Preparing Mom & Home for a
Healthy Baby
The Mother’s Physical Health
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, an
expectant mother will have to select her obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) or
other birthing provider, if she hasn’t done so already. Proper
maternal care helps to ensure the health of new born infants and can
include periodic ultrasounds and monitoring the mother's physical condition. In
many cases, OB/GYNs operate as a part of a larger practice, and it is important
that the expectant mother meet and feel comfortable with all physicians in the
office. Because the timing of the event is often not entirely known, any one of
these physicians can be on hospital duty during the birth. It is important that
the mother and the attending physician be on the same page with regards to the
method of delivery and any specific concerns of the mother.
Every birth experience is
different, so it is best for the expectant mother to be prepared for any situation.
It is often useful, especially for first time mothers, to attend
a birthing class a few months before the due date of the baby. The class
will teach her the different phases of child birth, signs to look for during
each phase, and what to do each step of the way.
Arrangements should be made for
transportation to the hospital, and a travel bag with the appropriated
necessities packed. Things to pack include clothing, toiletries, infant
diapers, blankets, formula, if you intend to bottle-feed, and even a camera to
capture the baby's earliest moments.
Other things to consider
beforehand are the optional procedures available to newborns. One option is cord blood banking. The blood contained in
the baby's umbilical cord contains stems cells which can potentially be used in
a stem cell treatment down the road for the baby (possibly a sibling), should
the need arise. . Another option for
mothers expecting a male is circumcision. Speak to your doctor about the
benefits and procedures involved in these options.
Home Accommodations
The home must also be readied for
baby’s arrival. There should be a crib or bassinet for the baby to use, clean
comfortable bedding, blankets, and safety features such as bumper guards. There
should be no stuffed animals or items that could pose a suffocation risk in the
crib As the baby grows older and becomes increasingly aware of her surroundings
you may few toys The baby’s layette should include at least a week’s supply of
pajamas, towels, onsies bibs, socks, shirts, and diapers. Based on the
method of feeding the mother should also have on hand the necessary
paraphernalia, such as bottles, nursing bras, breast pump, and cleaning or
disinfecting supplies.
One of the most important items
to have is a federally approved, rear-facing infant car seat. It must be
installed in the car before leaving the hospital, or the medical personnel will
not allow the mother and infant to leave the hospital.
A new baby takes a lot of care,
and taking steps ahead of her arrival will prepare mothers to take on this
awesome responsibility.
"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."