I am 9 Months Pregnant

BABY TIME
Your 9th month of pregnancy
Helpful information from Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center 
 
BREAST VS. BOTTLE
By:  Jamie Jeffrey, MSN, APRN, CPNP

There are many considerations when deciding whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby.  Breastfeeding has many advantages and is the best source of nutrition for your baby.  Breast milk provides nutrients, hormones, and proteins that are essential for growth, brain development and digestion.  Not only does human milk provide all the protein, sugar, fat, and vitamins your baby needs to be healthy, but also it has special benefits that formulas cannot match.  It reduces the risk of ear infections, allergies, vomiting, diarrhea, and asthma.  Breastfed babies experience fewer digestive problems than with formula; breast milk includes enzymes to aid digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Moms Benefit Too
There are also advantages for breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding helps the mother's uterus return to its normal size more quickly after delivery.  Breastfeeding mothers will lose weight more quickly, because the body burns more calories due to producing milk.  It also reduces the risk of breast cancer if you nurse for at least 3 months. Breastfeeding is convenient and costs nothing to make. Breast milk is readily available and does not need to be prepared. Breastfeeding also provides physical contact, warmth, and closeness, which help to create a special bond between a mother and her baby.

Even though breastfeeding is a natural process, it will take some time for you and your baby to become skilled at it. The first few days of breastfeeding may be frustrating with sore nipples due to incorrect latch-on and a baby that may have difficulty feeding initially.  Do not get discouraged; call your pediatrician for assistance.

Bottle Feeding
In some situations, your doctor may recommend bottle-feeding with formula rather than breastfeeding.  If you have some medical conditions, such as being infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B, bottle-feeding with formula can protect your baby from exposure to theses diseases through your breast milk.  Formula does provide an alternative in cases where it is not possible to breastfeed exclusively. Some mothers are affected by physical conditions that interfere with breast milk production such as insufficient development of the glands that produce milk. Breastfeeding is not advised while taking certain medication. Any medications you take while nursing should be approved by your physician.  

Jamie Jeffrey is the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and breastfeeding educator at Pediatrics, P.C. in Lincoln.  She works in collaboration with Drs. Fletcher, Kinberg, Koch, Shriner, and Walsh.


YOUR BODY PREPARES FOR BIRTH
It's taken nearly 9 months to reach this point in your pregnancy. Your body has grown and changed. You may have experienced some of the common discomforts of nausea, backache, indigestion. Now, as you prepare for the birth of your baby, your body, too, is undergoing additional changes.
You may experience some of these symptoms:

  • Increased false labor contractions
  • Leaking fluid
  • Bloody show
  • Lightening
  • Shortness of breath
  • Urinary frequency
  • Nesting instinct
  • Burst of energy
At this point in your pregnancy, your primary job is to:
  • Stay primed and ready!
  • Watch for any warning signs
  • Keep phone numbers close by
  • Take naps
  • Eat light
  • Take walks
  • Practice breathing
  • Practice relaxation
  • Pack your bag
  • Take phone off of the hook for a nap!
  • Take time for fun
  • Enjoy this time in your pregnancy
  • Have a date with your spouse
  • If other kids-line up several options for childcare
  • Have a special activity with other children to let them know they are special, too!
  • Have your car seat checked for correct installation and safe use.

 

PACK YOUR BAGS!
While most pregnancies last for 40 weeks, full-term babies can be born anywhere from 37-42 weeks gestation. It's important that you stay relaxed and prepared.
Hospital Bag suggestions:
For labor:

  • Pad and pencil
  • Childbirth manual
  • Focal point(picture/stuffed animal)
  • Talcum powder/lotion
  • Lip balm or lip gloss
  • Snacks for coach
  • Eyeglasses/contacts/solution
  • Sour candies or lollipop
  • Back labor aids
  • Camera, film, video camera, tapes, batteries
  • Insurance card information
  • Telephone calling card/ numbers
  • Hand held fan
  • Birth ball
  • Birth plan
For Postpartum:
  • Robe and Slippers
  • Panties/Bras
  • Nightgowns
  • Cosmetics/Hair care items
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Deodorant
  • Loose going-home clothes
  • Birth announcements
  • Stamps/stationery items/addresses
  • e-mail addresses
  • Books and magazines
For Baby:
  • Car seat (assembled and ready for your car or already checked by a technician.)
  • Going home outfit
  • Blanket
  • Diaper bag
  • Baby book
For Siblings:
  • A picture they color for mom's room
  • A "Big Brother/Big Sister" T-shirt
  • A gift from them to the baby
  • A gift from the baby to the sibling
  • A favorite book that your child likes you to read to them


 Other helpful information


Baby Blues-or Postpartum Depression?

Planning for an unexpected birth

Safety-warning signs during pregnancy

Importance of Dad