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BABY ON THE WAY: The HOLISTIC Doula's Guide
It's easy to feel overwhelmed at the idea of becoming a parent. To prepare for your newest addition to your family can be a lot of work, but doesn't have to be. Firstly, if you can, hire an ANTEPARTUM DOULA. She will help you with the transition into parenthood or welcoming another child. Antepartum doulas are especially helpful for bedridden moms and moms whose pregnancies are considered high risk.
As an antepartum doula, I know a trick or two about helping moms prepare to welcome their new babies! Here's a list I've compiled over time to help you cover all the bases and make you feel more prepared, putting you at ease. ​
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A NEW BABY:
Check and confirm insurance coverage
Choose a healthcare provider/ OBGYN.
Create a financial plan
Create a birth plan. (Need help creating your one? Check out my post on creating a birth plan.)
Find a pediatrician.
Take a childbirth/breastfeeding/ infant-care class.
Complete home repairs/ baby- proof your home.
Plan your childcare
Plan your nursery and setup your registry.
BE THOROUGH IN YOUR PLANNING FOR BABY
​You should confirm your existing health insurance and confirm it has extended to your new baby. By now you should have chosen a physician for your prenatal care, if not check with your insurance provider for doctors within your network. Babies are expensive, in the coming months it would be wise to save money and stock up on newborn essentials, better to be over prepared than to run out of diapers in the middle of the night... I've dedicated an entire post to creating a birth plan, check it out here. You should find a pediatrician within your healthcare network that your insurance covers. Hospitals tend offer free breastfeeding/childbirth/infant care classes. ​ You'd be surprised at all the things babies can get into. Its best practice to baby proof your home as much as you can before your deliver. Be sure to secure childcare before your baby arrives. Most companies do not offer the greatest family leave packages, so before you have to return to work be sure to secure childcare for your child(ren) before you have to return to work.
CONSIDER HIRING A DOULA
​Many doulas, myself included, offer assistance in planning and preparing your nursery. You can learn more about the holistic doula services we offer at In Day's Care LLC. Whether you seek help or go it on your own, you'll want to have the baby's designated space completed and stocked with essentials before the arrival of your little bundle of joy. Whether or not you're planning a baby shower or not, you can set up a registry to help friends and family get all the necessities you need for your new baby. You can create a registry online and share it with loved ones via email or social media.