Thinking about parenthood
Giving life is powerful. You may be thinking about what a new baby
might mean to you. You may be wondering whether the journey to parenthood
is one you want to take. It is time to think about what is important
to you, and how you will help your baby make sense of the world.
Fitting babies into your circle of life
We are all born into a community that shapes how we think talk and
act. This often affects what we believe about families, health and
pregnancy. Even within a community, there are different ways of doing
things. You might feel the same as your partner about who should care
for children, yet your neighbours seem to have another plan that works
well for them. This is the time to discuss your thoughts and feelings
with your partner.
What about relatives?
Your baby will inherit characteristics from your family and the family
of your partner. Whose nose will the baby have? What colour will his
or her eyes be? Your relatives can help you celebrate your growing
family, and can provide important support and information once the
baby arrives.
Before pregnancy, think about your family and the family
of your partner. Could there be any genetic concerns? In your family
and your partner’s
family history are there any birth defects, disabilities, or illnesses
that could be passed on to a future baby? If you have concerns, talk
to a genetics counsellor.
|
