Congratulations and welcome to motherhood.
Preparing for a little human to arrive on the list is endless: buying a crib, lotions, creams, onesies, bows and beyond. Buy how a woman prepares her mind and body for motherhood is probably more important and less talked about. The journey to motherhood is a sacred and very memorable experience. Of course, we all want to be the best mom we can be. It comes with a lot of highs and inevitable lows, but what is important is the tools and resources to prepare ourselves. Here are 6 major things I did before giving birth, that helped and prepared me for this journey, particularly being a successful breastfeeding mama and what to expect at birth.
LACTATION CLASSES
If one of your motherhood goals is to breastfeed your child, then taking a lactation class or two will set you up for a successful breastfeeding journey. And please remember to ask for a lactation consultant to pay you a visit, before me discharged (IT’S FREE) . I had two breastfeeding consultations, with the prenatal nurse and W.IC breastfeeding counselor, before giving birth. Even after giving birth, those same ladies called and checked on me and empowered me along the journey. Although, my son latched on very quickly at birth, but I still wanted to see the lactation consultant before going home. I just wanted to make sure I was doing it the right way. I was also open to any advice.
BIRTHING CLASSES
Attending a birthing/ lamaze class is a great way to advocate and educate for yourself. The community health center where I received my prenatal care, I also did many 1-1 “what to expect at birth”; nurse- Julia you are the best ! Because of these classes me and dad were very prepared for the big day; what questions to ask and what to expect. For instance, in the first parent class we were taught about car seat safety, how to give your baby a bath, what the nurses when baby is born and how to swaddle your baby like a PRO! Did you know carseats expire after 6 years?
Although I have helped care for my younger siblings and cousins, I still wanted to learn. And guess what, I learned many new things. One advice I can say to new moms is don’t be ‘too know’. Be humble. It’s okay to ask other mothers for advice. It is okay to listen to other mother’s advice and tips as long as they are coming from a good place. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE listening to other moms and learning new hacks. Watching and reading about other moms actually gave me confidence in my own journey as well. Watch mom’s who share their routines on YouTube, read blogs… Learn. You will eventually come up with your own way of doing things and settle in.
TOUR THE BIRTH CENTER / HOSPITAL YOU WILL BE DELIVERING
During my last trimester I toured the birth center where I would be delivering at. I was handed a folder of educational materials: numbers to call, what if, parking information, history of the center and more. During the tour, I was able to ask the staff questions, familiarize myself with the center, what they offer (rocking chair, birthing ball and whirlpool) and where I would go for postpartum care. I am so happy that I toured the center, because with my first birth I was wheeled into a small postpartum room. Because I had previously toured the center, I knew there was a bigger room. I kindly asked for a bigger postpartum room and they were able to make the switch !
DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO
Your life will never be the same once you become a mother. You will not have as much me time for yourself as you used to. So do something (s) for yourself you always wanted to do. Look at your bucket list and see what you can cross off. Maybe, go to a pottery class, paint night, walk the Brooklyn bridge, visit California, go to a concert, be a guest on the Wendy Williams show, volunteer, get a certification. For me, I have always wanted to knit, so I signed up and learned !
HIRE A DOULA
Doulas have been around for centuries and with the uptick in maternal health moms are adding “hire a doula” to their list . A doula is a non medical person, who provides women with care before, during and after childbirth. Hiring doula can help you achieve the birth experience you deserve. Having aa doula by your side you are less likely to have a c section, more likely to be successful at breastfeeding, less medical intervention during labor, less likely to be induced and more. I would strongly reccommend a doula if you are not delivering at a birthing center and/or your provider is an obgyn.
Birth Doulas in Connecticut
https://www.nubeingdoulaservices.com/
https://www.yourbirthtribe.com/meet-the-doulas
https://earthsnaturaltouch.com/what-we-do
FIND A THERAPIST
I have always been pro therapy, because I’ve known the importance and effect of it at a young age. Life will never be the same when you become a mother. It is a big adjustment. Having a therapist can help you be the best version of yourself, help you navigate your goals, healing from trauma, keep you out of postpartum depression, adjustments in family and more. I know this to be true, because I went to therapy during and after both pregnancies and it was a big plus in my life. Therapy also allows you to take time out of your schedule to focus on YOU, because YOU MATTER.
Find a Therapist in Your Area
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Choosing a Pediatrician For Your Baby
You’re almost at the finish line and one of the last things to do is to find a pediatrician for your child. Ask your provider around for recommendations. Ensuring your child has a pediatrician before they arrive is important, because it establishes immediate care for your baby, an additional medical support system for you; especially as a first time mom. I had three prospective pediatricians. Before making a decision, I listed three options: the insurances they take, hours of operation, location and experience. I then set up a consultation to meet each option in person. The pediatrician I went with…the office was very delighted to have me come in ( new babies = more money 🙂 . During our consultation we asked each other a series of questions; it was a pleasant conversation. She shared with me facts about the practice, the systems they use, her education, experience and more. I felt so comfortable and I chose her on the spot.
Yes I could add a hundred more things to do before giving birth, but I believe the ones I listed are more centered around preparing yourself as a mother emotionally, mentally and physically.
Tell me in the comments have you done anything on the list ?