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.
You can message Included Health for help understanding your benefits and policies.
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. Message your Personal Healthcare Assistant for help getting your breast pump.
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 how to add your baby to your insurance plan
For the first 30 days after a baby is born, they are covered under the mother’s health plan. To ensure that your baby is covered, it’s best to add them to your plan right away.
Included Health can guide you in the right direction to making sure that your little one is covered.
Included Health is your no-cost personal care team here to help you manage your healthcare. From finding a top doctor in your network to explaining your health benefits or medical bills, they’ll get the help you need, when you need it. Activate your account by tapping the button below.
