Guest Blog.....May is Pregnancy Awareness Month

Did you know that May is Pregnancy Awareness Month?  I did not, but was made aware of it by a fellow blogger, Katie Moore.  Katie writes a blog called "Moore from Katie" which covers everything from motherhood, DIY projects, fashion, baking and healthy living.  One thing that Katie is passionate about is new life, I love that, because I too am passionate about life and especially when it comes to that  miraculous gift of new life.  So I was honored when Katie found my blog and asked if she could be a guest contributor on "The Courageous Mommy".  Of course I jumped at the offer because the first step in that courageous journey of motherhood is pregnancy.  If you are currently expecting or have recently made the decision to begin the process of starting a family, or even if you are like me and are through with having babies but like to reminisce about that amazing time of your life, you will enjoy this article.  And be sure and check out Katie's Blog, she's got a lot of really great stuff on it!

Preparing for the Big Delivery Day.....Guest Blog by Katie Moore

Labor and delivery can be a highly anticipated time for expectant mothers. A variety of emotions, ranging from a few nerves too much excitement to confidence, can be present. The truth is no matter how prepared a mother feels going into labor and delivery; she should be open to the idea that inevitably something will surprise her. To better help prepare for the experience consider these suggestions.

Attend Classes

A mom-to-be can find some solace in her preparations for the unpredictable experience by educating herself; one way to do so is to attend a childbirth class. There are several different birthing methods, some considered more natural than others. Talk to your ob/gyn too about birthing options. He or she can help choose a method and birthing plan that is right for you.

Many new moms assume that breastfeeding is natural and easy, but many obstacles early on can cause physical and emotional stress to both mom and her newborn. Taking a class can help clear up any questions that you have and give you some good tricks to help. The Internet also provides education through pregnancy websites on topics you’d cover in a class.

Pack for the Hospital

Packing your hospital bag early can prevent new mothers from forgetting essential items, like a change of clothes, a "take home" outfit for the newborn. Other items to consider packing are toiletries, a book or movie for entertainment or to relax during down time, or any additional items that will help you feel comfortable during your stay.

There are also several decisions to be made before the newborn arrives. Selecting a pediatrician is an important one. Hospitals will have the pediatrician perform all of the necessary tests and screenings before they go home to make sure they’re not at risk for certain infant diseases. In trying to plan for the future health of your baby, an option to consider is cord blood banking. With cord blood banking families choose the collect and save the umbilical cord blood that remains after birth. The cord blood is then stored at a facility for potential use to treat future medical disease.

Although the labor and delivery experience can’t be mapped out, an expectant mother can educate herself in order to prepare for the decisions she’ll need to make and the exciting moments that will bring her newborn into the world.

"This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche.  If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26."