It is so common that pregnant couples are SO busy. I understand that. Lots of things to do at work to make sure you can get away for a while when the baby arrives, as well as things to get ready at home for your new arrival. How can you fit birth preparation into this busy time? i have you Let’s discuss it!
Stop being so rigid
I think most of us (including me with my first baby) are thinking — Okay, I have to schedule this lesson at the hospital.
You see, it’s Tuesday nights from 6-9 which when you add in driving there, parking (UGH, hospital parking), driving home and feeling exhausted from a long day. It can be A LOT.
The good news is that many birth classes are now available on demand. There may be some through your hospital.
But I think it’s really good to find a class that is NOT with your hospital.
So, I would look at options.
Here are a few posts with some favorites:
This hospital class can be tempting, and some are GREAT (I taught for my hospital). BUT couples are so hungry, tired and often can’t both come to the sessions let alone take notes…it’s just not always possible. Check out your other options!
DO YOUR JOB
While a lesson is great, some from birth just think what you you want for your upcoming birth.
BTW, a good birth class should NOT tell you what to do must desire for birth. Neither option is right for every couple. Getting on a good birth plan with a specialist can help a lot with this. I’ve got a free series of maternity plans that I think you’ll love (bonus: it’s super quick)
Look for the Right Time
So often I see courses with about 15+ hours of content on your upcoming birth. And I, even though I do this for a living, I want to die in this thought. It’s overwhelming!
The thing is, you’re only there for the basicsand then apply it to your situation going to prenatal visits, learning to ask the right questions, etc.
You’re not looking to learn how deliver a baby or memorize the chemical composition of oxytocin. You are there to learn the basics. Hire your provider as an expert!
Personally, I think this can be done inside 3-4 hours. Beyond that, you’re looking for a lot of practice for natural pain management techniques. And while that’s awesome, it’s something you can do on your own while you’re in the car or waiting for an appointment.
Book Club It
For some of you, you may not be planning on having someone come to your birth with you. However, most of you probably have a partner in it with you (whether it’s your dad, mom or a friend/spouse/partner).
The good news is that you can book the club.
Yes, I mean have some amazing snacksbut the idea here is that you kind of take a section, get the high points, and report back.
Maybe more like a group project than a book club — but book club sounds like more fun. You just each take what you got from a part of the learning, share and discuss.
This can significantly reduce your preparation time….
With a note of caution:
Many couples just leave this up to the birthing person — as if it’s her job to watch the whole class and then report back. I personally think this is a bad habit. Both must participate and learn. It starts you off on the right foot. Make sure you have a course for it both from you.
Key Points Only
Looking for just the sharp notes of birth. I understand you and I see you. I am you in much of my life. 🙂
That’s why I recommend this class that only has a main points section. It will highlight what you really need to know. Couples love it.
If time together is minimal, many of them shut down the meat of the class and then watch these basic videos together.
What NOT to do:
It can be tempting to do things like:
- Just follow some social media channels
- Ignore it completely
- Consider that your doctor has the time to prepare you for appointments
- Focus only on baby preparation (like cute clothes and baskets)
I’m here to say it’s a recipe for birth trauma…
It may feel “good” to have tracked things down on social media, but it’s so important to miss the important parts that way – leaving you to do a “no one ever told me” about birth – when in reality, you didn’t seek out the right sources and ultimately only need yourself in it. Plus, it’s hard to know what’s “true” on social media and what myths you’re learning. You want the REAL deal from an expert!
Ignoring it can also breed false confidence. It is an important part that you need. Don’t ignore it!
Doctors No you have time to give you the basics and apply it to you on dates. I prefer to spend my time with an expert applying the basics (which I can learn in many places) to my situation.
It’s very easy to think that you just have to prepare for baby to come home, but learning about 3rd trimester exams, labor, delivery, and delivery will be the greatest gift you give yourself. Much more than cute clothes or some important baby gear that you might only end up using a few times.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 I love, love, love that you’re getting ready here — but I have to ask if your partner is just as ready for how different things are going to be. If you think you want to prepare both, I recommend this. Check it out!
The good news is that there are many ways to prepare for your upcoming birth. We used to only have these evening classes, but now you can fit childbirth preparation into your mornings, evenings, or weekends—and possibly even take more was thus prepared.
I recommend this class.
Created for couplesis taught practically and includes a way to ask the instructor any questions through the classroom. You will feel much better when you are prepared, without fear of your upcoming birth!
HOW do you prepare? Tell us in the comments!
