8 Important Decisions Every Couple Should Make Before Childbirth

Don’t you start planning for your baby’s future as soon as you find out you’re pregnant? Heck, you can even envision them getting married 25 years down the line! Well, before you get into that sort of future planning, you will have to plan the first few hours of your baby. As soon as your baby is born, you will have to make a handful of important medical decisions that can affect the future of your offspring.

Make these 8 choices even before you hit the hospital for delivery as doing that the last moment can lead to wrong decisions.

In This Article

1. Pick a paediatrician

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We’re not kidding when we say that during the first few weeks of your baby, you will be on call with your paediatrician almost all the time. Hence, you need to have a certain comfort level with them and to pick one well in advance can ensure that. In fact, most hospitals advice parents to pick their paediatrician before they leave the hospital with their baby.

2. Decide on breastfeeding

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If you plan to breastfeed your child after they’re born, you will need to know the right way to go about it so that there are no last minute surprises, confusions or disappointments. You can ask your OB-GYN any questions you have about breastfeeding openly and they will guide you. Post-birth, find out if you need a lactation nurse as well in case you face difficulties in breastfeeding.

3. Keep the name options ready

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You will be happy, excited and equally nervous when the baby decides to say his/her first hello! And if you have to respond back, you need a name for the little one. Other than that, the hospital and medical insurance might demand baby name for further processes. It’s best to keep your favourite boy and girl name options handy when your baby arrives.

4. Waiting to cut the cord

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Studies show that if you wait to cut the umbilical cord, i.e., choose delayed cord clamping (letting blood flow from your placenta to your child), it may actually be beneficial for your baby including reduced chances of anaemia. Find out if you would prefer that by weighing in your options with your doctor.

5. Cord blood banking

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Cord blood banking refers to the collection of the placenta and blood left in the umbilical cord. These contain stem cells, which can help in curing critical diseases in the future. You should discuss with your doctor whether you want to bank it or not. If you plan to keep it, the cord bank will send you a specific kit for cord blood banking.

6. Choosing your birthing partner

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It’s important to inform your partner or mother about their presence during childbirth. There is usually a lot happening during childbirth. It is best to pick your delivery room companion who could stand strongly next to you and help to calm your nerve. Most hospitals allow a primary birthing partner in the delivery room. But you need to intimate the hospital beforehand. Your birthing partner also needs to accompany you to some of your hospital visits.

7. Post-birth baby meds

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Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will administer an antibiotic ointment in your baby’s eyes as well as administer a vitamin K injection in the thighs. The former is done to prevent infections, while the latter is done to prevent deficiency bleeding. If you are not comfortable with these, check if you can refuse them.

8. Vaccination for hepatitis B

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Vaccine for hepatitis B is administered at the same time as the vitamin K booster and so officially kick-starts the process of vaccination for your child. If you wish to begin the vaccination process at a later date, consult the possible plans with your paediatrician from beforehand.

The life of your baby is in your hands, so make the right choices for your tiny-tot even before they’re born. A simple consultation session will eliminate most of your doubts. So never hesitate to ask questions!

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