Collaborative Post
Having a baby requires a lot of preparation. However, it’s not just buying clothes and toys and equipment that you need to think about – there are also some important decisions to make before your baby arrives. Here are some of the biggest decisions that need to be made.
Do you want the gender revealed?
Some parents like to know the sex of their baby as soon as possible, while others prefer to wait until the birth. A gender scan can usually be done after your baby reaches 18 weeks. It is at this point that you may want to decide whether or not to find out the sex of your baby.
On top of getting a gender scan, you could consider planning a gender reveal party. This could allow you to turn the gender reveal into a surprise that you can share with friends and family members (obviously one person will need to know the gender beforehand – they will need to come with you to the gender scan).
What name will you choose?
You may also want to consider names before you baby is born. While you can name your baby after the birth, most parents like to have a name beforehand. If you’re keeping the gender of your baby a surprise until the birth, you may want to consider coming up with a male and female name.
There are name databases online that can help you to come up with ideas if you are struggling. It’s possible that you and your partner may both have different preferences, in which case you will have to come to a compromise.
Will you host a baby shower?
Some mums-to-be like to host a baby shower before the birth to celebrate the baby with family and friends. This is typically hosted in the second or third trimester. A baby shower could be an opportunity to receive gifts and support from the people around you. However, some people may not be up for the stress of organising such an event.
You can find inspiration on baby showers online.
Will you be breastfeeding?
You should also decide in advance whether or not to breastfeed your baby. When your baby is born, they will likely want to feed straight away, so you need to know how you plan to feed them.
Breastfeeding is generally considered healthier for you and the baby. However, many new mothers don’t like the idea of breastfeeding or simply cannot take to it. It’s easier to switch from breastfeeding to bottle feeding than it is to switch from bottle feeding to breastfeeding. By doing your research, you can work out the best option for you.
Where will you give birth?
It’s also important to decide where you will be giving birth. Most people plan to give birth in a hospital, however some people prefer the idea of a home birth.
Home births tend to carry greater risks, but some may find it to be a more relaxing environment. A home birth may also be advisable if you live a long way from a hospital. On top of deciding on the location, it’s worth considering whether you want to give birth in a bed or whether you’d like a water birth.
What pain relief will you use?
It’s also worth considering which pain relief you would like to use during the birth. You could stick to gas and air, you could have a pethidine injection or you could consider an epidural. Alternatively, you could choose to go without pain relief at all.
It’s worth doing your research into the different forms of pain relief and their potential side effects. Your midwife will want to confirm the types of pain relief in advance, however you may be able to change your mind as you’re having your baby depending on the length of your labour.
Who would you like in the delivery room with you?
Finally, you should decide who will be in the delivery room with you. Hospitals allow you to have up to three people in the delivery room with you. You don’t have to have three people. In fact, you don’t have to have anyone in the delivery room with you.
Most people choose their partner or a parent to be there in the delivery room. Ideally, it should be someone close to you who you know will offer the support you need.