Congratulations! Now What?
So, you found out you’re pregnant! Whether you’re celebrating with your closest loved ones, or still in a state of shock, finding out that you’re expecting comes with a bag of mixed emotions. At a time when you’re not quite ready to share the news, you’re left feeling overwhelmed with all of the decisions that need to be made as you get closer to your due date.
You’ve heard both the good and the bad stories from your friends about childbirth, and you begin to wonder, “How do I make sure my experience is a positive one?” While there’s no right way to do things, here are a few things to think about when planning for your labor.
Step 1: Make an Appointment
While there are many doctors out there, now is the time to find an Obstetrician that you trust—and this isn’t always easy. Your doctor will be with you through your entire pregnancy and delivery, so it’s important that you’re able to have an open conversation with them. There’s nothing worse than feeling like just another patient. There are many decisions to make in preparation for your labor, and you’ll want to feel supported by your doctor in those choices.
If you don’t have a doctor in mind, it may be hard to know where to turn.
Your friends and family are a good place to start! Do you have a friend who recently gave birth and loved her doctor? Or, maybe she didn’t have the greatest experience with her doctor. Narrowing down your choices is a step towards the right direction.
Your gynecologist might have some suggestions, too. If they don’t specialize in Obstetrics, they probably have a good idea of the local doctors who do. Not to mention, they know your medical history and may have someone in mind!
A local educator will have a few doctors that she’s worked with over the years and can recommend. Having educated many women through their pregnancy and delivery, she’ll have a good idea of the doctors who have left positive impressions on their patients.
Step 2: Research your Labor Options
Now that you’ve picked out an Obstetrician, you’ll want to begin to think about the type of labor that you’d like to have. We’ll dive more into creating a birth plan (and everything that goes along with that) in our next blog post, but it’s important to begin digging into the resources that are out there for expectant mothers.
Have you considered where you’d like to deliver your baby? It’s a choice that every couple has make as they near their due date. Many women think that giving birth at a hospital is their only option! But, you may find that a birthing center or home birth is right for you.
You’ll also want to think about who you’d like to have in the labor and delivery room. Have you always thought that it would be just you and your partner during this experience? Some women find comfort in hiring a doula or midwife to guide them through their labor.
During your research, you may find options out there that you didn’t know existed. Whatever decisions you make during this step, you’ll be happy knowing that you weighed all of your choices.
Step 3: Find an Educator
Having a good idea of your different options is just a start! As you make your way through your first and second trimester, you’ll want to feel fully prepared for your labor and delivery experience—and who better to turn to than a teacher?
Whether you sign up for a few classes at your local hospital, or join a class taught by a certified childbirth instructor in a more personal setting, having a few classes under your belt will empower you to be an advocate for the things you want in this experience. You’ll also be joined by other expectant couples you are going through this journey with you!
Not only will a class provide you information on the things to expect during the remainder of your pregnancy, but they will also touch on:
Labor techniques (breathing, positions, etc.)
Postpartum care
Breastfeeding
Baby care & family life
There’s nothing better than feeling like you and your partner are equipped with the knowledge and techniques to have a positive pregnancy. If you’re looking for a childbirth educator, I’d love to chat. You can fill out the contact form by clicking the button below, or check out our testimonials here.
“Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greatest fear.”