Once you go into labor, everything can seem to move pretty quickly. This is why you will want to make decisions about the delivery and plans for post-delivery well before your due date. Read on for 6 decisions you should make before your baby is born.
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Medical Providers
Whether this is your first or your fifth child, you will want someone who you can trust in the delivery room with you. You will want to find a provider to deliver your baby who you are comfortable with and that you can rely on during what could be a long process. You will also want to find a pediatrician before your child is born. This way you can schedule an appointment with them before the baby is born and have a doctor ready to bring your child in to see for their first check-up. One of the best ways to find a pediatrician is through recommendations from friends or family in the area. If you don’t have any referrals, you will have to do your search online. Start by searching ‘Pediatrician in Monroe GA’ or with your city to find a list of local providers. From here you can go through reviews and set up initial consultations to find the right pediatrician for you.
Birth Plan
You will want to have every decision made about your birth plan as early in your pregnancy as possible. This way you are fully prepared for the baby to come even if it is well before the due date. Pack a bag for the hospital early on, and have it where it is easily accessible. Serenity Kids Map out the quickest route to the hospital, and take into consideration that there may be traffic when it is time to drive there. You should also schedule a visit to the hospital to become familiar with the area where you will be giving birth. Also decide whether you will want to take pain medications during labor so you are ready for when the doctor asks you.
Breastfeeding or Formula
Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal decision and one that should be made before your baby is born so you can prepare either way. If you are interested in breastfeeding your child, you should meet with a lactation consultant while you are still pregnant. This way you will have all the knowledge and support necessary to successfully breastfeed your child if you wish.
Sleeping Arrangements
Before you bring your baby home, you will need to have their sleeping arrangements set up since they will be doing a lot of it. The entire family will likely be very tired once returning from
the hospital so this is not the time you will want to be building a crib or bassinet. Some cribs can take a while to assemble so be sure to have this done well in advance.
Child Care
If you are a working parent, it can be a tough decision of if or when you will be returning to work. You should make this decision early on, as finding a childcare provider that you can trust can be a difficult decision. Also, some daycares in high demand have a long waiting list to get in so you will want to apply as early as possible.
Their Name
Although a lot of parents will wait to see their child before deciding on a name, you will want to at least brainstorm ideas before going into the delivery. After a long delivery process, you will likely be physically and mentally exhausted. Making a decision for your child that will affect their entire life can be difficult at this time. Use your pregnancy to come up with different options and narrow it down to a few names.
Your child’s birth is an extremely exciting yet busy time. That is why you will want to make as many decisions as possible early in advance. Making the above decisions early on in your pregnancy will take some of the stress out of this time and allow you to enjoy it better.
