Congratulations! Having a baby can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. It’s normal for your body — and even your emotions — to go through many changes during pregnancy. It’s also normal to have plenty of questions about what to expect before and after your baby is born. We can help. This book will give you a look ahead at the most common changes and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and becoming a parent. To make it easier to find the answers you need, we’ve divided the book into five sections that follow the course of your pregnancy from the early days through birth and breastfeeding:
• Prenatal Care (before you give birth)
• Labor and Birth
• Postpartum Care (after you give birth)
• Newborn Care
• Breastfeeding
We hope this book will answer many of your questions during this special time. Of course, every person’s experience will be different. If you have any concerns about the health of you or your baby, be sure to share them with your health care provider. Having a baby can be easier when you have the support of people who know and love you. There will be ups and downs. There will be milestones to celebrate. We wish you every happiness as you and your baby start this new adventure together. See a word in purple text? You can look it up in the Glossary section beginning on page 158.