How to Protect Your Mental and Physical Health During Childbirth
Birth teaches us to be flexible. After over a decade of doula work, I’ve helped hundreds of clients hone in on what their biggest preferences are for their baby’s birthday. Over the years, I’ve reviewed all sorts of birth plans. Which are the most effective I’ve found so far? The one that is most specific - written by the client who has prepared ahead of time on potential interventions and common procedures, but can turn to a trusted advisor and discuss plans B and C. In birth, the best plan is one that informs the birth support team on how to help you succeed.
Learn evidence-based options for childbirth. Get my help in preparing your birth partner to become the advocate and hands-on support person that you will need to succeed and enjoy Birthday. I’ll share my sample birth plans and a simple easy guide to writing your own. Our first prenatal meeting will afford you plenty of time to raise any concerns about the upcoming birth with your care providers, discuss options for labor and delivery, and get answers to your specific questions.
Avoiding Overwhelm While Staying Safe and Healthy
Expecting a baby during a pandemic is concerning, to say the least. Taking the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe is paramount. But how does one prepare for the unknown?
Take some of your classes online. These include CPR through the American Red Cross, as well as a breastfeeding course. Be sure to enroll in a class that is LIVE and small so you can be sure to ask questions as they pop up.
Eliminate all unnecessary visitors for several weeks prior to and after birthday, especially if visitors must travel to you by plane. Make use of FaceTime, Facebook, and the good ol’ USPS to send notes and keepsakes.
Ask family and friends who wish to lend a hand in preparing for life with a new baby, to cook casseroles, bake breads and hearty soups, etc. so you can freeze these and use them as needed.
Have your resources on speed dial and don’t hesitate to call on them. These people include your doula, lactation specialist, pediatrician, therapist, bestie, and MOM. People truly want to help but don’t wish to give unsolicited advice so reach out should you need a shoulder or sage advice.
Stock up on baby items now. Have diapers in many sizes and/or some cloth diapers on hand just in case. Wipes, creams, soaps, etc.
Order your breast pump and make sure you have storage supplies now. Include bottles and pacifiers too. Get a few maternity/nursing bras and shirts, as well as pads, nursing pillows, and the like.
Request all care providers wear a mask when they are in the same room as you. This request should also be included in your birth plan to advise hospital employees of your wishes.
Be sure to carve out some time to enjoy your hobbies to unwind and have fun. May I suggest learning a new language? Baby sign language is easy to learn and teach to your baby. You’ll be amazed by the vocabulary they develop well before they are ready to use words and it helps minimize tantrums!
In the moment of bringing a new life into the world, a deep connection is etched in the hearts of all those who share in this sacred experience. It is a time of celebration, love, and boundless joy, as the world welcomes a new soul, and a family embarks on an enchanting journey of parenthood.
I’d love to help you along the way. Set a free consult with me now.