Issues Mothers-to-be Should Educate Themselves On

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As a new mother to be, it is important to take the time to make decisions before your new arrival is born. For example, breastfeeding mothers will want to begin nursing as soon as the baby is born to ensure a good milk supply from birth. There are several decisions to make before your new baby is born that will play an important role in the days, weeks, and even years to come after the birth of your new family member.

Cord Blood Banking

Researching umbilical cord banking benefits is also important, especially if you have a family history of disease or illness related to stem cells. Today, stem cells from umbilical cords can be stored privately or donated to a hospital or public cord bank for others to use. Private cord blood banking allows you to save the stem cells for your family, while donation allows public access to the cells by those who need them. Cord blood banking can be a little expensive. Families with a history of diseases that require stem cells to treat may want to consider choosing private banking for their umbilical cord blood, regardless of the cost, to provide protection for the child over the course of their lifetime.

Breastfeeding Your Baby

One decision that all mothers need to make is whether or not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is largely considered healthier for baby since your own milk supply contains the proper nutrients for baby, as well as antibodies that help infants fight illness during the first months of life when the immune system is most vulnerable. Breastfeeding can be a difficult decision if you face adverse opinions from family, friends or your spouse, and can even be a challenge if you plan on returning to work. Knowing in advance whether or not you intend to breastfeed, whether full time or part time, can help you care for your baby from the moment they are born into your family.


Afterbirth Encapsulation

Some midwives and natural birth practitioners strongly advocate the consumption of the placenta after giving birth as a natural way to fight postpartum depression and provide much needed nutrients to the new mother. This practice is somewhat controversial, with some medical professionals stating that the practice is unverified and some mothers finding the practice impractical or even unappealing. Researching the benefits and making a decisions before birth allows you to provide instructions to the medical staff at the delivery concerning the use or disposal of your placenta.
There is no reason to be left undereducated prior to the arrival of your little one. Knowing about certain issues that surround child birth and motherhood ahead of time can make your decisions surrounding your own child rearing easier and seem less overwhelming.