Bringing a baby into the world can be the most magical and emotionally rewarding times of your life. It can also be the most stressful. Especially as a first-time parent, you want to do everything right.
Since you are going to have a few months to prepare, here are something you should consider before baby arrives.
Where will the birth take place?
When giving birth, you are going to want to be as comfortable and stress-free as you possibly can. Some women want to have a traditional hospital stay while others wish to give birth at home. Your doctor or midwife can work to create a birthing plan that best suits your preferences.
Revealing the gender
With all the cute and creative ways people are handling gender reveals now, the big question is—do you want to know? While it may be worth the wait for the shock and awe factor, many couples choose to discover the sex before birth.
Deciding when to tell your employer
You will need to have your maternity leave scheduled much in advance to the birth. Due to legalities and other factors, working with your employer to sort out the details is essential.
Most women don’t disclose until the pregnancy until three months or after, still giving you plenty of time to hash out the plan.
Returning to work
Many moms end up wanting to take more than 6 weeks off to spend with their newborn. If you do go back, what is your childcare plan? Being prepared is key.
Breast or bottle?
You may not decide on this for sure until after baby arrives. But it is a good idea to know your feeding plans and what suits your lifestyle best.
The babies name
A child’s name is extremely important to most people and it can take a while to decide. Getting both parents on the same page can be a task as well. Plus, is there a family member you want to name them after? Making a list may be a wise choice.
Who will be with you?
Do you want only your spouse or significant other in the room? Do you want to extend the offer to a mother, sister, or even a child? Sharing this moment is a big deal and you’ll want to know who is going to be present before the trip to the hospital.
Meds during birth
Do you want to have pain medication or try the birth all-natural? If you are a first-time mother, you may not know what to expect. But knowing whether you want to tough it out is an important thing to mentally prepare for beforehand.
Who can visit?
With the baby being so fresh and susceptible at birth, the idea of multiple people handling them can be a scary risk. Making a firm decision on who can visit at the hospital will be less stressful for you if you know ahead of time.
While there is a lot to think about, you have time. You will do better than you think you can at this moment. Being prepared only helps you to enjoy the birth of your newborn without added anxieties.
