As an expectant mother, you count down the months, weeks, and days until your due date arrives. Most often than not, when you hit the third trimester mark, you may start what baby experts call “nesting.” It is a pregnancy instinct where you hone in on the need to ready yourself for the birth of your baby. It is at this point that you may come up with a pregnancy wish list; including what you will need t prepare yourself for labour, the baby’s birth and after.
There may be so many things in a woman’s pregnancy wish list, but today we look at a few things that concern labour, the birth and also after you bring baby home!
Learn about Birthing: One of the things you need to do is be prepared for childbirth, so do your research. Know what happens when in labour, find out how you can help it along and how you can be comfortable and more. Taking prenatal classes is a great way to be prepared for the birth too!
Have a Clear Birthing Plan: One of the key things you need to know about the birthing is, do you want to go natural or c-section. Mother haves the option of a home birth, or a hospital birth. Even knowing the route to take to the hospital can help. By noting down your wishes, it lets you take control of the situation and let people know what to do in the event of an emergency. You can also state who you would want to attend the birth too.
Pain Relief: If you are looking to go for a natural birth, pain relief is something that many mothers contemplate, whether to go without pain relief options to or to look for alternatives. An alternative option that many mothers opt for would be a TENS Machine, which sends electrical pulses to scramble your nervous system’s pain signals.
Pack Your Bag: Pack your bag after you are well into your third trimester, with button down shirts or nightdresses, grooming items, comfortable slippers, and items you would definitely want to have for the birthing (such as a pain relief alternative – such as a TENS machine).
Stock Up on Essentials: Having the baby essentials ready is important for after childbirth. A baby car seat is important when bringing the baby home. If you are planning on breastfeeding, then make sure you have breastfeeding bras, and even a breast pump handy. For those who would prefer a hospital grade breast pump, having this is a baby shower item can let your loved ones know, where they can pool in for the rental of a hospital grade breast pump. The same goes for a hospital baby bassinet for the first few months. Don’t forget you should also stock up your pantry and freezer with easy to make meals!
Getting Help: It’s important to have someone help you, or prepare someone to be there. Usually it’s the grandmother, however, in the instance that isn’t possible, you can hire help in the form of a postpartum doulas, night nannies, or even a cleaning service. If you have older kids, line up babysitting options too!
Image Credits: dilcdn, ILS Babycare, baby-chick, rosemed, Belly Belly/ILSAu, talesofmeandthehusband
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