Your hospital breastfeeding checklist

Did you know…? The natural protection in breast milk will help nurture your newborn.

Did you know? Developing your support network now can help you feel good about feeding your baby later.

Did you know? The “superpowers” of breast milk for your baby (and you) cannot be underestimated—and pregnancy is the perfect time to prepare.

Your pregnancy: weeks 14-17. Your baby's individual features and sensory organs are now being fine tuned. Iron requirements increase during this period as your blood volume increases to help build reserves of for the fetus and placenta.

10 essential questions about gestational diabetes answered

Breastfeeding is a learned process—by mom and baby—and you may face some challenges in the first few months of breastfeeding. The most important advice is to seek help as soon as you sense a problem and find a good support network early on.

Your pregnancy: weeks 18-22. A month of finishing touches for the baby. A miracle for those who have not felt it as yet - which is often the case in the first pregnancy - you feel the movements of your baby!

Your pregnancy: weeks 28-31. Your baby and you are now in the final stretch. Changes in your body and your baby continue to take place as you enter your third trimester through to the end of pregnancy.

Here’s an outline that starts with your third trimester, and takes you right through to your upcoming labour.

Your pregnancy: weeks 23 – 27. Your baby develops movements that will later help it take its first whiff of air in the world, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. You may feel rhythmic movements which is your baby hiccupping.

You might think it’s too early to start planning for the big day, but it’s never too early to starting thinking about what kind of birthing experience will be the ideal one for you. 

Stress, hormonal upheaval, and a growing abdomen: all these factors can cause insomnia, nighttime dreaming and nightmares, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness during the day. To solve this problem, listen to your body!

Your house is about to become home to all kinds of firsts for your new family addition—make sure everyone can share every special moment in a safe environment where your baby can thrive!

Practical action steps to take before, during, and after birth

Your pregnancy: weeks 32-35.  Your baby is still developing as you near the finish line and it’s mostly adding the finishing touches from here on out. He or she is getting ready to meet you!

Time to think about what to pack for your new baby—including that special going-home outfit—and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.

Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy. Your baby will need some amenities and don’t forget your labour coach either. Here's what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very obvious… or not at all. In fact, there are as many different kinds of pregnancies as there are women

 

You’re expecting—what an exciting time! 

Since every day should build on the excitement you felt the moment you found out, here’s a checklist that focuses on the start of your amazing journey. It’s meant to put your initial pregnancy questions and concerns to bed, so you can look forward to all the thrills that lie ahead for you…and your baby!