The countdown is on! There’s just one more week of work to go and that’s it: I’m officially on maternity leave.
I finish work 10 days before my due date so with a bit of luck I’ll have a week or so to wind down, rest and prepare for becoming a third-time mum.
I’ve been thinking about how best to maximise the time, and to be honest I’m not sure I’m going to be able to cram in everything that needs to be done. I haven’t packed the hospital bag, the house is a tip and I’m not even entirely sure where all our newborn paraphernalia is.
Which got me thinking about maternity leave and how to make the most of it before the baby actually arrives.
10 things all mums should do before giving birth
1. Sleep. As much as possible. Because the tiredness will catch up with you.
2. Read a book. And I don’t just mean read it. Savour every moment – the turning of pages, the pausing to re-read a paragraph, the peace and quiet, the just being. On your own.
3. Go to a coffee shop, alone or with friends, and leisurely sip a nice hot drink. Hot drinks probably won’t feature in the first six months of new motherhood, at least not all in one go, freshly made or when you’d ideally like them. You probably won’t get to leisurely sip them either.
4. Get your hair done. You’ll be surprised at how much military-style planning is required to schedule a child-free hair appointment once you become a mum, especially if you’re breastfeeding and your other half works. There’s nothing remotely relaxing about taking a baby with you, so make the most of it while you can.
5. Go out for a meal. Just the two of you. Somewhere a bit swanky, where they don’t also have plastic cutlery and colouring sets. The chances are it’s going to be a long time before this happens again.
6. Go shopping. Alone. Shopping will take on a whole new meaning once you’re a member of the buggy brigade. There’ll be shops you can no longer go in, shops you no longer want to go in and when it comes to buying things it basically becomes far easier to simply stay at home and cower behind your computer with a mouse.
7. Catch up with your childless friends. Especially the ones with immaculate houses, designer furnishings and social lives that start after 6pm. It might be a while before you see them again.
8. Go to the cinema. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been to see a grown-up film since becoming a mum. Be prepared for Disney Pixar from here on in.
9. Have a pedicure. Apart from the fact you can’t actually reach your feet yourself anymore, I’ve found getting my toes delivery-room ready has been a nice little confidence booster at the end. Even if I did end up on all fours in a birthing pool with said toes completely obscured. And afterwards, when you’re padded up, leaking various substances from various places and feeling like c**p, you can at least look down and see your toes look pretty.
10. Sleep some more. I cannot stress this point enough. Stay in bed until noon – better still all day – put your duvet on the sofa, watch re-runs of Come Dine With Me and snooze. Just make the most of it!
Was there anything you did or wish you’d done before having a baby? I’d love to know!
Linking up with…
I had so much planned the week before I was due to have my son. Spray tan, hair cut, nails, de-fuzz, eyelashes. The lot. He then came early, so that fucked that up!
#postsfromtheheart
Oh no! I’m overdue now but have still only done three of these!
I still try to do all the above.. When nanny comes for the weekend I’m a free woman !! I make the most of that time. We have no family or friends where we live so it’s a welcomed break when we get some help. Great read ! X
I had my hair done and went to the cinema before my little girl came. I also remember shopping a bit and having lunch out a couple of times alone when the grem was in nursery. I always remember the days on mat leave before the baby comes so fondly. Can never get over people saying they are bored!! xx #marvmondays
There’s just no time to be bored!!
What a great list to put together for those with an impending baby. I remember trying to nap when I was pregnant and my little lady just didn’t want to. Haha. #postsfromtheheart
I know that’s a nightmare isn’t it – they keep you up before they’re even born!!
Brilliant tips, all things i absolutely LOVE doing. Good Luck.
Thank you – me too!
#PostsFromTheHeart
Thanks for popping by x
Great tips, I think a lot of expectant mums are too excited about the imminent new arrival that they forget to take time out for themselves.
#PostsFromTheHeart
Yes I think you’re right!
Some great tips here!
I myself, have no children of my own but I do spend A LOT of time with my friends’ little ones. On Thursdays, I have little George from 7am until 6pm and my oh my, after a whole day with him, I sit back and think “how do you mummies fdi it 24/7?”
I loved reading your post about the prams on buses and I saw you on GMB. I actually walk everywhere with George, because I dread th thought of getting on the bus with him and his humongous pram! I literally have to squeeze the back wheels through most doors that I go through.
He arrives early, so on Thursdays I do not shower! He has just started walking and he touches EVERYTHING; there is no way I can shower and leave him to his own devices!
I love having him and cherish every moment, but definitely some good learning experiences for me!
It is very tiring! Glad you liked the buses/pushchair post – I’m not looking forward to using buses with a double buggy!
Love this. Totally agree with all the sleep, couples time and shopping. Shopping with a pram is the pits!!! Thanks for sharing for #marvmondays x
The only thing is we haven’t managed any couples time at all yet..!
Do you know,I’ve never had a pedicure, clearly missed my chance! #MarvMondays
You’re missing out! Get one!!
Fab tips!!! The emphasis on sleep can never be overstated! #PostsFromTheHeart
So right on loads of these! You can’t store-up sleep but can enjoy undisrupted time in your bed. I’m not pregnant but sometimes when my daughter goes down for her nap I just lie on my bed because I can…. #MarvMondays
I always used to do that when I just had BB – make the most of it I say!
Loved reading this post. Totally agree with you. I tried to sleep but I couldn’t. I was just so uncomfortable and in pain! But I did rest (when I could) #MarvMondays
I know what you mean – sleep doesn’t come easily does it?!
I remember when I was pregnant I took a lot of these things for granted, now i barely drink my tea hot any more or even get my hair done unless there is a special occasion (and the mum bun isn’t acceptable there) #TwinklyTuesday
All hail the mum bun – that’s the standard finishing touch to my mummiform!!
Geeze I remember that stuff! Seems like a million years ago! #TwinklyTuesday
Lucky you!!
I’m planning on getting an eye test before this baby comes in March. Suddenly occurred to me this morning that I need one and juggling a toddler and a bump will be challenge enough… if I attempted it with a toddler and a newborn, I would have a melt down before even discussing frames.lol. #twinklytuesday
You should check out my recent post about choosing glasses from home – you can ‘try’ them on and everything!
Have lots of sex. Bump and all. Because after baby arrives you won’t want to for the first 6 months and then when you do the moment will be constantly interrupted. #postsfromtheheart
Should have added that to the list *blush*!!
Brilliant post! I can’t recommend getting a pedicure enough! It was something I did just before Rory was born and it made me feel like a new woman! #TwinklyTuesday
My toes are sparkling red as we speak! They’re the only polished part of me!
Brilliant post, I wish I had done all this before my daughter was born but I was just so ill
#postsfromtheheart
Oh no, poor you!
Lovely post, i really wanted to do most of these before baby 1 & baby 2 arrived but there just wasn’t enough time. however for baby 2 i managed to organise a pregnancy massage at home…it was absolutely awesome would definitely recommend. #twinklytuesday
Love the one about going to friends’ immaculate houses! I was 12 days late and overdue and I have to say, I was DONE by then, but I did enjoy day time sleeping. Good luck #TwinklyTuesday
Read a book- yes of course! I miss tat days when I could seat on sofa and read something. Sleep? I don’t remember what it is:D Love your selection I would pick all of this:)
#PostsFromTheHeart
Oh how I wish I’d listened to the advice about sleeping. Now if I have another baby I won’t get the opportunity as I’ll have the toddler to see too. Your midwife should make it mandatory and come to check up in you to make sure you’re doing it! Great advice x #PostsFromTheHeart
I definitely should have got more sleep! Especially as both mine were really late I should have made more of that ‘extra’ time to prepare. #twinklytuesday
Hindsight is a wonderful thing…
Brilliant!
My biggest regret from my maternity leave is not re-watching my Ally McBeal box sets. My partner had bought them specially for me to enjoy pre baby, 6 years on they’re still wrapped in cellophane 🙁
#coolmumclub
You’ll get there one day…maybe!
I am a massive advocate of the pre-baby daytime bathing ritual. Candles. Music. Bubbles. Sheer bliss… Oh those were the days…
Good luck lovely – I can’t believe it’s nearly time! I swear nothing goes quicker than another bloggers pregnancy…
Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub xx
Yes that’s very true – everyone’s pregnancies seem to go fast online!!
Love this. I didn’t manage to do very much before my second baby arrived but before I had Leo I seriously just slept all the time..like ALL THE TIME. I wish I could say it helped with the sleep deprivation but I don’t think it did. Good luck for baby Number 3, can’t believe how close you are now xx #marvmondays
I definitely made the most of it before BB was born, but there just wasn’t the opportunity second time round. It’s not easy third time round either!!
Such good advice! I know exactly what you mean about getting a pedicure. I did the same with both of my pregnancies, and it’s amazing how comforting it was to look down at my perfect toes while I was pacing about round the delivery suite. I think they lasted me about 2 (crosses out 6 as fears you may judge me) months too post baby! 😉 Enjoy your mat leave hon and good luck for the big day. xx #coolmumclub
Yes my pedicures have always lasted ages afterwards too – I won’t say how long!!
I agree with all of these, I wish I had known just how much I needed to appreciate my free time beforehand and made the most of it xx #MarvMondays
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Bikini wax !!! Totally bare. I didn’t want the midwife telling me my child had a lovely head of hair and then going ‘ oh no , it’s just your bush ‘ . Good luck with No3 #postsfromtheheart
Oh no – I couldn’t do that!! Surely the pain of that is worse than childbirth?!!
Good luck with baby no. 3! I wanted to get my hair done – but every time I booked an appointment for it, something happened. One of them I felt unwell so I cancelled and I cancelled another because I thought I have reduced movements so went to hospital to get checked out…I just gave up and looked like crap in the end!
I’ve got a hair appointment booked for this Saturday – fingers crossed I make it!!
That is a great list! First time around I wish someone had told me to do these things! My younger son is 10 and I still haven’t found me-time again. #KCACOLS
Oh no – don’t say that!!
Enjoy your maternity leave! x #KCACOLS
Thank you!x
All very good ideas. Take note mums to be! Especially number 6, I hate shopping with a pram x
#KCACOLS
I know, it can be a nightmare can’t it…
I need to remember ALL of these before my time arrives in July. They are things you start to take for granted again when you have a 10 year old! Enjoy your maternity leave. #KCACOLS
It’s funny how we forget isn’t it…
Great advice! I wish I had made the most of the time I had before my son arrived but it was the first time and I didn’t know what was to come! Although, he came 11 days early anyway! #KCACOLS
I was still working 11 days before my due date so would have felt robbed!
Agree with all of these! Definitely time to do as much as possible while you can! #KCACOLS
Because life will never be the same again…
I would advise and do all of these if I were to be pregnant again! Lots of sleep. I spent my 2 weeks off before the baby was due mainly pottering around and watching tv, I would do the same again as I have never been that chilled out in the five years since! I hope you have a good rest, lots, of coffee and catch ups and many midday naps!Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday xx
Thank you – I am replying to this from bed with a cup of tea!!
Awesome list, and so true! I could t sleep at all at night with my second which just made it all so much worse when he was up every. Single. Hour!! after he was born for almost a month!! #KCACOLS
Don’t say that!!
Great advice!!!! The other thing
I always liked to do was plan food for the first few weeks after baby came. We have an amazing support network of moms who usually bring food for the first 1-2 weeks after baby comes and then we would start using freezer meals prepped ahead to make food easy!!! The hunger with breastfeeding can be CRAZY and sleep sleep sleep 🙂
Yes that’s also been on my list of things to do but I haven’t quite got around to it yet!!
I wish I’d read this list before I had my little girl. I used to take so much for granted – I had no idea how much I’d end up appreciating lying in bed til after 7am, or lounging about on the settee watching TV! I even remember feeling bored being at home in the first couple of weeks of mat leave, waiting for her to arrive! What was I thinking?! #kcacols
Bored? What’s that!! I wish I had time to be bored!! Hopefully you’ll get your me-time soon!
Ah you’re so right. I don’t think I did any of these but boy I wish I had. I wish I had done nothing but sleep! #KCACOLS
Me too – it’s just not possible to get enough of it…
Sleep is definitely the best advice. And preparing for any sort of birth I think too – not just the one you want. #kcacols
Yes I remember yours was rather dramatic – or sounded dramatic anyway!!
Couldn’t agree more. And appreciate time alone with your hubby. I really do miss time alone with my hubby when it wasn’t such a luxury.
#KCACOLS
Yes that’s true – sometimes we ca6n be like ships that pass in the night!
Yes that’s true – sometimes we can be like ships that pass in the night!
I had 7 weeks at home before my son was born. I had a nice neat little bump when I finished work and then basically sat at home for 7 weeks eating cake. I put on 5 stone in total!! So my advice would be relax but take a bit of exercise and don’t stuff your face…you’ll live to regret it! #KCACOLS
I don’t know – sounds like a fab way to spend 7 weeks to me!!
Oh I really wished I read and slept more before the kids were born. Mainly slept!!
#kcacols
Yes me too!!