Monday, October 1, 2018
Thinking about having a baby, but not sure if it is the right decision? Not sure where to start in the planning process? Or maybe you’ve just got babies on the brain! Here are some things to consider before deciding to have a baby.
- If you’re ready to put someone else first
A baby is a huge responsibility so it’s important that before having a baby, you and your partner sit down and talk about whether you’re ready to put another person before yourselves and each other. When it comes to having a baby, the baby’s needs have to always come before your own and you have to adhere to the baby’s schedule. A baby will mean sacrifices, such as fewer nights out with friends or missing out on some sleep. There’s no way to really prepare yourself for your new baby-centered life, but both partners need to be on the same page about the possibility of a complete lifestyle change.
- If you and your partner are financially stable
You’ll often hear people say, “if you wait until you can afford a baby, you’ll never have one,” but it’s still extremely important that you and your partner discuss your current financial status before deciding to have a baby.
Along with considering the daily expenses of having a baby, it’s important to take a look at your health insurance policy and the price of your doctor appointments throughout your pregnancy, labor and delivery, and adding a dependent.
To get a price quote for labor & delivery at the HealthPlex, call our Patient Access Advisors at 405-307-2730.
Dive into your finances and be honest with yourself about if you truly can afford a baby right now. Even if you decide you can’t, you can create a financial roadmap that’ll lead you to being able to have a baby in the near future.
- If you have enough space for a baby
Although small, babies come with a lot of furniture, equipment and toys, and take up a lot of space. Do you have enough space in your apartment or house to fit a crib and baby furniture? Do you have the space for toys or bottles? If you’re able to breastfeed and choose to pump, do you have the space to store breast milk? If you don’t have the space, are you willing to move to get the space you need?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the baby share a bedroom with you until they’re at least six months or preferably until they’re a year old because room sharing can decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 50 percent. The AAP, however, does not recommend bed-sharing for any babies. Your home should have space available in your bedroom for a crib or bassinet. Safe sleep also means making sure the baby always sleeps on their back for naps and at night, using only a firm sleep surface. Soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation or strangulation should be kept out of the baby’s sleep area.
- If you’re healthy enough to have a baby
It’s easier to conceive if you’re at a healthy weight, so getting to a healthy weight before having a baby makes it more likely for you to be able to conceive and helps you have a healthier, safer pregnancy. If you’re not sure where to start on your weight loss or weight gain goals, visit your Primary Care provider or visit a doctor who specializes in medical weight loss, such as Norman Regional’s Journey Clinic.
- If you’ve considered your job’s maternity leave policy
It may not be the first thought when deciding whether or not to have a baby, but it is something you’ll need to consider so you have an idea of how much time you’re allowed off and what your pay is like during that time. It’s also important to know if your partner’s job offers paternity leave or if you’ll be doing it alone right after having the baby. It’s important for you and your partner to know what to expect for your post-baby life
- If you and your partner are both responsible and self sufficient
It is important to sit down and really think about whether or not you and your partner are responsible and self-sufficient enough to have a child, or if it’d be better to wait a few years. When having a baby, another life is literally in your hands, so both partners should feel ready and at ease with the decision. It’s also important that if you don’t think you’re ready to speak up and talk to your partner about your hesitations.
If you and your partner think you’re ready to have a baby, then schedule a preconception visit with your OB/GYN. If you don’t have an OB/GYN, you can find one here. Not sure who to choose? Check out our tips for choosing your obstetrician.
You can also visit https://newspin.com/tour/?site=1905&scenename=13276 to see a virtual tour of our Women’s & Children’s Pavilion or walk right in to tour the Women’s & Children’s Pavilion at the Norman Regional HealthPlex, 3300 HealthPlex Parkway, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.