Congratulations and welcome to motherhood.
Preparing for a little human to arrive on the list is endless, but how a woman prepares 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 things I did before giving birth. They helped me 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. I had two breastfeeding consultations before giving birth. My son latched on very quickly at birth, but I still wanted to see the lactation consultant before going home.
BIRTHING CLASSES
Attending a birthing/ lamaze class is a great way to advocate and educate for yourself. I took a class at the birthing center where I delivered. The community health center where I received my prenatal care I also had many 1-1 consultations with the 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 do for your baby after birth and how to swaddle your baby like a PRO!
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 how to… 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.
TOUR THE BIRTH CENTER / HOSPITAL YOU WILL BE DELIVERING
During my last trimester I toured the birthing center 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: 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. Many birthing centers in CT welcome doulas in the delivery room and also offer both paid and free doula services.
Here are some Doulas in CT
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 and children, focus on your goals, heal 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 yourself and improve bettering who you are for the better. You can explore underlying mental health issues, your thoughts and feelings, what you want in life, what’s holding you back and more.
Find a therapist in your area
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
FIND A PEDIATRICIAN
You’re almost at the finish line and one of the last things to do is find a pediatrician for your child. Ask your provider and family and friends for recommendations. You can even do a simple search on google. My child’s pediatrician was recommended by a friend. Before making a decision, I listed three options: the insurances they take, hours of operation, location and experience. I then set up consultations to meet each option in person. I could not get a consultation with two options due to scheduling. The office was very welcoming to have me come in. During our consultation we asked each other questions and had a very pleasant conversation. She shared with me facts about the practice, the systems they use and more. I felt so comfortable with the pediatrician and I chose her on the spot. Below are a few questions I asked during the consultation.
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 ?