Preparing for a Baby

Nine months may seem like a long time to get prepared to have a baby. But there is so much to do before you welcomea new arrival into your family. Since the baby is going to have an impact on a couple's life, it is advisable that you both prepare for the arrival of the child. Today the husband has a much more important role to play than in the past and this can prove rewarding to both husband and wife. Also it is a time of joyful anticipation and a chance to become closer as a couple-so enjoy to beconme closer as a couple - so enjoy every moment of the process!

The first and most obvious step is to find a good doctor. Choose a doctor who you are comfortable with but also check out with people before making a final choice. It helps if your doctor is close to where you live. Pregnancy does tend to make women quite tired, so if the doctor is close to home it is easier. It is also easier to meet the doctor in case of an emergency. It is important to get all your routine tests done regularly.

Also find a pediatrician (or General Practitioner) before your baby is born. Find out all details from the doctor before the baby is born-details of timings, how to reach the pediatrician during times of emergency, what his/her rates are etc. Be sure that you feel at ease with the pediatrician, and that he or she can answer your queries and concerns. Reduce stress in your life. A high-stress in your life. A high-stress lifestyle is not beneficial to conceiving or a carrying a baby to term. If having a baby is your main concern, start rearranging your other priorities.

Maybe you would need to decrease your workload. Especially in the case of complicated pregnancies, it is wise to follow your doctor's orders. You need to start taking care of your health because your baby's health depends on you. Make sure to relax when you are tired. Avoid tight cloths and highheeled shoes. Make sure you wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. When you are pregnant, you need to watch your diet carefully. One needs to watch your diet carefully. One needs to include more calcium, protein and vitamins in one's diet and reduce fat intake. Remember you need to eat for two! To ease the process of digestion, it is helpful if you have several small meals instead of the usual three large ones. It is important that you do not skip meals. Also remember to drink a lot of water. Eating small meals and drinking water also helps in easing morning sickness. Avoid eating very oily or spicy food.

It goes without saying that smoking and alcohol are completely taboo. Even passive smoking is harmful, so if you are with people who smoke, either leave the room or request them to smoke elsewhere.

Light exercise is helpful. However, avoid going to a gym and lifting weights. Do some mild stretches and go for walks. But, always check with your doctor before undertaking any form of exercise. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help you endure labour. These days many hospitals offer classes for couples and they teach one how to relax and breathe during labour to alleviate the muscle tension, anxiety, and pain it causes. It helps if both husband and wife enroll in Lamaze classes so that the husband is well prepared in case of any emergency. There is on the way. Couples will need to invest in baby furniture, sheets, pillows, clothes, diapers, feeding bottles, toys etc. Do not attempt to buy everything at once - it will cause a big hole in your pocket! Instead plan over nine months and buy a few items every month. This way, you will not feel the pinch. Once the baby is born, diapers will be a large expense, so budget for it earlier.

It's important that you know what to expect before you fell your first contraction. Read about it and also ask your doctor for detailed information. You should know how to recognise the signs that you are in labour. The entire process usually takes abour 14 hours(but could be longer in some cases. Some women are fourunate to have such mild contractions that they may not even be aware that they are in labour untill they are well advanced in the dilation process. You must be dilated to a full 10 centimeters before you can push. A doctor will also be able to tell you about pain relief medications like epidurals or analgesics, which are commonly used during labour. Today, men are allowed into the labour room. It helps if both of you are educated on all the aspects of labour. Husbands in the labour room give moral and emotional support to their wives. Since one never knows when one is actually going to go into labour, it is better to be prepared in advance. Keep your bag packed and ready at least two to three weeks before your due date. Apart from your soap, shampoo and other toiletries, pack several nightgowns and clothes for the baby - diapers, socks, blankets and dresses.

Coming home with a new baby is a joyful experience to be cherished. If you have prepared everything in advance, the transition will be smooth. The initial days can be tough and physically draining. This is the time the man should take paternity leave. With today's nuclear family set-up, it is difficult for a nursing mother to cope on her own. Now your next challenge is bringing up baby, and lasting out through nights with no sleep!