5 Things I’m Doing to Prepare for Baby #3

Somehow, I’m officially in the home stretch with baby #3. And while you would think that having two kids already would make preparing for another baby feel easier, in some ways it actually feels like there are more things to juggle. I have two little kids to keep alive, a full-time job, a house, travel, appointments, and approximately 47 other things happening at any given time.

Because of this, I started making a list because I was getting overwhelmed by all of the little things I wanted to do before baby arrives. And while there are obviously things you don’t need to think about until much closer to delivery, there are a few things I’ve found helpful to get started on sooner rather than later.

So, if you’re expecting baby #2, #3, or beyond, here are five things currently on my baby-prep to-do list.

1. Find and Hire a Doula

This is completely optional, and it’s something I didn’t do with either of my first two pregnancies. I had good birth experiences overall, but there were things I would change if I could go back. I think a lot of that comes down to the fact that you don’t know what you don’t know when you’re having your first baby. I didn’t always know what was normal, what I could ask for, or what I could advocate for. I also tend to get pretty quiet and introverted in situations like that—and my husband is the same way. We’re not exactly the couple who naturally speaks up and asks for everything we need.

So this time around, I wanted another person in the room who could help me and my husband navigate the experience and advocate for the kind of birth I’m hoping for. I found my doula through a recommendation, and so far, she has been the sweetest. I’m really happy with the decision.

That said, I do think there is probably a different level of value depending on where you are in your pregnancy journey. As a third-time mom, I obviously already know quite a bit about labor, delivery, and newborns. If this were my first birth, I think I would probably take advantage of even more of the classes, education, and resources that doulas offer.

But for me, the biggest benefit is having another experienced person there who knows me, knows what I’m hoping for, and can help support both me and my husband.

 If you’re considering a doula, I would start looking sooner rather than later. They can book up quickly, and many also offer meetings, classes, and other resources that you may want to take advantage of throughout pregnancy.

 2. Schedule Maternity Photos

I love pictures. Like, really love pictures. Professional photos are definitely an investment, but they’re one that I personally have never regretted.

This time around, we actually did our maternity photos at the beach during our family vacation, which made them feel even more special. I loved having our whole family involved and getting photos of all four of us before our family changes forever.

There is also more that goes into scheduling family maternity photos than just finding a photographer. You have to find a date that works, coordinate everyone’s schedules, figure out outfits, and make sure you’re feeling good enough to actually enjoy the experience.

I also think there’s a sweet window for maternity photos. You want to feel good enough to get through them, but you also want to be far enough along that you have that unmistakable pregnant belly.

This is my third pregnancy, and I know this is the only time in my life I’ll ever be pregnant with my third baby. I want to remember it. And I just don’t think there is ever going to be a scenario where I look back and regret having beautiful photos to remember this season.

 3. Start a Baby Registry—Even if it’s your Third Baby

If this is your first baby, obviously a registry is probably already on your radar. But I actually think there is a reason to make one even when you’re having your second, third, or fourth baby. Because while you may already have most of what you need, there are always things that need to be replaced.

Diapers. Wipes. Bottle nipples. Feeding supplies. Breastfeeding supplies. Baby soap. Detergent. Washcloths. Towels. Pacifiers. Random little things that have somehow gotten dingy after being used by multiple children. You get the idea.

I started an Amazon registry more for myself this time than anything else. And one of the biggest perks is the completion discount. Amazon offers a discount on eligible items remaining on your registry, so I can add all of the things I know I’ll need to purchase anyway and then use the completion discount closer to baby’s arrival.

 For me, this isn’t really about having people buy me baby gifts anymore. It’s about being strategic about the things I’m going to have to buy anyway. You can also make your registry private, so it can essentially function as your own personal baby shopping list.

You can create a baby registry here.

 4. Plan a Little Sprinkle or Baby Celebration

 I’m a big believer that life is too short not to celebrate the little moments. And just because this is your third baby doesn’t mean the baby shouldn’t be celebrated. I don’t necessarily need another full-blown baby shower. At this point, I have most of the things I need, and I’m not looking for a giant event or a pile of gifts. But I do want to take a little time to celebrate this baby with the people we love most.

So one thing on my list was simply figuring out a time with my family to get everyone together—maybe a little sprinkle brunch or dinner. Something easy. Something low-key. Nothing that requires a ton of planning. Just an excuse to gather everyone together and acknowledge that we’re about to add another person to our family.

I think it’s really easy for subsequent babies to get less fanfare because the excitement and logistics aren’t quite as new. But every baby is still a new little person joining your family, and I think that’s worth celebrating. 

5. Start Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

This is probably the one thing on this list that I feel most strongly about. I didn’t know anything about pelvic floor physical therapy during my first pregnancy. After that baby, I did PT postpartum to help with recovery and getting back to running.

With my second pregnancy, I started pelvic floor therapy before giving birth and continued afterward, and the difference in my recovery was significant.

Obviously, every pregnancy and birth is different, so I can’t say that physical therapy was the only reason my second recovery felt so different. But I absolutely credit the work I did beforehand with helping me feel stronger, more prepared, and more connected to my body going into birth. Your pelvic floor takes on a lot during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, and I think it deserves more attention than it often gets.

 For this pregnancy, I made it a priority again. I found a pelvic floor physical therapist I really love, and I’ve been working with her throughout pregnancy. You can start in the second trimester and go periodically at first, then increase visits as you get closer to delivery depending on your needs and your provider’s recommendations.

For me, it’s less about having a specific “birth plan” and more about preparing my body for everything it’s about to do—and setting myself up for the best possible recovery afterward.

 So those are the five things that have been on my baby-prep list this time around. I’d love to know—if you’ve had a second, third, or even fourth baby, what was on your pregnancy to-do list that you were really glad you did?

Until next time, XXX, McKenzie