning your new role- MOM! It’s not essential for you to do everything on the list before the baby, but it can improve your recovery from birth. You will become an awesome mother whether you’re prepared or not; after all, babies don’t require much more than diapers, clothes, breasts, and shelter. It’ll be ok!
To-Do List
Employer conversation:
Know the federal, state, and office policies on FMLA-pregnancy-maternity leave and the pumping at work laws before you broach the subject with your boss. Be well versed in your rights and start that conversation now about your plans to return even if you’re not sure or think you may not go back. Get a tentative return to work date agreed upon and explain that you’d like to ease back in. Potentially work from home before going into the office or go back on a Thursday instead of a Monday or possibly start with half days etc. shorten your first weeks back. Get creative and don’t be afraid to explain what you’re thinking. Most bosses want to work it out so that you can be successful when you return, not distracted.
Don’t forget to discuss your breastfeeding plans and the need to pump. Find a place that you can safely, effectively pump 3-4 times per day until you get settled (it’ll be less frequent after the first month). Ask your seasoned coworkers where they pumped and how they made it work successfully. Be committed to doing what it takes to feed your baby organic, straight from the source, unprocessed food!
Educate Yourself
Class: If you haven’t had a birth-breastfeeding-newborn care class, do it now! Each class has valuable perks with the right teacher. Preferably, you’ve been working with a doula that has been teaching you throughout the pregnancy. Still, it’s never too late to find one. If a doula is not in your plan, get into a class ASAP. While I’m all for online learning, I do believe there are many more benefits to an in-person class or 2 when it comes to pregnancy. You will gain a lot from the questions asked in the room as well as likely make a few mom/dad friends. Plus, there is no comparison to having tangible props and a live expert to connect with. Especially if she is local.
Support in the Third Trimester
Build your tribe! Find local mom friends who can help you navigate new parenthood. People who have similar philosophies, backgrounds, and plans as you are preparing. You should be looking for the least judgy, always ready to help, and most supportive of kin to add to your village. She will be who you call/text late at night with what seems like silly questions or to cry on her shoulder. If you happen to be the first in your friends to be entering motherhood, it’s ok-you’ll have to look further than your close circle. There are thousands of women in your area who would love to connect and share.
Find all the experts! Know who your community resources are ahead of time. You want to be familiar with those that can help in a variety of ways. Professionals who can help with baby questions/care, nannies or daycares, breastfeeding experts, alternative caregivers like a prenatal-newborn chiropractor-craniosacral therapist-naturopath-pediatric dentist or ENT-prenatal/postpartum yoga teacher-pelvic floor specialist, etc. Keeping a list of the most highly regarded experts can save you time later if you experience any setbacks or health conditions.
Visitor preparations
Prepare your visitors: Sounds frivolous and straightforward, but it’s worth the extra planning. You and your partner need to have a discussion, right now, about the people allowed in the labor/birth room. Be sure to include who will be allowed to visit in the days and weeks beyond that as well. Don’t leave it to family and friends to decide. Agree to what is most important to you both and stick with a well thought out plan. Share this arrangement with your over-exuberant folk, and don’t let them talk you out of it. It’s ok, it’s your right-your baby, and they can all wait.
Have a meal plan: Every time you prepare a meal in the last trimester, make extra and freeze it. Even if it’s a small amount, these meals can quickly help you maneuver through the first few weeks. Honestly, it doesn’t take much to apply the same concept in a well-meaning friends’ kitchen. Just ask a few BFF’s to help out. Stock up on non-perishable, easy to grab, quick snacks to leave by your “nursing corner.” Always have fresh water by your side. You will be very thirsty in the fourth trimester.
Most of your pregnancy is spent dreaming about what your baby will look like and dealing with the ailments that come with growing a human while the end slowly sneaks up on you. If you handle most of the “business” part of the 3rd and 4th trimester now, you’ll find yourself relaxing and enjoying your baby later. Third-trimester planning is a win-win for everyone!
