Pregnancy is one of the most transformational, life changing experiences that a person will ever go through. As a new mother you can already feel this intuitively, and it may make you feel completely calm, or possibly very anxious and confused because of all of the decisions you're already having to make, like what the deal with aspirin? What does it mean if your baby is "breech"?
Luckily there are a few specific things you can do now to stop feeling overwhelmed and instead to feel like you can take on the world.
Some years ago, it was common for expecting parents to take childbirth classes. In fact, some hospitals wouldn’t let you register with them if you hadn’t taken a class first. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven culture, however, many forgo classes altogether in exchange for 30-second videos and Google searches. However, education is so incredibly important in helping you feel calm and ready. You will find in-person classes at your hospital, or online classes like the ones we offer at Mahmee. A great class doesn’t only tell you to breathe, it makes it clear what is happening in your body, what your options are and how to access them. It prepares you to make well-informed decisions in labor and postpartum recovery because when you finally arrive at that moment, so many things will be happening that you will likely feel very overwhelmed.
Planning to have a doula? This can go a long way in helping you feel prepared. Our team at Mahmee made something we call the “Doula Go Bag” which are meant to be hands-on tools for doulas working with moms. This includes items like a TENS unit, ambient lighting options, essential oils, and even visual aids for birth education. All of this is intended to make you feel confident and grounded, and like you are 100% supported.
There are many things you can do to make your birthing experience calming, and you can start planning these things well in advance. Thinking about things like music, mood lighting, even the smell of the room, or accessories like having your favorite pillows or blankets can make all the difference - and having them ready to go will help you feel like you’ll have more control over the experience. For example, is there a face serum that you love to use that you know will make you feel calm when the time comes? Or would you like the room to smell like lavender? Be sure to plan and pack everything you need in your bag long before you start having contractions.
Planning who is in the room with you when you give birth matters a great deal too. You’ll want to select partners (such as your partner or doula or family members) who will understand and support your goals. Be around those who “get it” and provide you a support system emotionally, physically and mentally. If you don't plan in advance, you may have unexpected visitors or folks who you just don't want in the room with you, which won't make your birth experience any better. In fact, it may just stress you out.
There’s the general expectation that a doctor or nurse will walk you through all you need to know when that time comes. But reality is a different story: you'll be dealing with overwhelmed providers, shoehorned appointments, and a lot of information to take in, which leave a lot of first-time parents walking into the birthing room feeling anxious. But if you take the time to prepare yourself and your family, it will go a long way to helping you feel like you’ve got this. Because you do!
