5 Essential Steps to Get Ready for Your Best Birth Experience
Written by Hollie Hauptly
Giving birth has been one of my greatest accomplishments in life. I look back on each of my births with such awe. The combination of education and support led to absolutely amazing birth experiences that changed my life. Inspired by this, I became a doula and childbirth educator. During my first pregnancy, I was lucky enough to have a friend recommend a local midwife to me. She delivered at the hospital and at the time I felt like that was a good option for me and my baby. My midwife recommended that my husband and I take a childbirth class that was taught by a local doula and as we learned more and more about childbirth, medical interventions, and different philosophies about birth, we were able to make decisions that helped us have a truly amazing birth experience. I very quickly realized that I wanted to become a doula and later a childbirth educator. I’ve been working with expecting families ever since.
For the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of expecting couples, guiding them through their pregnancy and birth. Through these experiences, I've discovered five essential things everyone should do to have a positive birth experience. They may sound simple, but they each are crucial. By focusing on these key steps, we can set ourselves up for a
positive experience instead of the scary, traumatizing stories we often hear from our peers. Let's dive into these five essential steps to help you prepare for your best birth experience.
#1 Carefully Choose Your Healthcare Provider and Birth Location
Choosing the right care provider and birth location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. Each time that I was pregnant, I spent a lot of time researching and meeting with different providers until I found one who shared my birth philosophy. I wanted a provider who respected my birth plan and supported my desire for a low-intervention birth.
This choice made a significant difference in my confidence and reduced my anxiety during labor and delivery. The right care provider and birth location can significantly influence your birth experience. A supportive provider will respect your birth plan and preferences, whether you aim for a natural birth with minimal interventions or plan to use medical pain relief options.
Conversely, a provider or location that does not support your birth plan can lead to unnecessary stress, interventions, and a sense of loss of control. Your comfort and trust in your birth team and environment play a critical role in how you handle labor and can influence your physical and emotional recovery post-birth.
Tips for Finding a Good Care Provider and Birth Location:
1. Research and Reviews: Start by researching potential care providers and birth locations. Read reviews from other parents and look for providers who have positive feedback on their support and approach to birth.
2. Ask Questions: During your initial consultations, ask about the provider’s philosophy on birth, their intervention rates, and their experience with the type of birth you want. Inquire about the policies and resources of the birth location, such as the availability of birthing tubs or the policy on movement during labor.
3. Ask Local Doulas and Childbirth Educators for Recommendations: These professionals often know the best providers in the area because they have attended births with many of them. They can provide valuable insights into which providers are supportive and align with your birth philosophy.
4. Tour Facilities: If possible, tour the birth locations you’re considering. Pay attention to the environment—does it feel welcoming and comfortable? Are the staff friendly and supportive?
5. Trust Your Instincts: Your comfort and gut feeling about the provider and location are essential. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t the best match for you.
It’s never too late to change your care provider if you feel that your current provider or birth location is not a good match. Your comfort and confidence in your birth team are paramount. If you encounter red flags—such as dismissiveness of your birth plan, high intervention rates, or a lack of support for your preferences—it may be time to seek a provider who better aligns with
your needs.
#2 Eat Well & Exercise
Maintaining a healthy whole-foods diet and staying active during pregnancy can profoundly impact your overall well-being, the health of your baby, and your birth experience. When I was pregnant, I noticed a significant difference in how I felt on days when I focused on eating nutritious meals and incorporating exercise into my routine. Not only did it help me feel more energetic and positive, but it also played a crucial role in keeping me healthy and low-risk throughout my pregnancy.
A balanced diet rich in whole foods provides essential nutrients that support your baby’s development and your body’s changing needs. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote a healthy pregnancy. Proper nutrition helps manage weight gain, reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other complications, and can contribute to a smoother labor and delivery by keeping you low-risk. Nutrient-dense foods provide the building blocks for your baby’s development.
For example, folate (found in leafy greens) supports neural tube development, while calcium (from dairy or fortified plant-based options) is essential for bone growth. Eating nutritious foods helps stabilize your energy levels and mood, making you feel better physically and emotionally. This can contribute to a more positive pregnancy experience.
Staying active during pregnancy also brings numerous benefits. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and strengthens muscles, which can help you handle the physical demands of labor and delivery more effectively. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being. Activities like prenatal yoga, swimming, and walking can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, swelling, and fatigue. They also promote better posture and flexibility. Staying active can improve your sleep patterns, making it easier to get the rest you need during pregnancy. Good sleep is essential for your overall health and the development of your baby.
Focusing on a healthy diet and regular exercise during pregnancy is an investment in your health and the well-being of your baby. These habits not only contribute to a smoother, low-risk pregnancy but also prepare your body for the demands of labor and delivery, setting the stage for a positive and empowering birth experience. Eating well and exercising can help you feel more in control and confident, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful pregnancy journey.
#3 See a Prenatal Chiropractor
Seeing a prenatal chiropractor during your pregnancy can be incredibly beneficial, not just for your comfort but also for your overall health and the smooth progression of your pregnancy and birth. I found that regular visits to a prenatal chiropractor helped alleviate some of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as back pain and pelvic misalignment, and contributed to a healthier and more comfortable experience. Prenatal chiropractors specialize in the care of pregnant women, using techniques that are safe and effective for both the mother and baby. One of the most renowned methods used by prenatal chiropractors is the Webster Technique. This technique focuses on aligning the pelvis and balancing the surrounding ligaments and muscles, which can reduce tension and create more space for the baby to move into an optimal position for birth. The Webster Technique is particularly beneficial if your baby is in a breech or other non-optimal position, as it encourages the baby to turn naturally.
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help maintain proper alignment of your spine and pelvis, reducing the likelihood of back pain, sciatica, and other pregnancy-related discomforts. A well-aligned pelvis also supports your body’s natural ability to have a smoother, less complicated labor and delivery. By reducing tension in the uterus and surrounding ligaments, chiropractic care can help improve nerve function, which is essential for both your health and the baby’s development.
Chiropractic care can help manage common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and swelling by improving overall body function and reducing stress on the nervous system. By keeping your body in balance, prenatal chiropractic care can enhance your overall sense of well-being, making you feel more comfortable and at ease throughout your pregnancy. This can contribute to a more positive and enjoyable experience.
If you’re considering seeing a prenatal chiropractor, it’s important to find one who is experienced and trained in caring for pregnant women. A great resource for finding a qualified prenatal
chiropractor in your area is the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Their website, www.icpa4kids.com, offers a searchable directory of chiropractors who are certified in the Webster Technique and other prenatal care methods.
#4 Take a Childbirth Education Class
Childbirth education is a crucial step in preparing for one of the most important days of your life. Taking a comprehensive childbirth class can make a world of difference in how you experience pregnancy, labor, and birth. It’s about equipping yourself and your partner with the knowledge and tools needed to approach birth with confidence and excitement, rather than fear and uncertainty. Many expecting mothers find themselves diving into books, articles, and online resources to learn as much as they can about birth. While this self-driven research is valuable, it often leaves partners less informed and less prepared. A quality childbirth class brings both partners together in the learning process, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. It empowers your partner with the knowledge and skills needed to support you effectively, turning them into a confident and active participant in the birth process.
A comprehensive childbirth class dives deeper into the stages of labor, pain management techniques, medical interventions, and the importance of relaxation. It explores birth plans, the role of your birth team, and the various options available to you. This thorough preparation helps you make informed decisions that align with your birth preferences and values.
Understanding your options is critical. Informed decision-making is a cornerstone of a positive birth experience. A good childbirth class will cover a wide range of scenarios, from natural birth methods to the use of epidurals, inductions, and cesarean sections. It will provide you with the pros and cons of each option, helping you to weigh them against your personal goals and circumstances. This comprehensive education allows you to approach your birth with a sense of empowerment and readiness, rather than feeling like things are happening to you without your input.
#5 Hire a Doula
Hiring a doula can significantly enhance your birth experience, providing you with continuous support and expert guidance. Doulas are trained professionals who offer physical, emotional, and informational support to you and your partner before, during, and after birth. Here are some key benefits of having a doula by your side:
Benefits of Hiring a Doula
● Continuous Emotional Support: Doulas provide consistent emotional reassurance, helping you stay calm and focused during labor. They offer encouragement, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of safety and security.
● Physical Comfort: Doulas use various techniques to help manage pain and discomfort, including massage, positioning, and breathing exercises. Their hands-on support can significantly reduce the need for medical pain relief.
● Communication: Doulas help facilitate communication between you, your partner, and your medical team. They ensure that your preferences and concerns are heard and respected, helping you make informed decisions.
● Reduced Interventions: Studies have shown that having a doula can lead to a decrease in the use of interventions, such as epidurals, inductions, and cesarean sections. Doulas support natural birth processes whenever possible.
● Partner Support: Doulas also support your partner, offering guidance and suggestions to help them feel confident and involved. This strengthens the bond between you and your partner during the birth experience.
● Postpartum Assistance: Many doulas offer postpartum support, helping you transition into parenthood. They can assist with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional adjustment, ensuring a smoother recovery period.
Finding and hiring the right doula involves several steps. Start by asking your care provider, friends, or family for recommendations and reaching out to local childbirth educators, as they often know reputable doulas. Schedule interviews with a few potential doulas to find the right fit, asking about their training, experience, philosophy, and what services they offer. Ensure that you feel comfortable and connected with your doula. Discuss your birth plan to ensure that your chosen doula understands and supports your wishes, working collaboratively with your care team to help you achieve the birth experience you desire.
Preparing for birth is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your baby. By focusing on these five essential steps, you can set the stage for a positive, empowering birth experience. By taking these steps, you're not only preparing for one of the most significant days of your life, but you're also fostering a strong foundation for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as you welcome your new baby. Embrace this journey with confidence, knowing that you have the tools and support needed to create a memorable and life-changing birth experience.
