If you’re like most expectant parents, you can’t wait to meet your new baby. But before you can bring your little one home, there’s a lot to do to get ready. From prepping your home to packing your hospital bag, here’s what you need to do to prepare for childbirth and bring your new baby home. Keep reading for more.
How can you prep for pregnancy?
Pre-pregnancy preparation is key to having a healthy pregnancy and baby. You can do many things before becoming pregnant to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Some important things to do include: eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting regular checkups.
When you are preparing to give birth and bring home your new baby, there are a few things you will need to do in advance. One of those is to get your house ready for the new arrival. That includes setting up a nursery and buying or borrowing furniture for the baby’s room.
If you don’t have children yet, or if this is your first child, it can be challenging to know what you need. One of the essential pieces of furniture in a baby’s room is a crib. You can buy a crib at any furniture store or online. When choosing a crib, ensure it meets all safety standards and is sturdy enough to withstand being climbed on by a toddler. You will also need a mattress for the crib; these can be purchased separately or as part of a set with the crib.
In addition to the crib, you will need some other furniture in the baby’s room. A changing table is essential. You may also want to consider purchasing a dresser or cabinet to store diapers and other supplies in, as well as a rocking chair or glider so that you can rock your baby to sleep.
Where to get care for you and your baby?
If you live in New York, the Obstetrics and Gynecology Office in Staten Island offers various services to expecting mothers, from prenatal care to delivery and postnatal care. The office has highly experienced and qualified staff dedicated to providing the best possible care for their patients. They offer a range of services, including:
Prenatal care: This includes regular checkups, ultrasound scans, and screening for abnormalities.
Delivery: The office has modern facilities with the latest equipment, which allows them to provide a wide range of delivery options, including natural childbirth, cesarean section, and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Postnatal care: This includes follow-up appointments, help with breastfeeding, and advice on returning to work or school.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
When it comes time to deliver your baby, you will want to have a hospital bag packed and ready to go. This bag should include everything you may need while in the hospital and items you will need when you go home with your new baby. Here is a list of some things to pack in your hospital bag:
- A list of any medications you are taking
- Comfortable clothes to wear during labor, including a loose-fitting top and pants, underwear, a sports bra, socks, slippers, and a robe or dressing gown
- Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Snacks and drinks or money for meals
- Reading material or something else to keep you occupied
If you are giving birth at a hospital, this will help ensure that you have everything you need while you are there. You will also want to pack a few outfits for yourself and your new baby. If you are planning on bringing your baby home from the hospital soon after they are born, it’s important to pack all their essentials too. This includes diapers, wipes, clothing, formula or breast milk if needed, and a car seat. Ensure your car seat is installed correctly before leaving the hospital so your baby can be safely transported in it.
Taking a childbirth class, reading books about childbirth and parenting, and talking to other parents can help you feel prepared for the big day. Having everything ready and organized before the baby comes home will help make the transition easier.
