Birthing Tips

After being blessed with a baby recently... I thought I share my experience for those who need it.

1) Pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster ride get used to it (umm there is such thing as post pregnancy depression too)

2) A very important tip - during the labor process deep breathing is very essential to overcome the unbearable pain. Deep breath in, and deep breath out... its not easy as this counters the instinct to hold one's breath while in pain.

3) Normal delivery is the best... some praise other means but from my (uh my wife's) experience, I would think normal is the best thing

4) Your baby is going to be the center of your world, get used to the idea.

5) Don't listen to people who predict the gender of the baby. Listen to your heart... you will know if its a son or daughter by the sixth month. Remember in certain places its illegal to acertain the gender of the baby.

6) "In India, advice is free. Everybody has their opinion on what is to be done during pregnancy" - my wife's doctor. Her advice (we ignored some of it that we thought was useless) was important (she thought) she was charging us for it after all ;)

7) It does help if your with your wife during the labor process. She will definitely thank you for it.
Its not easy, some preparation is required. Birthing videos do help, I definitely wanted to throw up after watching the video for few minutes. Steel yourself, nobody said pregnancy is easy.

8) Be prepared to go for long durations without sleep, once the labor starts (yeah the baby will keep you awake after that is over...)

9) A quick list of things that
a) your baby will need (do this before the baby is born)
clothes,diapers, nappy rash cream, nasal aspirant + saline drops, baby friendly soap (pears ?), nail clippers, warm clothing for baby, baby stores closest to your home, pillow, crib, pram, feeding bottle, pacifier, your medical history easily accessible, list of drugs that your allergic to, contact numbers of your doctor, arrangements for travel to the hospital in case of emergency - best routes, ambulance numbers, mosquito net for the baby (no you cannot use coils and other mosquito repellents), baby talcum powder, subscribe to pregnancy/parenting newsletters etc

b) you will need -
rubber/plastic sheet for the bed, mother's horlicks, barley, good diet, a decent camera, cash/credit-card for the delivery, well-wishers, the URL where you will upload your baby pics,

10) Welcome to parent-hood :)
a) Makes you think about the part you just played in the circle of life...
b) Makes you wonder how you lived your life without the baby for so long...
c) Clears all doubts you had about your existence

11) The hospital may NOT provide food for the patient's attendant. food is not allowed inside either. Go figure ...

12) babies are (sometimes?) born with a slight touch of jaundice (its common?). Sunlight is very necessary for the baby esp. during the morning and evening times

13) Important - babies cry because -
a) They are hungry
b) They are hungry
c) Stomach pain (ask your doctor before hand what medication is suitable)
d) Uncomfortable (make sure they are in a comfortable position, ensure diaper does not need to be changed)
e) They are hungry

14) Every guest wants to pick up the baby, be firm. The less contact your baby has with the tons of germs from outside the healthier the baby is going to be.

15) Its also a good idea to pick up a gift for your wife, that you can give her post-delivery.

16) Post pregnancy does not mean all medications are allowed. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.

17) No amount of planning can mitigate risk outside your circle of influence. Stay calm, think clearly & proceed accordingly. Remember sometimes a timely decision makes all the difference.

18) Your baby will sleep about 20-22 hours during the intial months, this is perfectly normal.

19) The babies are not very foccussed for the initial period, don't worry about it.

20) Talk to your baby, they find your voice very reassuring. After all they would be used to hearing your voice for the entire nine months (yeah yeah nothing scientific... its just my belief) :)

I've attempted to cram about 10 months of experience into twenty points, I would like to know if you found these pointers useful. Suggestions are welcome !

Disclaimer : This is not intended to be a replacement for medical care during pregnancy or substitute for other necessites. This is just a guide that aims at making you better equipped to handle the new member of your household. Use your common sense, if in doubt it will make sense to consult a qualified personnel.