10 tips before Giving Birth

The nine months are almost over, and your due date for giving birth is fast approaching. By this time, you are not feeling on top of your game. Your feet may be swollen, your back aches, and the baby keeps kicking.

Here are some of the tips you should keep in mind as your due date approaches.

1. Pack a bag for the hospital. Do not forget to include clothes for your baby, and a blanket. You should also have a small towel to throw over your back for the baby when you carry her or him. Put the bag in a spot that is easy to access and spot like near the bedroom door or front door.

2. Get the mobile phone of your doctor, and find out if your doctor will be available two weeks before and after your due date. If not, find out who the doctor will be who will be assigned to handle your case and meet up with this reliever doctor. It is important that you can communicate and feel comfortable with this doctor.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask about hospital and doctors fees. Make sure you add 10 to 15% to that amount and set it aside in an ATM or checking account.

4. If you have other children, make arrangements for a neighbor, family member or friend to help you care for them while you are in the hospital.

5. Talk to your doctor about last minute concerns and fears. You should go into the hospital feeling positive and happy, instead of being anxious and worried.

6. If you are planning to nurse your baby, star drinking liquids. No, you don’t have to drown yourself with liquid, just keep hydrated. This will help in producing breast milk for your baby. Otherwise, make sure you know the brand of milk formula that is going to be recommended for you to use, and get a couple of cans, as well as enough baby bottles for a week.

7. Your baby will need a doctor. If your baby is a boy, then you and your spouse will need to decide about circumcision.

8. After you give birth, you will experience what would appear to be menstrual period. Buy loads of maternity pads, as well as nursing pads if you plan to nurse your baby.

9. Decide or shorten the list of names you have for your child. It is not advisable to wait for the last minute to decide a name because you might feel too much pressure to give it a name, any name.

10. First babies are usually late, do not panic if your due date passes and you are not experiencing any signs that the baby is coming out. You might also experience false alarms when it appears that you are having contractions.

These are just 10 common sense tips that you might find useful during these last few weeks of your pregnancy. Try to get a lot of rest because once the baby comes, you will be waking up every two hours for feeding and changing. Read up as much as you can about newborns like colic, vitamins, immunization, burping, and how to change a diaper. Make sure your spouse knows all about these two.

Quote of the Day:
“You may have plenty of questions as your due date approaches. Is it OK to have sex? How will I know when I'm in labor? What's the best way to manage the pain? Ask away! Also discuss a birthing plan with your health care pro.” - Mayo Clinic staff

Conclusion: Giving birth may be really painful, but once the baby comes out, all that pain will disappear like magic. On the other hand, you could always ask for an epidural.

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