New Parent Organizer

Excited? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Feeling an entire range of emotions? Preparing for a new baby can do that. But if you plan ahead and take things one step at a time, all the pieces will fall into place about the same time baby arrives. By following Mercy’s New Parent Organizer, a month by month checklist, once you reach your due date you'll be free to devote all your energy to loving your new baby, instead of sweating over details.

Month 3

• Where is your Social Security card?
  If you don't have a social security card, it's time to begin the process of replacing it. Why? Because the easiest and quickest way for you to get your newborn a social security number and card is when hospital staff are preparing the birth certificate. Without proof of Social Security numbers from both parents, you can't get a number and card for your baby.

• Check out maternity leave
  It's never too early to research your company's maternity leave policy. If maternity leave is not included in your employee handbook, contact human resources or your personnel department for a complete list of employee benefits. Tally any unused sick leave, holiday time and vacation time you have accumulated. Some companies offer a leave of absence (Family Leave Act) without pay. Although it is up to you when and how you tell your boss and coworkers that you're pregnant, it's good to have your maternity leave plan figured out before the big announcement.

• Enroll in Healthy Start at Mercy
  The first trimester of a woman's pregnancy is critical to the development of a child. Mercy’s Healthy Start class provides parents-to-be with information about nutrition, fetal development and growth, exercise, anatomy and physiology. Classes are held every other month during the evening. Enroll as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

• Carry a water bottle
  Begin carrying a water bottle and sip it all day long. This is an easy way to insure you're drinking that needed 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. It is also a good habit if you plan to breastfeed. Keeping yourself hydrated is key to breast milk production and good health. It can also help prevent constipation and keep your skin healthy.

• What’s in a name?
  A person's name is key to their identity. If you begin thinking about names now, you will have plenty of time to make this important decision. You'll also have a more personal feeling for the tiny person who's growing inside of you. Need ideas? Check the Social Security’s online list of popular baby names.

Month 4

• Get a head start on childcare
  Separating from your baby, whether it's for a Saturday night movie or a return to work, is never easy. Finding good childcare is a top priority, so it's never too early to begin looking at the options available near you: in-home care, nanny or day care center. Check references, including licensing requirements as you explore your options.

• Get your financial house in order
  For most people, having a baby means rethinking the family finances. Start planning for the additional expenses for your baby’s room, clothing and personal items. Now is a good time to consider developing a family budget if you don't have one already. Rethink your spending habits. Consolidate or eliminate debt. Evaluate how you have spent money in the past and look at your future goals.

• Sign up for class
  It's time to call Mercy Health Direct (405-752-3600) and make arrangements for childbirth classes. Some classes meet weekly for an hour at a time; or you can choose a day-long session held on Saturdays. In addition to helping you learn what to expect in labor and delivery, these classes cover a range of topics from baby safety to breast feeding, and are a great way to meet other prospective parents. Check Mercy’s entire list of classes, support groups and resources available for new parents.

• A room for baby
  One practical place to direct the nesting instinct you may be experiencing is the nursery. It's time to plan a welcoming, interesting and safe room that you and your baby will both enjoy. And it’s fun!

• Contact your dentist
  Even though it is generally considered safe to have routine dental work performed at any time during pregnancy, it's a good idea to have dental care performed early in your pregnancy. And since infections can result from untreated tooth or mouth conditions, it's best not to let dental problems go. Be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and indicate any allergies you have or medications you are taking.

Month 5

• Find a pediatrician
  The right pediatrician is someone you connect with and instinctively feel you can trust. To begin your search, ask your obstetrician, your friends with children, or contact Mercy Health Direct’s physician referral services for recommendations. Check your health insurance policy for to be sure the pediatrician you select is included. You may want to interview several pediatricians before you find the right doctor; so starting early is a good idea.

• Check with your rabbi, priest, pastor or religious leader
  How will your baby be welcomed into the world? You may have a baby dedication, baptism, a Brith Milah or other religious ceremony if you belong to an organized religion. If so, call your place of worship to find out what is involved and how to schedule a religious ceremony.

• Always be prepared
  First aid kits aren't important, until you need one and need it in a hurry. Don't be caught unprepared. Assemble or purchase your home first aid kit now.

• Consider life insurance
  If you and your spouse do not have life insurance, you may want to consider a policy at this time. There are different kinds of life insurance that serve different purposes so you'll want to research policies and the companies that sell them. If you already have a policy, find out how to change or add beneficiaries to it. You may also want to increase the policy amount.

• Set up on-line banking
  Most banks now offer this service for a minimum fee. You might also consider automatic bill payer. Usually, you spend a little time developing a merchant list and then paying your bills is as easy as point and click.

Month 6

• Prepare birth announcements
  Taking care of birth announcements now will save time during those first weeks when your baby comes home. Endless options are available to announce your new child, from a family web page to cards you create to traditional birth announcements. And remember Mercy Babies online; develop an email list now so family and friends are just a click away once baby arrives.

• A bed for baby
  A safe crib is essential for your new baby. While heirloom cribs may hold special meaning, they may not be safe. Be sure your baby’s crib has a firm, snug-fitting mattress and no more than
  2-3/8 inches between the crib slats. Check the consumer product safety guidelines for additional information before purchasing this important piece of furniture.

• Select your companion
  Choose your support people and review your birth plan with them. This is usually the baby’s father, but in some cases a mother chooses another person, such as her own mother or a close friend or sister. Your support person should become very familiar with what to expect during labor and birth by attending Mercy’s prenatal classes with you, doing some reading and taking a tour of the BirthPlace.

• Pamper yourself
  Now is a good time to pamper yourself – a trip to the spa or the salon for a quick pick-me-up. Or a massage to ease the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Find a professionally licensed massage therapist, trained in massage during pregnancy. You’ll be amazed what a little pampering can do!

• Time for new wheels?
  Your pre-baby wheels may not be appropriate for driving around with a baby. If you need to trade your two-door sports car for a more practical vehicle, its time to investigate your options.

• What about a will?
  Getting a will drawn up may not be a pleasant thought. But a will is a way to be sure your child will be cared for in the event of an accident or illness. If you already have a will, you'll probably want to change it to include a new beneficiary. See your legal counsel or purchase a pre-made will-writing kit to make your own document.

Month 7

• Tour Mercy BirthPlace
  Visit us in person. Just let us know when, so we can be your guide. Gather information, ask questions and get a feel for the kind of experience Mercy offers.

  • Find out when you need to fill out and turn in your pre-registration forms.

  • Ask about hospital policy on internal fetal monitoring, rooming in and other concerns

• Shop for baby "must haves"
  Time to make that shopping list. You’ll want to have all the essentials ready to go when you arrive home from the hospital - diapers, clothing, linen and supplies. Now is a good time to stock up on the basics.

• Car seats
  Choosing a car seat isn’t always a simple matter. You'll want to research safety issues and compare products before buying the car seat. Check with consumer organizations to find product safety and quality reviews before you shop the stores or online.

• Baby carriers
  You may also want to get a baby carrier for your new baby. Some models are a combination carrier and car seat. Other soft cloth carriers allow you to carry baby as you attend to daily chores. As with car seats, check with consumer organizations to find product safety and quality reviews before you shop the stores or online

• Consider feeding options
  You probably have thought about how you will feed your baby. You may be planning to exclusively breastfeed; or you may be planning a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding; or you may be planning to formula feed from birth. Whatever method you choose, it’s essential to know how to feed your baby safely and correctly. Now is a good time to sign up for Mercy’s Basics of Baby Feeding to learn more.

• Hire cleaning help
  Almost all mothers of newborns will tell you that they are surprised at how little time they have for keeping the house clean. In the past, you may have considered a cleaning service an unnecessary luxury. But the birth of a baby can move professional cleaning from "unnecessary" to "can't live without it," at least for the first six months. Hiring a cleaning service now will make the last months of pregnancy easier and you won't have to worry about it when the baby comes home.

Month 8

• Ask for help
  This month a good time to line up friends and family for other help such as:

  • A casserole brigade so you don't have to worry about cooking. People are always pleased to cook for a new mother and family.

  • If other children need rides to soccer practice or rides to and from school, now is the time to alert neighbors and friends.

  • Mini-breaks. You can ask family, friends or neighbors if they would be willing to give you an hour off from baby care during the first weeks to that you can exercise, go for coffee or just get away from the house.

• Dad’s time off
  In many families, Dad likes to take time off work during the first week or two after the baby’s birth. Now is a good time to make the necessary arrangements for vacation time or paternity leave.

• Decide on cord blood
  Preserving cord blood is a decision that requires planning. Make the necessary arrangements now if you plan to bank cord blood.

• Make it safe
  Time to childproof your house from top to bottom. Visit your local hardware store for child safety products. Take a look around your house and car and make your environment as baby-safe as you can.

• Practice your breathing
  You will want to practice your breathing and muscle strengthening techniques until you can do them without thinking. A good time for you and your spouse to practice is in the evening. You can even practice during commercial breaks while you are watching television. Practice is a way to ensure you'll remember what to do automatically during the hard work of labor.

• Name that baby!
  Jacob, Michael, Joshua. Emily, Madison, Hannah. You've probably been mulling over lists of names for months. Or, maybe you've waited. If you haven't chosen yet, it's time to make the decision.

Month 9

• Pack your bags
  Yes, it's finally time to prepare your tote bag. Keep it in a visible place. It's easy to get confused in the excitement of labor and the last thing you want is to forget is where you put the bag. If you need new pajamas, robe or slippers for photos after childbirth, it's now or never for that shopping spree. Also think ahead for tucking in your glasses, makeup and other beauty products.

• Arrange breastfeeding classes, consults
  To learn everything you can about breastfeeding, call Mercy Health Direct at 405-752-3600 to enroll in Basics of Baby Feeding. Many new moms also find that La Leche League International can be a great help. If you've decided to use pacifiers, be sure you buy several newborn, safety-size pacifiers.

• Organize diaper supplies
  If you have decided to use cloth diapers, you'll need to get all of your supplies in order. If you've chosen to have someone else launder diapers for you, you'll need to arrange for diaper service at least three weeks in advance. If you're going with disposables, remember to select newborn as well as a pack or two of the next size up in your chosen brand, to be sure you have a variety for any size baby.

• For second-time moms

  • Complete your pre-admission packet if you haven't already done so. Although you've been through this before, you may want to take a quick Mercy tour again.

  • Arrange childcare now for the time you will be in the hospital. Continue preparing your child/children for their new brother or sister.

  • Be sure you have a special game or toy on hand to occupy your children when the new baby comes home and to let them know you were especially thinking of them.

  • Pack the freezer. It's time to consider making some meals and freezing them. In those first busy days after the baby comes home, you will be too busy to cook, but it is important for you to eat well. Consider making and freezing some heart healthy meals, recipes provided courtesy of the American Heart Association.