Mama-to-Be

ULTIMATE GUIDE

PREGNANCY
LABOR & DELIVERY
& BABY PREP LISTS!

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 PREGNANCY
trimester
Start a Prenatal Vitamin
Schedule a Dr Appointment
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Get Plenty of Sleep
Eat and Stay Hydrated
trimester
Research Pediatricians
Start Prepping the Nursery
Brainstorm Baby Names
Moisturize Belly
Continue Safe Exercises
trimester
Pack your Hospital Bag
Arrange Childcare for Your
Kids/pets
Attend a Birthing Class
Attend a Childcare Class
Attend a Breastfeeding Class
to-do
Start a Pregnancy Journal
Avoid Unsafe Activities
Tell your Partner and Family
Start Researching Preparing for
Baby Classes
Start a Baby Registry
Start a Prenatal Stretching
Routine
Moisturize Belly
Buy Maternity Clothes
Stay Hydrated
Stock the House
Tour Hospital
Prepare meals
Put Together a Postpartum Kit
Take Maternity Photos
Install Car Seat
REST!
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BABY REGISTRY C h e c k l i s t
TRANSPORTATION
Car Seat
Stroller
Baby Wrap (Boba/Moby)
NURSERY ITEMS
Crib/Bassinet/Co-Sleeper
Mattress
Pack-n-play (optional)
Rocking Chair (optional)
Baby Monitor
Nightlight (optional)
Dresser
Cool Mist Humidifier (optional)
Crib Mattress Pads
(optional)
2-4 Fitted Crib Sheets
4 Receiving Blankets
2 Warm Blankets
DIAPERING
Disposable Diapers OR
Cloth Diapers
Changing Table (optional)
Diaper Bag
Diaper Cream
Changing Mat for Diaper Bag
Unscented Baby Wipes
CLOTHING
Gentle Laundry Detergent
4-10 White Onesies (per weather)
4-6 One-piece Pajamas
2 Blanket Sleepers (winter baby)
1-3 Sweaters/Jackets
1-3 Dress-up Outfits
4-8 Pairs of Socks
Hat for Sun Protection
No-scratch Mittens
Winter-suit (winter baby)
Sleep Sack (optional)
FEEDING
4-8 Bottles (if bottle feeding)
Bottle Brush (if bottle feeding)
Nursing Cover (for nursing or pumping)
Breast Pump (if pumping)
Breast Milk Storage Bags (if pumping)
Reusable Nursing Pads (eco-friendly &
comfortable)
Nipple Cream (breastfeeding- Motherlove
or Lanolin)
Nursing Pillow (Boppy or Adjustable)
4-8 Burp Cloths
5-8 bibs
2-4 Pacifiers (optional)
Infant Formula (if not nursing or pumping)
HEALTH/BATHING
Baby Nail Clippers
Baby Thermometer
Petroleum Jelly/Aquaphor
(circumcision care)
Baby First Aid Kit
Baby Monitor
Baby BathtubGentle Baby
Soap/Shampoo2-4 Soft/Hooded
TowelsBaby washcloths
BABY GEAR
Baby Swing
Bouncy Seat
High-chair
Exersaucer
Baby Toys (rattles, car seat toy, etc)
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 HOSPITAL BAG
Checklist

Mom Baby
Your Own Pillow
Carseat
Laboring Supplies
Going Home Outfit
Chapstick
PIcture Outfit/Swaddle
ID/Insurance Cards
2 Receiving Blankets
Cute Labor Gown for comfort and
Hand Mittens
pictures
Pacifier (optional)
Non-skid slippers
Burp Cloth
1 Nursing Bra
1 Nursing Tank Top
Nursing Pads
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash Dad/Partner
Hairbrush and Hair Ties
Toothbrush/paste and Gum HIs Own PIllow
Lotion Snacks for Labor and Postpartum
Deoderant/Body Splash 2 Comfortable Outfits
Basic Makeup Pajamas
Cell Phone and Charger Cord Baseball Cap
2 Loose/Comfy Outfits (1 for hospital, 1 Toothbrush (share rest of toiletries)
for going home) Flip flops (walking hospital and showers)
Flip Flops for Shower Cell Phone and Charger Cord
Nipple Cream Camera and Extra Batteries
Nursing Pillow Shaving Cream/Razor (optional)
Nursing Cover (for visitors) Deodorant

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20 NATURAL L a b o r tips

THINK ONLY PUSHING IS

YOU CAN DO
ABOUT THE IT ONLY THE FINALE.
ANYTHING
CONTRACTION LASTS FOR THE MOMENT
FOR ONE
YOU ARE ONE DAY! BABY IS OUT,
MINUTE!
DOING! IT'S OVER!
READ
READ INA MAY READ HYPNO- BELIEVE YOUR
POSITIVE
GASKINS BIRTHING: BODY WAS
NATURAL
GUIDE TO THE MONGAN MADE TO DO
BIRTH
CHILDBIRTH. METHOD. THIS.
STORIES.

DON'T BE CHOOSE A
RELAX YOUR MOVE
AFRAID. YOUR GOOD BIRTH
JAW. WORK AROUND AS
BODY ISN'T TEAM AND
YOUR WAY MUCH AS
INJURED, ITS CARE
DOWN. POSSIBLE!
BIRTHING! PROVIDER.

FIND A SAFE YOUR BODY

STAY AT
PRENATAL, KNOWS
HOME AS HIRE A
NATURAL EXACTLY
LONG AS YOU DOULA.
CHIRO- WHAT IT'S
CAN.
PRACTOR. DOING.
IT'S OK TO BE HOLD OFF
I CAN DO
BREATHE IN LOUD/GRUNT INDUCTION
THIS. I WAS
SLOWLY AND THROUGH TILL 42
MADE TO DO
DEEPLY. EACH WEEKS.
THIS. (UNLESS MEDICALLY
CONTRACTION NECESSARY)
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 PAIN MANAGEMENT
Options
Drug-Free Pain Management:

There are several tools and ways to cope with contractions

that don't require medication. These are great to use
throughout labor if you are going natural or are helpful for
everyone to cope with contractions until they receive pain
medications or an epidural.
Warm Shower Prayer/Meditation
Warm Bath Distraction
Walking/Position Changes Exercise/Peanut Ball
Deep Breathing Hot/Cold Compresses
Hypnosis/Relaxation Techniques Grunting
Music Hiring a Doula

Medications for Pain Management:

Whether you end up wanting pain medications or go in

asking for them, there are several options for you to help you
manage your labor contractions. Below are some common
ones but you can always ask your hospital what they
normally offer! As always with medication, there may be side
effects to these medications for you or baby, though they are
rare.
Morphine
Fentanyl
Nubain
Demerol

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 INFO ON THE
Epidural

What is an Epidural?

An epidural is the most common form of pain control during

labor. It's a procedure where a catheter is inserted into your
spine to block pain receptors so you don't feel contractions!

When Can I Get an Epidural?

You can get an epidural almost anytime throughout delivery.

The only time that may not happen is if you are very close to
delivery where there wouldn't be time! Usually the best time
to get an epidural is when you are in active labor when you're
having painful contractions and dilating but not ready to
push yet.

How Fast do they Work?

From the time you ask for an epidural to the time you feel full
relief is about an hour, so don't wait until you can' bear
anymore. It's good to know that it takes some time to receive
one and feel the effects!

Will I be able to feel anything or move?

You shouldn't feel any pain, however in rare cases epidurals

don't work for some women. For the most part, you will feel
no pain but may still feel some pressure or movement when
baby is crowning and you're pushing.

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 INFO ON THE
Epidural

What are the Side Effects?

Some women can have a headache after their epidural wears

off or stinging from having a catheter placed once the
epidural is in effect. Your blood pressure will also be
monitored closely. However, very few women have any
serious or long-term side effects from an epidural.
Epidural Pros?

Pain Relief! A much needed break, especially for long,

hard, exhausting labors!
You are still fully conscious and aware during your baby's
birth!
A chance to rest and recover.
Also, in some cases, the epidural can help your body relax
and speed up labor!
Epidural Cons?

Limited Movement.
More monitoring. You and baby will need to be monitored
in bed and you'll have an IV prior to receiving Epidural
Epidurals can lengthen labor slightly.
Post-birth numbness- it will take a little while to be able to
move and walk around.
You may have to have a urinary catheter which can be
uncomfortable once your epidural wears off.
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 THE EPIDURAL
Procedure
Once your IV is placed and you have asked for an Epidural,
your nurse will call for the Anesthesiologist to come to your
room. You will sign a consent form and the procedure will
begin as soon as the Anesthesiologist arrives.

You will sit up on the edge of your bed and arch your back
kind of like a cat. This is the hardest part, especially when
you are having painful contractions. Your nurse and partner
will help you to sit very still. The more still you can be, the
quicker the procedure will go.

The Anesthesiologist will wipe your back down to kill any

germs to prevent infection and use a smaller needle with a
local anesthetic to numb the area.

Once you are numb, the Anesthesiologist will place the

catheter into your spine and tape it down so it doesn't move
at all. Once the procedure is complete, you'll lay down in
your bed. It will take about 15 minutes for you to feel full
relief but should start to feel yourself becoming numb fairly
quickly.

If you are still feeling pain after 15-20 minutes, tell your nurse
so she can help. She may up the medication or do a position
change to help it become effective.
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 WHAT ABOUT
C-Sections?

Some women will end up having a C-Section as the way to

deliver their baby. Sometimes this is due to various reasons
of the mother or they may happen unexpectdely in case of
emergency!
While vaginal deliveries are the first choice for delivering
your baby due to being generally safer, sometimes c-
sections when medically warranted are much safer for both
mom and baby.

In general, you will be prepped for your c-section by

undressing, getting into a gown, and removing all jewelry.
Your baby will be monitored before and during the
procedure off and on to make sure he/she is handling it well.
You will get an IV with fluids and have blood drawn.
Your belly will be wiped down with antiseptic to help prevent
infections post-op. You will see the Doc
and Anesthesiologist prior to beginning. Discuss with you
about (hopefully) being awake during the procedure, how it
will work, risks, benefits, side effects and have you sign a
consent form.
Once in the OR, you will sit at the edge of the bed and will
then get a Spinal Block (different from Epidural). If you
already have an epidural from laboring, they will just push
the Spinal Block medication through your epidural.
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 WHAT ABOUT
C-Sections?

Quickly after receiving the block, you will lay down on your
back and they will make sure you and the baby are handling
it well so far. Your legs will start to become numb very quickly
(within minutes).

Your nurse will insert your catheter and cover you in

blankets. You will then have a seat belt over your legs to
keep them on the table as they are fully numb.

Once you are fully prepped, your doctor will test the incision
site making sure you are fully numb before beginning- you
won't feel any pain. They will also pull a screen across your
waist so you don't watch the surgery. A pediatric team will
also be present for baby in case of emergency.

Then, the procedure will begin. Doctor will make an incision,

carefully cutting through your skin, fat and muscle to reach
your uterus. You will be able to see your baby right when its
born and even hold him or her. If your baby needs medical
care right away, this can postpone when you will be able to
hold and breastfeed but this will happen as soon as you and
baby are healthy and stable.

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 20 WAYS TO Induce Labor
DRINK EAT 6-8
STRONG BOUNCE ON DATES/DAY
RASPBERRY SEX. EXERCISE THE LAST 4
LEAF TEA. 3-6 BALL OFTEN. WEEKS OF
CUPS DAILY. PREGNANCY.
LOTS OF SLEEP.
GO TO A
(YOUR BODY
INDUCTION NATURAL, HAVE YOUR
WILL POSTPONE
ACCU- PRENATAL MEMBRANES
LABOR IF YOU
ARE OVER- PUNCTURE. CHIRO- STRIPPED.
TIRED.) PRACTOR.
PINEAPPLE
50 SQUATS CORE OR
NIPPLE BRISK WALKS
AND LUNGES PINEAPPLE
STIMULATION. DAILY.
DAILY. JUICE. (PUT IN
WATER).

LIGHT EVENING
PRIMROSE OIL
EXERCISE THAT
EXTRA SPICY CAPSULES. (START ACCU-
USES GRAVITY
FOOD. WITH 500MG AND PRESSURE.
AND OPENS WORKUP TO
THE PELVIS. 2000MG DAILY.)

DAILY STAY VERY DAILY CASTOR OIL.

PRENATAL HYDRATED. (YOUR PRENATAL LAST RESORT
BODY HOLDS OFF
STRETCHES TO LABOR IF IT
STRETCHES TO AND EDUCATE
OPEN THE DOESN'T HAVE OPEN THE YOURSELF ON
PELVIC REGION WHAT IT NEEDS). PELVIC REGION SIDE-EFFECTS.
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 MY B i r t h Plan

Name: Partner's Name:

Dr's Name: Due Date:

My Delivery is Planned As: I Plan to Labor (check all that apply):

○ Vaginal ○In Bed
○ C-Section ○Walking Around
○ VBAC ○InIn the Shower
○ Water Birth ○Lyingthe Bathtub
○On theDown
○ Birthing Ball
For Pain Relief, I Would Like:

○ Breathing Techniques ○Meditation/Prayer

○ Cold/Hot Therapy ○Only What I Request at the Time
○ Disctraction/Music ○Whatever is Suggested at the Time
○ Massage ○Acupressure
○ Bath Tub/Shower ○Walking Epidural
○ Standard Epidural ○Hypnosis
○ Non- Epidural Pain Medications ○Nothing
During Delivery, I would like to: Immediately After Delivery, I Would Like:

○Push Spontaneously ○My Partner to Cut the Umbilical Cord

○Push as Directed ○Delayed Cord Clamping
○Use a Mirror to See My Progress ○ToImmediate
Deliver the Placenta Spontaneously
○Touch the Head as it Crowns ○Breastfeed Skin to Skin with Baby
○Push in One Position ○
○Push in Several Positions
as Soon as Possible

○Deliver in Bathtub
○Lights Dimmed, Quiet Environment

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 MY B i r t h Plan
Record any other specific requests in paragraph form below and give a full copy of
your birth plan to your care provider prior to labor as well as the hospital/nurse during
labor. You may like to include things like how you will prefer to feed baby, where you
want baby post-birth, induction requests, requests in case of emergency c-section,
any specifics regarding baby's medical procedures, pain management post-birth etc.

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 BABY NAME
tracker

BOY GIRL

FIRST MIDDLE FIRST MIDDLE

Favorite Name Combinations

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 YOUR POSTPARTUM
Essentials

Postpartum Kit for Mama

Tylenol and Advil to alternate for pain
Big pads
Padsicles (frozen pads to help you heal) Click for Easy DIY Recipe!
Mesh undies (from hospital) or Big, cheap undies
Stool Softeners- help that first bowel movement pass easily
Peri Bottle- to clean after using the bathroom instead of wiping
Epsom Salt for Baths
Pain Relieving Spray/Dermoplast
Large pajamas or sweats for everyday wear
Nipple Cream- I love Lanolin and Motherlove!
Extra Underwear
Tucks Pads

Random Postpartum Essentials

Hand Sanitizer
Extra Batteries (baby toys) PRO TIP!
Netflix or Prime Ask your nurse at the
Healthy Snacks hospital for extra mesh
Freezer Meals/Instapot Meals panties, diapers,
Extra Toiletries
Dermoplast spray, and
Extra Help
Lots of Rest!! tucks pads!

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 WWW.LETSMAMA.COM

BREASTFEEDING tracker
Date:
TIME: L/R DURATION: NOTES:

WET

DIRTY
 ABOUT ME &
Disclaimer

Hey, I'm Haley

I live in Texas with my handsome
hubby, Jordan, and our two
(almost three) beautiful babies. As
a nurse and mama to three, my
passion is to give new & expecting
mothers (just like you) information,
resources, community, and
support. This way you can go from
overwhelmed mama to supported
and confident! XO

Disclaimer- the fine print

Let's Mama is committed to providing you information and support on pregnancy, birth and
your new baby. While I am a nurse, none of the information in this printable or on the blog
should be taken as medical advice.

Any questions or health concerns should be taken to your healthcare provider. All the
information provided is accurate at the time this was written.

The information does not necessarily represent the author's personal views. Let's Mama is
not responsible for any misinformation or omissions in any content therein.

Affiliates

Some of the links in the PDF may be affiliate links which means I may receive a commission
for recommending the product at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that
work and that I use and love.

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