Whether you are preparing for the future, or preparing for an imminent birth, you’ll feel a lot better if you just get down to the business of organizing and preparing for the birth itself. Do not be embarrassed if you’re planning comes years before, or moments after you find out you’re pregnant. Both scenarios include a healthy amount of that old nesting instinct and will make you more physically and mentally prepared for the birth of your baby.
Smart Ways to Be Prepared for Childbirth
Here are five quick tips to help get you prepared.
Find the Right Doctors
Not only will you need an OB/GYN but you’ll also very soon need a pediatrician. Considering how much a part of your life an OB/GYN will be through your pregnancy, as well as how many intimate things you’ll likely discuss, you’ll want to begin your search for the right OB/GYN by deciding first which gender of a physician you feel more comfortable with. This choice still remains around equally divided. Some women prefer a male, some women prefer a female. It’s your body, so make it based on how you feel, always. Base your decisions on the type of practice or education the physician has. Referrals from close friends or family. And any extra knowledge you can gain that will make your OB/GYN visits as smooth as possible. You could be in for a bit of a bump-y ride. Pun intended!
Next step. Your baby’s doctor. You’ll want to put some serious time and research into this unless you already have a family physician you plan on going to for pediatric care. Know your baby’s doctor and learn how they manage their office, how they will treat your baby through various issues, how they vaccinate. Learn all of the things you need to that will make you comfortable with your selection. You can always ask for a walkthrough visit or ask for their credential before making a final decision. You’ll feel a lot better knowing this decision is firm and you have a doctor who will visit your baby shortly after birth.
Your Birth Plan, Your Partner and You
Get on the same page with your partner when it comes to your full birth plan. Will you be birthing at home? A hospital or labor and delivery center? Who do you want present? Who do you not want present? Remember in all cases, this is your birth, your experience, your miracle of life and you do not owe anyone any particular obligations about who may be present for the babies birth. You go with what you’re comfortable with and make your guidelines clear. I’ll be honest. I totally left this pre-planning part out of my first childbirth and ended up with a person in my L & D room who I didn’t really want in there and would have never consented to if I hadn’t been fully dilated and 30 seconds away from pushing! I was pretty upset about it for a while afterwards. Don’t let this happen to you. Be assertive, be generous where you feel comfortable, and be in charge, along with your partner, of the experience that will be your baby’s birth!
Really Listen to the Woeful and the Miraculous Tales
What I mean by that is go ahead and indulged in some great chats with veteran moms in your circle. Sure, you’ll have to grit your teeth through some of the unpleasant tales certainly, but even in those you’ll gain tidbits of knowledge and as in all other cases, knowledge is power. Power grants confidence and stress reduction and what about-t0-be-a-new-mom doesn’t need every one of those things?
Have Fun Packing Your Bag
Make this a family event if you have other children too! Not only will you feel fully prepared once your bag is packed, but your partner and other family members will delight in helping to choose post-birth clothing and the ever popular, ride home wear!
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