Tips for a Worry Free Delivery

It seems a bit laughable to say that a delivery could possibly be worry free, but with a bit of preparation, planning, and initiative, an expecting mother can concentrate on her delivery, knowing that everything at home is taken care of.

Before it’s time to start counting the minutes between contractions, making a list of things to do and ensure they are taken care of before the big day arrives may help reduce stress and anxiety.  If necessary, enlisting the help of friends and relatives will make the process go much more smoothly.

Things to include on a pre-delivery checklist are:

Ensure everything the baby needs has been purchased, set up, put together, and installed

• Connect with other moms and expectant mothers to form a support system and to have someone to talk to and meet with before and after delivery (these could be lasting friendships)
• Stock up on post-delivery essentials that most people won’t tell an expectant mother she’ll need, such as a sitz bath, medicated pads with witch hazel to reduce inflammation and discomfort, maxi-pads, and ice packs
• Prepare a schedule of help with the assistance of friends and family to determine who will take mom to the hospital, be there for her in the delivery room, finish up whatever wasn’t completed before the big day, bring her home, clean the house, prepare or deliver meals, help with the baby, act as an overnight care nanny so Mom can sleep, etc.
• Stock up the freezer with simple meals, or prepare meals in advance and freeze them
• Ask friends who have had babies what they wish they’d had when they brought the baby home.

Before the big day, it’s equally important to discuss delivery procedures, hospital policy, optional procedures, and other wishes with the OBGYN ahead of time.  Such discussions could include:

• post-delivery procedures such as cord blood banking, including the potential benefits and how it can be saved as a future medical resource for families
• the benefits and risks associated with an episiotomy and whether or not it is advisable
• a birth plan, understanding that the unexpected can happen, and a back-up plan outlining Mommy’s wishes beforehand for ease of transition during delivery

After delivery, a great support system with help from friends, family or even hired help can make the transition for the new Mommy easier and help her get plenty of rest to recover and bond with her baby.  Giving a new mom emotional support and reassurance is also essential in the weeks following delivery to help her feel secure in her new role as a mother.

“This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie 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 her via twitter @moorekm26.”