Are you expecting? Congratulations! Having a new baby offers countless opportunities for joy, growth, and seeing life from a new perspective. By preparing for you and your baby’s health and well-being now, you’ll be able to start parenthood with a strong foundation. Below are three ways to start preparing for baby’s arrival today.
1. Learn the ABCs of safe sleep now.
In order to thrive and grow, babies need to stay safe while they’re asleep. According to the CDC, there are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths of infants per year. While this is a scary statistic, there are practices you can take to help minimize the risks of unsafe sleep. Just remember ABC:
Alone: Babies need to sleep alone, and not crowded by anyone or anything else in the bed. This includes keeping their sleeping space clear of other people, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
On their Back: The safest way for babies to sleep is on their backs. Make sure to place your baby on their back when they sleep to keep them as safe as possible.
In their Crib: Cuddling baby while you’re both awake and alert is wonderful, but as soon as either of you are asleep, it’s time to put baby in their own crib. Do not lay your baby down to sleep in an adult bed, sofa, cushion, or other soft surface.
By learning these safe sleep practices now, you’ll be in a great position once your baby comes to keep them safe and secure while they sleep.
2. Build community.
Raising a baby—especially a newborn—can be overwhelming. Adding to this overwhelm is the fact that new mothers are especially vulnerable to postpartum depression, which can include symptoms like insomnia, mood swings, and deep and lasting feelings of sadness. While nothing replaces the care of a good physician for treating postpartum depression, having a community of family, friends, and neighbors already in place before the baby is born will help you form a “safety net” of support that can help out in case you do develop depression or other complications.
3. Call Moms Helpline to get support and information.
Want even more help to be the best parent you can be? Call 1-844-624-6667. This is the number for a brand-new service called Moms Helpline. The service offers free access to experts who can help connect you to local pregnancy and newborn resources in your community.