5 Tips on Having the Birth You Want
Note: Any information provided by me, or on this blog, should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, any information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional. The authors and publishers of this blog are not liable for any damages or negative consequences that may arise from relying on the information presented here.
Giving birth was one of the best days of my life and I hope it will be amazing for you too!
Here are some tips on planning for the birth you want. Just remember to be flexible and try to care for yourself and your baby as best you can.
- Take a birthing class so you know what your body is going to go through.
- We took an online birthing class in one night. (I recommend the Pampers online course because it’s straightforward but thorough.)
- This will help you with understanding contractions, pushing, pain management, etc.
- Write and print your birth plan.
- This is where you would write your name, who will be accompanying you during the birth, if you wanted an epidural, and your plans for pain management during and after the birth.
- Bring this to your OB/GYN on one of your regular check up appointments to make sure that your wishes are compatible with your doctor’s recommendations.
- Pack your hospital bag by your 30 week mark.
- Get together a change of clothes, hygiene kits, and snacks for you and your partner.
- I recommend bringing adult diapers and hemorrhoid cooling pads for yourself as well.
- Your baby will just need a going home outfit because the hospital will provide enough diapers and wipes for your hospital stay and for heading home.
- Put all of that and a copy of your birth plan in a duffel bag that you can just grab and go when it’s time.
- Tour the hospital you’ll give birth in.
- Carsyn and I toured our hospital when I was around 30 weeks pregnant. They showed us the entrance we’d use, the rooms I’d deliver and recover in, and the NICU just in case.
- This will help you feel more at ease when you do go in for the birth because you already know what the rooms will look like and where to go when it’s time.
- Decide on how you want to document your birth experience.
- My amazing sister-in-law, Makenzie, took my birth photos and I am so grateful that she did. I love the photos and it’s nice to be able to look back and remember just because that day flew by so quickly.
- You can hire a photographer or ask a friend or family member to capture key moments, like the nurse’s chart, parents holding baby for the first time, and cutting the cord. You can also ask the nurses if they can take photos.
Hope this helps you feel more prepared for one of the best days of your life. Sending you love, luck, and healing for you and your baby.
Cover Photo by @makenziejamiasphoto on Instagram
