Since a baby's timetable is somewhat unpredictable, start getting your affairs in order at the beginning of this month. Make sure to:

__ Double-check with your doctor or midwife that a copy of your birth plan has been put into your chart.

__ See that your birth plan includes any changes you might have made to it since your first review together.

__ Provide your labor coach with an extra copy of your birth plan just in case the original is misplaced.

__ Take up friends, family, and neighbors on their offers of assistance. Make a list and schedule assignments (see the following chart on page 179 to compile this list).

__ Give friends who are good in the kitchen cooking detail, so you can have a supply of frozen, home-cooked meals on hand for easy dinners.

__ If you have other children, charge your husband or partner with making sure their school, extracurricular, and social schedules are covered.

__ Sound out the idea with your partner of asking a mommy-expert, maybe even your own mom, to come for a visit.

When family and friends offer to help you after the baby is born, first make sure they are making genuine offers. If they really do intend to help, take them up on their kindness! Allow these goodhearted people to take pets for walks, pick up groceries, or, if you have other children, to help you look after them. To keep track of the offers of family and friends to help you and your partner out postpartum, use this space to record the details.

Task

Individual Volunteering

Times Available to Help