Pregnancy and Birth The Essential Checklists

Whether having a baby is part of your long-term plans or an unexpected surprise, becoming pregnant is an emotionally charged, life-changing event. And as the hormones begin to surge through your body, you find yourself faced with the daunting task of juggling pregnancy and work, planning the birth, and preparing for your new life with a baby. There is a bewildering array of choices to think about and arrangements to be made, not to mention coming to grips with the idea of becoming a mom. But help is at hand. This indispensable little book will ease you through the process of organizing your life and help you sail through pregnancy, plan the birth you want, and deal with day-to-day life with your newborn. You’ll find tips for everything from common health issues, arranging and decorating your baby’s nursery, and purchasing essential equipment, to planning your birth and choosing the best birth options and pain relief, selecting the right childbirth classes, planning for childcare, coping with pregnancy and new motherhood while at work, and bathing your new baby and encouraging her to sleep. We’ll look at how to stretch your budget to accommodate your new arrival, your rights and benefits during pregnancy, and what to expect from your healthcare providers at every stage. You’ll find logs for charting your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns and her growth and development, and vital information to ensure that your baby is happy, healthy, and stimulated. We’ll look at travel and transportation, packing the perfect hospital bag, keeping your handbag equipped with pregnancy essentials, and what your baby needs in her diaper bag. I’ll also provide you with an at-a-glance list of symptoms that confirm you are in labor, and a handy checklist for your birth partner, too.