There’s no way to know for sure exactly when your little one will arrive, but you’re armed with a due date! That guess is a pretty handy tool for getting ready — especially since having a new baby on the way means that there’s a lot to get ready for. Whether you’ve had your hospital bag packed for the last month or you’re feeling a little more laid-back about your preparations, there are probably a few different things you have left to do in the last few weeks before you can bring your little bundle of joy home with you.
Make a birth announcement list
Whether you’re planning on sending out a formal card or an email blast, there’s a good chance that, once your baby arrives, you won’t be feeling quite as focused on preparations for the birth announcement. You’ll have a lot of other things to think about! Now is a great time to pick out a template if you’re planning on a formal card and to track down the current contact information for all of the family and friends who should be told about the newest arrival to your family. It’s also a good time to make a list of everyone you or your partner feel it’s important to more informally tell when labor begins, or when your baby is born. Putting together that mass text in the delivery room means there’s a good chance that you, or your partner, will be distracted enough that you might not make as complete a list as you might like.
Review your leave policy
Now is a great time to review Walmart’s leave policy. Even if you already have a plan for leave that you feel secure about, it can be helpful to remind yourself of what all of your options are. This includes any flexibility that may be available through that policy, including the option of short-term disability.
Solidify feeding plans
Whether you’re planning to breast- or bottle-feed your little one, you can help set yourself up for a smooth feeding experience by doing a little homework ahead of time. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’re entitled to three lactation visits with a certified lactation counselor through Walmart’s Life with Baby program. You also have access to a free breast pump through Life with Baby. Breast pumps are available to order at week 38 of pregnancy up to 60 days after delivery.
Your personal online doctor through Doctor on Demand can also play a supportive role. They can help answer any questions you may have about breastfeeding, and can refer you to an in-network specialist if you need it.
You can download Doctor on Demand’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit their website to find a personal online doctor today.
Set up the car seat
Even the most confident driver can feel a little nervous the first time they drive a car that has their newborn in the back seat. Making sure the car seat is fully installed ahead of time can help to ease some of those nerves. If you’re parenting with a partner, setting up the car seat now means you’ll get the benefit of two heads being better than one. This can be helpful if this is your first car seat installation. And if you run into trouble in the installation process, installing now means you have plenty of time to look up extra instructions online. Some fire departments or police departments also offer programs where they install car seats for parents, to make sure the installation is done perfectly.
Learn about Virtual Care
Walmart partners with Doctor on Demand to help associates have healthy pregnancies and raise healthy children. You’ll be assigned a personal online doctor who can see you anytime, order lab work, write prescriptions, and coordinate care.
Your personal online doctor can also refer you to specialists on the Doctor on Demand platform, or help you find local, in-network providers.
You can download Doctor on Demand’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit their website to find a personal online doctor today.
