When I was newly pregnant, I wish people would have helped me to think about a few important things. I did a lot of research, but 33 years ago information wa a little harder to connect with. This post is inspired and informed by a nurse who eagerly researches all aspects of childbirth and who quit her profession because of her passionate beliefs on vaccination and circumcision. This list might not be ALL you need to think about when you are preparing for a precious new baby, but it’s a great start!

• Question everything & research everything. Especially medical procedures meant to make money. Question Vaccines, Vitamin K shots given at birth, eye ointment and any routine medical procedure recommended for you or your baby.
• Delay cord clamping until it stops pulsating. From 3 to 30 minutes or more. There is no need to discuss this, just put it in your birth plan and let them know it is what you want. However, since the doctor is the authority in the delivery room, it works best to have the doctor understand and assent to your request in advance. Make sure you both have the same definition of “delayed.” For some doctors ‘delayed’ might mean 1 minute. Remember, the hospital staff is eager to ‘turn’ the room ASAP so they may likely say, “delayed cord clamping is not necessary.” BUT IT IS. That is YOUR baby’s blood! http://www.vaccinationinformationnetwork.com/how-early-umbilical-cord-clamping-damages-babies-brains/
• Say No to bath. Don’t let them bathe your baby. Rub the healthy vernix into the skin. Bathe at home later. Put this in your birth plan. Especially don’t allow a bath that could interfere with mom/baby bonding and skin-to-skin.
• Breastfeed. Every ounce is gold and sets your baby up for lifelong health. Skin to skin with baby immediately after birth and keeping close continually will help you succeed. A baby is born to breastfeed and offering early and often will help your milk supply. If you have pain with breastfeeding, GET HELP from an experienced mom or ask to see the free lactation consultant at the hospital as many times as you need. Your body was made to nourish your offspring. You CAN do this.
• Continue breastfeeding for a minimum of 2 years or until you are BOTH ready to wean. Ignore everyone’s snooty remarks. The average age of weaning worldwide is 2 to 7 or more years worldwide. You can breastfeed as long as you both want to – and if it bothers members of your family, they need to be educated!
• Understand the Value of the Foreskin; keep your sons intact. Research information on the functions of the foreskin, not just circumcision. 68% of babies are kept whole in the USA and 91% in Canada because people are researching and realizing it is an unnecessary cosmetic surgery and extremely detrimental to his future sex life and future partners. More babies die from complications from this social surgery which removes a healthy normal body part, than will ever need a circumcision later on in life. Here’s a couple links for more info on circumcision:
  • ‪http://www.drmomma.org/…/functions-of-foreskin-purposes
  • ‪http://www.askdrsears.com/…/whether-or-not-circumcise
  • Watch this 33 minute video called Child Circumcision: An Elephant in the Hospital by Ryan McAllister, PhD, is a parent, a biophysicist, an Assistant Professor of Physics and Oncology at Georgetown University.
  • Here’s a great Facebook page to follow to learn more.

Remember, it is YOUR baby. Every single decision you make, or allow, can have a long-term consequence, and you are the only one who will have to live with it and be responsible for the outcome. I pray for ABUNDANT HEALTH for both YOU and YOUR BABY!

More thoughts for pregnant people… Please feel free to add any questions you have in the comments below. I don’t have all the answers but maybe I can point you to some great resources.

• Thinking About Babies? Great info to help you BEFORE you conceive.
• Flu Shots in Pregnancy? Will a flu shot protect my baby?
• Vaccines in Pregnancy? Really??? Why is there such a push to give pregnant women vaccines now? When and why did this policy start? Who do I believe?
• No Advice Please Most pregnant moms don’t really want advice. I understand that. I’ve raised five children. Consider this information, not advice.
• Essential Questions. Every pregnant mom has questions. These are some of the most essential questions you could ask and search for the answers.
• An Impassioned Plea. This is just my heart to yours. I consider you as important as a cherished daughter. I truly only want your good and blessings on your life.

Author: Becky Hastings, wife, mother, grandmother, passionate follower of Jesus Christ and truth seeker, especially in the areas of health and children. Facing a world quite different from the one in which I grew up, I seek to research and understand the true route to health, freedom and joyful family living!