Getting ready for the birth of a new baby is an exciting time — and a time of worry and anxiety, too. That’s because you’re now responsible for the health and well-being of another human being, a big task that gets easier if you do a little preparation ahead of time.
As a leading provider of newborn care and pediatric care in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, Nevada Pediatric Specialists offers a prenatal meet and greet focused on helping parents-to-be set the stage for their baby’s healthy future.
Here, our team offers some tips to help you ensure your baby’s needs are always met — even before their arrival.
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is certainly important for your health, but it’s important for your baby’s health, too — now and in their future. Good prenatal care supports normal, healthy development before your baby is even born, setting the stage for better health later on.
That means eating a nutritious diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and whole grains. It also means quitting smoking and staying away from alcohol and illicit drug use — in fact, you should avoid taking over-the-counter products without discussing their use with your OB/GYN first.
You can optimize your nutrition by taking prenatal vitamins as directed by your OB/GYN. Not only can these vitamins help you stay healthy, but they ensure your baby receives the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development. Poor nutrition during pregnancy could lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, and developmental issues for your child.
It’s also important to exercise so you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight and support good circulation for you and your baby.
Finally, regular prenatal visits with your OB/GYN lay the foundation for better health for both of you while identifying potential issues that can occur during pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
In addition to good maternal prenatal care, it’s also important to prepare for your baby’s health care once it arrives. The best way to do that is to schedule a meet-and-greet visit with our team.
During this visit, we provide you with important information about health screenings, immunizations, and medical testing that occur in the first hours, days, and weeks after your baby’s birth. Knowing what your baby needs ahead of time helps you plan and prepare in key ways while building peace of mind.
Your meet and greet visit is also a great time to ask questions and receive information about baby care, vaccinations, breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, sleep routines, and developmental milestones during your baby’s first year. Sharing your family medical history helps our team provide guidance and support geared specifically toward your baby’s needs.
Finally, a meet and greet visit helps you get comfortable with our office and our team, building trust and rapport that helps you feel more confident and supported as a parent.
Scheduling a meeting before your baby arrives is just one more way to make sure you do everything you can to prepare for your baby’s care once they’re born and throughout their childhood.
Even if you’re a seasoned parent, meeting with your child’s pediatrician ahead of time is a good way to feel prepared and relaxed once your new family member arrives. Book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists at your earliest convenience.
