One Step Ahead for a Healthy Delivery
When it comes to any major event, taking the time to become adequately prepared is the best way to avoid problems, reduce stress, and have a smooth experience. This advice holds true for marathon runners, middle school teachers, and public speakers, and it is even truer for expecting moms getting close to her delivery date. Researchers have studied the effects of stress on mom’s health, baby’s health, and risk of complications during childbirth and they have consistently found that less stress is best.
What they have not done is to quantify the stress reduction possible with different preparation techniques. New moms are advised to learn about every aspect of delivery they can, because this frees up the mind to focus on other concerns, such as implementing the breathing and visualization techniques learned in pregnancy classes. Whether the birthing is carried out in a traditional way or alternative procedures are used, a relaxed and comfortable mom is the best introduction to this world that any baby could ask for. Two areas should receive special attention during delivery preparations.
Childbirth Classes
Most clinics and hospitals will provide childbirth classes as a way to familiarize women with the facility and policies, provide an opportunity to ask specific questions, and ensure that all mom’s requests are understood and in writing. Besides early enrollment, it is a good idea to write down questions before attending class and go in with firm ideas of how the delivery will be handled. For instance, anyone staying with mom during delivery will need to be on the clinic’s list. Standard procedures, such as the first vaccinations, can also be opted out of at this time. These classes are a great time to learn about optional procedures available following delivery as well; options like circumcision and umbilical cord blood banking can be explored.
Noticing the Impending Signs
False alarms can be stressful and sometimes end up causing unnecessary hospital bills. The experience of labor is unique for every woman, but there are several impending signs to help in knowing that baby is getting ready to make an appearance. Knowing the early and late signs can be a big help in preparation, especially if mom is planning to eat an athlete’s diet just before the major event.
-Two to four weeks before labor begins, mom can expect the sleepiness to suddenly give way to a spurt of energy, this nesting energy is nature’s contribution to a happy home after delivery.
-Baby will move to get ready for delivery as well. At around one to two weeks, baby will drop into the lower pelvis. Mom may notice this happen immediately, or she may simply notice the results, which are less bladder control and sometimes a lower back ache.
Once the first of these signs appears, it is time to get the final preparations finished. Checklists for the delivery bag and items needed to take baby home comfortably should be obtained from the clinic. Reducing stress is partially about planning one step ahead of development, and this is a great way to ensure a healthy delivery.
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“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”