The Baby Nurse Bible; Secrets Only a Baby Nurse Can Tell You about Having and Caring for Your Baby

Chapter 1—Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival

Congratulations—you’re expecting! So now what? While the period of nine months may seem like an eternity, it provides much-needed time to plan and prepare for life with a new baby, because before you know it, you’ll be fully immersed in parenthood! The idea of preparing for a newborn can be overwhelming, but some organization up front can help you feel much more in control. I will give you the inside scoop (like which baby items you can do without!) both from my own experience with three newborns and from the thousands of new parents I have worked with over the years. And don’t worry if you have a zillion questions, from what type of diapers you should use on your baby to car seat selection and sleep safety—EVERY parent has these questions, (see box 1.1.) whether they admit it or not! This chapter will help you get everything in order for your little arrival, breaking down a few key areas you’ll want to focus on: Childbirth and Prenatal Classes, Choosing a Pediatrician, Planning The Nursery and Preparing for Your Baby’s Birth. And because the birthing process is such an important part of this time in your life, we’ll begin with your options for childbirth education.

Frequently Asked Question from Expecting Parents:

• Should I take a prenatal class? How do I know which class is right for me?
• How and when should I choose a pediatrician?
• When is a good time to begin planning my baby’s nursery?
• What baby items and furniture do I REALLY need?
• What baby items can I do without?
• What stroller should I purchase for my baby?
• How do I know my car seat is safe?
• How do I prepare for my hospital stay?
• What should I pack for the hospital? When should I start packing?

When it comes to this new, exciting venture in your life (having a baby!) the more you learn, the more confident you will be during labor and when you bring your newborn home. Childbirth classes will teach you about the many aspects of labor and birth, what to expect from it and how to prepare your body and mind, while prenatal classes will educate you about baby care including health, feeding and CPR. Each class tends to focus on varying topics, however, and with so many options available, it is important to know how to choose the right classes for you. Start by asking your provider for recommendations and a list of classes available Also, be sure to do some online research of additional classes in your area, because your hospital is likely not your only resource. Local childbirth educators may offer independent and private classes, and maternity centers may run workshops as well.

Discuss the class options with your provider and prioritize the birth and baby care areas that you and your partner would like particular guidance in. If you are very curious about, or are planning an unmedicated childbirth, for example, then you may prefer a class that spends more time on non-medical comfort measures. However, if you are certain that you want to have an epidural for your labor, you may want to enroll in a more general birth education class, as these may vary in price and duration.

Unmedicated birthing courses usually take place over the course of several weeks and meet for a few hours each week. In addition to a thorough view of unmedicated birthing, these classes will provide general birth education and an opportunity to experience a variety of relaxation and breathing techniques. These courses are particularly valuable because relaxation can help your labor to progress more quickly and can reduce stress, fear and pain during labor.

Here a few of the many different classes and methodologies you may be able to choose from:

• Lamaze—Perhaps still best known for patterned breathing (which is actually no longer taught in these classes), is now more of a philosophy promoting natural, healthy birth through the "Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices."
• The Bradley Method—A 12-class series focused on unmedicated childbirth. This method encourages the active participation of a coach and trains moms to tune into and trust their bodies.
• “Birthing from Within”—Focuses on birth as a rite of passage and teaches parents-to-be preparation through inner examination and self-expression.
• The Kitzinger Method—Instructs Moms on how to help loosen the abdominal muscles during labor, teaches breathing techniques concentrating on the chest area, and uses visualization to aid relaxation.
• HypnoBirthing—A natural childbirth method using self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and special breathing techniques. These techniques are practiced during pregnancy in order to develop a conditioned relaxation response. During the 5-week series, participants learn how to reach a deeply relaxed state and to create positive beliefs about birthing on a subconscious level in order to experience labor calmly, confidently and comfortably. Whether or not the techniques "work" mostly depends on what you consider a successful experience. Women who found their childbirth to be a positive one described feeling calm and unafraid regardless of whether it went exactly as planned.
• Waterbirth—Teaches parents about the benefits of laboring and giving birth in the water, and about the techniques involved in creating a relaxing, positive experience.

While the techniques and philosophies you will learn in these classes have similarities, each method is different; so it is important to do some research to be sure you chose the class that best aligns with you and your goals.

If you are limited by time or budget, and you would prefer to take a more general childbirth class or a specific one on breastfeeding, there are plenty of options for you. One and two day courses are increasingly popular options in childbirth preparation and are often more convenient for working couples. The classes are usually held on the weekends and address all aspects of labor and delivery. The content is generally more informational and less hands-on, and techniques for relaxation and breathing may not be covered as in-depth as they would be in a longer series. Be sure to check the class outline before registration to find out exactly what will be covered. Because these classes are a condensed format and may last as long as eight hours, be sure to wear comfortable clothing, bring nutritious snacks, and take notes to keep track of specific details you want to remember.

If you have previously given birth, remember that your second or third delivery will likely be very different. Perhaps your first labor was long and you chose an epidural, and this time you would like to attempt an unmedicated birth. You might have had a vaginal delivery before but require a c-section the second time around. If you will be delivering at a new hospital or birth center, it might be nice to familiarize yourself with the new facility. Look into local refresher classes, as they offer a good opportunity for you to review aspects of labor you may not recall and will update you on changes that may have occurred in medical procedures and newborn care since your last birth. In addition, you will have a chance to ask questions about your prior child birth experience and even learn new techniques for managing labor.