Today, we have guest blogger Katie Moore lending a post to SGITC.  As someone who has 2 cousins that are expecting and comes from a family where someone has given birth each year, child-rearing and preparation is very important to me.  And I hope it’s important to you.  Even though you may not be planning to have children anytime soon, the below is pertinent and includes information of which we all should be aware. 

Preparing for the birth of your child is such an exciting time, and new mothers are often nervous about the changes their life is about to undergo.  It’s true that there will be sacrifices, but they are balanced out with an incredible amount of joy.  Here are some tips to help you prepare for what truly is a magical and wonderful time in your life.

Your Sleep Schedule is Optional
If you are nearing your due date, then you are probably already encountering some sleepless nights.  Friends and family are probably encouraging you to sleep whenever you can, even if that does mean indulging in an afternoon nap.  This is excellent advice that will serve you well now and in the early weeks of your child’s life.  Don’t get hung up on your exact sleeping schedule, especially if you are plagued with insomnia.  Sleep when you can.  Once your baby is safely home, you will learn how to nap when he or she is napping, allowing you to wake up for those nightly feedings.

You Still Need a Support Group, But it May Change
You probably have a network of friends and family you can call on when you’re struggling with something.  This is important, and after your baby arrives it will be even more important.  However, don’t be surprised if it starts to shift.  You will find yourself calling on your friends who are already moms more often, because they can relate to what you are going through and offer great advice.  You do not have to ignore the childless friends, nor should you.  However, rest assured that it’s normal, natural and okay for your support group and circle of friends to start gradually changing.  If you have childless friends you are particularly close to, then you might want to make an effort to stay in contact with them and get together on occasion.

You Will Be Faced with Big Decisions
From circumcision and baptism through to teaching your child how to drive and beyond, you will have to make some big decisions as a parent.  One of the earliest ones regards immunizations.  The MMR vaccine in particular was once thought to cause autism, but you can rest easy knowing that these vaccines are completely safe.  The CDC has done extensive studies on the safety of vaccines and they have found them to be safe and necessary to prevent your child from contracting some serious and potentially deadly diseases.  

Another decision you will face even before having the baby is whether you will invest in cord blood banking and save your child’s cord blood.  The stem cells found in this blood could potentially be used in medical treatments in the future; so many people opt to make the investment.

You will also need to decide if you will breastfeed or formula feed.  Countless studies support the fact that breast milk is superior to formula.  It is great for the babies, and it’s free. If you have concerns about your ability to breastfeed, talk to the lactation specialists at the hospital. They can address any of your specific concerns.  Even if you only breastfeed for the first few weeks, your baby will still benefit greatly.  However, if breastfeeding does not work out for you, don’t be too hard on yourself.   Your baby will thrive on formula, also.  The important thing is that you love your child and protect him or her.

There is no doubt that your life will soon change.  It can seem overwhelming at times, but the changes will lead you to an incredible joy that nothing can replace.  Be prepared to change your schedule, and don’t be surprised if your circle of friends slowly shifts.  This is also a good time to research some of those big decisions you will have to make, so you will know what to say when asked about circumcision, breastfeeding, cord-blood, vaccines and other important decisions.

Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.