1. Getting Ready for a Baby
HPC 3O
February 21st, 2013

2. Roles & Responsibilities
Many factors need to be considered, such as:
Partner’s goals, skills & schedules
Personal characteristics
Financial situation of family

3. Maternity Leave Time off from work for mothers
Some fathers may qualify for this as well!
Federal Law: more than 12 weeks of leave for family reasons is required. Leave without pay.
Needs of a baby can interfere with a work schedule
Why would a maternity leave be needed?

4. Preparing for Parenthood
Nervousness
Planning before baby is born – discussions with parents and spouse – agreeing ahead of time on general ideas about raising children
Parents have less time and energy for other roles
Good management skills – especially time management

5. Other Children in the Family
Other children have to adjust to a new baby as well
How they react depends on how well prepared they were
Age and emotional makeup of child matters

6. Choosing a Pediatrician
A doctor who specializes in treating children
Some questions parents can ask:
-When is the doctor available by phone?
-How should an emergency be handled?
-Who covers for the pediatrician if he or she is not available?
-What hospital does the doctor use?
-How often will the doctor see the child, both as a baby and later?

7. Breastfeeding vs. Bottle-feeding
Why is breast milk recommended?
What is formula?
*Discuss with a partner*

8. Decisions About Feeding
Will the new baby be breast-fed or bottle-fed?
Breast milk – recommended for anytime possible by health care professionals
Formula – mixture of milk or milk substitute, water and nutrients