The birth of a child is a life changing event.  While it is a happy and exciting time, it can also bring nervous feelings for many.  Fortunately, there are steps an expectant mother can take to make the transition a little smoother and a lot less worrisome, freeing up time to enjoy the precious new addition to the family.

Before Baby Arrives

1. Baby proofing—There are many household items that could potentially harm a baby and it’s best to take care of them as soon as possible. Practice good habits before the baby begins to explore the home.

2. Stock up—Stock up on things such as diapers and formula before the baby arrives.  Don’t forget about things the new mother will need as well, such as food, comfort items and sanitary napkins.

3. Resources—There are many resources available to assist new parents and children.  Some, such as Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) not only provide important nutrition education, but also provide valuable vouchers participants can use to purchase a variety of food items.

Leaving the Hospital

1. Ask and Practice—This is the time for new parents to practice things such as diapering and feeding while hospital staff is around to help.  Parents should also take advantage of this opportunity to ask any questions they may have, including securing the number of a local hotline they may call in case of future questions or concerns.

2. Safety First—Having a properly installed infant car seat is required before a hospital will discharge baby. Be sure to research brands available to make sure that it is federally approved for safety and be sure to have it installed properly.

Bringing Baby Home

1. Enjoy the baby—This can be a very overwhelming time for a new mother.  There are a million things to do, but it’s important to slow down and take time to enjoy the baby.

2. Lighten up—It’s important for a new mother to give themselves permission to slack off a little on housework or other household tasks.  While it’s necessary to maintain a clean home for good health, it’s important to strike a balance between chores and family life.

3. Join a group—Joining a mother’s group is an excellent opportunity for socialization as well as an opportunity to learn from other mothers.

Other Things to Consider

1. Documentation is key—Baby’s progress very quickly.  Keeping a traditional or virtual baby book, complete with lots of pictures and video, will help document the rapid changes.

2. Cord blood banking—Some parents choose to store or “bank” the baby’s umbilical cord blood.  Stem cells from cord blood may be used to help treat certain medical conditions that may arise in the future for the child or possibly a sibling

3. Minimize caregiver fatigue—Mothers must take time to exercise, eat properly and allow at least a small amount of leisure time.

Caring for a newborn is not an easy task, but following the tips listed above can help.  Planning ahead, taking advantage of existing resources and taking good care of themselves will help new mothers navigate this rewarding experience.

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.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites