Despite looking forward to the start of my maternity leave I’m now three weeks in and starting to get slightly bored. Mr G is a little terrified of me going anywhere by myself in case I’m stranded in the early stages of labour and I can’t rush around doing as much as I usually would so, how have I been keeping myself busy?
Here are 10 ideas for keeping the boredom at bay before your little one arrives:
- Pack your hospital bag
Something I didn’t even think about until I started my maternity leave but considering I was already 37 weeks when I finished work I could have been cutting it a little fine if Little Pea had arrived early! There are tons of resources online but I found the hospital bag checklist at Baby Centre the most comprehensive.
- Write your birth plan
A pretty essential document to accompany your birth notes on the big day. Yes, theoretically everything you’ve written could go out of the window but, it’s a great starting point for discussions with your birth partner and to guide the midwives/birth professionals who are helping you. Again, tons of resources of line but I’d recommend the NHS birth plan template (which you can fill in online or print a PDF).
- Purchase all the essentials (and the not-so-essentials)
I tend to be the one who keeps stock of all the essentials like washing powder, hand soap, toilet rolls etc at home so, when they’ve been on special offer in the last few months I’ve been stocking up on supplies. Admittedly our cellar now looks like I’m stockpiling for the start of World War 3 but I’m sure we’ll be thankful for my amazing organisational skills. I’ve also bought moisturisers, shampoo, face wash etc for the same reasons.
- Treat yourself
If you’re anything like me treating yourself doesn’t come easily (I always feel bad for spending money on myself) but, now is the time to do it and make the most of it. Facials, massages and pedicures are the way forward and will help you feel a little more human on the big day. I’ve also taken to fake tanning (check the labels of the product first to make sure they’re suitable for you to use) to help me look less like the waking dead when I’ve managed an average of 3 hours sleep at night.
- Meet your family and friends for coffee/lunch/cinema trips
My favourite ‘to-do’ but one I imagine I might not feel as confident, mobile or flush with cash to do in the first couple of months. Of course, friends and family will also be an overwhelming source of support shortly so treating them is a brilliant pre-emptive move!
- Wash all the baby clothes, bath towels and sheets
Make sure you use non-bio washing powder (my favourite is Fairy – smells delicious) and there is nothing as cute as seeing all the little clothes drying in the fresh air on the line. But, don’t go overboard. You’re going to get so many presents after the baby is born you might need to take some things back and, if you’ve already taken the labels off and washed everything it’s going to be a little hard to do so!
- Stock the freezer
Similar to the rationale in number 3 but ‘spare’ time is going to be sparse so, making sure you’ve got enough sustenance to keep you going for a few weeks won’t go amiss. This is especially important if you’re breastfeeding and need to keep up the good calorie consumption.
- Catch up on books and films
If you’re anything like me you’ll have a stack of baby (and non-baby related) books and films you’ve been meaning to read and watch for months. If so, now is your final chance to make the most of the peace and quiet. My current reading list includes Shelter by Harlan Coben and tons of back issues of Livingetc well as watching all my Sky+ programmes and films.
- Buy cards and presents for upcoming birthday’s
Now this one might seem a little too organised but the lack of free time in the next few months shouldn’t be an excuse for missing important birthdays and celebrations. I’ve stocked my birthday card folder and the present box so I can dip in at a minutes notice.
- And, if you’re a blogger, line up those draft blog posts
I’ve had tons of ideas for new blog posts in the last few weeks and so have put my additional spare time to good use drafting all sorts. I imagine they’re going to come in useful when my brain has turned to post-baby mush but still want to keep in touch with everyone and everything via Little Pea Green.
Would love to hear what you did to keep yourself amused on maternity leave.
Share away in the comments below.
Little Pea Green
x
littlepeagreen 
Wow Lisa! Glad you are carrying on in the best tradition of your very organised mum!Perhaps a moment or two of relaxing is in order! Much love Sue and Mike
She’s taught us very well indeed! Not slowing down too much yet, we’ll see ;o)