Mom-to-Be Advice Topics

Medical Advice

• Every new mom wants to enjoy a healthy pregnancy that results in a healthy baby. Some topics she may seek professional medical advice about may include appropriate diet and exercise restrictions, which prenatal vitamins to take and what prenatal screening tests to schedule. She may also seek advice from family and friends, especially those who have recently had babies, concerning fitness programs and childbirth classes or recommendations on an OBGYN, midwife or pediatrician.

Work-Related Advice

• Pregnant women often have many questions regarding their employment, especially early in the pregnancy. One common concern many women have is when to tell the boss. Often, a woman will first seek advice from her doctor about how close to her due date she can safely work or what duties she may not be able to do because of physical restrictions. Having this information as soon as possible helps the mom-to-be when she discusses her plan of action for continued work and maternity leave with her boss or the company's human resource department.

Choosing a Medical Provider

• When looking for a doctor for herself or a new baby, many women turn to trusted family and friends for recommendations. Even if a highly recommended doctor isn't taking new patients, she or someone else who works in the practice may be able to recommend an associate or another practice. You could also ask your own OBGYN or some of her staff who they use. Choosing where to have your baby is another important decision. Ask for the opportunity to tour any facility you are considering so that you can ask questions before making a final decision.

Bringing Baby Home

• Even an experienced mother may worry about how she'll care for a new baby, herself and the rest of the family once she's home. Many hospitals and birthing centers offer advisory services to ensure Mom will have the help and supplies she'll need. These services often include follow-up phone calls as well as health-care providers standing by to answer questions and address concerns by phone. That first trip to see the pediatrician or the first home-visit by a nurse or other medical professional is a good time to ask for additional advice or get tips on infant care.