What’s the Best Way to Prepare for Childbirth?

There are as many different ways to prepare for birth as there are baby names! There’s no right way to go about it but these few guidelines will help you choose your path, with confidence - so you can have a positive birth and move smoothly into motherhood. 

Some women scour the internet late, into the early morning hours, often sacrificing sleep and mental calm. I don’t recommend this approach. Others prefer to read as many books as possible as a way to get the information they feel they need. Note: Not all books are create equal and not all books are beneficial. There are a few I highly recommend, and you can find my top recommendation at the end of this post. Some moms are satisfied with taking a childbirth education class at the hospital and hoping for the best when labor comes. Again, I don’t recommend this approach. Finally, some moms mix and match approaches to find their greatest comfort. By following their intuition, they develop a clear understanding of what works best for their body, mind and baby as well as their lifestyle. 

As you plan for birth, consider the following tips that will help keep you focused and stress-free:

Practices during pregnancy will help you as you labor, birth and transition into motherhood.

How will you prepare to meet your baby?

Through experience, I’ve discovered that a mix and match approach works best for my clients, helping them get the results they want - a conscious birth where they feel seen and heard. 

My pregnancy coaching is essentially a mix and match approach developed over nearly 20 years of working with pregnant and new moms. It combines the elements of movement, breath work, meditation, mindset, childbirth education and relaxation to prepare you  - body, mind and soul - for birth and motherhood. 

How do you imagine your pregnancy and birth?

Let’s imagine you’re 20 weeks pregnant, slightly anxious (who isn’t in NYC?), with an active lifestyle and working full time. When we meet regularly - weekly or bimonthly - gentle, targeted movements and strength-building exercises, coupled with breath work magically and effectively relieve minor aches and pains. As your trusted guide, I also help you identify fears and stress that may be impacting your sleep or limiting your ability to fully enjoy your pregnancy. In addition, by weaving in childbirth education to each session, it gives you time and space to digest the information and techniques so you can feel confident when labor comes, make informed choices and be clear about your birth preferences. Finally, at the end of our session, a practice of deep relaxation helps you reduce stress and begin to embody tools that will serve you during labor, birth and postpartum. My approach, The Empowered Pregnancy Method, is grounded in yoga philosophy and asana, integrative therapy and intuitive life coaching. Most recently, I’ve certified as a Birth Ready Method Pro which adds yet another layer to the rich approach I offer. As a doula, I’m particularly grateful to BRM for a deeper understanding of how to detect where baby is in the pelvis during labor and which movements can best help you - whether you choose an epidural or not. 

You know your body best. You know your baby best. 

Whether you decide to work with a pregnancy coach or go to prenatal yoga or pilates class, find a practice that helps you feel good and one in which you can remain consistent. Group classes are a wonderful way to meet other expecting moms with whom to share time and information and with whom you can remain connected to during postpartum. A consistent routine will help alleviate overwhelm and deepen your connection with yourself and your baby. 

Learning to tune out to tune in is key during pregnancy.

There’s no right way to prepare for birth just as there’s no right way to birth a baby.

Final Words

With so much to consider and plan for, pregnancy can feel overwhelming sometimes. It’s most important for you to stay grounded and to feel well supported. When stress and anxiety arise, pause and breathe consciously. It’s one of the best ways to bring yourself back to center - whether you’re pregnant, laboring or caring for your newborn. Finally, the one book I recommend is Juju Sundin’s Birth Skills. It gives you practical ways to prepare for birth without overcomplicating it. Keep it simple to enjoy this special time.

If you need additional support, click the button below to contact me so we can come up for a plan that’s right for you and your family.