Responsible Parenthood

1.) Proper Nutrition => the health of the pregnant woman depends to great extent on the food she eats. The diet of the pregnant woman is increased. She should eat more fruits, vegetables and food rich in protein, but less in carbohydrates.

2.) Observe Proper Hygiene => daily bathing is necessary to prevent excessive perspiration.

3.) Sufficient Rest and Sleep => a pregnant woman should have enough rest and sleep, especially at night.

4.) Regular and Moderate Excercise => walkking is the best excersice for a pregnant mother.

5.) Moderate Sexual Activity => martial relations are allowed up to eight months of pregnancy.

6.) Dental Care => it is important and must be given due attention because the calcium content of the mother's body decreases during pregnancy.

7.) Clothing => the mother should wear comfortable, loose, simple and protective clothes

Health Care During Pregnancy

1.) It prevents conditions that threaten the life of both mother and baby, such as toxemia, miscarriage, premature birth and anemia.

2.) It ensures birth to a normal and health infant

3.) The demand of pregnancy may result to illness or even death unless proper and continuous care is given.

4.) The mother and the family feel secure that the health and development of the fetus is being monitored.

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Preparations Before and After Child Delivery

There are things to be prepared before and after the baby is born. After birth, additional needs may be added. Due to modern technology, parents can easily detect the gender of the expected baby and they can prepare the right motif for the baby's room and personal belongings.

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Before Delivery

The baby must have a crib of it's own and, if possible, it's own room. The rooms should be quiet, clean and well-ventilated.

If you do not have a spare room, put the crib in a spot where the baby can sleep in peace and away from drafts. Provide a firm mattress, rubber sheet, fitted sheets, cotton blankets and a chest of drawers.

Supplies Needed Before Delivery

1.) Baby's layette and supplies

In selecting the above materials, the following should be considered:

=> Materials should be soft and washable
=> Light colored
=> Without outside seam
=> Not starched
=> Simple
=> Clean
=> Loose

2.) Miscellaneous supplies

=> Bath Apron
=> Face Towles
=> Oil cloth and rubber sheet
=> Crib blankets that are not loose
=> Basin
=> Bath towels
=> Crib sheets
=> Covered pail
=> One woven mattress

After Delivery

1.) Tray supplies

=> Anti-colic nipples
=> 3 cases of pure mild soap
=> 1 hat or bonnet
=> Absorbent cotton
=> 2 dozens safety pins
=> Mineral or baby oil

2.) Nursing supplies

=> Jar of boiled or mineral water
=> Air pot or hot water
=> Jar of cotton swabs
=> Table
=> Baby's carriage/ stroller
=> Carrier
=> Sterilizer
=> Jar for nipples
=> Baby's crib
=> Clothes hanger
=> Playpen
=> Toilet seat

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Advantages of Hospital and Home Delivery

A mother can deliver in the hospital or at home. This will always depend on the doctor's advice, the financial capacity of the family and the place of residence.

Hospital Delivery

1.) The hospital has trained nurses to take care of the baby and the mother.

2.) The hospital setup includes provisions for emergency.

3.) The mother is sparred from doing household chores and duties during her confinement.

4.) The family members are spared from being mobilized during delivery.

5.) The husband is not preoccupied with attending to the mother and the baby.

6.) The mother learns how to care for the baby.

7.) The mother is assured of postnatal care.

Home Delivery

1.) The mother can be close to her family during this special moment.

2.) It is more economical than the hospital.

3.) Some mothers and fathers want their babies to be with them after giving birth.

Submitted to: Ms. Micel Caadan
Submitted by: Marian Caitlin Mendoza
III - Dalton