Katie Moore 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.
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Expecting a baby can be a very exciting time. Towards the third trimester, expectant mothers usually start making preparations for the new little bundle of joy that will be arriving soon. There are several things that can be considered to help prepare for this life changing transition.
With a little planning, preparing for your baby’s arrival can be enjoyable. Important things to focus on include putting together items for the baby’s nursery, packing a bag to take with you to the hospital, and installing a car sear to transport the baby home in.
Items that can be purchased ahead of time for the baby to have in their nursery include disposable and cloth diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, sleepers and onesies. Some important furniture can be a bassinette or crib with fitted sheets, a baby swing or bouncer, baby monitor, soothing sound machine that mimics sounds in the womb, a baby bathtub, and diaper pail can all be purchased ahead of time.
When packing a bag for the hospital, many moms choose to include toiletries, pajamas, a bathrobe, and socks or slippers. To help relax during labor downtime, many moms also want include reading material, an iPod, or a favorite movie. For after delivery, packing nursing bras, comfortable clothing, and a handy camera for capturing your baby’s first precious moments are a must. Also it would be good to make a list of family or friend’s phone numbers and bring you cell phone battery charger to spread the good news.
Other choices that can be decided ahead of time include whether to breastfeed or not, whether to utilize cord blood banking, and whether or not to circumcise the baby if it is a boy. Breastfeeding does pose some benefits, although it does take some practice. The umbilical cord blood can be collected and stored as a medical resource for the family. There are also pros and cons regarding circumcision so those should be weighed and a decision made before the big day.
When it comes to taking your baby home from the hospital, you’ll need to make sure you have a going-home outfit, a weather-appropriate blanket and infant car seat installed. Have your car seat properly installed before you go to the hospital so you can make a smooth transition home. Hospitals will not let a baby leave in a vehicle without a rear facing infant car seat properly installed.
There are many things to think about and prepare before a baby arrives. With a bit of planning, mothers can be more relaxed and ready for the blessed event.