Being prepared for a new baby can make a big difference (especially for first-time mothers). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 3,745,540 babies were born in the United States in 2019.
While current data suggests that the coronavirus pandemic is going to cause a decline of around 300,000 births (maybe more) in 2021, that still means that there could be as many as 3,445,540 births this year. That’s a lot of mamas and newborns trying to navigate new parenthood in a post-COVID world. Check out the following advice to make this time a great experience for you and your family.
Do you need a birth injury lawyer?
In the U.S., one in thirty-three babies is born with a birth defect and one in five of these babies will die within the first year. The rest of these babies will have life-long challenges and medical bills. Birth injuries are also a concern considering that a 2010 study found that “birth trauma was estimated to occur in 29 per 1,000 births”. For example, cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury and can be caused by premature birth or oxygen deprivation during birth.
If your baby suffered a birth injury, a birth defect, or if you experienced an injury during childbirth that you’re suspicious was caused by medical negligence, consider hiring a birth injury attorney. The Chicago birth injury lawyers at Schwaner Injury Law can help you get the restitution you deserve if you or your baby experienced a birth injury due to medical errors or negligence. If your baby experienced broken bones, brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen, or experienced another kind of serious injury because of mishandled fetal distress or negligence on the part of your obstetrician, you could be owed fair compensation for damages.
Know your legal options when it comes to a birth injury caused by a negligent medical staff during your child’s birth. With a 96 percent success rate, 10 years of experience, and free consultation, it makes sense to figure out if you have a case before the statute of limitations runs out? Plus, it’s important to make sure the negligent party is held accountable, so more birth injuries are avoided.
Consider a wireless ultrasound transducer.
Whether it’s to monitor a medical condition or to see your fetus moving around, consider a wireless ultrasound probe. This portable ultrasound gets rid of the need for wires by connecting to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can see the image on your phone or tablet. The pocket-sized linear probe can be easily carried around to show off images of the baby anywhere. The wireless ultrasound transducer has up to one hour of continuous scanning time once it’s fully charged and removed from the battery charger. This is also great for medical staff in a wide range of specialties and students getting medical training as it’s not only wireless technology, but is also eligible for consistent updates and is HIPAA compliant.
Invest in a hands-free pumping bra.
Let’s be honest—life is hectic with a new baby (to put it mildly). That’s why you should consider getting a breast feeding pumping bra (or a few) from Simple Wishes so you can multitask during those pumping sessions. Unlike a regular nursing bra, this pumping bra opens over the nipples to insert the pump flanges of an electric breast pump onto each breast (compatible with all brands such as Medela, Spectra, Ameda, and Lansinoh) so you can pump hands-free.
The comfortable design uses durable Velcro instead of uncomfortable rows of hooks, a zipper in the front for easy removal, and adjustable straps that offer additional support for bottles full of breast milk. Simple Wishes also sells nursing bras with easy access to your boobs for nursing. These bras come in stretchy fabrics, moisture-wicking fabrics, and most also have drop-down cups that are perfect for day wear. Be sure to also check out the adorable nursing shirts with side slits that are perfect for breastfeeding.
Get as ready for challenges as you can.
Childbirth and being a new mother (no matter how many times you’ve done it) are hard. Ideally, have meals already made and in the freezer for the first few weeks of the baby’s life and have a support system set up. Help in those first couple of months is a must. If the baby’s other parent can’t take time off to help ask a friend or family member for help (sometimes a midwife or doula may even offer help).
Regardless of how prepared you are, here are some tips to make daily life a little bit easier as a new mama:
- Make changing caddies for the bedroom and living room and stock them with diapers, wipes, and spare clothes.
- You can’t hold the baby for long periods of time (especially if you’ve had a cesarean section) so have somewhere to put the baby down in every room (even the bathroom).
- Get a sling to “wear your baby” when they’re fussy.
- Always keep a water bottle near you (mama needs to be hydrated). This is especially important when nursing or pumping as this is a great time to relax and hydrate.
- Always restock the diaper bag after you get home so you don’t forget.
- Make sure all baby pictures or videos are backed up.
It is vital that you make time to take care of yourself as you heal. Your risk of infection is higher after the birthing process and it’s completely necessary that you take it easy. Make sure to set aside time for yourself to relax, take a shower, eat healthy meals/snacks, get as much sleep as you can, and drink plenty of water. While it may not feel like you’re getting everything done in a timely manner, your level of care will only make you a better, more capable mother.