10 Talks You'll Want to Have Before Baby Arrives

From Babyzone.com

By Jacqueline Rupp
You might have the layette planned, the diaper bag already packed, and your car seat installed in anticipation of your new arrival, but sometimes it's easy to forget the less obvious details. The more planning you do before Baby, the less you'll have to think about in those first few hectic weeks. Aside from all the physical prep work, becoming mentally prepared for your new addition can benefit you later. Addressing these topics now will save you from a lot of unexpected stress and conflict later on.

"There is no way to truly prepare for the birth of a child, except to expect the unexpected," says Fay. "Expect your heart to explode with emotion in ways you have never anticipated; expect to be more tired than you ever thought humanly possible; expect times of genuine sadness even in the midst of this greatest joy, as one life chapter ends and another begins. Expect to grow and change and be willing to do things for your child you would never do for yourself. Expect it to change every day, every minute, and remember what a huge responsibility and blessing it is all at once." Fay adds that most importantly, don't expect everything to be perfect. When children are concerned, inevitably someone's feelings will be hurt or someone's expectations may not be met. "New parents can't please everyone, but they can handle delicate situations with open communication and understanding, while always remembering that they, as the new family, are the first priority."

Read the full article which addresses these topics:

Money and Budget
The Birth Plan
Circumcision
Recovery Room and At-Home Visitors
Parenting Style
Maternity Leave
Your Pediatrician
Childcare for Siblings
The Division of Labor
Future Work Plans