Parenthood is a challenging as well as a rewarding experience. The decisions parents take for their yet-to-arrive baby vary right from naming it to deciding the color of its pram. Below are the top 10 decision every new parent makes when they are pregnant.
1. Where To Deliver
If your pregnancy involves lower risks, you can choose to give birth at a hospital, a birth center or even at your own home. Birth centers are run by midwives and usually feel more homely. Ask your family and friends about suggestions based on their experiences. Choose a place where you feel the most comfortable. However, in case of multiple births or complications, the hospital is the best option.
2. Finding Out The Gender
Thanks to ultrasounds, parents can now determine their baby’s sex in the 20th week of pregnancy. Many parents prefer to keep it old-fashioned and hold onto their patience until birth. Knowing the gender can help in preparing better for the arriving baby such as choosing their name, buying clothes and toys, and preparing for the trending gender-reveal-parties.
3. Birth Partner
It is up to the mother to choose the best companion around when she is giving birth. She might want her spouse and parents around during labor, and only her spouse at the time of delivery. If so, the dads-to-be must attend the childbirth classes along with their partners to prepare for the main event. Remember, the people who support you during labor are crucial for a positive delivery experience.
4. Preparing Your Mind
All women feel anxious about childbirth. How much pain will they have to endure? How long will their labor be? All these questions prevent them from staying calm and relaxed, which is the key to a smooth labor. Women often face a dilemma opting between epidural and natural birth. Know about the pain relief options, and decide what could be your best birth scenario.
5. Pain Relief Options
Receiving a painkiller depends on how your labor progresses, and where you give birth. At birth centers, the midwives usually offer natural pain-relieving methods like a bath, shower or birth pool along with massage, whereas hospitals offer epidural or drugs. Often the birth centers are inside hospitals, so you can be transferred easily if required.
6. Support after birth
Becoming a new mom is a full-time job. You will be busy buzzing around your baby and its needs. Don’t hesitate in asking your family for help. For instance, you can ask your parents to stay over for a week or more or your best friend to provide a helping hand. Leave the cooking and cleaning part to the maid. Make these decisions a month or a fortnight before your baby arrives.
7. Deciding Between Breastfeed And Bottle Feed
Breastfeeding is the best and healthiest option to feed your newborn. Yet, some women find breastfeeding challenging because the baby is not latching on the nipple, or not sucking enough milk. Bottle feeding comes as an easy alternative. The choice is totally yours, and whatever you decide, make sure to ask your doctor first. Opt for the best formula diet if you choose bottle feeding.
8. Find A Pediatrician
Since you might need regular appointments for your baby’s checkups and vaccinations, it is a good practice to find a pediatrician even before your baby is born. Get referrals from your family and friends, and schedule a prenatal consultation. Feel free to express any concerns, and know your doctor a bit better.
9. Manage Your Finances
Plan your finances around the baby right from the start of your pregnancy. The earlier you discuss the finances with your partner, the better it is. The diapers alone will top your list of the regular items to buy. Prepare for your cash flow, and build a buffer if you are are expecting soon – it is never late to start.
10. Maternity Leave And Later Plans
Usually, a working mom-to-be, informs her manager well before the pregnancy belly starts showing. Though it is a bit daunting, you need not worry as the laws are in your favor. Talk to your HR about the facilities and paid leaves that your company offers to expecting mothers. Coming back to work post pregnancy is quite tricky. Most woman plan it before their deliveries. It is best to calculate your pros and cons while planning between resuming work and staying back at home.
It is always better to plan your pregnancy and prepare for the challenges and decisions you will face in future. Being a parent is not a cake walk. Nobody knows enough about it, until they become one.
