5 Important Conversations to Have While You’re Pregnant

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Our Small Hours guest poster Amy Patterson.  Find out more about Amy below.

As an expectant mother there seems to be a million and one things to think about before the birth of your baby. Whether you’re trying to decide on a name, a color scheme for the nursery, or even if you would like to know your baby’s sex before he or she is born, there are some important decisions you should make, with your partner before you give birth.

Nine months may seem like a long time to figure everything out before your baby is born, but many parents say that time seems to fly while they’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of their baby. To feel more prepared before and after the birth of your baby here are some important conversations to have while you’re still pregnant.

Talk About & Create a Birth Plan

For expectant parents childbirth can be exciting, a little bit  scary, and evoke a lot of questions that should be answered before the birth of a child. The best way answer any questions and become better prepared for labor and delivery is to create a birth plan. A birth plan is a detailed list of what you would like to do or have done during childbirth. Not only does a birth plan make you more prepared for what you may expect during labor and delivery, but it also puts you more in control, communicating your wants and needs to the medical staff who will be caring for you.

Your birth plan may include any number of things from relaxation techniques to who may be present in the birthing room with you.

Discuss the “What If’s”

As specific and clear as your birth plan may be, complications during birth can arise, making some requests on your birth plan unavailable. While every parent hopes that labor and delivery goes quickly, smoothly, and without any complications, some births don’t go as planned. According to The Colleran Firm, birth injuries may occur when a doctor fails to recognize the signs of a difficult natural birth and may fail (or delay) to perform a necessary cesarean section. Even if natural birth is part of your birth plan, it may be a wise idea to have (and be prepared for) an alternate delivery plan written into your birth plan.

Who Will Visit & Help Out After the Baby Arrives?

The days and weeks after your baby is born can be a whirlwind of emotions and sleep deprivation, but it is also a crucial time to bond as a family. While you may have many friends and relatives who are eager to visit and help you out, it’s a good idea to talk with your partner about how much help you need or want to accept.

Maybe the thought of having your mother-in-law stay for a week is too much to handle or you don’t want well-intentioned neighbors to visit for a few weeks. While you can always change your mind (and you might) about visitors and helpers, make sure that you and your partner are on the same page.

Maternity Leave Plan

As as working mother (or two working parents), it’s important to plan for your maternity leave. Not only is it important for your place of employment to be better prepared during your absence, but it will help you feel better prepared as well.

Discuss how much time that you and your partner plan to take off, after the birth of your baby. If there are any issues in your workplace, surrounding your request for a maternity leave, make sure that you are aware of rights and know the laws in regards to your pregnancy and maternity leave.

Your Plan After Maternity Leave

While many working mothers return to work after their maternity leave, some mothers change their minds and decide to stay home for a longer period of time. Although there is no right or wrong decision, it’s important to discuss your post maternity leave plans as soon as possible with your partner and employer. For some parents, many decisions may sound good and solid before the birth of their baby, but once the baby arrives, it becomes too difficult to return to work or to put the child in daycare.

Author: Amy Patterson is an avid reader on trending topics and a freelance writer in her spare time. On the beautiful coast of North Carolina you will usually find her catching up on the latest news with locals or on the beach with her two kids. She loves to write pieces on family and parenting, but also writes about health and fitness as well.

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