3 Things to Do Before Giving Birth
Of all the ways you can prepare for birth, there are 3 things to do before giving birth that we think take priority. At The Jax Baby Company, we’ve worked with hundreds of expectant parents and new families. As a professional who works day in and day out with new families, I want to share some insight with you!
3 Things to Do Before Giving Birth:
Take a Comprehensive Childbirth Class
More times than not when working with individuals who have previously given birth, they say that before birth they felt prepared. However, after birth, they say they wish they would’ve prepared in other ways. It’s a reoccurring theme. Parents tell us they took a childbirth class, BUT wish they knew to take a class that prepared them for the unexpected twists (that inevitably) birth threw their way.
“In the hypno-class I took, they said I could dial down the intensity using hypnosis, but that method didn’t work for me and after that, I didn’t know what to do.”
“I gave them my detailed birth plan, but I didn’t really get anything I wanted.”
“We didn’t really understand the process of birth or what happens after birth. I knew less than I thought I did about dilation, contractions, and pushing, but the instructor didn’t want to “scare us”. She withheld valuable information.”
They didn’t know what they didn’t know to ask. And they took a childbirth class!
Comprehensive research-based classes will teach you the process of birth, the variations of birth, assisted and unassisted tools for comfort, pharmacological options, and alternative options for pain reduction. A great class won’t focus on one way of birth being superior to another. For example “natural birth” outcomes over medicated birth outcomes. A great class will teach you communication and decision-making skills specific to childbirth and parenting.
The Confident Birth and Parenting Class teaches all of that.
It also helps you discover what “satisfying” means to you, and that not all birth partners want to be a birth coach! We break down the science behind birth in a fun and informative way that will stick! We offer something unique for all birthing people and their partners if they have one! Anyone and everyone has the ability to come away feeling confident and empowered!
Line Up Help for After Birth
Preparing now to have help for a minimum of six to twelve weeks after your baby is born is equally, if not more important than preparing for the birth itself! While we recommend your birth plan (if you have one) be short and sweet we recommend the opposite for your postpartum plan.
To put it into perspective for you we recommend a birth “plan” be no longer than one front page. The emergency plan on the back no longer than 1/2 of a page. But each family we work with gets a 20-page outline to use to for their postpartum planning!
A detailed postpartum plan will cover all aspects of your postpartum period. From meals and chores to hands-on accurate assistance and much, much more. If there is ever a time in your life where you should be surrounded with all the support it’s now!
Employ help! Immediately following the birth of your baby and for two or three days after you have hands-on help from amazing maternity nurses. Someone there to help you get around, initiate feedings, and change diapers. A black belt at swaddling who bringing you meals, checks on you to see how you feel, gives you your meds, and reminds you it’s been x number of hours since x, y, and z.
Imagine the peace if mind you’d feel bringing one of these angels home with you?!
THAT’S WHAT WE DO!
Our team here at The Jax Baby Co. also helps you feel human again by taking great care of your baby while you shower and get much-needed sleep. We assist with feedings, both breast, and bottle. In short, we’re like an expert parent guide or a wingman for the new parents. We offer practical help and guidance as you adjust to parenting and find what works for you!
Learn As Much As You Can About Carseat Safety & Follow the Guidelines
There are only a few things in life that are unforgiving. Car accidents often end tragically when children are involved. We love babies and families! We can’t not share on this topic! Every parent I’ve spoken with has appreciated my knowledge on this matter! While we truly believe there is no right or wrong way to birth or parent your children here at The Jacksonville Baby Company, the research shows there IS a right and wrong way to install and use carseats.
Some of the most common mistakes we see are incorrect harness position, straps too loose, chest clip incorrectly positioned, seat not installed into the car correctly, aftermarket products being used on/with the seat, and of course turning a child to forward-facing too soon. Many of these things seem harmless enough, but they can be fatal mistakes. The American Academy of Pediatrics just released a statement with new guidelines urging parents to keep their kids rear-facing for as long as possible. We want your babies to be as safe as possible whilst traveling so you can enjoy and love on them for all the days of your lives! Here is a great resource for all things car seat safety-related, including where you can find a car seat technician in your area!
May this list of 3 things to do before giving birth be as helpful to you as our classes are to expectant parents!
Happy Birth & Parenting!
From
