Being in the middle of a disaster is already stressful enough, but it’s even worse when you have young children as a new mother to look after or you are expecting.
Without the proper preparation, you’ll have no choice but to leave the safety and survival of your family in the hands of the authorities.
In this article, we’re going to give you some simple tips that new or expecting moms should follow to prepare for any disaster.
Special Care
Infants and pregnant mothers will have special needs during any disaster situation. Having the proper plan in place will ensure that you stay healthy and alleviate some of the stress emergency situations create.
The first thing you should do is be aware of the types of disasters that can occur in your area, know the specific emergency warning systems in your community, and be aware of shelters and evacuation routes.
You should also be aware that in a disaster situation, you may not be able to get to a hospital or even call emergency services. If you’re expecting, then you should talk with your doctor about the early signs of labor and be prepared in case of an emergency birth.
There are many classes that can prepare you for this kind of situation. It would also be wise to join a first aid class and learn basic CPR in case you have to administer it to one of your children.
Have a Clear Emergency Plan in Place
When making an emergency plan, it’s very important that you get everybody in your family involved so they can be aware of every step. You should also make sure that you have a clear emergency meeting place and emergency contact person.
Keep this plan somewhere that anybody can easily access it, whether it’s the babysitters or visiting grandparents.
In the case that emergency services are asking you to evacuate the premises, you should make sure that you have an emergency package ready with all the essentials.
If you don’t know what should be in your emergency pack, you can go on a site like Momwithaprep.Com.
If you’re directed to a shelter, you should also make sure to tell them right away that you’re expecting and go on with your habitual prenatal care. You should also let officials know if you have a child with special needs that needs special care.
Weather
We often forget how weather can impact our lives. Snow and ice can also lead to lengthy power outages so make sure you have a plan this winter in case of a power outage. Again, make the effort to be as prepared as you can.
Breastfeeding is Ideal
During emergencies, breastfeeding can be a literal lifesaver for your baby. Not only will it protect your infant from contaminated water, but there are actually calming hormones in breastmilk that can have a calming effect on your child.
If you can’t breastfeed or prefer not to, then you can always add formula in your emergency pack as an alternative.
Being prepared for any situation is essential, especially if you’re pregnant or have small children to attend to. Make sure that you follow the instructions in this article if you want to ensure your family’s safety in case of an emergency.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement.
We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally?Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I’ve accepted that I am where I am and that’s a good thing.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I have found that when I appreciate everything I’m in a good space. I need to be more mindful of my tolerance of others.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not onlywhat makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
I’m proud of living my dream of an alternative lifestyle on a small holding surrounded by animals. My dream is to make enough time to write and paint more.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I love peace and quiet and ironically that’s not so easy to achieve in a world filled with people.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my own space and my independence. Love my family, friends and my pets.
Photo by Ashton Mullins on Unsplash
