All the Real Things You Need to Succeed in the Third Trimester (Yes, You.)

During this last phase (hello, waddling, and strange nightmares), expectant mothers frequently completely lose themselves. You have turned into a checklist for burp cloths and bassinets, but you are going to experience something profound on a physical, emotional, and existential level. Thus, this checklist for the third trimester is a little different. It is packed with useful, calming, and mother-honoring items to make your life simpler both now and after birth.

In the Third Trimester, What Should I Do?

A question that has plagued all new mothers at three in the morning.

Before the baby comes, let us eliminate all the guesswork and set out what you need to buy, prepare, and arrange (without going crazy or losing your identity).

Prepare your (breast)feeding toolkit beforehand.

Let us prepare for all of your options with grace and flexibility, whether you want to formula feed, combo feed, breastfeed, or pump. No embarrassment. Only choices.

Milk Gatherer

You will soon learn about the peculiar enchantment (and sometimes heartache) of milk letdown if you are nursing. You do not need a pump to gather the valuable milk from your non-feeding side with a milk collector like the Elvie Catch or Elvie Curve. It is quiet, subdued, and rather brilliant. (After baby #1, I sincerely regretted not utilizing one. For baby #2, I learned my lesson.)

Bags for Freezing

Having breast milk storage containers on hand will be appreciated by your future self. Even a small supply provides comfort for doctor's appointments, date nights, and times when you simply need to take a nap. Because Lansinoh bags are freezer-friendly and have a no-leak seal, most mothers vouch for them.

The Fourth Trimester Undergarments

One of the love languages is postpartum undergarments. Choose breathable, high-waisted choices like Bodily's All-In Panty instead of the irritating hospital mesh as soon as possible. Your breasts will soon have their own schedule, so do not forget to pack a couple nursing bras.

A Breast Pump That Frees You From Wall-Clamping

Examine insurance coverage (it is painless with Aeroflow). Additionally, think about switching to a pump like the Willow Go or Spectra S1 that has a rechargeable battery. Having the freedom to move while pumping? Game-changer.

Pillow for Feeding

Your neck, wrists, and sanity are all saved by the correct pillow. Everywhere I went, I carried my SnuggleMe feeding pillow with me. It is worth the hype whether you are nursing, bottle-feeding, or simply supporting your infant.

Cream for the Nipples

Cracked and sore nipples occur. Although it is not glitzy, Motherlove's balm-like formula calms without being sticky, and it is safe for babies.

Massager for Lactation

Clogged ducts and engorgement are serious issues. Sweet, sweet relief can be obtained with a heated, vibrating breastfeeding massager (such by the Frida Mom model). With baby number one, I did not utilize one. With baby #2, I definitely did.

Yes, even if you intend to breastfeed, use formula.

Keep a can on hand even if you do not intend to use it. Sometimes life throws you curveballs, like your milk takes a while to get in. Panic is eliminated when the formula is prepared.

For quality and transparency, check out U.S.-based upstarts like Bobbie and ByHeart, who are battling formula stigma and increasing the bar, or European formulas like HiPP Dutch.

Establish Your Own Comfort Stations

Consider them to be similar to nesting, but with a logistical twist. Mini "survival zones" should be placed in your most frequently frequented areas.

Bedroom Station 

A tiny, flip-on night light so you do not have to fumble with buttons at three in the morning.

Having pacifiers and burp rags close at hand

Extra swaddles and crib blankets (Chef's kiss is Ollie)

A sound device (for you and your child)

Expert advice: If you had a c-section, build a cushion incline at your headboard; it will make getting in and out of bed much simpler.

Postpartum mesh pads and underwear at the bathroom station

Ice packs and a Peri bottle

OTC medications such as Advil, stool softeners, and Tylenol

Alternatively, take the simple route and use the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit, which is essentially magic in a package.

Snacks from the living room station (you will be hungrier than you imagine)

A bottle of water and tissues

Additional baby clothes and burp cloths

The infant lounger and feeding pillow

A cozy blanket for you—the small things matter.

Changing Station or Stations

Because life is messy, a wipeable pad like the Keekaroo Peanut

Creams, wipes, and diapers in a carry-along caddy

If you have several, think about doing a second arrangement.

Touch-Ups in the Nursery

It is time to complete those last things as the baby's debut draws near.

Put the wall art up.

Fold and wash your clothes.

Keep the dresser stocked.

Put a diaper caddy in place.

Connect the sound machine.

Prepare a lamp that can be dimmed for those times in the middle of the night.

Pro tip: If the nursery is not Instagram-perfect, do not worry. Always prioritize function over form.

Last Remarks: Create Room for You

You are going to change. Not only into a mother, but into a new you—more resilient, more worn out, more sensitive, more everything. So, yes, get ready for the baby. But prepare yourself as well.

You will thank yourself later, I promise.