Month 6
As your pregnancy progresses, you'll have more things to do to prepare for your baby's arrival. During month 6, everything from scheduling a massage and signing up for childbirth classes, to considering a family car and choosing how to announce your baby's birthday, will make things easier both today and months from now. Later, you'll be fully occupied with the love and care of your baby, so take the opportunity this month to take care of business.
Prepare Birth Announcements
Taking care of birth announcements now will save you precious time during those first weeks when your baby comes home. If you are using paper announcements, you can stamp and address the envelopes now to save time later. All that remains is to add photos, if you wish. In the 21st century, you have almost endless options of how to announce your new child in the world.
Create Web page
Buy ready-made announcement cards
Make your own cards
Record an automated telephone announcement
Name of your new baby
Height, weight, length at birth
Where your baby was born (if desired, hospital name, city, state, or country)
Special parent comments such as: "He has his daddy's eyes and his mom's smile."
The times that visitors are welcome
Sign Up For Class
It's time to call the hospital or birthing center and make arrangements for childbirth classes. Some classes are long sessions held on Saturdays and other classes meet weekly for an hour at a time.
In addition to helping you learn what to expect in labor and delivery, and how to be an active participant in the process, these classes are a great way to meet other prospective parents.
Ask about newborn classes, too. These can help you prepare for everything from diaper rash, to what to do about colic.
Make an Appointment For Massage
It can ease the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Find a qualified person who is specially trained in massage during pregnancy. Be sure to look for someone with the professional designation, LMT (licensed massage therapist). Find a massage therapist through the American Massage Therapy Association. Read: Therein Lies the Rub: What Massage Can Do for You
If You Need a Different Car...
Your pre-baby wheels may not be appropriate for driving around with a baby. If you need to unload your two-door sports car for a more practical vehicle, it's time to investigate your options. Read: Buy Car Before Baby Comes Home
Where There's a Will There's Security
Getting a will drawn up may not be a pleasant thought. After all, there wouldn't be a need for a will unless something happened to you or your spouse. But a will is a way to be sure your child will be cared for in the event of an accident or illness. If you already have a will, you'll probably want to change it to include a new beneficiary. See your legal counsel or purchase a pre-made will-writing kit to make your own document.
