| Being pregnant is truly exhilarating, especially when the | | | | On that matter, make sure your car is also tuned up, |
| due date is approaching. You must be very anxious | | | | filled with gas and fully equipped with a spare tire and |
| right now. You feel that you can not wait for the baby | | | | any tools for patching up a flat. And never leave home |
| to arrive, yet you get this nervousness about how | | | | without a cell phone. This way, you can call an |
| your labor is going to be. | | | | ambulance if you experience car trouble. |
| There are actually some things that you should be | | | | 5. Pre-register at the hospital if possible |
| ready too. Those you can do to ensure that the | | | | Furthermore, if at all possible, pre-register at the |
| delivery is as stress free as possible. Don't forget to | | | | hospital. Doing so cuts down on the amount of |
| ask your partner/spouse to stick together with you in | | | | paperwork you have to complete when you go into |
| this, and especially when the delivery comes. | | | | labor. And, it makes it easier for the staff to assist you |
| Here are the things: | | | | if they already know which doctor to call and which |
| 1. Be prepared | | | | medications you can and cannot take. |
| Get the easy stuff out of the way! Have your | | | | 6. Know who will be with you during the labor |
| overnight bag packed with night clothes, a robe, a | | | | Once you do reach the hospital, know who will be with |
| going home outfit, toiletries, including your preferred | | | | you during the labor. If you only want your hubby in the |
| brand of maxi pad and a baby outfit. Also have a | | | | delivery room, make that known. Don't worry about |
| diaper bag ready with spare diapers and all the | | | | hurting people's feelings, either. This day is about what |
| powder, baby oil and wipes you might need between | | | | makes you most comfortable. |
| the hospital and home. | | | | 7. Concentrate on something other than your pain |
| 2. Have your overnight bag packed | | | | during labor |
| And, whatever you do, leave the overnight bag where | | | | Eventually, all the other concerns will seem small as the |
| both you and your spouse can find it. When you start | | | | labor pains increase. If you need any antibiotics, such |
| feeling labor pains, you do not want to be stuck | | | | as for strep, make sure you get them--likewise with |
| searching the house high and low for your to-go bag. | | | | any pain killers. After your water breaks and you are |
| You just want to go, and being prepared can take so | | | | in labor, relax and practice your breathing techniques. |
| much stress away from an already hectic day. In your | | | | Chew on some ice to re-hydrate yourself, too; realize |
| packing, also do not forget to bring along important | | | | that labor is a long and hard process, so don't get |
| phone numbers of family and friends you will want to | | | | exasperated. If you can concentrate on something |
| call, as well as your insurance information. | | | | other than your pain during the labor, that also helps. |
| 3. Prepare your car with a regulation car seat | | | | For example, if you can concentrate on a clock or a |
| Being prepared also extends to the car; it is | | | | painting, you can better focus. |
| recommended that you have your vehicle already | | | | 8. Hold your baby right after the delivery |
| equipped with a regulation car seat. Doing so will make | | | | Eventually, you're bundle of joy will emerge. When he |
| things go so much easier when it's time to bring baby | | | | she does, make sure you hold your baby right after |
| home; you cannot leave the hospital without placing | | | | the delivery so you know for yourself that everything |
| baby in a car seat (no matter how much you may | | | | is OK. |
| want to hold him!). So, let Dad get the car seat set up | | | | 9. Get plenty of rest afterward |
| and practice taking a baby doll in and out of it. | | | | Then, get plenty of rest afterwards and don't be afraid |
| 4. Know where you are going | | | | to ask the nurse to limit your visitors. You will be busy |
| Speaking of the car, know where you are going. This | | | | and unable to get much uninterrupted sleep once you |
| might sound obvious, but when you factor in traffic | | | | leave the hospital, so take advantage while you can. |
| jams and accidents that may close down familiar | | | | 10. Don't let others' comments bother you |
| streets, it makes more sense. It really helps to do | | | | Finally, don't let others' comments bother you. Of |
| practice runs with alternative routes to the hospital | | | | course, not everyone will love the adorable name you |
| before the big day. | | | | select for your baby, but that isn't your problem. |
| Be prepared for inclement weather, traffic accidents | | | | Likewise, if you decide to bottle feed instead of breast |
| and closed roads. This way, if one path is closed, Dad | | | | feed, expect some (unsolicited) comments. Just |
| won't send Mom into a panic by taking another less | | | | remember, it's your baby, so do what feels right to you. |
| familiar route. Trust us, when a woman is in labor, it's | | | | That's the best way to remain a stress-free Mommy! |
| not the time to spring any unnecessary surprises on | | | | Hope you have a safe delivery and a healthy baby! |
| her. | | | | |