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Giving Birth during the Holidays

How to give birth, cope with the stress and still enjoy the holidays!

Dec 14, 2006 Brenda Lane

Having a due date during the holidays can be stressful. Find ways to cope and manage your time while enjoying your family during the holidays.

If you are due any time between the middle of December and the middle of January, you know there is a distinct possibility that you could be in labor or give birth on any of several major holidays during the winter months. The holiday season is stressful enough without having to worry about adjusting to a new baby!

Here are some helpful tips as you prepare to bring home your new baby during the holiday season:

Do as much of your shopping online to avoid crowds and long lines.
Consider giving gift cards to family and friends to make shopping easier on you.
There are certain days to avoid scheduling an induction - one is the last weekday that falls right before Christmas and the others are December 30th and 31st. These will be guaranteed busy days on the labor and delivery floors. Chances are high that you will not get as much attention or help. Read more about this on my blog.
Consider an alternate celebration date with your family if you are in labor or in the hospital on major holidays.
The baby is most susceptible to colds and viruses in the first 6 weeks so be cautious to expose the baby in the early weeks to a lot of young children (who are notorious germ carriers!)
If you expect any out-of-town guests, put them to work running errands and doing housework or preparing meals for you whether you are still pregnant or have a newborn in the house.
If your body needs some nudging into labor, try some natural ways to induce your labor.

Remember that above all, you and your baby come first. No doubt that the holidays are a special time of year, but your time in quiet preparation for birth or adjusting to parenthood is even more important. There is always another holiday right around the corner.

One year I was so busy and stressed that I couldn't get out any Christmas cards. Instead I sent out Valentines' cards. Everyone loved it.

What are some ways you are coping with being pregnant or having a new baby during the holidays? Tell us.

The copyright of the article Giving Birth during the Holidays in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Giving Birth during the Holidays in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.