fb tracking
No Result
View All Result
BellyBelly
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Date Calculator
      • Conception Reverse Due Date Calculator”
      • Ovulation Calculator
      • Implantation Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
      • Pregnancy Weight Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Date Calculator
      • Conception Reverse Due Date Calculator”
      • Ovulation Calculator
      • Implantation Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
      • Pregnancy Weight Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
BellyBelly
No Result
View All Result
Home New Mothers

Mother Needs To Do Before Giving Birth | 11 Special Things

Fiona Peacock
by Fiona Peacock
Last updated June 20, 2023
Reading Time: 5 min
Things Every Pregnant Mama Needs To Do Before Giving Birth

This bucket list isn’t going to be a practical one, it’s a list of purely selfish things you should do for you before giving birth.

Because, well, you deserve it!

There will be no mention of hospital bags, prenatal classes or the washing of teeny tiny baby clothes.

Nope.

As your pregnancy comes to an end, you are about to start a whole new chapter in your life – and a very demanding one!

So take some time out before then to be selfish and indulge yourself. Trust me, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t.

Always remember, especially as you head into motherhood – self care isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity.

To be the very best mother, partner, daughter, neighbour or human being, you must prioritise self care into your life, every single day.

The Ultimate Pregnancy Bucket List For Mothers To Be

Here are 11 things to consider adding to your pregnancy bucket list.

Before Giving Birth #1: Have A Girly Night

Whether you head out for an evening of mocktails, or hide indoors in front of a good film, invite all of your besties over for some quality time.

A few hours of laughing with friends could be all you need to feel revitalised.

The great thing about best friends is that they always know exactly what you need – whether you need hilarious date disaster stories, or a shoulder to cry on, they’ll know just how to help.

Are You Getting BellyBelly’s Pregnancy Week By Week Updates?
We think they’re the best on the internet!
Click to get the FREE weekly updates our fans are RAVING about.

Before Giving Birth #2: Paint Your Toe Nails

Or, more likely, ask someone to paint them for you.

You may not even be sure you have toes anymore, since it’s been so long since you last saw them.

Rest assured though, they are still there – and very much in need of painting.

Treat yourself to a pedicure at your favourite salon, or ask a friend to paint your nails for you.

Before Giving Birth #3: Have A Massage

Pregnancy isn’t easy on the body, and you may find yourself suffering from aches and pains as you enter the final trimester.

A prenatal massage can help – a qualified masseuse will be able to ease your aches and pains, relieve tension in your muscles, and help you to feel relaxed.

If budget is an issue, organise a do-it-yourself massage at home. Invest in some massage oil (coconut oil is a great option) and a massage ball, and ask your designated masseuse to spend a few minutes watching how to videos online.

Turn out the lights, play some calming music and enjoy a lengthy massage in the comfort of your own home.

Before Giving Birth #4: Get Away

Pack a bag, grab your partner and whisk him off into the sunset to grab some much-needed couple time before the baby arrives.

Once you become a family of three, your time alone with your partner will be limited. Nights away will need months of forward planning, dedicated babysitters, and plenty of location restrictions based on distance away from the baby.

Make the most of your last months of freedom (just kidding, you’ll still have freedom – you get a second chance at it in about 18 years) and disappear to wherever takes your fancy.

If you already have children, you might like to take them with you, or try and arrange friends or family to help out for a quick holiday away before the next family member arrives.

Money is tight? Give housesitting a try. Check out the Trusted Housesitters website, it gives you the opportunity to housesit anywhere in the world, for free!

Before Giving Birth #5: Take Some Bump Shots

You may not love your bump now, but one day in the not too distant future, you won’t quite be able to believe just how big you got.

Make sure you have some photographs of you and your bump before it disappears.

You can take the photos yourself, ask a friend to do it, or even hire a professional photographer to capture some frame-worthy shots.

A belly cast is another great alternative to remembering your bump, which you can have professionally painted if you wish!

Read lots more great reasons why you should get maternity photography.

Before Giving Birth #6: Go To The Cinema

This may not sound overly exciting, but there will come a time when you yearn for a simple trip to your local cinema.

One day, as you sit in front of the television showing nothing but repeats, covered in baby sick, baby snot and the everyday grime that accompanies motherhood, you will wish you could waltz out of the door to the cinema.

Lash out and have a Gold Class/VIP session if you can afford it – put your feet up and enjoy the movie in total comfort!

Before Giving Birth #7: Visit Your Favourite Restaurant

Go on, you deserve it. Pregnancy is tough – even the most plain sailing pregnancy has its fair shares of grumbles, so give yourself a much needed treat.

Make the most of your last few weeks as a family of two (or more!), and head out of the door without having to organise a babysitter or changing bag, and enjoy a delicious feast at your favourite eatery.

Before Giving Birth #8: Read A Book

Run yourself a nice, warm bubble bath, choose a book off your to-read pile, and let your fingers and toes get wrinkly.

You may imagine yourself having plenty of time to read whilst on maternity leave, but while you may manage the odd book, you probably won’t be spending many hours leafing through novels under shady trees.

You may even find that the only books you manage to read during maternity leave, are baby books. So make the most of these final few months of pregnancy by reading some good books cover to cover.

Before Giving Birth #9: Catch Up With Friends

Pregnancy is the perfect time to catch up with old friends.

Make plans to meet up with old friends, and spend time on the phone chatting to long distance friends.

It can be that little bit harder to keep in touch when the baby arrives, simply because you’ll be so busy, so spend time catching up with everyone during pregnancy.

Before Giving Birth #10: Write About It

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time, as you approach the unknowns of motherhood, you may find yourself spending time reflecting on your feelings.

Take this opportunity to write down your thoughts and feelings as the birth approaches.

If you are planning to keep a baby book detailing the first year of your baby’s life, this would make a great first entry.

Before Giving Birth #11: Have A Blessingway (Mother Blessing)

You may or may not have had a baby shower, but a blessingway is all about getting your favourite women together and making it all about the mother-to-be.

There’s no gift giving (although you could definitely class everyone’s presence and support as a gift) but instead, its all about preparing you emotionally for birth.

They are absolutely amazing and leave you overflowing with love and laughter.

Find out more about blessingways.

The TRUTH About Natural Birth
Are you hoping for a SAFE, NATURAL BIRTH? Learn from some of Australia’s
best educators – you’ll feel more CONFIDENT and skilled heading into birth.
Click to find out more!
Previous Post

What Is A Doula | 11 Important Facts About Doulas

Next Post

Arsenic Hour SOS For Your Baby – 12 Tips To Cope

Fiona Peacock

Fiona Peacock

Fiona Peacock is a writer, researcher and lover of all thing's pregnancy, birth and motherhood. She is a home birth advocate, passionate about gentle parenting.

Next Post
Arsenic Hour SOS For Your Baby Tips To Cope

Arsenic Hour SOS For Your Baby - 12 Tips To Cope

Featured Articles

high chairs in 2025

The 7 Best High Chairs in 2025 – Reviewed

Last updated 5 months ago
nursing bras in 2025

Best Nursing Bras in 2025 – 7 Top Rated Comfy Nursing Bras

Last updated 6 months ago

Authors

  • Amy Cameron, RM, IBCLC
    Amy Cameron, RM, IBCLC
  • Anne Macnaughtan
    Anne Macnaughtan
  • BellyBelly Ed
    BellyBelly Ed
  • Carly Grubb B.Ed (Primary) Hons.
    Carly Grubb B.Ed (Primary) Hons.
  • Darren Mattock
    Darren Mattock
  • David Rawlings
    David Rawlings
  • David Vernon
    David Vernon
  • Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
    Dawn Reid, EEPM CNCM MMID
  • Deborah Cooper
    Deborah Cooper
  • Desiree Spierings
    Desiree Spierings
  • Sarah Buckley
    Sarah Buckley
  • Dr. Jack Newman MD FRCPC
    Dr. Jack Newman MD FRCPC
  • Dr. Thomas W. Hale
    Dr. Thomas W. Hale
  • Emily Brittingham, IBCLC, BHSc
    Emily Brittingham, IBCLC, BHSc
  • Emily Robinson
    Emily Robinson
  • Fiona Peacock
    Fiona Peacock
  • Gloria Lemay
    Gloria Lemay
  • Graham White
    Graham White
  • Heather Hack-Sullivan CPM, LDM, BS in Midwifery
    Heather Hack-Sullivan CPM, LDM, BS in Midwifery
  • Christopher Tang
    Christopher Tang
  • Irene Garzon BSc (Hons) Midwifery
    Irene Garzon BSc (Hons) Midwifery
  • Janet Powell
    Janet Powell
  • Jared Osborne
    Jared Osborne
  • Jennifer Block
    Jennifer Block
  • Jenny Lee
    Jenny Lee
  • Joana Camato
    Joana Camato
  • Jordan Gray
    Jordan Gray
  • Kara Wilson
    Kara Wilson
  • Karen Wilmot RM, RYT, MAEd
    Karen Wilmot RM, RYT, MAEd
  • Kathryn Cocos
    Kathryn Cocos
Tools and Features

Tools and Features

Get your birth education video

Get your birth education video

Join our Week by Week emails

Join our Week by Week emails

Get your free ebook

Get your free ebook

Belly Belly Logo

We’re passionate about women and men feeling informed, confident and prepared for pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
  • Pregnancy
  • Birth
  • Mothers
  • Baby
  • Health Lifestyle
  • Product Reviews
  • Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Pregnancy Week by Week
  • Baby Week by Week
  • Sleep
  • Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Parenting
  • Sleep Education Series
  • Breastfeeding Week by Week
  • Toddler Week by Week

OUR NETWORK

  • Belly Belly Logo
    bellybelly.com.au
  • Around the World Plus Kids
    www.aroundtheworldpluskids.com.au
  • Doula Training
    www.doula-training.com.au
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise

© Copyright 2002–2026 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Conception
    • Two Week Diaries
    • Conception Calculator
      • Conception Date Calculator
      • Conception Reverse Due Date Calculator”
      • Ovulation Calculator
      • Implantation Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Articles
    • Pregnancy Week By Week
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Pregnancy Calculator
      • Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
      • Reverse Due Date Calculator
      • IVF/FET Due Date Calendar
      • Pregnancy Weight Calculator
    • Pregnancy Journals
      • Irene’s Pregnancy Journal
      • Pregnancy Diaries
      • Diary of Ambah article
      • Diary of Belinda article
      • Diary of Rachael article
      • Diary of Sherie
      • Diary of Janelle
      • Diary of Sharon
      • Diary of Lucy
      • Diary of Kathryn
      • Diary of Julie
    • Prenatal / Perinatal
  • Birth
    • Birth Articles
    • Doulas
    • Midwives
    • Birth Diaries
  • Mothers
    • Mother Articles
    • Post Natal/Post Partum
  • Baby
    • Baby Articles
    • Baby Week By Week
    • Star Signs For Baby
  • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Conception Sleep
    • Pregnancy Sleep
    • Infant / Baby Sleep
      • Infant Sleep
      • Baby Sleep
    • Toddler Sleep
    • Weaning / Feeding Sleep
      • Feeding Sleep
      • Bottle Sleep
      • Formula Sleep
      • Weaning Sleep
    • Child Sleep
    • Adult / Family Sleep
      • Mothers Sleep
      • Fathers Sleep
      • Family Sleep
      • Cosleeping
  • Baby Names
    • Baby Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Gender-Neutral Baby Names
    • Unique Baby Names
  • Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding Articles
    • Breastfeeding Week by Week
    • Lactation Cookies
  • Toddler
  • Child
  • Men/Dads
  • Parenting
  • Health Lifestyle
    • Health
      • General Health
      • Cooking & Recipes
      • Meal Planning
      • Exercise
    • Lifestyle
      • Family Travel
      • Relationships
      • Men/Dads
  • General
    • Forum
    • Product Reviews
    • Competitions
  • Advertise

© Copyright 2002–2026 BellyBelly, All Rights Reserved.