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To make the childbirth and postpartum period more comfortable, manageable, and less stressful, mothers need to prepare the following things in advance
1. Stock up on food for yourself
When busy with a newborn and not fully recovered after childbirth, it's challenging to go grocery shopping or prepare food whenever needed. Having some reserve food items like pastries in the fridge, pre-cooked meat, milk, and lactation-friendly cereal can be very convenient. It not only provides necessary nutrients for the mother but also promotes the best milk production for the baby to feed on.
2. Prepare a safe environment for the baby
When the baby arrives, mothers not only have to adjust their own lifestyle but also need to modify the living environment to be suitable for the infant. Ensuring all electrical outlets are safe, covering sharp corners of furniture and household items, and installing gates to block stairs, whether on the first or second floor, are essential precautions. Preparation is crucial as mothers cannot always supervise the baby closely.
3. Prepare your older child both materially and emotionally
When adding a new baby to the family, mothers need to address potential jealousy issues with their older child. Therefore, it's important for mothers to have conversations with their older child about the upcoming arrival of the new baby, what the older child can do for the new sibling, and to instill a sense of anticipation and love for the new addition. Mothers can suggest some activities for the older child to do for the new baby, such as helping to choose newborn clothes, playing with the baby, caring for the baby, and assisting the mother.
4. Select a good pediatrician for your child in advance
For newborns and children in general, minor illnesses are unavoidable. Therefore, mothers should research in advance to find a reputable pediatrician and children's hospital to have a reliable place to go if the baby encounters any health issues. It's best not to wait until the last minute to find help, which can lead to confusion. The best sources of information are relatives, friends who are currently raising children nearby, or online parenting groups where mothers can share experiences and advice.
5. Plan for sleep
When mothers are caring for a young child, they will be very busy and may not get as much sleep as before. Whether day or night, the child may only sleep for about 2 hours before waking up to eat or play, crying, etc. Therefore, mothers will suffer from severe sleep deprivation if they do not organize and plan their sleep and that of their family members. Share the responsibility of caring for the baby so that everyone gets enough sleep. When not on baby duty, mothers should stay away from the area to ensure a good sleep. If breastfeeding, mothers can use a breast pump to have milk ready for others to feed the baby when hungry, without having to wake the mother up.
6. Always have diapers, wipes, clothes, and formula milk ready
Mothers often have to stay home alone to take care of the baby. If they need to change diapers and find out they're out of them, it would be an unpleasant situation. Mothers need to prepare diapers and clothes for newborns in advance. Almost running out and having to rely on family to buy them might happen when both mother and baby are at home. Pay attention to avoid being caught off guard in unexpected situations.
7. Learn everything about newborns
Mothers also need to learn about babies, essential items for newborns, common illnesses that babies often get, the causes, prevention methods, and childcare. The more knowledge mothers have about newborns, the better. It will greatly help mothers when they give birth to their baby.
8. Prepare newborn essentials thoroughly
List of newborn essentials to prepare for mother and newborn
Here's a suggested list of essential newborn items. Mytour will assist mothers in choosing and preparing all the necessary newborn items to welcome their beloved baby.
As the due date approaches, mothers need to prepare their labor bag in advance so they can leave whenever necessary. It's rare for women to give birth on the exact due date set by the hospital. They might give birth earlier than expected, so it's essential for mothers to have everything ready in their bag for when labor starts. Specialized hospitals usually provide clothing for both mother and baby, so mothers only need to bring diapers, formula, baby clothes for going home, diapers, swaddling blankets, mittens, booties, and hygiene items for both baby and mother...
Furthermore, mothers must prepare essential items for newborns for at least the first 3 months. The most basic necessities that must be bought include newborn clothes, hats, mittens, booties, diapers, thermometer, umbilical cord bandage, nasal aspirator, and baby towels...
