Preparation before labor and delivery aids in the smooth transition of bringing your newborn home. You can take steps to prepare for your baby's arrival by examining your health, living arrangements, current knowledge of childcare and plans for the day of your labor and delivery. You can never be too prepared to take care of a new baby.
Proper Nutrition and Exercise
Normal maternal weight gain and proper nutrition support the healthy development of a growing fetus and can reduce the possibility of birth defects. Pregnant women are advised to engage in regular physical activity--30 minutes per day--and eat balanced meals, as well as take prenatal vitamins with a concentrated amount of folate and B vitamins. Folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and B vitamins surround and protect nerve fibers and enable folate to produce healthy red blood cells. A mother's health is directly linked to the health of her growing fetus, therefore health must be a top priority during pregnancy.
Labor and Delivery Site
Decide where you would like to give birth--in a hospital or in a birthing center--and familiarize yourself with the characteristics and delivery assistance provided by each location. Hospitals and birthing centers are different for a number of reasons. Hospitals can accommodate a number of birth experiences--natural and traditional births--and a team of nurses and doctors is assigned to each mother. Pain medication is the primary source of relief for women who give birth in a hospital. Also, hospitals can provide extended care for unforeseen health complications for both mother and child. Conversely, the focus of a birthing center is natural births, since epidural anesthesia is not usually offered. Massage therapy, freedom of movement and warm and cold compresses are pain relief options in a birthing center. If you decide to give birth in a birthing center, make sure the center is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers.
Nursery Set-Up
Design your nursery so that it is a comforting and nurturing environment for your baby and a functional space for you to change diapers, dress and feed your baby. According to Women's Healthcare Topics, there are essential items that your baby will need during the first week at home and into his toddler years. Assemble your baby's crib, make sure the railings are sturdy and have a mattress fitted before your bring your baby home. Find a durable changing table with shelves to hold clothes, diapers, wipes and grooming accessories. A trash can or other diaper disposal system is important to prevent odors from lingering in the nursery. You may also consider leaving a small amount of floor space for playtime as your baby grows.
Educational Classes
Enroll in a childbirth education class, such as a Lamaze class, to learn more about the pre- and postpartum period. Topics covered in a Lamaze class include massage techniques to ease pain, birthing positions, breastfeeding, communication skills between family and significant others regarding the child and any problems that could occur during birth. Lamaze International suggests taking a Lamaze class during your last trimester since most of the information covered will prepare you for labor and delivery. Other education options include infant CPR and first aid and instructional demonstrations on how to secure child safety seats--both of which may be offered by your local fire department or community center.
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