Preparing for the demands of motherhood requires making healthy choices early in pregnancy. Women who are in good health and have supportive resources are more likely to have have strong pregnancies and are better equipped to care for their infants after delivery. Women who are supported in their roles as mothers have healthier birth outcomes, sufficient nutrition for their infants and better access to medical care.
Pregnancy
A pregnant woman must follow a nutritious diet for the benefit of her own health and that of her baby. She needs approximately 300 extra calories daily during the second and third trimesters to build the fat stores necessary for energy. A healthy diet during pregnancy includes daily servings of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C and folic acid to provide nourishment for the baby and to protect against birth defects.
Breastfeeding
Many women in the United States understand the importance of breastfeeding, but lack the skills to successfully nurse for an extended period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women begin receiving information about breastfeeding during pregnancy. Many hospitals provide prenatal classes to prepare future mothers. Following delivery, a licensed lactation consultant should spend time with a mother individually to teach her the techniques necessary for successful breastfeeding.
Significance
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has several recommendations for women regarding infant care. You can keep your baby safe by checking the household for dangerous items, using approved car seats and knowing the common causes of accidents among infants. Ensure adequate sleep by practicing regular bedtime routines to help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own. Always place your baby on her back to sleep to reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Effects
Many women are excited about motherhood, but no amount of preparation can prepare some mothers for sleep deprivation, colic and crying jags, and feelings of being judged by others. Many mothers are unprepared for how overwhelming infant care can be, and then feel guilty for being unable to keep up with the demands of motherhood, according to Lauren LaRocca of La Leche League International. Finding a support group, such as Postpartum Support International, can help mothers to find the resources they need to care for their children while managing feelings of pressure and loneliness.
Resources
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a federal grant program that provides food, education and health referrals for individuals at risk. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC assists 45 percent of all infants who are born in the United States, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and mothers of children up to age five. The program supplies food packages, supports breastfeeding, and provides mothers with information about immunizations and health resources.
