Along with the excitement of having a newborn, new moms also tend to feel anxiety about doing the right thing for their new baby. What is the best way to prepare for your new arrival? We have you covered with these simple tools to keep you confident and your baby happy and healthy.
Enroll In Pre-Natal Classes
Knowing what to expect before, after and during labor can alleviate any anxiety about childbirth. Evaluating the choices you have before giving birth, including types of pain management, can be incredibly empowering. When you and your partner enroll in a prenatal class, you will learn breathing techniques, including Lamaze and the Bradley Method, and information about epidurals, false and true labor pains and what to do when your water breaks. Pre-natal classes will also walk you through exactly what you can expect in the delivery room. You’ll learn about the phases of delivery, the equipment that may or may not be used, and how to push. Learning about these things ahead of time will help keep you calm and give you the tools to deliver a healthy baby.
The Pediatric Center offers a free prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call the office to enroll.
Get Lactation Support
Breastfeeding for the first time can be intimidating. You may have many questions including when your newborn will latch, how to make sure you body produces enough milk and how often to breastfeed. Meeting with a professional lactation consultant/counselor is the best way answer all of your questions prior to your baby’s arrival. Your consultant will help you learn how to generate a healthy milk supply, which foods to eat and avoid and any recommended supplements or vitamins. All steps to ensure your baby starts with good nutrition from the moment they are born.
The Pediatric Center has an on-site lactation suite to work one-on-one with you and your baby.
How To Handle Visitors
When your baby first enters this world, their immune systems are low and still in production. It’s important to ensure all visitors are free from any sickness and wash their hands prior to visiting. It is highly recommended that you only allow people in the delivery or hospital room who have had their flu shot. Also avoid any adult kissing the baby on the mouth. These steps are simple and intuitive and should be enforced, regardless of how eager you are to have people see and touch your newborn.
Keep Yourself Healthy
As a new or expectant mother, it’s important to take good care of yourself to ensure you are strong and healthy prior to and after giving birth, especially with the upcoming new demands of taking care of your newborn. Sleep is critical. Try to find time to rest prior to birth and once your baby arrives. In addition, spend a few minutes outside every day, and try to eat healthy foods to give you the proper nutrition, vitamins and minerals. Sunlight and some form of exercise will help to avoid postpartum depression and anxiety.
The Role Of Your Pediatrician
Your pediatrician is a valuable resource in the first few weeks of childbirth. They will often visit you in the hospital and start offering support and advice from the time of birth. At The Pediatric Center, we offer comprehensive care from an on-site lab, complimentary baby classes, lactation support, including a private lactation suite, and thorough examinations. We partner with you from the very beginning to help you navigate your new world and ensure an easy and healthy beginning. We are hear when you need us.
These simple tools will help prepare you before and after your newborn enters into the world.