When I was pregnant with our first child, I created a “pregnancy by the month” note in my phone where I kept a running list of classes, books, wellness activities and other milestones so that I could consolidate all of the things I’d read from 100 different sources in one place. Looking back, it was definitely my unique form of nesting, but it was also super helpful.
Below is a less detailed version of my list that I’m hoping will be a helpful starting point for you as well. Note that before 18 weeks, I started doing 30-minute walks and some form of yoga, barre or stretching every day, which I did throughout my pregnancy.
Weeks 18-22
Sign up for labor, breastfeeding, hypnobirthing classes, etc.
Visit library and/or purchase pregnancy, labor, postpartum and child care books (you can find a list of my favorites here)
Weeks 22-26
Start planning baby shower/mother blessing
Contact and start seeing pelvic floor physical therapist
Contact and start seeing chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy
Order NORA tea and herbal bath supplies
Continue to read books
Weeks 26-30
Do your homework and write your birth plan
Make and start drinking NORA tea daily
Attend labor class
Create 42-day postpartum meal plan and grocery list
Continue to read books
Weeks 30-34
Start daily squats
Make healing bath tea blend for postpartum
Gather postpartum bathroom supplies (peri bottle, pads, sitz bath, etc.)
Discuss labor and expectations you have for your partner’s role, if applicable
Discuss postpartum and expectations you have for your partner’s role, if applicable
Line up additional help postpartum, if applicable
Finalize your care team (doula, lactation consultant, etc.)
Continue to read books
Weeks 34-40
Start seeing therapist and/or journaling
Listen to hypnobirthing meditations on YouTube
Take and/or review notes on pregnancy books
Make pregnancy music playlist
Attend baby shower/mother blessing
Install car seats
Send postpartum recipes to friends and family
Start wearing baby products around your dog, if applicable
Start daily perineal massage between 34 and 36 weeks
Attend breastfeeding class
Start expressing colostrum, early breast milk, (3-5 minutes 2-3 times per day)
Prepare bedside self-care center
Start eating dates (6 per day if Noor, 3 per day if Majool) at 36 weeks
Purchase or make lactation tea
Practice infant oil massage
First 2 weeks postpartum
YOU DID IT!
Stay in bed and REST
Hydrate, eat nourishing foods and stay warm
Stretch every morning and perform self massage
Take herbal bath or sitz bath daily or as needed