Prepare for
Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
The Eight Principles of Attachment Parenting
The remarkable
journey of new life is a positive, transformative experience. Pregnancy
offers expectant parents an opportunity to prepare physically, mentally,
and emotionally for parenthood. Making informed decisions about
childbirth, newborn care, and parenting practices is a critical
investment in the attachment relationship between parent and child.
Education is a key component of preparation for the difficult decisions
required of parents and is an ongoing process as each stage of growth
and development brings new joys and challenges.
When preparing for
the birth of a child, it is easy to get caught up in the material things
associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Tiny infant
clothing, the latest maternity fashions, and baby gear can all be part
of preparing for a baby, but the lasting investment of preparation
involves becoming informed so that you can create a peaceful, loving
environment in which to grow, birth, and care for a new life.
Preparing for
Pregnancy & Birth
- Reflect on childhood experiences and current beliefs about
parenting
- Explore parenting philosophies
- Work through negative emotions surrounding the pregnancy
- Prepare physically for pregnancy; eat nutritious foods, exercise
regularly, avoid stress when possible
- Explore different types of healthcare providers and birthing
options. Consider reading
"Ten Questions to Ask" and
"Ten Steps" by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, and
visiting the
Baby Friendly Initiative website by UNICEF.
- Recommit to a strong, healthy relationship between expectant
parents
- Educate yourself about breastfeeding
- Be alert and physically active during childbirth
- Research all aspects of "routine" newborn care, such as bathing,
circumcision, eye drops, blood samples, collecting cord blood, etc.
Document your preferences and share them with health care providers.
- Prepare to have extra help in the first few weeks after birth
- Consider a birth and/or postpartum
doula
- Be prepared with questions to ask should unexpected birth or
newborn situations arise
- What are the benefits of this intervention, and what are your
instincts telling you?
- What are the risks and possible outcomes if I choose to do this
or if I choose not to?
- What are the other options?
- How long do I have to make the decision?
Preparation for
Becoming a Parent
- Continuously educate yourself about developmental stages
- Set realistic expectations for both parents and children
- Discuss concerns before they become crises
- Remain flexible!
- Become educated about educational options
- Come to terms with your own childhood, seeking professional help
if it involved abuse or neglect
Attachment Parenting : The Eight Principles
- Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting
- Feed with Love and Respect
- Respond with Sensitivity
- Use Nurturing Touch
- Engage in Nighttime Parenting
- Provide Consistent and Loving Care
- Practive Positive Discipline
- Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life
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Looking for childbirth classes? Contact the
leaders for more information on classes in the area.
Deandra after the
birth of her baby.
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