This post is sponsored by Cord Blood Registry, but the opinions expressed here are my own.
Whether this is your first or fifth birth, there is always some slight sense of panic in preparing for birth. The truth is that not every birth goes the same way. You need to prepare in any way you can. Check out some of these steps to preparing for birth.
Learn more about your family’s medical history
Knowing more about your family’s medical history can help you prepare for birth. When you know more about your family’s health history, you can talk to your doctor to watch out for any potential health issues. All it takes is talking to your family and then talking to your doctor to ensure you have this covered! Medical history is a touchy subject, but you’ll feel better knowing you were as prepared as you could be.
Pack your hospital bag
When it’s time to pack your hospital bag, you know you’re getting closer to giving birth. There are so many resources out there to help you pack the essentials in a hospital bag. Naturally, you may want to overpack the hospital bag, but with the right research you’ll figure out exactly what you need to pack.
Take a birthing class
Another great tool to helping you prepare for birth is taking a birthing class. Again, no matter which number of pregnancy this is, taking a birthing class can help you be prepared. Babies like to surprise us from time to time, so it’s best to know what to expect during this exciting, yet unpredictable time in your life. Your local hospital or birthing center should have more information on birthing classes you can take.
Learn more about Cord Blood Registry
Last, but not least, it’s time to learn about Cord Blood Registry. Cord blood banking has been around for more than 20 years. Preserving your newborn’s stem cells is a good move on your part. Your baby’s umbilical cord is made of tissue and contains blood, both of which are rich sources of powerful stem cells that are unique and powerful. There are affordable payment options to help you with this process of preserving your baby’s cord blood. Preserving your newborn’s stem cells may give your child or an immediate family member, depending on the condition and other factors, the opportunity to use this resource for current cord blood therapies. In the future, there may be other potential applications, like regenerative medicine.* This also goes back to your family’s medical history. When you sign up for CBR you also have access to a dedicated team of genetic counselors who can answer questions about stem cell preservation in the context of your unique family history. Signing up for CBR now is something you won’t regret later.
https://youtu.be/NsXeBScRCSs
Get signed up by taking these 5 simple steps: 1. Enroll with CBR online at cordblood.com/enroll or call 1-888-240-1996 2. CBR ships you a collection kit 3. Bring your kit to the hospital on your big day 4. Call the medical courier after your baby is born and the cord blood has been collected by your healthcare professional 5. Relax. CBR handles the rest and will notify you when the kit has been received.
*(https://www.cordblood.com/stem-cell-research/cord-blood-uses-and-research) Make a Birth Plan You can never be too prepared for birth. Speak to your doctor about your birth plan and how you envision delivery. Though things might not go exactly according to plan, when everyone knows what the hope is, everyone can help strive for that vision. When everyone is on the same page things can run a lot smoother.
Doing all the research ahead of time will help you feel prepared for the birth of your child. It’s an exciting time, but also very busy so it’s easy to forget some steps. By preparing early, writing things down, gathering check lists from around the internet, taking a class, getting your Cord Blood Registry set up, and speaking to everyone involved, you can feel successful in your preparation for birth.
What other tips do you have for preparing for birth? We would all appreciate more help!
Sue E says
First of all, that baby’s picture is beautiful and precious! She’s going to be a heart breaker!!
These are good tips, if you know the info!
Like some women may not know her father’s side of his medical history! Like some guys take off and deny that the baby’s even theirs! So your not going to get any history there. You are right- every pregnancy is different! My first two went off without a hitch. But the last two, about three weeks to a month, I had DVTs after their births!! Checkups after the baby is just as important as before or during! When I had my babies, the Cord Blood Registry was not setup. But it is a great idea! I tried to talk my kids into doing this when they had their kids, but they didn’t and they surprised me when they didn’t!! Especially after they saw what I went through!! I have Multiple Myeloma and had to use my own stem cells for my transplant. I was in remission for a few years, but time has now caught up to me! There are other blood cancers, etc. that you can use this precious blood cord for! Great idea and I think doctors should mention it!
Kimberly M. says
Great tips. I did not have my bag packed for any of my children. They always came early (weeks early). You would have thought that I would know by the third one. NOPE! Your daughter is beautiful. What beautiful eyes God bless her.
Adrian Willson says
Great tips and the baby looks so cute. There are several problems during the pregnancy, but one thing that my wife suffers most during our first born was the spider veins. I think this problem must be taken seriously.