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A Checklist for New Mothers
By Richard S. Hollis, M.D., President
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
As your due date approaches, you should be making plans for your dash to the hospital when
labor begins and your return home with your demanding new infant. Use the spare time that
you have now wisely, because when the time arrives, you are sure to be frenzied. And the
pace won't stop when you get home from the hospital.
Here is a "to do" checklist to help you get ready for motherhood.
- Line up a pediatrician to care for your new baby. Ask your obstetrician or friends for
names of good doctors. Visit their offices to make sure you are comfortable with the staff
and setting. Be sure to check that the doctor you choose accepts your health insurance
plan.
- Buy and install an infant car seat. You won't be able to take your new baby home without
one.
- Find out what supplies you will need for the nursery. Books and friends can help you
decide what to buy if you've never had a baby in the house before.
- Stock the refrigerator and kitchen shelves. The last thing you'll want to do when you
get home from the hospital is to go grocery shopping.
- Cook a few extra dishes and put them in the freezer. You'll be happy to have these in
those hectic first weeks.
- Arrange for someone to take care of your other children while you are gone. Remember,
this must be a person who can come over at any time of the day or night. If you have pets,
don't forget that they may need care too.
- Pack your hospital bag. Take toiletries, underwear, a nightgown, a robe, slippers, and
going home outfits for you and your baby.
- Look into child care options. If you can, hire a babysitter or enroll your child in a
day care center now, so you don't have to scramble to find care when it is time to go back
to work. Even if you are planning to stay home with your baby, find a dependable sitter in
case an emergency arises and you must go out alone.
- Finish stray projects at home and at work. Once you have your hands full with an infant,
you won't, have much time to finish proposals or wash windows.
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