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."