Hey mama! I know that preparing for a baby can feel like a marathon, but also a sprint too. Whether you’re just starting to think about having children or your deep into motherhood and you’re in the nesting phase, I feel you. Hi, I’m Lauren, a local Tampa mom and Tampa maternity and newborn photographer. From financial planning to finding the right Tampa prenatal yoga studio, here is your comprehensive list of things to do before giving birth.

Phase 1 – Preparing for pregnancy

If you are already expecting, skip to phase 2. If you are right in the middle of the planning stages, start here:

Schedule a Preconception checkup

Meet with your OBGYN to discuss your heath history and vitamins.

Track your Cycle

Use an app to understand your window of fertility.

Focus on Nutrition

Start incorporating lean proteins and healthy fats into your diet now.

Phase 2 – Financial Things to Do Before Having a Baby

A baby brings joy and new expenses. Getting your ducks in row now can reduce stress down the road.

Review your Health Insurance

Call your provider to understand your deductible and what is covered for labor.

Create a baby budget

Factor in reoccurring costs like diapers, but also one-time big purchases like a crib, car seat, and stroller.

Audit your life insurance

Ensure that your family is protected by updating your beneficiaries.

Research early childhood care

Most daycares often have long waitlists. For us in Tampa, there are so many childcare options that you want to check out early and reserve before baby arrives.

Phase 3 – The Fun Things to do Before Giving Birth

This phase is all about soaking in the pregnancy moment and checking off those boutique experiences while you still feel good.

Book your maternity and newborn photography session

Most photographers book up months in advance because they block off so much time around due dates since we won’t know when baby will actually arrive. Aim to have your maternity photos between 28-34 weeks in term when your bump is prominent. Newborn photos are usually scheduled before baby arrives and then once baby is here, the appointment is moved.

Go for a 5D ultrasound

Seeing those tiny baby features for the first time is a core memory. We love Peeping Moms in Brandon for a boutique experience.

Build your registry

Focus on high quality essentials. I always recommend asking for the bigger things that might be more of an investment. Those allow multiple people to go in on the gift and then you’re not having to purchase it yourself.

Take a babymoon

A babymoon is often cited as one of the most important things to do before giving birth to strengthen the bond with your partner. See why Anna Maria Island is a great place for a Babymoon.

Phase 4 – Things To Do In Third Trimester To Prepare For Labor

The home stretch! This is the time to focus on your body and really start checking off all the things to do before giving birth.

Attend a Prenatal Yoga Class

Prenatal Yoga is one of the best ways to prep your body for birth. (Also checking out prenatal pelvic floor specialists is smart too!)

Choose your Birth Setting

Decide if a hospital or a specialized birth center is right for you. If you are local to Tampa, we recommend checking out In Due Season or Labor of Love.

Pack Your HOspital bag

Keep it by the door by week 36 and make sure your partner knows where everything is.

Install the Car SEat

Most fire stations can check your installation to insure it is secure!

Meal Prep Like a Pro

Fill your freezer with easy meals for those first 3 weeks at home. These will be easy meal that parents or partners can throw in a crockpot or the oven when it’s time for a meal without the hassle of thinking.

Finalize Your Birth Plan

Write down your preferences and share them with your doula or birth team.

Sanitize Everyting

Wash the first round of baby clothes, onesies, and sheets so everything is ready to go!

Pre-Register at the HOspital or BIRTHPLACE

Filling out your paperwork early is one of the smartest things you can do before giving birth to avoid administrative stress during contractions.

Phase 5 – The Last Things To Do Before giving Birth

Set up Your Post Partum Station

Stock your bathroom with recovery essentials and plan out where you are going to want to feed the baby. Nearby, set up a little station with diapers, wipes, and water for you.

Arrange any Care for Pets and siblings

Have a Plan A and B to watch your pets and siblings while you are staying at the hospital or birth center.

Deep Clean your HOme

Starting the newborn phase with a clean house a is mental health boost.

Stock up on Household Essentials

Don’t forget the boring stuff like paper towels, toilet paper, etc.!

Plan Who is Coming to stay

With all the excitement of a new baby, make a game plan about when and who is coming to visit and stay. This will help so you don’t have any extra surprises you weren’t prepared for.

Prioritize REst

When you look at this long list of things to do before giving birth, don’t forget that resting your body is the most important thing of all.

I hope this Checklist was super helpful!

While there are a million logical things to do before giving birth, don’t forget to slow down and celebrate this beautiful season. Whether you’re finding your mom tribe or capturing the magical part of pregnancy through maternity photos, every step you take now is a gift to your future self.

If you are local to Tampa and want to document this journey of motherhood, I’d love to help you create something beautiful! Let’s chat!