How to Prepare for Birth & Bringing the Baby Home

The birth of a new baby is an exciting time, but it can also be tiring, overwhelming and stressful. As parent educator Joan Sheingold Ditzion said, "This [new] period of parenting is an intense one. Never will we know such responsibility, such productive and hard work, such potential for isolation in the caretaking role and such intimacy and close involvement in the growth and development of another human being." By putting some effort into planning and preparing for childbirth and your new baby, you can help this intense and demanding period of your life go as smoothly as possible.

Instructions

1

Attend a childbirth class. Taking a class in your third trimester can teach you about the signs of premature labor, how to recognize when labor begins, the stages of labor and breathing techniques. Classes also often cover information about breastfeeding, caring for your newborn and adjusting to parenthood.

2

Make important decisions for your baby's care. Choose a pediatrician you feel comfortable with. Decide if you want to breastfeed or formula-feed, use cloth or disposable diapers and circumcise your baby, if you are having a boy. All of these decisions require some research and forethought and should be thoroughly discussed with your partner until you reach a satisfactory decision together.

3

Write a birth plan to encourage yourself to think about the kind of labor you hope to have. Research information about pain relief, various labor interventions and finding labor support. It's a good idea to review examples of birth plans -- but don't simply copy wording from sample plans. Your birth plan should be personal. Make sure you understand and can explain all of the preferences you include.

4

Create a space in your home for your baby. Set up a crib or bassinet where your baby can sleep either in your bedroom or in a nursery. Purchase baby supplies you will need in the early weeks, such as diapers, baby wipes, burp cloths, towels, washcloths, nursing bras (if you plan to breastfeed), and formula and bottles (if you plan to formula-feed). Make sure to have a lined garbage can or diaper pail for disposal of dirty diapers.

5

Prepare your car for your trip to the hospital. Pack a hospital bag by the beginning of your last month of pregnancy and keep it in your trunk. Install a rear-facing infant car seat in your car's back seat. Make sure you always keep enough gas in your car to reach to the hospital, and ensure that you -- and anyone who may drive you during labor -- knows the best route to get there.

6

Focus on relaxing and taking care of your newborn during his first weeks. Cook and freeze extra meals so you won't need to cook right after bringing your baby home. Keep disposable plates and cups on hand so you don't have to wash dishes. Ask friends and family members to help with cleaning and child care for older siblings if you need the assistance. Limit the number of visitors and phone calls if interacting with too many people would make you feel stressed. Keep all of your baby's supplies in one place, so you don't have to run all over the house when your baby needs a diaper or clothing change.