Buying for Baby

Pregnancy Facts and FictionFact or Fiction?Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant. The TruthAlthough some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!) Fact or Fiction?The shape and height of your belly can indicate your babys gender. The TruthThe popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high is not true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone and the position the baby is in. Fact or Fiction?Fetal heart rate can indicate your babys sex. The TruthA normal fetal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute, although some people think if its faster its a girl and if its slower its a boy. No studies have conclusively shown that heart rate is a predictor for a babys gender. Your babys heart rate will probably differ from prenatal visit to prenatal visit, depending on the age of the fetus and activity level at the time. Fact or Fiction?Standing on your head after sex can increase your chances of becoming pregnant. The TruthAlthough some experts say that lying down after sex for 20 to 30 minutes can boost your chances of conception because it keeps the sperm inside you, standing on your head has not been proven to aid in conception (and you might hurt your neck while trying to do it!) More myths from Discovery HealthThe You Cant be too Careful YarnIf a pregnant woman raises her hands about her head, she will choke her baby.

The Steamy Sex Superstition Making mad, passionate love will induce labor.

The Ugly Stick Trick If a pregnant woman sees something ugly or horrible, her baby will be ugly.

Adapted from Brisbanes The Developing Child: Understanding Children and Parenting, Chapter 6Preparing for ParenthoodChoose a Health Care ProviderObstetrician A medical doctor who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and recuperation from delivery(8/10 women choose this) Family Practice Doctor Medical doctor with training in all aspects of health care for every member of the family Certified Nurse Midwife Registered nurse with thorough training and experience in taking care of pregnant women and delivering babies. They are licensed to provide care before/during/after deliveryDoulaServe as an advocate, labor coach, and information source for the mother and father.

Location, location, locationHome delivery Done in privacy and comfort of your own home Nothing is done without consent Labor progresses normally Encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change position, shower, etc.Continuous one-on-one care give by midwife Many doctors will not perform home deliveries Some states have made it illegal Infant death rate is higher for home births

Location, location, locationBirthing centerUsed only for births and pregnancy events Provides alternatives for those not comfortable at home but do not want a hospital Have many of the same freedoms as home birth Lower in cost than hospitals Rate of Cesarean and forceps deliveries is less Discharged 4 24 hours Not available to all mother Still has to travel Not usually any pediatricians on staff Location, location, locationHospital deliverySpecial help is readily available Women may feel safest here Only option available for Cesarean deliveries Round the clock help for mother and babyNot as much freedom May seem impersonal and intimidating Father may feel like an outsider Some routine separation of mother and baby occurs Mother has significantly higher risk of unnecessary Cesarean Birthing Room: many hospitals are now offering birthing rooms that are furnished more like a bedroom. It is used for labor, delivery and recovery. Family support can occur and hospital safety is there. Maternity and Paternity Leave

Health Insurance

Dealing with Siblings

Dealing with SiblingsDo this well in advance of expected birth They may be too young to understand, but they do need to know that a change is coming Younger children may have questions about Mommys growing belly there are many wonderful books that explain this! Encourage siblings to help make plans for baby Emphasize the baby will be a member of the familyVisit families with babies Decide where sibling will stay while Mommy is at the hospital Let the sibling visit or call themChoosing a NamePick a name that will go well with a child AND an adult.

Make sure nothing rhymes with the name that could get them made fun of (Remember Grossy Josie from Never Been Kissed?). Make sure their initials dont spell something embarrassing (like Ashley Simone Smith).

Make sure the first name fits the last name (I wouldnt name my child Mason Dickson you know, like the line) Needs before deliveryBuying for BabyBrainstorm: What will you need to buy? LayetteClothes for the newbornOnesies

Sleepers

Socks

Hats

FeedingBreast feedingWatch the I Can Do It! DVD and complete worksheet AdvantagesAntibodies NutrientsFreeConvenient Disadvantages ComfortTimingFrequencyMothers diet Bottle feedingAdvantagesConvenience Flexibility Diet DisadvantagesExpenseLack of antibodies Gives babies more gas and constipationCar Seats

BathingWarm, not hot, water

Sponge baths

Not needed every day

Never leave unattended

BeddingCrib

Bassinet

Will you co sleep?

Toys RoSPAs top 10 toy safety tips Buy toys only from recognized outlets Make sure age range is appropriateBe careful particularly about toys for children under 3 Dont let younger children play with toys for older children Check for loose hair, small parts, sharp edges and points Ensure that garden swings and slides are not a strangulation hazard Check toys regularly for wear. Dispose or repair when necessary Keep play area tidyFollow instructions and warnings provided with toys Supervise young children at play \

Need?

Lotions, Shampoo and OilsUnscented

Is oil needed? Diapers

Cloth vs. Disposable