Social & Emotional Wellbeing »
Before Baby
What’s happening at this age?
Diapers, food and car seats… oh my! Your baby is on its way and taking time to prepare for this incredible time will make the experience more enjoyable. Some important things to consider for you and your family when getting ready for your baby’s arrival:
- Learn about the birth process,
- Find a doctor for your baby,
- Understand your workplace’s parental leave policies,
- Make sure you and your partner are on the same page in terms of raising a baby,
- Prepare your pets,
- Stock up on essentials like diaper supplies, clothes and baby gear,
- Have a plan in place for who will support you during the baby’s first weeks and childcare if you will be returning to work.
Don’t feel overwhelmed by this list, becoming a parent usually means that your life will change but it’s all in a positive way. This website will provide resources that will help you with the “Newborn Basics” as you begin your journey.
Major Milestones
There are many things to do and prepare before your little one gets home. Major milestones include:
Week 1-8
- Research insurance—how does it deal with pregnancy and children?
- Create some sort of financial plan to include parental leave and basic needs for baby
- First prenatal check-up between week 4-8
Week 9-16
- Share the exciting news with family and friends
Week 17-20
- Find out the baby’s sex
- Hear your baby’s heartbeat
- Feel your little one’s first kick
- Watch your belly start to grow
Week 21-28
- Find a pediatrician
- Register for birth classes
- If using a Doula, begin to hold interviews
- Prepare baby nursery
- Register for shower gifts
Week 29-36
- Make a birth plan
- Buy any baby items still needed
- Put car seat in vehicle and pack hospital bag
- Last day of work if you work outside the home
- Last week to fly safely at week 35
Preparing For Your Baby
Parental Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons, which includes the birth of a child. It’s important to know what you’re entitled by law and what your employer provides to expecting parents, both moms and dads.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Parental Leave
- What the State of Texas Says About FMLA
- Leave for Dads
- Parental Leave Checklist
Choosing Childcare
5 Steps:
- Start early
- Call upon the local Texas Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agency (TACCRRA) to give you facts about childcare in the San Antonio area. You can ask things like:
- What are the licensing requirements in San Antonio?
- How can I get information about complaints and licensing violations?
- Does my family qualify for childcare financial assistance?
- Visit and ask questions
- Adult to Child Ratio. For babies that ratio is 1:4 with four year olds that ratio changes to 1:10.
- Group size. The smaller the better.
- Caregiver qualifications. How long has your baby’s caregiver provided care?
- How long have the caregivers been there?
- Is this child center accredited Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)?
- Make a choice
- Recall each visit and make the safest, most reliable choice for your little one.
- Stay involved
- Partner with your child’s caregiver to provide the best care available for your baby by having meetings, volunteering at the child center and join special events.
Local Resources
Child Care Assistance from the City of San Antonio
The Child Care Services Program provides monetary help for child care to an average of 8,200 children per day through more than 750 local child care providers. Child care services are available for both full and part-time care for qualified families. Qualified families may encounter a wait period for service availability. To be eligible for CCS, individuals must meet certain criteria. Learn more >
Quality Childcare Guide
This downloadable brochure from the Child Care Services program has a list of steps to choosing the right care for your child, plus a checklist on what to look for when deciding whether that child care meets your quality standard. English | Español
Texas Child Care Solutions
Developed by the Texas Workforce Commission, the purpose of Texas Child Care Solutions is so provide parents access to accurate and consistent information to assist them in making informed choices to meet their child care needs. Learn More >
Health & Fitness
Thinking about having a baby anytime during your life? Then it’s time to start healthy habits. A healthy family means a healthy baby. Physical activity makes your body strong and healthy, and eating nutritious foods is important for the baby to grow and develop.
Exercise
During pregnancy, exercise can help you stay in shape and prepare for labor and delivery.
Alcohol & Smoking
Alcohol
Drinking during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Women are encouraged to talk with their obstetricians, pediatricians and other health care providers so they can not only understand the risks, but also make the best choice for the health of their baby.
Alcohol & Pregnancy >
Smoking
Many studies have shown that if a woman smokes or is exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy, her child may be born too early (prematurely) or be smaller than normal. Other effects caused by smoking during pregnancy may include:
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Depressed breathing movements while in the uterus
- Learning problems
- Respiratory disorders
- Heart disease as an adult
Going to the Doctor
Prenatal Appointments
Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.
Safety
Each year, children are injured by hazards in and around the home. There are many ways you can make your home and daily life safer for your baby. Despite your best efforts, accidents will happen, and it’s important to be prepared.
Car Seats
Car seats are crucial for baby’s safety during travel, but knowing how to properly install the seat and buckle up your child can be difficult.
Common Accidents
Even good parents can’t prevent every accident, but common accidents are easier to prevent if you know what to look out for.
Safety Devices
Many easy-to-find and low-cost devices can help prevent injury to young children in the home.
Food & Nutrition
The foods you eat during pregnancy can have a major impact on the development of your baby. Paying attention to nutrition, calorie consumption, foods to avoid, and keeping a healthy diet will help your baby develop strong and healthy.
What to Eat
When pregnant, a woman should consume about 300 more calories per day to help the baby grow. A balanced diet that is nutritious and healthy will do the most good to start your baby off with the advantage of health.
Breastfeeding
Providing for your baby’s nutritional needs are very important. If you are considering breastfeeding, these local resources can answer any questions you may have.
La Leche League of Texas
La Leche League of Texas can answer any questions you have:
texaslll.org/group/south-texas#anchor-8
Metro Health Baby Café
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you can come to Baby Café to learn, socialize, participate in social groups and receive breastfeeding counseling here:
www.sanantonio.gov/Health/HealthServices/BabyCafe.aspx
Breastmilk. Every Ounce Counts.
To find out why breastfeeding is important, visit:
www.breastmilkcounts.com
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
There are so many emotions running through your mind as parenthood approaches. From happy to sad and in between – many moms and dads before you have gone through what you are feeling.
Post Partum Depression
Even though your new baby is the biggest joy of your life, you may feel sad or unhappy, irritable, or discouraged for no apparent reason. These mood swings are often referred to as the “baby blues” and are attributed to Post Partum Depression caused by hormone changes in the woman’s body after birth.
First Time Parents
There are a lot of things to consider when having your first baby, but don’t worry! There are a lot of resources out there to help.