Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Alongside the excitement, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions—nervousness, curiosity, and maybe even a little worry. With so much advice and information coming at you from all directions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So, where do you start? Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to take as you prepare for your pregnancy and birth journey.
1. Identify Your Provider and Birth Setting
One of the first decisions to make is where you’ll deliver your baby. Many parents opt for a hospital birth, but if you’re low-risk and interested in a more low-intervention, physiologic birth, consider a birth center or home birth. Your choice of provider—an OB/GYN or a midwife—will depend on factors like proximity, their philosophies on care, and your personal preferences. A doula can be an invaluable resource in helping you explore these options and find the best fit for your needs.
2. Assemble Your Support Team
Who will support you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey? While family and friends may play key roles, consider hiring perinatal professionals like lactation consultants, birth doulas, or postpartum doulas. Birth is an intimate experience, so it’s important to set boundaries about who you allow into your birth space. Ask yourself: will they respect my birth plan, advocate for me, and offer comfort or assistance as needed? Doulas are especially skilled at taking on these responsibilities, allowing others to focus on emotional support.
"This being our first child, I wanted to look into having a doula present at the birth from the start. The idea of someone being there to advocate for my needs, and to enable my husband to focus solely on my comfort during labor, was huge for us. Edoukou went above and beyond before the birth of our child to educate and empower us both - she provided us with exercises to enact during each stage of labor, what to be on the lookout for during early labor, and made it clear that should we need her postpartum, she would be there to provide whatever level of support we needed. During my early labor, it was so reassuring for my husband to check in with her. Once we were at the hospital and I was in the throes of contractions, Edoukou made me feel comfortable, helped me focus on my breathing, and helped me switch positions during the hours-long process" - Sarah + Jameson
3. Take a Childbirth Class
Childbirth classes are a fantastic investment, offering education and practical tools to help you prepare for labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. These classes provide insight into the stages of labor, pain management techniques, and postpartum care while empowering you and your partner to feel confident about the birth process. They also encourage partners to actively participate, learning techniques like massage and breathing exercises to support you during labor.
4. Create a Birth and Postpartum Plan
Crafting a birth plan allows you to clarify your preferences and communicate them to your healthcare provider. It’s an excellent way to prepare for discussions about hospital protocols, pain relief options, and possible interventions. Remember, flexibility is key—a birth plan serves as a guide, not a rigid checklist. Being open to adjustments can help you navigate unexpected changes while maintaining a sense of control. Doulas and childbirth educators can help you create a realistic and personalized plan that ensures your voice is heard.
By taking these steps, you’ll feel more empowered and prepared to embrace your pregnancy and birth journey. Remember, this is your experience! Ready to explore more ways to feel more informed and empowered during birth? Let’s connect.
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