Friday 6 January 2012

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Planning for a new baby is always a lengthy process that never seems to end: the weekly buying of new clothes and supplies, the endless repainting of the nursery, as well as the myriads of parenting books that the mom-to-be can never seem to get enough of. While all of this is indeed fun and memorable, there are certain issues relating to the physical health of the mom and baby that need to be tackled before the baby is born:

1. Balancing chores and leisure time – While moms have the seemingly innate capability of working multiple shifts, including managing the household and taking care of the needs of everyone in the family, now is the perfect time to make sure you have regular leisure time. Why? When the baby comes out, you will be at his or her beck and call twenty-four hours a day; you will definitely need to know how to take it easy and rest when you really cannot take it anymore. After all, an exhausted, burnt-out mom will not be able to meet her own needs, much less a cranky baby’s. Stress will always get the upper hand if you let it. As such, it will be helpful to develop a routine of work and play even before D-day.

2. Having time for yourself and your husband – Many new parents are overly excited about the new addition to their family that they tend to overlook the husband-wife relationship. However, many parenting experts believe that the security of a baby does not lie in the parents’ love for him but rather stems from a sense of sureness in his parents’ love for each other. As such, it is crucial for the emotional well-being of the baby, as well as of mom and dad, to have regular couple-time. While some falsely believe that mom needs to be by baby’s side twenty-four hours a day, it will do the baby some good to be left to play on her own an hour or so each day, giving mom and dad the perfect time to bond, perhaps in baby’s sight. And this will be easier to do when the routine is established early on.

3. Determining your parenting style – Although first-time parents will typically not be sure what kind of parenting style they will adopt, it will be a good idea to read up or listen to older parents and check which parenting style would suit your lifestyle best. For example, a couple whose daily schedule varies wildly may not work well with a by-the-clock feeding routine, while a couple who are obsessed with order will probably self-destruct from the absence of a routine! Knowing what kind of style you want to adopt before the baby arrives also gives you the confidence in the way you will treat him or her from Day 1.

4. Choosing a paediatrician – Many first-time moms overlook this very important person in the health of their new baby; they wind up just ticking off a random name when they are already in the labor room. When you have the luxury of time, you can ask around for referrals, as well as do a background check on potential paediatricians. That way, you will know whether you are choosing someone who is well-adept at high-risk births and give you confidence that your baby will be in good hands no matter what.
5. Deciding on a birthing plan – With the popularity of birthing methods like Lamaze since the 1950s, moms have enjoyed a greater freedom in terms of how they want to deliver their baby. Knowing in advance will also give you an easier time telling the medical experts what kind of pain management strategies you want to employ, as well as give your husband an easier time saying yes to a C-section should the situation call for it.

All in all, the last trimester of pregnancy is always one that is filled with much anticipation and excitement, and you can definitely enhance your experience when you prepare in advance and know as much as possible what to expect. That way, you will not have to come face to face with a decision that you need to make right away, taking off more of the stress and anxiety associated with wanting everything to be just right for you and your new baby!

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