Let’s talk a little about birth, specifically about the day(s) prior to your baby’s arrival. Both of my pregnancies ended in scheduled induction, the first at almost 42 weeks and the second at 39 weeks. Both times, I knew a day ahead of time that I would be admitted to the hospital at 9:00 p.m. the following evening, giving me about 24 hours to plan and prepare.
With my first born, I did everything “right” leading up to D-Day. I walked for miles, did squats, drank green smoothies, and mostly just waited around for Baby to come. Due date came and went, and I found myself still pregnant 12 days later. With my doula leaving town that week and (mostly) for my mental sanity, we decided to get the show on the road.
That day (being the 12 hours prior to checking into the hospital), I ate three square meals, dreamily packed my hospital bag, and napped. It was all so easy. At almost two weeks past my due date, there was literally nothing left to do. I was beyond bored.
Fast forward two and a half years, I am expecting our third child (but my second pregnancy). Because I have rheumatoid arthritis, my midwife wanted me to deliver at 39 weeks.
Of course, the day before delivery was crazy different than the first go round because now I was caring for a one and two year old. So, mamas, learn from my mistakes.
The day was a bit of blur, but here’s what I did wrong and would not do over again.
Mistake #1. I did not schedule any help that day with my two children. Whether you have in-laws in town or a nanny, makes plans for your littles to be cared for that day. I should have been resting and watching The Good Wife. I had this ridiculous thought that this would be a sweet last day when I only had two children to love on before their little brother made his debut. WRONG. Make sweet family memories a week before the due date. This is not the time to get sentimental.
Mistake #2. I did not eat. Of all days, I should have made sure I had at least three meals and a few snacks. Nope. Didn’t happen. I have a vague memory of eating a few bites of stale PB&J as I walked out the door, heading toward the hospital. I had this silly notion that I shouldn’t order food because we would be doing that enough once the baby arrived, and wasn’t I being frugal? This is not the time or place to save a few dollars. I should have ordered pizza and eaten the whole thing by myself. Labor is hard work, and since Baby #3 took almost 36 hours to make his appearance, I could have used a few extra calories.
Mistake #3. I ran errands and did chores. Again, I should have had my feet up as much as possible. Instead, I was picking up toys, folding laundry, and frantically getting my ducks in a row. If you haven’t finished the nursery or picked up enough diapers, let it go. Or better yet — delegate. As the mother of four kiddos, I am now a big fan of delegating. I ask for help a lot, and it helps.
If I have another baby, I plan on doing things differently. I think the day before a scheduled birth should be treated like early labor. Across the board, OBs, midwives, and doulas all make the same recommendations: rest, relaxation, and nourishment during early labor. For me, this means ordering take out and watching back-to-back episodes of Friends the day before having a baby.
What did you do the day before a scheduled delivery?
