For a long time, the process of preparing for childbirth has played an incredibly vital role for every expectant mother. This preparation isn’t merely about material aspects; it also encompasses mental readiness and physical wellness to warmly welcome the loved baby.
Enroll in antenatal classes for solid knowledge before giving birth
During pregnancy, to prepare mentally and gain comprehensive knowledge about pregnancy and infant care, expectant mothers should enroll in antenatal classes.
These classes equip mothers with necessary skills to take care of themselves during pregnancy, prepare for a smooth delivery and emotionally ready themselves for cesarean section births.
Also in these classes, expectant mothers learn about breastfeeding, handling spit-ups, caring for newborns, selecting diapers, bathing infants and more, empowering them to confidently care for their babies and avoid postpartum depression due to excessive worries after childbirth.
Make a birth plan
This step is crucial for meticulous and comprehensive preparation. If possible, create a detailed birth plan outlining important details such as:
- Expected childbirth date
- Selection of hospital for childbirth
- Selection of childbirth method (C-section/natural birth)
- Safe transportation options (family car, taxi, or ambulance)
- Post-discharge baby care plan
- Postpartum nutritional regimen
- Sleeping arrangements for the baby after birth (separate room or co-sleeping with parents)
Purchase essential items for mom and baby
There are numerous essentials to prepare when expecting a baby: disposable diapers, newborn diapers, newborn clothes, baby bottles and many more. To avoid forgetting anything, it’s beneficial to discuss with your partner and family members to create a checklist of necessary items to buy.
Prepare the hospital bag for the delivery day
This is crucial. Many expectant mothers bring a lot of personal items to the hospital when delivering but end up not using most of them. When giving birth at the hospital, mothers should only pack essential items such as comfortable clothes for after delivery, a blanket for the baby, burp cloths, diapers, phone charger, toothbrush, toothpaste, …
Remember, the hospital provides most necessary items for both mother and baby. Mothers should only bring what’s absolutely necessary. For a natural birth, mothers might go home after a day, while for a cesarean section, they might need someone to bring additional items later.
All the material preparations can be quickly completed without much trouble. However, for a successful delivery, the mother’s mental state plays the most crucial role. Many mothers have easier childbirth experiences due to a strong and prepared mindset. Specialized doctors always advise expectant mothers to maintain a comfortable mindset, gentle exercise and proper nutrition as the best approach for a successful delivery.
