(continued)
Choose a pediatrician if you don't
already have one. Your obstetrician might double as one but, if she
doesn't, ask for recommendations. Also, bone up on what your
insurance covers and what it doesn't so you don't end up paying more
than you can afford. Your budget is going to be stretched enough as
it is! I've had doctors figure out ways to get me care I couldn't
afford otherwise-giving me samples of medications, doing a procedure
in their office as opposed to an outpatient testing facility, etc.
I'm not saying to try to ask your doctor to violate her ethics or get
around the law, but many physicians have connections that can save
you a lot of time and trouble.
If you're breastfeeding, you might want
to learn how to use a breast pump or look into classes or lactation
consultants. Many hospitals have them available before and after the
birth.
Do what you can to prepare the rest of
the family for the new arrival. I'm not talking about the type of
mental preparation that starts long before your due date (although
this is very important too) so much as making the rest of your
household aware of what should and shouldn't be done with and around
a baby. Little children might not realize that playing too roughly
with a new baby could hurt them. They'll need to know what the baby
can and can't eat/wear/play with/etc. Also, sometimes older siblings
will resent the baby for taking attention away from them. If they
know why the attention is needed, it might make it easier for them to
adjust.
Some people will immediately start
trying to get their children into the best preschools and
kindergartens before the baby even learns to crawl. While I'm not
sure this is necessary, it does help to start vetting nannies and day
care centers. The process of finding and procuring the right one can
take a while.
Let others know what sort of help you
need. When I had hip surgery last year, a lot of people from my
church did things like bring food, lend or buy various home supplies,
drive me places and stay with me so I wouldn't be alone so much.
These things were extremely helpful, especially since my family lives
eight hours away. In addition to feedings and diaper changes, you're
probably going to need someone to run errands, clean house or babysit
your other children while you get some much-needed sleep!
Stock up on diapers, wipes, formula
etc. You'll always want to have a good supply of these on hand. A lot
of people bring these things to baby showers in addition to their
gift, so that will help.
I hope I've been able to help. Congrats
again on the baby!
