Take a Deep Breath, Mama
Don’t overlook the joy in preparing for birth amid our uncertain times.
Birth has been happening for thousands of years. Amid wars and famines and times of peace and prosperity. Babies are born at home, in hospitals, birth centers, Walmart, and ambulances (as one of mine was). Babies somehow manage to make their appearance without regard to outside circumstances or convenience. To quote Ian Malcolm (from Jurassic Park), life will find a way. Your baby is coming one way or another and worrying about your birth won’t change the outcome.
Preparing for Birth: Embrace the Nesting
Preperation is good for you mentally and physically. Yes, we are living in strange times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare. Turn that worry and anxiety into productivity.
Set up the crib. Organize the diapers. Wash those adorable baby clothes. Whatever helps soothe you and bring peace to your home.
Take a Childbirth Education Course While Preparing for Birth
While I realized you likely won’t be meeting in person most childbirth educators are offering their classes online. Childbirth classes are such an important part of preparing for birth. The more knowledge you and your partner have the more prepared you will be. No, it’s not exactly the same, but it is the best we can do right now.
Call or text your doula or childbirth educator. Most will be happy to answer any questions you have and put your mind at ease.
Read Some Good Books While Your Prepare for Birth
If you haven’t already read a few books about childbirth or want to read a few more, here are my favorite birth books.
Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent
Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth
Talk to Friends: Don’t Isolate Yourself
Call your friends on the phone. Have a Zoom meeting. Facetime or Skype them. Host a virtual craft night or book club.
Doulas of Bellingham has a great post on How to Support New Parents from a Distance. It is full of great ideas (don’t be shy about sharing the post with friends and family).
Write a Letter to Your Baby
Writing a letter to your unborn baby can be a great way to connect as you prepare for your birth. Write about your hopes and dreams for your baby. Let your baby know how and why you chose their name. Tell your baby about this unprecidented time in history…they will forever have stories to tell about the world when they were born.
Even if your baby never reads your letter, writing can be a great outlet during times of stress.
Prepare a Postpartum Basket
Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, set up a feeding spot for those first weeks after birth. Find a cute basket or bin and fill it with things you will need while feeding your baby. My daughter Tilly, mom of the adorable baby, Abel, made a breastfeeding basket.
Check out her post Breastfeeding Essentials from a New Mom
Try to Get Outside Every Day
We are all experiencing the Stay Home Stay Safe mandate from our govenor, but thankfully, we are still being encouraged to get outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine can work wonders for both our mental and physical health. Just make sure you go somewhere that isn’t too busy so you are able to practice social distancing.
You might also enjoy:
Covid-19: Keeping Your and Your Baby Healthy
Birth Photography Amid a Virus
Stay safe, my friends. Me and my camera will be ready to document your family as soon as we can!