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Expectant Moms - Things to Consider
As a new mom, the following is what I wish someone had told me while I was pregnant:
(1) Find an OB that you trust, who delivers at a hospital you like. Trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right with your doctor, switch. It is never too late.
(2) Bring an advocate with you to the hospital, whether it is your husband, partner, doula, mother, etc. Even at the best hospitals, nurses are overworked and some, unfortunately, are not what you would hope for in a healthcare setting.
(3) Read up on C-sections, even if you are convinced you're not going to have one. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of C-sections and how s/he decides to recommend a non-emergency section.
(4) If at all possible, have help at home (besides your husband or partner) after you get home from the hospital. Generally, it takes 2 weeks to recover from a vaginal delivery and 6 weeks from a C-section.
(5) Your newborn needs good nutrition, whether it be from the breast or from the bottle. Try to breastfeed, but it’s not the end of the world if you cannot or don’t want to. If you’re concerned about supplementing with formula, talk with your pediatrician *before* your delivery as to what s/he recommends.
(6) Read some books on pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing, but don’t take everything they say as the gospel truth. Every pregnancy, childbirth, and child are unique.
(7) You will figure out what works best for you and your family, whether it is going back to work or staying at home. Nobody should judge you for the decisions you make.
(8) Be as flexible as possible. As much as we like to control things, so much of this process cannot be totally controlled. In the end, the most important thing is to have a healthy baby and a healthy mother.
(9) Take other people’s opinions (even these) with a grain of salt – everyone has their own agenda and sees the world through their own filters, even if they're not aware of it.
So that’s my blogging debut, DC Urban Moms and Dads. Thanks to Jeff and Maria for giving me the opportunity to get up on my soapbox. I look forward to your comments!
