First Trimester
- Brainstorm baby names
- Research doula if desired
- Research newborn photographer if desired
- Choose a multivitamin you like and start taking it
- Schedule first checkup
- Figure out maternity leave (Some tips for California EDD here).
- Buy maternity clothes
Second Trimester
- Get nursery ready
- Narrow down baby name
- Get car seat
- Go on babymoon
- Create baby registry
- Hire doula if desired
- Send out pregnancy announcement if desired
- Tell your work about your pregnancy
- Figure out childcare options
- Choose pediatrician
Third Trimester
- Choose baby name
- Get car seat checked
- Have baby shower
- Pack hospital bags
- Take maternity pictures
- Create birth plan (see tips and example here)
- Send out baby shower thank you notes
- Cook and freeze meals
- Buy baby items that are still on registry (especially newborn items that you may need right away).
- Wash baby clothes with newborn detergent
- If having boys, research and decide on circumcision
- Set up meal train for friends and family to visit
- If you live in California, submit your CA EDD Short term disability claim
Fourth Trimester (first 3 months postpartum)
- If baby is a boy and circumcision was decided but not provided at the hospital, schedule it now (preferably before 3 weeks)
- Schedule newborn check up one day after hospital discharge
- If there are weight or jaundice issues, schedule subsequent doctor visits (usually a day or few days apart)
- Schedule lactation consultant
- If baby has latch issues, consider researching for pediatric chiropractor
- If baby has any oral restrictions, research provider for lip and/or tongue tie release
- schedule lip and/or tongue tie release
- if baby is still having latch issues, research bodywork (Pediatric Occupational Therapy and/or Pediatric Chiropractor)
- Schedule 6 week postpartum visit (for vaginal delivery) or 8 week visit (for C-section delivery).
- Update medical insurance to include baby
- You will most likely need to send a picture of your baby’s birth certificate to your insurance once it arrives
- Submit paper work for baby’s birth certificate
- Submit paper work for baby’s social security card
- Follow up with work regarding maternity leave
- many employers may want you to update them once your baby arrives
- Some employers may also need you to reach out to your company’s short term disability insurance company to provide update on your baby’s birth
- If you live in California, follow up with CA EDD on your short term disability. Most likely you will need to update the claim with baby’s arrival date.