When you are expecting, there are going to be some specific parenting decisions that you will need to make long before the baby arrives. Because you are completely responsible for another person’s well-being, it is very important that you make sure to become as informed as possible on the many issues parenting will present you with. Here’s a break-down of some of the important decisions you will be immediately faced with:
Where and How You Will Deliver – There are several places to give birth – at home, a hospital, a birthing center. There are several ways in which to deliver – with or without drugs, an epidural or interventions, naturally, by elective cecarean, VBAC, or emergency c-section, and the list goes on. Statistics show, obviously, that the safest and most beneficial way for a woman to give birth is naturally and in the environment most comfortable to her. The trauma that you and/or your baby endure during delivery can have specific after-affects. It is true that birth often doesn’t go the way it is planned, so even if this is your intention, it’s good to have more than one plan to consult. It’s hard to have a back-up plan without being informed. The way that you want to deliver is up to you, but you have rights as a woman in labor, and you should know what they are before the very first contraction hits.
Hospital Stay – When you’re at the hospital, there are several things that may take place there concerning you or your new baby. Aim to fully understand all of the hospital policies before laboring there, and make sure that your care provider equally reads and understands your birth plan. After doing your homework, if there are specific items that you do not agree with – such as supplementing with formula or putting eye ointment on the baby – be very clear well in advance and specifically state at the hospital or in writing that you “Do not consent to ______”. This can make them liable for anything they do in spite of your wishes. At the very least, it will make them think twice of crossing you!
Circumcision – This is a very personal yet misunderstood subject for many people. Unfortunately, still many other parents do not decide to research circumcision before having it done on their newborn sons. Even so, the reality is that it is becoming less popular, and by the time our children are grown, the circumcised male may be in the minority. I personally would not choose to do this should I ever have a son, as I believe it is completely unnecessary. I do not pass judgment on those who do (my best friend had this done to her son, for instance), but I do wish that more parents would fully research the concept before committing to it or turning a blind eye to it when their doctor suggests that it be done. There is no medically necessary reason for any boy to be circumcised.
Vaccination – There are three options when it comes to vaccination: Full, Selective, or Zero. Whichever option you choose will have a profound impact on your child’s health for the rest of their life, so it would be very unwise to not commit a lot of time and research to the subject. This isn’t a cut-and-dry issue. It is very debatable and controversial, and should not be taken lightly. Every vaccination is manufactured different, is meant for a different immunity and is comprised of different contents within. It is your job to find out about each individual vaccination available, as well as the pros and cons to each, then decide which if any of them your child will receive. Sound daunting? That’s parenthood for you.
Infant Nutrition – I am not going to go on and on here about which method you should choose to feed your baby, because I think you all know where I stand on this issue. In fact, for me it’s a non-issue, but it is still a personal decision. Just remember to be aware of the facts about breastfeeding, and remember how worthy your baby is of the best nutrition available.
Why should you make informed decisions rather than listening to and trusting your doctor or other professional blindly? They are educated and you feel that you should be able to trust their judgment? Why or why not?
As parents, we do the absolute best for our children that we can. Obviously, there is more than one way to raise children, although it’s up to you to decide which is best for your family. Remember that parenting isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be selfless. The choice is ultimately yours, but don’t choose blindly. Become an informed parent now.
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