7 Things to Do After the Baby Is Born

The days and weeks after giving birth can be hectic. Stay organized and keep in mind these 7 things to do after baby is born.

Talk about an unfair advantage.

While you have nine months to prepare for the baby, you’re given a few days or weeks to get so many things done after he’s born. Whereas you had prepared for his arrival weeks in advance, you’re now scrambling to get things done now that he’s here during this postpartum period. A nosedive in hormones is making you extra emotional, all with a baby in tow.

And those first few days and weeks with a newborn aren’t exactly the easiest to get through. Trying to handle logistics while you’re sleep deprived is rough for any new mom.

7 things to do after the baby is born

One of the best ways to feel less overwhelmed is to have a sense of what to expect. Checklists, advice from others, and researching what to do can help you tackle the tasks once they arrive.

Just as you had prepared for the arrival, so too do I want you to have a checklist of things to do after the baby is born.

These are the things I had to do within days and weeks after my kids were born. Many of these were tasks I hadn’t even considered until I realized I had to do them. Others were things I couldn’t do ahead of time but wanted to keep in mind for when I’d finally be able to handle them.

By being informed of what to expect, you can also get a better sense of the things to do after your baby is born. Take a look…

1. Fill out the birth certificate

One of the first tasks you’ll likely do at the hospital is to provide the baby’s information and apply for a birth certificate. The hospital can likely mail the application on your behalf, and you’ll receive the actual certificate in the mail down the line. In the meantime, you’ll get a temporary record to keep.

That’s why it’s a good idea to have your baby’s names picked out ahead of time, or at least a few contenders so you’re ready to choose before you leave.

And make sure to double check everything, especially in your sleep-deprived state. Have your partner check that you’ve spelled everything correctly before submitting the paperwork.

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2. Apply for a social security number

Along with the birth certificate is the option to apply for a social security number for your baby. Like with the birth certificate, the hospital can likely mail the application on your behalf. You’ll likely then receive the actual certificate in the mail down the line.

You can also apply for a social security number at the same time you submit the birth certificate information.

Are you having a baby boy? Check out 50 classic baby boy names I compiled.

3. Schedule appointments with your baby’s pediatrician

The hospital will likely call the pediatrician when the baby is born. Your baby’s first doctor’s appointment might be right at the hospital, where she can visit you to do her first assessments and discharge him to go home.

But after that first checkup, you might need to go to her office for follow up appointments a week later at the latest.

And sometimes you might go more frequently if the baby needs extra attention. One of my twins needed constant checkups for jaundice and weight gain, so we had to schedule frequent appointments as often as three times a week.

Check with your pediatrician to see when she wants to see your baby next so you can schedule those appointments right away

Check out these interview questions for pediatricians.

4. Schedule your own doctor’s appointment

While you’re in the hospital, your doctor will probably visit you to check on how you’re doing, from your uterus size to bleeding to postpartum changes.

Then, you’re likely going to visit her about six weeks after you give birth. This is when she can assess how you’re recovering so far and see if you’re ready to go back to work. She can also check how you’re doing emotionally and coping with your new baby.

4. Tell your work you gave birth

After you text and call your friends and family the awesome news, let your boss know as well. Snap a photo of the baby and let your work know how you’re doing.

Then, send an email to your human resources department so they know when you’ve given birth. They can also help with short-term disability claims, maternity leave, and adding the baby to your insurance.

6. Record your birth story

Down the line, trying to remember how you went into labor can feel like a haze. Before you forget the little details, record your birth story so you can remember it.

Perhaps you can type what happened in a simple text document, or even record an audio or video of yourself sharing what happened. The best time to record these memories is sooner than later, while you still remember all the details.

7. Send baby announcements

Whether you take newborn photos or not, send the announcements after your baby is born. You can send a digital template or even pre-make them ahead of time as I did with my eldest (where I just filled in the info).

Baby announcements can even be a social media share or a text blast to friends and family announcing her arrival. Don’t feel compelled to add more tasks to your plate if baby announcements aren’t really your “thing.” Even a simple picture and announcement are more than enough.

Check out these adorable classic girl names for your little one.

Conclusion

Newborn sleep deprivation is no joke. You’re now in the season of broken sleep and caring for your baby 24/7. That’s why I kept this list short for a reason: you have a few essential things to do after your delivery.

Apply for a birth certificate and social security number while you’re still in the hospital. Schedule doctor appointments for both your baby and yourself. Keep your employer and HR staff updated on the birth, and follow up on any tasks you need to do about insurance and maternity leave.

Record your birth story while it’s still fresh on your mind, and send your baby announcements, whether formal or a simple text blast.

Then, devote the rest of your time to resting and spending time with your new bundle. The chores, to-do lists, and social obligations aren’t as important as resting. Keep your tasks short so you can spend as much time bonding with your baby—that just might be the most important task on your list.

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