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If you are a new mom and have not gone through the experience of having a baby, you might not think of some things that will definitely benefit you and the baby. Knowing some of these things will help you prepare in advance and will be helpful during and after delivery.
This advice is from personal experience and from being there through my daughter's pregnancy and helping her along her journey. She even taught me a few things along the way. Below I am sharing the most important aspects of getting ready for a new baby that we came across.
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Let's get started.
First things first, find a doctor
Things to consider when finding your OB/GYN
Do you want a male or female doctor to deliver your baby.
Location - find out what hospital the doctor has privileges at because this will determine where you will deliver your baby. If there is a specific hospital you would like to deliver at, make sure the doctor you choose delivers there.
Is the doctor in-network with your insurance. The amount you pay out of pocket will depend on whether the doctor and the hospital are in-network or out-of- network with the insurance you have.
Once you meet the doctor determine if you feel comfortable with him or her. If you don’t, the best time to change is early in the pregnancy. You want your doctor to be with you throughout the pregnancy, and be familiar with your medical needs.
Second - Take prenatal vitamins
Some doctors will prescribe them, but others will allow you to choose over the counter prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are a great idea before, during and after pregnancy to make sure you are healthy and stay healthy. Make sure you consult your doctor, and follow his or her advice.
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Third - Moisturize your skin to minimize stretch marks
You want to do everything possible to take care of your skin and that includes minimizing the possibility of stretch marks.
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Fourth - Buy comfortable bras
Not only will your size change during pregnancy, but if you are planning to breast feed you definitely will benefit from having nursing bras. If you are planning to breast feed check out the bras below on Amazon.
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Fourth - Consider if you want to bank the baby’s cord
There are definitely health benefits to the baby and family members in the future if you decide to bank the baby's cord. Stem cell research is growing and expanding every day to treat all kinds of disease.
There are several companies that offer this service. If you would like to do this speak with your doctor ahead of time. They will have information on companies that offer this service.
Also, your doctor needs to know and needs to be prepared ahead of time to collect the baby cord when the baby is born. The company will supply a kit to collect and ship to the storage facility.
Fifth - Start thinking about baby names
There many books out there that can help you choose the perfect name. These books can give you the origin, meaning, alternative spellings, and even spiritual meanings.
A book is great because you can mark the names you like and will help you narrow it down to the perfect name. Check out the book below. It is available at Amazon.
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Sixth - Find a good pediatrician
Again, this is about being prepared. Your pediatrician will be able to evaluate your baby and be there from the beginning giving you peace of mind.
Seventh - Consider signing up for infant CPR class
This is another step that will give you peace of mind in case of an emergency once you have your baby. Many hospitals offer these types of classes. Check with your doctor to see if he or she has any recommendations.
Eighth - Create a baby registry
Once you create your registry, send it to family and friends. You can have a baby shower or have family and friends can just send a gift if they cannot come to the baby shower, and the best part is that they can see exactly what it is you need or prefer.
Some basic needs are:
Crib,
Car seat
High Chair
Bottle Sterilizer
Bottles & Bottle brush
Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips
Baby wrap around carrier
Changing Pad
Diapers
Wipes
Burp Cloths
Baby Bath tub
Baby Soap
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Ninth - Put a bag together for when it is time to go to the hospital
You want to have a bag ready before hand so you are not scrambling at the last minute. When is time you can just grab and go.
Some things you will need are:
Clothes
Toiletries
Cell phone charges
Tenth - Wash the baby's clothes and sheets
When you first get home with the baby, it will be hectic enough. You will want to have as much prepared as possible. The baby will need plenty of clothing to change into.
You want the baby items to be free of chemicals or allergens. You might even want to take apart the car seat and wash those items also.
Eleventh - Prepare for the car ride home with the baby.
Have the car seat ready and set up in the car. Some hospitals will help and make sure the car seat is installed properly, but not all do that.
Twelfth - Cook and freeze meals to have handy after delivery
This will be very handy when the baby comes and you don’t have as much time. It is important you take good care of yourself in order for you to take care of your baby.
Once the baby is home you will not have too much time at first, at least not until you get the groove of thing.
Finally, have a plan for when it is time to deliver.
How will you get there?
Who will be in the delivery room with you?
Who can come visit you at the hospital?
Establish some expectations on who, when and how will family and friends will come see the baby once you are at home.
Being ready when someone wants to come to visit might be an issue for a number of reasons. It is also very important to have some privacy at this special time with your baby and partner to bond as a new family. Having a plan, making things clear, and having boundaries will minimize stress.
One final piece of advice is to make you and your baby a priority at this time. Nap when the baby naps. You will need to rest as much as possible. Everything else can wait. Don't overwhelm yourself trying to be a super woman. Enjoy your baby and this special time.
Why follow Pregnancy Pillows 101's advice?
We gather this information from personal experience. We have researched and had personal input from close family and friends that have experience this wonderful time in their lives, and hope to help new moms with the most common concerns and questions.
Check out this website where you can see how the baby grows, progresses, and grows: