Preparing for Giving Birth

If you are pregnant, the nine months up until you give birth are filled with anticipation and excitement over the impending arrival of your new little one. Those months can also be filled with stress and worry about preparing for giving birth and what it will actually be like. There are a few things that you can do to prepare for the birth, but you must also know that you need to expect the unexpected when it comes to childbirth. Here are some quick tips for preparing for the birth of your baby.

Be sure that you have your hospital bag packed early. You will want to have your overnight bag for the hospital packed and ready to go at latest by the time you are 36-37 weeks pregnant. It is not uncommon for a baby to arrive early, so you must be prepared. An easy way to make sure that you have everything that you need for you and your baby is to make a list of everything and then as you pack your bag check off the items from your list. If there are any items that you can't pack yet, be sure to leave a list of those items sitting on the bag so you know what you still need for the hospital.

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Before you even enter your third trimester, you should do some research on the different types of labor methods. This may mean that you take a childbirth class at your hospital that focuses solely on preparing for giving birth. Or you can do your own research with books and online sources. Learn about the different labor and breathing techniques to find one that sounds best to you. Also, you may want to read up on anything that may arise at birth such as having a Cesarean section or possibly having labor induced. It is wise to read up on these items as well just so you are prepared for anything.

After you have done your research and you know exactly what kind of birth you want, make your birth plan. When you make your birth plan, you should know that childbirth can't always be planned, but you can be prepared as best as possible to let the doctors and nurses know what you want and expect from your birthing experience. Your birth plan will list all of your wants and desires for your childbirth process. You should include items such as: if you want medication and want type, if you want to breastfeed your baby right after delivery, who you want in the delivery room, and any other personal choices that you may have. Birth plans can be given to the hospital or they can just be for your own personal reference.

Labor and Delivery is a much unexpected process. There are many things that may arise that may put your plans off track. Sometimes you have to make split-second decisions. Being prepared and doing your research can definitely help you make those decisions in the heat of the moment. Preparing for giving birth should not be that stressful, but should be a fun time in which you look forward to the arrival of your baby and all the excitement that it will bring.

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