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Protect and prepare for your new bundle of joy

We’re so grateful to Damarqio of Detroit Father for partnering with us to share his story. 

Hello fam! We are just days away from meeting our sweet, new bundle of joy. What a coincidence that on the week that we prepare to welcome our new addition to our family, it is also National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) which highlights the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This could not be more appropriate to share as we truly believe in the scientific research that helps families like ours protect those we love. This is why we choose to vaccinate our babies and ensure they stay on track with their well-child visits. The last thing that our family ever wants to do is to be the cause of our child’s preventable illness.

As our family waits in great anticipation this week, we are thinking about the families who welcomed new babies into their lives during COVID-19.  During COVID-19 pandemic, many children had to miss or delay their wellness checkups and vaccination, which are a critical part of ensuring children stay healthy. Thankfully it is never too late to get back on track with your child’s wellness. And we are so grateful to get a jumpstart on our new baby’s health, even before we meet them. To say this journey has been a long time coming would be an understatement. As we make our final preparations to become a family of four, I wanted to share a few of the tips that we’ve followed to get us ready for the baby’s arrival.

Please feel free to share this post with others who may be expecting a new arrival or comment below with your favorite new baby tip!

  1. Pack Your Hospital Bag Early: Packing your hospital bag early is important as you never know when the baby might arrive. You should have your bag packed and ready to go by the time you are 36 weeks pregnant. Some essential items to pack include comfortable clothing, toiletries, nursing bras, and your baby’s going-home outfit.
  2. Attend Childbirth Education Classes: Childbirth education classes can provide you with a wealth of information on labor and delivery. These classes will help you understand what to expect during the delivery process and how to manage pain. The classes may also cover topics such as breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery. It is also important to talk to your family doctor about vaccinations.
  3. Make a Birth Plan: A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. It can include information on pain relief options, who you want present during delivery, and your preferences for any medical interventions. Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your hospital’s policies.
  4. Choose Your Support Team: Your support team can make a world of difference during labor and delivery. Choose people who will provide emotional and physical support, and who will advocate for your wishes. This could include your partner, a family member, or a doula.
  5. Prepare for Postpartum Recovery: Postpartum recovery can be a challenging time. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for it. You may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue. It’s important to have a support system in place to help with household tasks, caring for the baby, and emotional support.

By following these tips, you can feel more confident and prepared for your baby’s delivery and hospital stay. Remember, every birth is unique, and it’s important to be flexible and open to changes in your birth plan. Most importantly, trust your instincts and know that you can bring your new baby into the world.

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You’ve got questions. That’s a good thing.

As parents, determining how best to protect our children can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help.

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About I Vaccinate

I Vaccinate provides information and tools based on real medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids. Support is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Franny Strong Foundation.

You’ve got questions. That’s a good thing.

As parents, determining how best to protect our children can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help.

©2021 Franny Strong Foundation | All rights reserved

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