10 Things To Do Before Baby Arrives

Bringing a new baby into your life is an experience filled with love, excitement, and, let's face it - a bit of chaos. You've got the nursery set, your baby shower invites are out, and your hospital bag checklist is on point. But some crucial steps often fly under the radar, ones that can make a massive difference in your postpartum recovery and help you thrive in the fourth trimester.

At Bountiful Doulas, we're here to help you prepare for this life-changing season with practical, expert advice.

Here's your go-to list of 10 things to do before the baby arrives to set yourself up for success, rest, and joy as a new parent. These include stocking up on essentials, building your postpartum recovery team, taking a childbirth and newborn care class, choosing a pediatrician, prepping your freezer, setting up your postpartum recovery space, making time for yourself and your partner, getting practical about sleep, joining a local parenting group, and considering hiring a postpartum doula.

1. Stock Up on Prescriptions and Everyday Household Items

Let's start with the basics: refilling your prescriptions. Whether it's buying more prenatal vitamins or picking up your every day prescriptions, make sure you've stocked up before the baby arrives (and yes, keep taking your prenatal postpartum!). 

While you're at it, think about other regular things you need around the house, not just now but after baby comes - and we mean beyond diapers! Load up on household staples like toilet paper, dish soap, tissues, and laundry detergent. Maybe even throw in some paper plates or plastic silverware for the first week or two with a newborn - no judgement here! What seems like such a small thing now will bring you a sense of relief in postpartum, knowing that you're prepared and can fully focus on snuggling with your newborn and healing in those first weeks. 

2. Build Your Postpartum Recovery Team

The fourth trimester isn't a time to wing it—it's a time to lean on your village. Create a list of key postpartum recovery resources, like lactation consultants, chiropractors, postpartum therapists, and, of course, postpartum doulas! 

Pro Tip: Save these contacts in your phone now or write them down in your postpartum plan so you won't have to frantically Google "Salt Lake City IBCLC" at 3 a.m. 

3. Take a Childbirth and Newborn Care Class

Childbirth is monumental, and while it's natural, it doesn't always feel intuitive. Enroll in a class that walks you through labor, delivery options, and pain management techniques.

On the flip side, newborn care doesn't always come naturally, either. An excellent newborn care class will cover swaddling, feeding cues, and soothing tips so you feel more confident when the baby arrives.

4. Choose a Pediatrician

Interview pediatricians and find one whose approach aligns with your family values. Ask about everything from feeding advice to vaccination schedules to ensure you're on the same page.

By locking this in now, you'll avoid scrambling for answers after your first sleepless night.

5. Prep Your Freezer (or Your Meal Train)

Nutritious food is a cornerstone of postpartum recovery. Still, cooking is the last thing on your mind when you're sleep-deprived. Stock your freezer with meals or set up a Meal Train so friends and family can drop off dinner.

Check out Beehive Meals, a Utah-based freezer meal service if cooking isn't your jam. (Use code "BountifulDoulas" at checkout for a discount!)

6. Set Up Your Postpartum Recovery Space

Your healing deserves as much attention as your nursery setup. Create a cozy recovery zone with a basket of essentials: peri bottle, nursing pads, snacks, and a good book or two.

Consider adding some postpartum favorites, like a comfortable nursing pillow or C-section pillow, to keep your body supported while you bond with the baby.

7. Make Time for You (and Your Partner)

Before your baby arrives, take time to recharge. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite show, enjoying a long bath, or going on a date night, soak in the calm before the beautiful storm of parenthood.

A strong connection with your partner now will help you tackle the joys and challenges of the fourth trimester together.

8. Get Practical About Sleep

Sleep deprivation isn't inevitable—it's manageable. Now is the time to consider strategies like tag-teaming with your partner or booking overnight help with a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist. 

Pro Tip: A postpartum doula can handle nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and soothing so you can wake up feeling rested and ready to bond with your baby.

9. Join a Local Parenting Group

Parenthood is always easier when you've got friends or have a village to lean on. Whether it's a local Facebook group, a weekly mom meet-up, or a prenatal yoga class, connecting with other local moms can make you feel less alone in this transition. Many new parents find comfort in sharing experiences and learning from others who are also navigating the ups and downs of new parenthood.

Having a network of people who "get it" is invaluable when navigating new parenthood's ups and downs.

10. Hire a Postpartum Doula

If there's one thing you can invest in that truly changes the postpartum experience, it's hiring a doula. At Bountiful Doulas, our certified postpartum doulas are here to provide:

• Expert newborn care tips
• Meal prep and light cleaning
• Emotional support during the highs and lows of recovery
• Overnight care for those much-needed stretches of sleep

We're not just here to help—you're our priority.

Why Preparation Matters

Preparing for your baby's arrival is about more than cute onesies and adorable nursery decor (though those are fun, too). It's about setting yourself up for a smoother transition into the fourth trimester—a time when you deserve support, care, and the space to recover while bonding with your baby.

Ready to Thrive Postpartum?

Whether in Davis, Weber, or Salt Lake County, we're here to help you create a restful, confident start to your parenting journey.

Schedule your free consultation today to learn how our postpartum doulas can provide the care and support you need to thrive as a new parent.

FAQ

Q: What's the benefit of hiring a postpartum doula?

A: Postpartum doulas provide hands-on support with newborn care, meal prepping, and a listening ear, helping you recover and bond with your baby stress-free.

Q: How early should I start preparing for postpartum recovery?

A: Start as early as possible! Creating a plan before the baby arrives ensures you're ready to focus on healing and enjoying your newborn. Consider prepping freezer meals, packing hospital bags, making postpartum recovery stations, etc., by your third trimester. 

Q: Do postpartum doulas work overnight?

A: Yes! Many postpartum doulas, including our team at Bountiful Doulas, offer overnight care to give parents uninterrupted rest while we care for their babies.