There’s no way to know for sure when your little one will arrive. Use your due date as a guide. Some parents have their bags packed for months, while others are more laid back about getting ready. Either way, before you bring your little bundle of joy home, there are still a few things you should do in the final weeks.
- Get Ready to Bring Your Baby Home
Talk with your healthcare provider before your due date and make a checklist of what you need to prepare. Make your trip home less stressful knowing you have everything ready for your newborn.
- Do you have a dedicated place where your baby will sleep?
- Do you have enough diapers ready—you may need as many as 10–12 each day?
- Do you have a plan to contain pets as they get used to the new family member?
- Plan Your Transportation
Have you thought about how you will get home from the hospital? If you have someone picking you up, you should put the car seat in the vehicle before coming to the hospital so it is ready. [<If applicable, explain how to use the transportation benefit, remind to bring the car seat to the hospital, and how to arrange this since it will be less than 5 days.>] [<If the transportation benefit cannot be used: If you do not have transportation, you need to bring the car seat with you to the hospital so you can use it in a taxi or ride-share vehicle.>]
- Lock Down Feeding Plans
Do your homework before delivering and save time later. Will you breast or bottle feed? If you plan on nursing, Virginia Premier fully covers the cost of lactation consultants.
If you want to breastfeed, Virginia Premier covers a free breast pump rental or purchase. The first thing you’ll want to do is enroll in Virginia Premier’s prenatal care program, Healthy Heartbeats (HHB). A member of the HHB outreach team will call you to help you get screened for different risk factors, and provide resources for breast pumps.
If you plan on bottle feeding, be sure you have formula and bottles ready when you get home.
- Set Up the Car Seat
Driving a newborn for the first time can make even the most confident driver feel nervous. Setting up the car seat ahead of time can help ease your nerves. If this is your first car seat, practice putting it in your car. Some fire and police departments teach parents how to put in car seats.
- Stay Organized
Finally, try to make your own list and stick to it! These final weeks before you get to meet your baby in person are a great time to visit friends and family. These weeks can also be a good time to rest.
If you are a member and need to discuss details about your health or your plan, please call Virginia Premier Member Service at the number on the back of your ID card.
