Preparing for the Arrival of Your Baby in the New Year: What to Expect

There is no excitement that is comparable to the excitement that you feel as your due date approaches, and you are about to meet your new baby.

When you are about to meet any other person for the first time, a little preparation is often involved. But the baby you’ve been nurturing inside of you deserves so much more, which makes it all the more exhilarating.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the first, second, or third child, you still need to prepare for the arrival of your baby. Thinking ahead will help you save time and energy, which will seem like they are in short supply once you give birth. All of the adorable firsts and moments and the incredible bond you share with your child will make it all worth it.

What we have here are a few tips from a trusted obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) on how to prepare for the arrival of your baby, and an invitation to our DeKalb County obstetrics practice especially for you.

#1: Prepare the Baby Gear

The baby is going to need a crib, a stroller, a car seat, a portable changing pad, diapers, and diaper pails – and these should have already been tested to be safe and secure. A healthy newborn will not be needing foods and liquids other than breast milk, but in case there are any issues, be sure to have baby formula and bottles ready.

#2: Prepare the Mommy Gear

Plan ahead for when your water breaks and you begin labor. When this happens, you will need to be rushed to the hospital and won’t have time to prepare. The strong contractions will also make it very difficult to concentrate on anything else.

Therefore, pack what you need for labor and after delivery, such as:

• A pillow
• Toiletries
• Comfortable clothes
• A robe
• Warm socks
• Slippers
• A nursing bra
• Nipple cream
• Lip balm
• A water spray
• Bath towels
• Bottles of water
• Electrolyte drinks (sports drinks)
• Phone charger

#3: Baby-Proof Your Home

Address all possible hazards that have the potential to harm your baby. Close off access to all stairs, cover sharp edges of tables, remove fragile and breakable items, cover all low outlets, and make sure that there are no accessible strings that could cause accidental hanging or ripping – especially window-blinds cords, which are a known baby hazard.

Move or tie everything up and out of the way, and explain to your other children why these things are being done (so they don’t accidentally change them). Some things may need to be stored in another room of the house until the child gets bigger. If you do have older children and you need to move things into their rooms temporarily, thank them for their help and reward them.

Your baby’s nursery area should also be completed with everything you would need to keep your baby clean and fed.

#4: Choose a Good Name

A beautiful and meaningful name that will stand the test of time is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Mothers usually start choosing a name once they find out the gender of their child, which is around the second trimester.

Be sure to choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce, one that doesn’t create awkward initials, and one that flows well when said aloud with the last name.

#5: Maintain Regular Visits to Your OB/GYN

In your third trimester and as your due date nears, your visits to your OB/GYN will become more frequent. By the time you reach week 36, you will need to see your OB/GYN weekly to ensure your body is ready – the doctor will need to check your baby’s position and manipulate your baby to move to a head-first position if necessary.

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have about labor, delivery, and postnatal care during your visits. It is in your and your OB/GYN’s interest that you have a comfortable and safe delivery and a healthy baby.

OB/GYN in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain, GA

Our obstetricians, gynecologists, and midwives at Dekalb Women’s Specialists are here to support you before, during, and after your pregnancy. We will respect your birth plan and will do our best to ensure your wishes are met, because you and your baby are our priority.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our caring obstetricians, call our friendly staff today at (404) 508-2000 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to meeting you, and helping you meet your new little one!