Read Now |
If you’re pregnant, it can seem that it will go on for ever. However, before you know it, you will have a brand-new baby to take care of. While this can be exhilarating, it can also be tiring. Which is why it’s important to prepare well for your baby’s arrival. If you follow the tips in this article, you’ll not only be well on your way to having an easy delivery but you will also be able to enjoy quality time with your baby without undue stress.
Learn about the birth process: Make sure that you are an active participant in your birth process. This will yield better results. You can take a birth class or consult with your obstetrician ahead of time to learn about the stages of labour, pain management, breathing techniques, and the medical equipment that will be used during the delivery. You can also learn about the different ways of giving birth by watching different videos. These could be about natural birth, water birth, birth with an epidural, delivery by a C-section, and others. Once you’ve done your research you may want to list your preferences in a birth plan. However, be aware of the fact that your delivery may not go exactly as planned.
Find a doctor for your baby: You may want to look for a paediatrician or a family doctor midway through your pregnancy. This may seem to be too early, but you want to start early to ensure that the doctor is the right fit for your family and that she is taking new patients. You can also talk to your health insurance provider, if you have one, to find out whether you can add your baby to the policy and what exactly is covered when it comes to your delivery and maternity care.
Talk to your partner: You should not just talk to your partner about how he can contribute during labour, but also about what you’ll need from each other during after birth and during the new born period. If you both have differing expectations, this may cause conflicts later on, so make sure you both are on the same page. You should talk to your partner about how you both will divide baby and household duties. You should also talk to your partner about less obvious things, like how he can support you during breastfeeding. You can also come to a consensus on some big decisions like what to name your baby, how you’ll feed your baby, whether to circumcise, and whether to have a religious ceremony, such as a baptism or a baby naming ceremony.
Talk to veteran moms: You may experience some things post-delivery and during motherhood that are taboo to discuss, such as the post-partum blues, a diminished sex drive, leaking pee, and so on. If you can discuss these and anything else you want to with the other moms among your friends, this can reduce the shock factor. You can also speak to your obstetrician or join a birth club, if there is one in your neighbourhood.
Prepare older siblings and pets: Your older children may take some time to get used to this new addition to the family. Fortunately, you can prepare them right through the pregnancy. You can use a baby doll to help your children understand what’s coming. They typically enjoy the pretend play and later on, after the baby’s birth if they see you changing diapers, it will seem familiar. You should also ensure that you have lined up someone to take care of your children during the delivery and for some time afterwards. If you have pets, you should also ensure that you prepare them for the new baby. You can turn to videos, books, and articles for tips on how to get your pet to get used to the new baby. You can also make arrangements for a pet sitter or a dog walker while you’re in hospital during the delivery.
Line up help for after the birth: You should avail of any and all help that you can get after the delivery. If you have relatives who are willing to help, do sit down with them and discuss the specifics. Both parents should figure out baby care together. Grandparents can not only help in looking after the baby but can also help in other chores such as grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and errands. You can also hire help, such as a night nanny or a cleaning service. You can also organize babysitting for your older children so you can rest.
Know what to do when labour starts: Have a firm plan before labour starts as to who to call, where to go, and when to leave. Your obstetrician will give you a clear set of guidelines as to what to do when you go into labour. You should decide who to take with you when you go to the hospital for the birth. You should plan the route you will take to the hospital ahead of time, including logistics such as where to park, so that there are no last-minute nasty surprises. You can also take a tour of your hospital or birth centre ahead of time so you know exactly where to go when you are in labour.
Decide who will attend the birth: While this is a very personal decision, it makes sense to decide beforehand who will attend the birth. While some newbie mothers prefer their entire family to be present, others prefer as few people as possible to be present during the delivery process. You should check with your hospital ahead of time as to what their rules are regarding how many people are allowed during the delivery. In fact, too many visitors can become overwhelming so ensure that you strike the right balance when it comes to allowing family members to attend the delivery.
Pack your bag: Make sure that you have your bag packed a few weeks before your delivery. Ensure that you have a comprehensive packing list for your hospital, especially if you are going to be having a C-section. You can not only pack the essentials, but you can also pack personal items that can make your hospital stay more comfortable. This could include everything from a favourite pillow to a comfortable pair of slippers.
Stock up on essentials: A new baby will need a lot of things. These could include diapers, wipes, an installed car seat, some clothing, and a safe and comfortable place to sleep. You can add bottles if you are bottle feeding, formula if you are formula feeding, and nursing bras and pads if you are breastfeeding. Rather than worry about whether you have bought everything, talk to your support group of other veteran moms to figure out what items are absolutely essential and which ones can wait.
Preparing for your new baby is a magical experience and following these tips will ensure that it will be a relatively stress-free one as well. At Harsha Hospitals, which is one of the best fertility centers in Hyderabad, India, with one of the best gynaecologists in Hyderabad, we will be with you as a guide and friend not only right through the pregnancy, but also right through the delivery, as well as afterwards.
We boast the best gynaecologist in Kukatpally, and we will make this time in your life as rewarding as possible. We will help you prepare for your baby and will also answer any and all questions you may have about the actual delivery process and birthing experience as candidly and as clearly as possible.
So, if you are looking for the best possible hospital for your pregnancy and delivery, do not hesitate to consult us at Harsha Hospitals for the most seamless and rewarding experience possible. Here’s to a beautiful birthing experience!
For more information about how to prepare for your baby and other women’s issues consult Harsha Hospitals at +91 7799565793 or at info@harshahospitals.co.in or go to our website Harsha Hospitals Hyderabad for more information.