Counting Down To The Big Day

Perhaps no other time in a woman’s life is she more excited and anxious than right before she gives birth.

How much will it hurt? When will the baby come? Will I make it to the hospital? Will my husband/partner make it there with me? Will everything go as planned? Am I really ready to be a mother? Can I really handle adding another child to our family?

All of the above questions are normal and completely understandable. Whether it is your first time giving birth or your fourth, there are always feelings of anticipation mixed with natural fears and concerns.

Counting down to the big day includes more than just watching the calendar. Expectant mothers can take steps to help them prepare for their baby’s arrival so that they are as ready as they can be before the big day arrives.

• Learn about the birth process. Ignoring thinking about the birth process will not be helpful to any expectant mother. Remember, giving birth is as natural and normal as getting pregnant. It has been happening for many centuries, and women who learn about birth ahead of time can focus and more actively participate in their birth process. Taking a birth class during pregnancy is a great way to be prepared for what’s to come.
• Become friends with your OB/GYN. Developing a relationship with your doctor is important. You want a doctor that you can easily talk to and trust with all your concerns regarding pregnancy, giving birth, and after-birth care. Women who can easily talk with their doctor not only feel more at-ease throughout pregnancy, but they can also be honest with their doctors about concerns that may come up after the baby is born (such as post-partum depression).
• Get your home in order. Not everyone naturally prepares in advance, but when it comes to bringing home a new baby – you do not want to fly by the seat of your pants! Make sure baby clothes, blankets, towels, and sheets are washed. Make sure you have a safe baby carrier and that the base is installed properly in your car. While babies truly require little in terms of necessities, you want to make sure you have diapers, wipes, bottles, and other such items ready. Also, make sure you have childcare set up for other children at home.
• Prepare older siblings. While there is no real way to prepare an older child for a baby coming home and seeming to take over the house, you can help your older child get used to the idea of having a baby around. Give your toddler a baby doll and help him or her pretend play. It will be important for you to play along with them so they understand that a baby will need mommy’s attention. This is also a good time to show older children that you can put “baby doll” down for a nap and then make special time for them.
• Line up help for after the birth. Extra help is essential in the first couple of weeks after bringing a new baby home. Not only will you need to recover from birth, but everyone will need to find the new normal within your home. Having family and friends who can help you is a huge blessing. Talking about it ahead of time can save a lot of headaches.

At Marietta OB/GYN Affiliates P.A., we are here to help you every step of the way throughout your pregnancy. Our compassionate care includes developing a relationship with each patient to provide the most thorough care. Contact us today.