Planning for a baby

We have your guide for planning for the birth of your baby:

Stay close to your partner. Pregnancy can be a stressful time physically and emotionally for mom.  Make sure you and mom are dedicating enough time to your relationship. Research shows that when fathers are involved in the pregnancy, moms are less likely to be depressed and are more likely to attend their prenatal visits.

Go to the doctor’s appointments. Although it can be kind of uncomfortable, attending exams with your partner can really help your planning. You can learn from the doctor the details of pregnancy, how to help your partner and baby stay healthy, and what to expect at delivery time. Many practitioners can also consult with you or refer you to agencies that can answer non-health-related questions about finances, safety, and so on. Consider your doctor as a partner in this process. And don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand.

Prepare your living area. Is your home, car, and yard ready for a young child? Obviously you’ll need the basics like a crib and a car seat. But also take the time to learn how to baby-proof the areas your child will be spending time in.  Think of yourself as the first line of defense when it comes to keeping your baby safe.

Prepare your other children. While you and mom might be worried about the addition of this baby, your other children probably are, too. They might be asking themselves where they will fit into your “new” family, or what will happen to mom when she goes to the hospital. Some children might be so anxious to play with the new baby that they don’t understand how fragile he or she will be. Talk with your children about the new baby. Go to the book store or library and get a children’s book about the subject that you can read to them. You might even consider practicing, with a doll, how to properly hold and touch the new baby.