Tomorrow I go in for my last doctor’s appointment (until postpartum) and get induced Monday morning with our littlest love. I can not believe how fast 10 months flew by and am so grateful for another healthy and wonderful pregnancy experience. I thought I would share some things I have been focusing on or making sure are in order before brother makes his arrival. Since we don’t live close to family and have a toddler, there is much more to think about and coordinate with actual labor than the first time around! You can check out all pregnancy posts under the “Pregnancy” tab on the main menu!

1.Hospital Game Plan

Since we have a toddler we had to come up with some type of plan if labor happens before induction. In our situation, I reached out to some friends who offered to watch our son until family can stay with him (both parents live 5-6 hours away). Having some type of “list” of people you plan to contact eliminates one extra stress and provides some security in an unknown time. If your child is able to understand, explaining to them what will happen is also important! Our son is very excited!

2.Hospital Protocol

Understanding hospital protocol is also important before arriving. Since we still have restrictions in place with COVID, I called to receive general information and ask what I needed to do on my end. You can also ask what will be provided for packing purposes and visiting hours (if applicable). I am beyond grateful my husband gets to come and go for food and to check in with our older son!

3.House Chores

I don’t know about you, but I can not go somewhere if my house is a mess. I don’t know why it bothers me so much, but I enjoy coming home where I don’t immediately have a list of chores or things to take care of. Ever since I started dilating I have been making sure the house is clean and tidy every night before bed. I have also been vacuuming and wiping counters every couple days as well as doing laundry.

Putting The House To Bed

4.Home/Toddler Info

Since we will be having people stay at our house while we are gone, having information for them can be extremely helpful. I typed up two different documents for whoever to use if needed. One is our toddler’s schedule of meals, sleep times, and basic information and the other is house information such as security, tv, ac, etc. We are also leaving my car with our toddler’s car seat incase a car is needed and it is one less stress to transfer it to another vehicle. I am leaving additional items and have stocked up on certain things, but it is personal preference and whatever your situation is!

5.Exercise/Sleep

This week I am really focusing on moving my body and getting as much sleep as possible. I am napping every day with my son and trying to take care of my body in whatever way I can! I am also drinking my normal 120ish ounces of water and making sure I don’t fall behind on that!

Pregnancy & Exercise

What were some things you found yourself doing before labor? I would love to know! As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I recently shared some things my husband and I have been discussing before our second son is welcomed into the world. You can check out that post here: Don’t Forget The Moms. I wanted to piggy back off that post and share some ways spouses can support their wives during the labor and delivery process. Of course each person and situation are different and personal preferences will vary among women. Your spouse is there to support you in whatever you need, and most likely they want to know they are doing something to help!

I would love to know what was most helpful from your spouse during labor!

1.Paperwork

If you have to fill out paperwork when arriving to the hospital, have your spouse complete as much as they can. You are going to be getting changed, hooked up to monitors, and getting an IV in immediately, so let them take care of that part! Also let them complete any new paperwork (with baby) and organized for you! I like bringing a folder for all of the new documents and information.

2.Updating Loved Ones

Unless you are induced and hanging out (with an epidural), the last thing on your mind is going to be to update family/loved ones. Let your spouse know who you want them to keep in the loop or updated beforehand and have them take care of all of that!

3.Snacks/Food

Once you are able to eat, let your spouse get you whatever you want! They are more than happy to go pick up a meal or snack you are wanting, especially after birth. Have them keep your water and belly full!

4.Diaper Changes

Once the baby arrives, gravity will NOT be your friend and constantly getting up and down can be difficult. Letting your spouse take care of the diaper changes, swaddles, and clothing is so helpful during those first couple days of recovery! I don’t think I changed one diaper in the hospital with our first!

5.Help With Moving Around

Depending on your delivery and personal situation, moving around may be a difficult task. Although it is good to get up and move your body, it can be a lot those first 24-48 hours. Allow your spouse to help you with whatever you need (even restroom). If you are more comfortable with a nurse helping, they are also more than willing and extremely helpful!

What were some things you ended up needing support in during that time? As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

My husband and I were talking the other night about brother being here and newborn life in general. As we were talking, we started discussing how easy it is for people to forget about everything women go through during labor and postpartum because all the focus and attention is on the new baby. I am ALL about the baby check ins and love, however I think it is so important to not forget about the Moms during such a crucial time for them personally and with their family. It truly is incredible what the human body is capable of, and no matter what type of birth a women experiences, it is a lot!

I wanted to share some thoughts and things we discussed to keep in mind if you know someone who is expecting or recently had a little one! I would love to know anything that surprised you during labor or postpartum that you weren’t expecting.

• The newborn/postpartum stage is HARD no matter how well someone seems to be doing
• Women take 10 months to create life and are expected to bounce back a few weeks after birth which is just simply unrealistic.
• Not only is a woman’s body trying to go back to “normal” but it is also healing from whatever type of labor they experienced, surging with hormones, and trying to balance back out as a whole.
• Labor is intense and women are trying to heal their own bodies while putting their babies before their own needs.
• Hormone changes can last for months and be overwhelming at times.
• Sleep deprivation is real and not fun.
• Breastfeeding comes with a whole other set of body changes, adjustments, and challenges.
• Moms are trying to find their groove with their baby and family. Almost all moms are doing what they feel is best for their personal situation and life which should be supported.
• Mom brains do not have a magic off switch.
• New moms will most likely be experiencing a ton of emotions and new anxieties. Sometimes we can make it worse instead of better.
• There may be new boundaries that women feel comfortable with after becoming a parent which is totally okay!

If you know someone who recently had a little one, I encourage you to check in on them! I know it is always appreciated to know you are being thought of during a learning and adjusting season. Don’t forget about those Mammas!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac