Things to Get Done Before the Baby Comes
Having a baby is a huge event that requires some preparation. Preparing in advance will alleviate some of the anxiety that most new mothers go through. It is perfectly normal to have feelings of worry, but having a plan of action and knowing that things are in place and ready for your baby will help ease the transition from an empty cradle to a full one.
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Prenatal Care
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One of the most important things that you can do before you baby arrives is to get proper prenatal care. Keep all of your scheduled visits with your obstetrician. Your doctor can alert you to any issues that may put your baby at risk, including high blood pressure and diabetes, which can develop during your pregnancy. Your doctor can also perform several different tests including the alpha-fetoprotein test which can detect Downs Syndrome, tubal defects and chromosome abnormalities. Take all of your prenatal vitamins and get proper nutrition to help your baby develop properly.
Painting
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Nesting is a natural instinct for a mother when she is preparing for her baby. Many women feel the urge to clean and decorate the baby's space before it is born. Decorate your baby's room and paint the walls well in advance. The earlier you paint your baby's room, the less likely your baby will be exposed to new paint smells or fumes. Take extreme care to paint in a well ventilated room so that you do not inhale paint fumes. Or, you can have someone else paint the room for you.
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Work
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If you have a job, plan with your employer when you will be out of work and how long you are allowed to be gone. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act you are allowed, by law, up to 12 weeks of job protected leave when you have your baby. Check with your employer to see what is allotted for you and what benefits you will be allowed to receive while you are absent. Make sure your employers have a clear understanding of when you will be leaving so they can plan for your temporary replacement.
Shopping
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Make a list of all of the baby items that you will need. Your friends will probably plan a shower for you and you might obtain a lot of the items that your baby will need from friends. Make sure you have a car seat for your ride home from the hospital. The hospital will not release a newborn without a car seat. Purchase bottles, diapers, wipes, baby outfits, socks and other basic items, like a baby thermometer or burp cloths, so you will not have to do last minute shopping after the baby comes home.
Sleep
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Get plenty of rest now while you can. Once your baby arrives you will have to adjust your schedule to his. Take naps throughout the day and get at least eight hours of sleep each night before the baby comes. Adequate sleep can keep you healthy.
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References
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