Final preparations
Today marks 34 weeks for our pregnancy. It feels like it was only last week that my fiancée told me she is pregnant. It was the start of a scary and wonderful journey.
Only two days ago I added the last part of furniture to the nursery, a rocking chair, to be used as a feeding and sleeping chair for mommy. We have now outfitted the nursery with what I regard as all the essentials for a babies arrival. Firstly we have the cot, a dresser, changing and bathing table, end table with nightlight, the aforementioned feeding chair, blinds and curtains to soften the amount of light entering the room and finally a cupboard with additional storage for consumables and clothes.
We have purchased or received the accessories as well. A turtle night light, soft toys, rattles, angel care baby monitor, a bath and changing mat. I believe these to be the essentials for the nursery itself. A full list of everything needed for the baby can be found at http://www.mothercare.com/new-baby-essentials/advice-ms-preg-essentials-root,default,pg.html
I know I have mentioned this link before, but I believe it is critical to prepare correctly for your babies arrival.
If you have passed the 34 week mark it is also essential that mommy and baby’s bags are packed and at the ready for at least a 3 day hospital stay. Contact the hospital that you have chosen for the birth as each hospital has different requirements as to what they supply and what you as parents need to bring along. This list can also be collected during the hospital tour that should be completed at this stage.
If you have medical aid ensure that you have clearance for the hospital and doctor you have chosen. Even if your medical scheme covers ‘everything’ you do need prior authorisation from them for the birth. Pre registering and booking your bed at the hospital is also a good idea as this saves time and you do not want to have to fill out forms when mommy is in labour.
If you decide to take mommy to hospital yourself make sure that you know the quickest route to the hospital and even though it seems trivial, especially if you are planning on a caesarean, nature plays by her own rules and it always helpful to know how to get to the hospital in the fastest possible way.
Lastly and I know this sounds obvious, but the most obvious things are frequently overlooked, make sure the vehicle you will be using to take mommy to hospital always as enough fuel in it to take you from wherever you currently are to wherever mommy is and from there to hospital. The last thing you want is to have to stop at a gas station while mommy is going into labour.
These are just a few ideas I have on what should be done at this stage, but I am sure there are things I have overlooked as well. Rather over prepare than under prepare, read as much as you can and ask other parents whenever you can.
A baby is a blessing and they are reliant on you to look after them, so be the best father you can be and ensure your baby comes into this world needing nothing. I know fathers roles are frequently understated when it comes to looking after especially a baby, and we are seen only as providers. It is up to us to not only be providers but be caregivers as well. Change a diaper, heck, change as many as you can, assist with feedings and give mommy a break whenever you can by preparing a bottle or soothing baby to sleep. Cherise every second you are able to spend with your baby and show the world that we as men are not afraid of being more than just the ‘provider’.
