7 Smart Ways To Prepare For Your Baby’s Birth
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It might seem to you like it’s been forever since you became pregnant during the last lap. We know all moms-to-be out there cannot wait to meet their little munchkin soon. The best thing that you can do right now is to exploit the time you have until your due date and start preparing for your baby’s birth. A little planning and preparation never hurt anyone. It will help you remain relaxed and prepared when your due date nears. Here are 7 ways that you can start preparing for the arrival of your little one.
In This Article
1. Going On Labor? Know What To Do
Women usually freak out when they go into labor. Some planning and preparation ahead of time will help you remain calm instead of being frantic. Having a plan in place about who will accompany you to the hospital or birth center, where to go, and when you need to leave can help you tons when your contractions hit for the first time. The same goes with women planning a home birth as well; call your midwife if you feel the contractions. It’s always better to have a few backups in case your partner or mother is not available to take you to the hospital when the time comes. Be aware of which route to take, where to park, and which entrance to take when it’s time to check in.
2. Pack Your Bag
The last thing you need to worry about when leaving for the hospital is if you have your toothbrush or comfy slippers. And if you didn’t pack it already, there are high chances that you are probably gonna miss out on something or the other. You are going to need a few things like toiletries, comfortable shoes, and clothes, nursing bras, maternity underpants among a few others.
3. Make Sure You And Your Partner Are On The Same Page
You don’t want to get into a conflict with your partner after having the baby. So, be sure to discuss what you expect from each other during the course of labor and after coming home with the baby. Make use of all the time you have now and discuss how you are going to divide household and baby duties. Don’t make any assumptions that your partner will know everything that’s going to happen after childbirth.
4. Learn About Labor And Childbirth
Yes, it may be daunting to many women, but it’s better to know everything about the process of childbirth to be well prepared. It will also give you an option to enroll yourself in pain management classes like Lamaze classes. There are also various breathing techniques to help manage labor pain. Also, being aware of the different ways of giving birth will help you choose an option that is more convenient for you like home births or giving birth at a birthing center. But have a final word with your doctor before zeroing in on one.
5. Prepare Older Siblings/Pets
If there’s an older sibling at home, you can give them a doll and pretend play to help them get used to the idea of a younger sibling. You can hire a local trainer or make use of books and videos for tips to help your pet get used to the new baby.
6. Line Up For Help After Coming Home
You will be able to get all the help that you need from the nurses and doctors when you’ll be at the hospital. Coming home can be a different experience. You don’t have to be a supermom and do it all by yourself. You will be better equipped to take care of your little one and you if you have some help. You can hire a cleaning service, a postpartum doula, or a night nanny depending on what you need. You can always get help from your family or relatives if they are open to helping you out.
7. Stock Up On The Necessities
Get a car seat installed for your new baby and stock up on diapers, wipes, and other baby products that you might need. It will save you time and stress when the baby comes. Talk to other moms to know which items they found beneficial the most.
Though planning and preparing make for a better and peaceful experience during and after childbirth, know that everything may not always go according to plan. Don’t feel pressured when there are changes in your childbirth or if you don’t have everything that you need. Do the best you can and things will fall into place on its own.
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