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Make Plans to Be Good to Yourself after the Baby is Born

Last Updated: September 03, 2009

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Prenatal Tips for the Third Trimester

Think about how you’re going to care for yourself after the birth. Having a baby is hard work. Arrange some time off just for yourself. You may be able to ask a close relative or friend to stay with you for a few hours or even a few days when you come home with your new baby.

This is especially important if you are a single parent or if you are expecting twins. Any help you can get to cope with the extra workload will make it easier for you. It will give you time to relax, nap, take a walk, or talk with a friend.

How about asking some friends and relatives to help? Maybe you can arrange for a different person to prepare dinner each night the first week you come home. What other things could people help with…shopping, vacuuming, laundry, a week’s worth of diapers?

Has your partner considered taking time off work? If you do not expect to have many people around to help, prepare some meals in advance and freeze them. Have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and sandwich type foods in the refrigerator, ready to eat.


Learn more about Your Prenatal Baby: Third Trimester from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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