Tips for the Mother to Be
Becoming a mother is a joyous, momentous and possibly nerve-racking time in your life. You will probably be bombarded with wanted and unwanted advice, some good and some terrifying. Remember to keep an open mind and enjoy this time in your life, since these nine months will go by quickly.
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Choosing a Practitioner
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Mothers-to-be need to decide how to manage their pregnancy care. Several options exist for pregnancy care: obstetricians, family practice doctors or certified nurse-midwifes. Each of these practitioners has benefits and drawbacks. An obstetrician is medically trained to deal specifically with pregnancy, meaning he will have more experience with pregnancy complications and female reproductive issues. A certified nurse-midwife will usually be more involved in your pregnancy, offering you personal advice or home birth options. A family practitioner will have a more well-rounded view of your entire medical history, if you have seen him for many years. He may even agree to become your child's doctor after birth. You should evaluate your level of comfort with each of these options, speak to several practitioners and make a final decision with your partner as to what will work best for you and your expanding family.
Parenting Choices
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You and your partner should discuss how you will choose to raise your child upon his arrival home. Will the baby sleep in your room or start in his own from the beginning? You will need to decide if you plan to breast or bottle feed your baby, which might influence your sleeping situation. You can also talk about whether or not you plan to go back to work or stay at home to raise your child. Start looking into child care options several months before birth if you choose or have to return to work. Many reputable day cares have waiting lists, and if you choose in-home care, you will want time to interview and screen applicants (if you aren't enlisting in the help of family members).
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Preparing for Labor and Delivery
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Prior to giving birth, you need to make several decisions and preparation. Pack a bag for the hospital the month before your due date. Pack several pairs of comfortable pants (elastic waistbands are best), panties and bras, as well as an outfit for your newborn to wear home. Pack a nursing bra if you have decided to breastfeed. Include toiletries, makeup, magazines or books and your laptop (if the hospital allows). Labor can be a long process and you may want distractions to help get through it. Having your own toiletries and makeup can help you feel better and prepared for any visitors you have after your baby's birth. Work with your practitioner on a birth plan prior to entering the hospital. The birth plan should cover who you want present at the birth, your options for pain management, protocol for emergency situations and your baby's pediatrician choice, among other things.
Coming Home
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Have your home and car prepared for your baby's arrival at least a month before birth, if possible. Set up her crib, or bassinet, wherever she will be sleeping and dress it with clean sheets. Wash all bottle or breast pump parts and choose an easily accessible storage cabinet for them. Wash, fold and store your baby's clothing. Place the car seat base in your car and have local police or the hospital staff check it for proper installation. Prepare pets for the baby's arrival with a baby doll for a month or so before birth. Place the doll in the baby's swing, seat and crib so your animals become accustomed to the new situation, and have someone bring home a blanket or item from the hospital with your baby's scent before arriving home.
Quick Tips
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Trust your instincts about your body and how you feel. Do not be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem. Ignore horror stories about other mother's pregnancies and labor, and realize you will have your own personal experience with the your partner and practitioner. Prepare yourself early for your baby's arrival home so you can relax in the last few weeks of pregnancy when you will need it the most.
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