When I was expecting my first child, I was consumed by the need to ensure everything was perfect. “I will create a checklist!” I proclaimed a month prior to my due date. Recently, I stumbled upon that very checklist and realized how naive I was back then. Here’s a look at my pre-baby to-do list that now seems rather amusing:
PRE-BABY TASKS
- Assemble a hospital bag filled with snacks, beauty products, calming music, books, and my laptop, anticipating a lengthy labor.
- Aim to have regular bowel movements in order to avoid any mishaps during childbirth.
- Purchase a stylish bikini and curate a playlist for a serene water birth experience.
- Watch additional birthing videos online, because knowledge is indeed power.
- Launder all new baby garments with gentle, baby-safe detergent.
- Wash our own clothing using the same baby-friendly detergent.
- Clean all crib bedding with baby-safe soap as well.
- Consult with my midwife about whether I need to launder sofa covers and muslin cloths in baby-friendly detergent.
- Sanitize the entire home daily with antibacterial wipes until the baby arrives.
- Commit to pelvic floor exercises daily to compensate for the lack of practice during my pregnancy.
- Neatly trim my bikini area to avoid any awkward situations during delivery.
- Acquire books and DVDs for entertainment during maternity leave.
- Request my partner to refrain from looking down during the birthing process.
- Learn to bake a cake, or at least cookies, for the post-baby period.
- Buy a cake recipe book.
- Obtain a cake pan.
- Revisit “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” for a refresher.
- Practice perineum massage, possibly using instructional videos online.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with my partner, as our outings may be limited once the baby arrives.
- CONGRATULATIONS, you have completed the checklist! Now, take a moment to relax before the baby comes.
Unfortunately, I never reached number 20. In fact, I got stuck on the very first task. “First babies are always late,” I was told. “You’ll likely go into labor a couple of weeks after the due date.” This turned out to be incorrect.
I was indulging in a Big Mac (our supposed romantic dinner) when my water broke unexpectedly. My partner and I hastily packed a grocery bag with essentials and hurried to the hospital. Just as I entered the birthing pool, my daughter made her quick entrance, completely disregarding my unpracticed perineum massage.
There was no time for snacks, magazines, or playlists. I had not worried about my unemptied bowels, nor had I donned my fashionable maternity bikini.
As it happened, I brought my newborn home to a house that wasn’t disinfected and still bore the scent of fast food, dressed her in unwashed clothes, and hoped my lack of grooming hadn’t traumatized her for life.
Fast forward to my second pregnancy—this time, I didn’t bother creating a to-do list. With one baby to care for outside and another kicking inside, I was far too fatigued for such endeavors. I discarded all the books, skipped baking altogether, and certainly didn’t indulge in Big Macs.
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In summary, the journey to parenthood is unpredictable, and despite meticulous planning, things may not unfold as you envision. Embrace spontaneity and enjoy the process!
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