Heartland Fertility Omaha | Don’t Forget This Important Detail

Don’t miss the free customizable Birth Plan download included in this post!

You’ve dreamed of this moment your entire life.  Heartland Fertility Omaha has made your dreams reality.  You’re pregnant!  So many emotions and thoughts are flooding through your mind and heart.  Joy, elation, nervousness, disbelief.  While you are reeling from the incredible news that you are expecting a baby soon, take a moment to just enjoy the moment.  It’s here.  It’s happening.  When you’re ready, you can come back here and grab my top 7 tips for what to do now that you’re pregnant.  Number 4 is definitely not one that they told you at the clinic and definitely one that will mean more to you than most parents.

1. Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment

You may be way ahead of me and have already done this, but one of the first things you should do after confirming your pregnancy is to schedule your initial prenatal visit. This appointment is vital to assess your health, confirm your due date, and establish a care plan. Your healthcare provider will offer guidance on what to expect during your pregnancy, from regular check-ups to necessary screenings. In Omaha, Nebraska, you can find specialized clinics and medical centers like Heartland Fertility Omaha, equipped to support you through every stage of your pregnancy.

Heartland Fertility Omaha

2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for a successful pregnancy. Focus on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to support your growing baby. Regular prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, are crucial to prevent potential birth defects. Stay hydrated and incorporate moderate exercise, like walking or prenatal yoga, into your routine. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that suits your needs and ensures your well-being throughout your pregnancy.

3. Begin a Pregnancy Journal or Blog

Documenting your journey can be a wonderful way to capture the emotions and milestones of your pregnancy. Start a journal or blog to record your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This not only provides a creative outlet but also creates a keepsake for you and your baby to look back on. These memories will become cherished stories that you can share with your child in the future.

4. Schedule Your Maternity and Newborn Photography Session

Preserving the moments of your pregnancy and early days with your baby through photography is a beautiful way to create lasting memories.  This pregnancy is a one time deal. This baby will only be born once, be small once, be 1 year old once.  There are no do overs or rewind buttons.  Our greatest gift to our children is to allow them to peek into the parts of their past and legacy that they are not able to remember.  These memories are so important and deserve far greater than a quick digital file shared on social media only to be forgotten within 24 hours.  These memories are a legacy and deserve heirloom attention.  Children have better self esteem when their parent’s proudly hang their images around their homes for everyone to see.  And the quality does matter.  We are talking about good, quality, flattering images….not just the embarrassing gas station snap shot from that one road trip.  I usually recommend that parents schedule their first year collective (maternity, newborn, 6 month, 1 year) within the first few months of finding out they are pregnant.

5. Prepare Your Home for the New Arrival

Heartland Fertility Omaha, I’m sure, has prepared you with many good things to do as you prepared your body for pregnancy.  The same concept can be applied as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.  Begin organizing and setting up your home to welcome your little one.  Or even better yet, hire a professional organizer to help you with this huge task! Create a comfortable nursery with essentials like a crib, changing table, and baby clothes. Make sure you have all necessary supplies, such as diapers, bottles, nursing supplies and a car seat. Preparing your home in advance will help you feel more organized and less stressed as your due date approaches.

Heartland Fertility Omaha

6. Research and Plan for Infant Care

Understanding the basics of infant care is crucial as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Research topics like feeding options, sleep routines, and baby-proofing your home. Consider attending parenting classes or workshops to gain knowledge and confidence in caring for a newborn. Being well-prepared will make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.  Consider interviewing nannies now.  This alone can be a daunting task as there are many “professionals” in any industry and it’s so important to vet them and make sure they truly are professional and will care for your little one as if it were their own.

7. Discuss Birth Plan and Preferences

It’s important to discuss your birth plan and preferences with your healthcare provider. Whether you see a Doctor or a Midwife, ensure that your provider is aware of your preferences and any specific concerns you may have. Make sure they are aware of every detail and consider hiring a doula to help advocate on your behalf when you are in labor.  Discuss pain management options, labor positions, and any special requests to help ensure that your birth experience aligns with your desires.  You can download my free customizable birth plan right HERE.

If you are a patient at Heartland Fertility Omaha you might also be interested in reading these helpful blog posts:

• Your Place, or Mine? | places to take pictures in Omaha
• Interior Design and Your Family Photographers Omaha NE
• The 3 Best Spas in Omaha NE for an amazing Prenatal Massage

Or check out my friend, Michele’s, post about being a Minnesota Professional Family Photographer that specializes in something close to my heart as well: tangible products from your photo sessions.

Virginia Schultz is a published Omaha newborn photographer specializing in motherhood storytelling and custom heirloom artwork for busy and stylish moms in the Omaha & Lincoln metro. From handmade albums to exquisite, museum-worthy frames, her passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Sarpy, Douglas, Cass, Landcaster, Saunders, Mills, Pottawattamie & Washington Counties including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Elkhorn, Boys Town, Bennington, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas.

You can see my work featured on the cover of the August 2022 magazine and the September 2022 magazine.