Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Monday, July 7
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Pregnancy & Baby»10 things to do before giving birth …
Pregnancy & Baby

10 things to do before giving birth …

5 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

By Yvette Julian-Arndt   Photography Anna Gilbert

You have been busy preparing your mind and body for birth and getting set for the arrival of your precious baby, but with the end in sight it can bring a real mix of emotions- excitement, exhaustion, sadness, frustration, relief and apprehension.

Here a few tips for the last few weeks so you can go into labour ready and relaxed, and welcome your baby feeling supported and strong.

1. FINISH UP WORK

Give yourself a few weeks to rest, visualise and focus on the kind of birth you want. You don’t want to be distracted by busy work schedules or exhausted from travel leading up to labour.

2. GO OVER THE BIRTH PLAN

Researching and writing a birth plan can help you work out what is important to you in the birth of your child and allow clear communication with your care provider about your informed decisions.  In these final weeks, go through your plan so that your birth partner clearly understands your wishes, knows how you want to be supported and can advocate for you if necessary.

3. BUILD YOUR VILLAGE

It really does take a village to raise a child, so line up helpers that will take care of older children, do laundry, cook, get groceries or walk dogs once you are home with baby. Also connect with your closest friends and family so that you know who to call on the tough days, when you need a shoulder to cry on.

4. TAKE SOME BUMP SHOTS

Treat yourself and have some professional pregnancy photos taken.  After the birth you will be overjoyed to finally have your beautiful baby in your arms, but it is quite common to miss your bump. Having some precious photos to look at will help ease this feeling and will also allow you to look back and acknowledge the amazing job your body did growing a human- especially if your postpartum body is taking a while to get used to.

5. HAVE A BABY SHOWER OR BLESSINGWAY CEREMONY

Celebrate your pregnancy with a special day that is all about you! Make sure someone else organises it and that it includes some pampering. If friends and family are asking what you would like in the way of presents, ask for vouchers for a cleaning company, local takeaway restaurant or a postnatal doula. This way you will have some extra help once all the visitors have left, and you are on your own when hubby is back at work.

6. GET COOKING

Prepare and freeze some meals so you don’t have to worry about dinners after the birth, whilst trying to look after and bond with your newborn.  Make sure they are nourishing and nutritious foods that give you energy, promote healing and support positive mental health.

7. ATTEND A BREASTFEEDING CLASS

Breastfeeding is often one of the biggest challenges after birth, so knowing what to expect and understanding the problems you may face, will put you one step ahead. If this is your first child or you want to have another go at breastfeeding after difficulty the first time, consider attending an education class run by the Australian Breastfeeding Association or visit one of their local support groups. Spending time with breastfeeding women can increase your chances of breastfeeding success.

8. COMPLETE THE BABY TO-DO LIST EARLY

Finish the nursery, wash baby clothes, purchase baby items, sort out the car capsule, pack your hospital bag and spring clean well before the end, so that panic doesn’t set in and you aren’t rushing around at the last minute.

9. GET YOUR FINANCES SORTED

Sit down with your partner and sort out a realistic budget so you don’t get a nasty shock or stressed about money when you are on maternity leave. You will be grateful you took the time before you were too tired to think straight.

10. PRIORTISE QUALITY TIME

Life with a newborn means that time alone with your partner is limited.  If this is your first child, go away somewhere romantic and talk about all the wonderful things that you have experienced together that led you to this point. If you have other children, get a babysitter and go to the cinema or visit your favourite restaurant; it will be a while before you can enjoy an uninterrupted meal again or be able to stay awake through a movie! Most importantly, enjoy each other and strengthen your connection so you can welcome your new baby with love. Also spend some one-on-one time with your other children, doing their favourite things. This will reinforce your bond which will help them adjust to the arrival of a sibling.


Yvette Julian-Arndt is a mum to two gorgeous boys and with her husband loves living on the Mornington Peninsula.  As the owner of Project Birth, she is passionate about educating and inspiring couples for this life changing event and runs The Positive Birth Course in Frankston. 

Find out more at www.projectbirth.com.au or join her on Facebook and Instagram for more great labour and birth tips

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
30
1
2
2:00 PM - Soundwaves
3
4
5
6
7
12:00 AM - Winter School Holidays at Sk8house
8
9
10
11
8:30 AM - Rise Outdoors hike - Mount Martha to Mornington
12
13
14
15
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
12:00 AM - Test
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
July 2, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Band and Cinema Complex, HMAS Cerberus
  • Free Activities
  • Other
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Winter School Holidays at Sk8house
07 Jul
July 7, 2025 - July 18, 2025    
12:00 am
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Winter School Holidays at Sk8house!   Get ready for non-stop fun this winter school holidays at Sk8house! We're pulling out all the stops to make [...]
More Info
Rise Outdoors hike - Mount Martha to Mornington
11 Jul
July 11, 2025    
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Book now
  • School Holidays
Join our team of expert Outdoor Educators on a full-day hike from Mount Martha to Mornington on 11 July, to disconnect from screens, explore the [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
July 15, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Test
22 Jul
July 22, 2025 - July 23, 2025    
12:00 am
Test
More Info
Events on July 2, 2025
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
2 Jul 25
HMAS Cerberus
Events on July 7, 2025
07 Jul
Winter School Holidays at Sk8house
7 Jul 25
Carrum Downs
Events on July 11, 2025
11 Jul
Rise Outdoors hike - Mount Martha to Mornington
11 Jul 25
Events on July 15, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
15 Jul 25
Carrum Downs
Events on July 22, 2025
22 Jul
Test
22 Jul 25
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
👀😮 Ooooh..this looks gooooood. Has anyone read the book?

Betrayal and revenge come knocking on The Family Next Door this August!

The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are pleased to announce the thrilling six-part suburban mystery drama series The Family Next Door will premiere on Sunday 10 August at 8pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.

It’s peak holiday season in the popular seaside town of Osprey Point when an enigmatic stranger, Isabelle (Palmer) rents a family home in a quiet cul-de-sac. As Isabelle charms her way into her neighbours’ homes and lives, she quickly discovers that everyone at Pleasant Court has something to hide. How far will her obsessive drive to solve a mystery push her to expose the truth?

Based on New York Times bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same name, this sophisticated and entertaining mystery blends drama and humour while exploring family dynamics through the unique lens of award-winning screenwriter Sarah Scheller (Strife, The Letdown) and Emma Freeman’s (The Newsreader, Interview with the Vampire) character-driven directorial skills.

#abciview #sallyhepworth #thefamilynextdoor
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
👀😮 Ooooh..this looks gooooood. Has anyone read the book? Betrayal and revenge come knocking on The Family Next Door this August! The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are pleased to announce the thrilling six-part suburban mystery drama series The Family Next Door will premiere on Sunday 10 August at 8pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview. It’s peak holiday season in the popular seaside town of Osprey Point when an enigmatic stranger, Isabelle (Palmer) rents a family home in a quiet cul-de-sac. As Isabelle charms her way into her neighbours’ homes and lives, she quickly discovers that everyone at Pleasant Court has something to hide. How far will her obsessive drive to solve a mystery push her to expose the truth? Based on New York Times bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same name, this sophisticated and entertaining mystery blends drama and humour while exploring family dynamics through the unique lens of award-winning screenwriter Sarah Scheller (Strife, The Letdown) and Emma Freeman’s (The Newsreader, Interview with the Vampire) character-driven directorial skills. #abciview #sallyhepworth #thefamilynextdoor
9 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Bring the kids to experience live theatre at Frankston Arts Centre in August!

An instant Australian classic, Beetle by Legs On The Wall tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle.

The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.

A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected.

This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment. See it on Friday 22 August at 11am or 6pm at Frankston Arts Centre. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.

#whatson #fac #kidstheatre #frankstonartscentre #beetlebylegsonthewall
@the_fac
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Bring the kids to experience live theatre at Frankston Arts Centre in August! An instant Australian classic, Beetle by Legs On The Wall tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle. The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood. A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected. This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment. See it on Friday 22 August at 11am or 6pm at Frankston Arts Centre. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060. #whatson #fac #kidstheatre #frankstonartscentre #beetlebylegsonthewall @the_fac
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Pretty much!
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Pretty much!
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Epson launches four new EcoTank printers as sales top 100 million and the company remains number one in large ink tank printer sales.

EcoTank inkjet printers are world leaders in providing improved productivity for homes and small businesses for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they come with up to two years’ worth of ink in the box, so you don’t need to worry about suddenly running out or constantly ordering replacements. This also means less user intervention due to fewer replaceable parts, giving you back time to invest in yourself and your business.

There is zero warm-up time and a very fast first page out time with EcoTank printers and this, combined with their unique Heat-Free Technology, saves you time, energy, money and allows you greater flexibility for your home or small business.

The new Epson EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950, ET-3900 and ET-2950 printers come with a 24 month EcoTank Back to Base Warranty (12 month standard express warranty and an bonus additional 12 months upon registration) and are available now from https://www.epson.com.au/ecotank/, and all authorised Epson stockists.

#epsonecotank #ad @epsonaust @Epson
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Epson launches four new EcoTank printers as sales top 100 million and the company remains number one in large ink tank printer sales. EcoTank inkjet printers are world leaders in providing improved productivity for homes and small businesses for a number of reasons. Firstly, they come with up to two years’ worth of ink in the box, so you don’t need to worry about suddenly running out or constantly ordering replacements. This also means less user intervention due to fewer replaceable parts, giving you back time to invest in yourself and your business. There is zero warm-up time and a very fast first page out time with EcoTank printers and this, combined with their unique Heat-Free Technology, saves you time, energy, money and allows you greater flexibility for your home or small business. The new Epson EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950, ET-3900 and ET-2950 printers come with a 24 month EcoTank Back to Base Warranty (12 month standard express warranty and an bonus additional 12 months upon registration) and are available now from https://www.epson.com.au/ecotank/, and all authorised Epson stockists. #epsonecotank #ad @epsonaust @Epson
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
2026 kinder registrations are now open!
If your child turns three or four by 30 April next year, they are eligible to attend kinder!

Register before 2 July 2025: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

#kinder #kinderregistration2026
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
2026 kinder registrations are now open! If your child turns three or four by 30 April next year, they are eligible to attend kinder! Register before 2 July 2025: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/kindergarten #kinder #kinderregistration2026
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Elmo’s Circus Dream, a dazzling new live stage spectacular making its world premiere at Caulfield Racecourse these upcoming July School Holidays from June 27th to August 3rd, 2025.

Tickets and information: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/

#sesamestreetcircus 

@sesamestreetcircus 
@cavanaghpr
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Elmo’s Circus Dream, a dazzling new live stage spectacular making its world premiere at Caulfield Racecourse these upcoming July School Holidays from June 27th to August 3rd, 2025. Tickets and information: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/ #sesamestreetcircus @sesamestreetcircus @cavanaghpr
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰
🌬️ Link to read in bio
————————————————————————————
#peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #winter #lovepeninsulakids #mpgrown #local #pregnnacyandbaby #creative #education #health #spotlight #recipes
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰 🌬️ Link to read in bio ———————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #winter #lovepeninsulakids #mpgrown #local #pregnnacyandbaby #creative #education #health #spotlight #recipes
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
#thinkingofyou
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
#thinkingofyou
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston!
When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event!
——————————————————————————
#southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids 
@southsidefestivalfrankston
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston! When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event! —————————————————————————— #southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids @southsidefestivalfrankston
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.