~*GUEST POST*~ Preparing for Baby

Preparing for Baby Preparing for the birth of a newborn can be a challenging experience. Although nine months may seem like plenty of time to get ready for a baby, the preparation process can be a great source of anxiety for many expectant mothers. The following tips will help moms prepare, both mentally and physically for labor, delivery and caring for their newborns. Physical preparations for delivery and post-delivery often entail exercise. For women with low-risk pregnancies, regular, low to medium impact workouts are often recommended. Please see http://www.hss.edu/conditions_exercise-during-pregnancy.asp. Exercising while pregnant can aid in delivery, as well as help new moms heal more quickly after childbirth. A few great workout options for expectant mommies include walking, swimming, yoga and cycling. Lamaze, as well, can be extremely helpful, and helps prepare new moms by teaching breathing and focusing techniques. Because every woman and every pregnancy is different and unique, it's important to speak to an obstetrician before beginning an exercise regimen. Preparing a home for the birth of a baby can be a time-consuming process. This process is often called "nesting," and entails preparing a nursery and the rest of the house for the arrival of baby. Since newborns need a lot of attention and physical contact, it can be hard for women to get things done during the first weeks of motherhood. If at all possible, it's a good idea to get everything done before delivery, so mommy and baby will have plenty of time to bond post-delivery. It can also be helpful to stock up on essentials for both baby and mom. Check out http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/preparing-for-baby/birth-labor-checklist/?page=2. Creating a birth plan is a great way for expectant moms to relieve some of the stress associated with delivery. A birth plan is simply a written account of any preferences a new mom may have. By figuring out their birth preferences beforehand, a mother won't have to make any of these decisions during labor and delivery. For example, a birth plan might include whether or not a woman wants epidural or a natural birth, whether she wants music played during delivery, whether she plans on breastfeeding, and also preferences on things like circumcision and cord blood collection. Umbilical cords contain stem cells that can be collected and preserved using a process called umbilical cord blood banking; the benefit is having a source of stem cells available to your family as a potential medical resource. For more information look at http://www.viacord.com/. An expectant mother's delivery day can be just as nerve wracking as it is exciting. If a woman is having an induced labor, she may have more time to prepare herself for childbirth, which can make delivery much less stressful. Women who aren't induced may experience more anxiety, as labor often begins at an unexpected time. However, all women can benefit from remaining calm and relaxed during this time. Some tips on making labor a more soothing and comfortable experience include listening to music, utilizing breathing techniques, watching television and bringing some of the comforts of home to the hospital, such as pajamas, a favorite blanket, etc. Preparing mentally and emotionally for the birth of a baby can be somewhat difficult. First-time mommies, especially, may have anxieties concerning the delivery and care of a newborn and may worry about their maternal instincts and abilities. Transitioning into motherhood can take a fair amount of time and a large amount of patience, and it can be helpful for new moms to remember to relax, learn as they go, and enjoy this most special time with their babies. This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.