Theres a lot going on in the nine months before your baby arrives. Take a few moments to think about these important issues from Reflections for Expectant Mothers: 40 Weeks of Daily Meditations by Ellen Sue Stern (Meadowbrook Press).
PracticeCaring for a baby is infinitely more challenging than
caring for a pet. But babies and puppies do have some things in
common, especially in the first few months of life. Caring for a
puppy requires responsibility, accountability, and the ability to
cope with sleep deprivation - all useful practice for parenthood.
If you think a little practice might do you good, consider
borrowing a puppy and spending a few days caring for it. Dont
purchase or adopt one unless you have considered it carefully and
are committed to keeping it and providing proper care. Or for an
even more realistic practice session, offer to baby-sit for a
friend or relative with an infant. Taking ChargeThis expression
used to mean, Think for yourself. Dont assume that authority
figures know more than you do. Still good advice, especially when
it comes to dealing with health care providers. Remember that
doctors, midwives, nurses, and other caregivers are not gods.
They dont have all the answers; they dont necessarily know whats
best for you. Its up to you to pay attention to your body, to
educate yourself about issues pertaining to your health, to make
your preferences clear, and to take responsibility for getting
your needs met. Asking questions is the most effective way to
accomplish these goals. Dont be afraid to ask, Why? You deserve
to understand and direct your pregnancy. Infertility,If a close
friend is having infertility problems, you may feel awkward
around him or her. You want to share your joy and include your
friend in your experience while remaining sensitive to his or her
frustration and pain. Dont let the challenging circumstances make
you avoid your friend; the last thing he or she needs right now
is more isolation. The best thing you can do is simply be there
for your friend and be supportive. But take care not to make
comments like I know how you feel (you dont) or someday youll
have a baby, too (maybe not). Your friend may not be able to
support you much right now, so dont expect him or her to do so.
Instead, seek support from others who can celebrate your
pregnancy without anguish. Postpartum PreparationNows the time to
get organized for the first few weeks with your baby (if youre
not already). Heres a checklist to get you started: will be your
childs health care provider? What are your wishes regarding
visitors? Have you made a list of helpful resources and their
phone numbers? Will you breast- or formula-feed your baby? Have
you asked for help with practical issues like transportation,
housework, cooking, and shopping? Who will help you at home? Whom
can you call if youre feeling overwhelmed or depressed? What
equipment, supplies, and other preparations for your baby are
needed? Have you finalized your maternity leave, employment,
and/or child care plans?
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