Pregnancy for Dummies Tip Sheet
Ten ways to get the best from your midwife or doctor:
Understand that time is money
Remember that knowledge is everything
Use communication as a key
Ask lots of questions
Keep in regular contact
Regard honesty as the best policy
Do your own research
Convey your appreciation
If in doubt get a second opinion
Planning life after birth:
Accept al offers of meals and help. If someone asks you what they can do, give them a task
Limit the number of visitors you have. When they arrive let them help themselves
Have realistic expectations of yourself - don't try to be a super-mum
Plan to have some child-free-time on a regular basis, even just a short break of one or two hours. Enlist the help of a partner, family, friend or childcare professional
Get plenty of rest while baby is asleep - rest is more important than doing housework
Encourage your partner to participate in caring for the baby
Plan to participate regularly in an enjoyable adult activity, such as taking a long hot bath, watching a movie, reading or listening to music
Nurture your relationship with your partner - spend time each day together
Put your baby in a pouch or sling when you want to do things when the baby is awake
Prepare meals and freeze them in advance for after the birth. After the baby is born always cook double quantities and freeze half. That way, you always have emergency meals in the freezer
Complete important tasks early in the day - before the baby's unsettled period
Seek out other mothers with young babies - they can be a great support and they provide adult stimulation
Accept that, at times, you're likely to feel emotional, exhausted and ambivalent about being a mother - and these feelings are normal
Realise that adjusting to being a mother comes with time
What to do if you feel you are being discriminated against at work:
Discuss your concerns with your manager
If this approach is unsatisfactory, take your concerns to upper management or human resources
If you continue to feel discriminated against you can approach: Anti-discrimination boards, The Australian Industrial Relations Commission, Community Legal Service, The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Workplace Unions.
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