How appropriate that I scheduled this post for today as it marks exactly 4 weeks until my estimated birth date…so exciting! I can’t believe how fast time is going at the moment. Thankfully, everything that we need for his arrival has now been bought and delivered. Anything extra is really non-essential and we can take our time with purchasing those. I’m still debating whether to get the baby monitor now or wait until after his birth though.
It feels like there is still so much to consider and sort out, but ultimately I accept that you can never be fully prepared for something like this. I attended my second active birth class last week and they have been fantastic in preparing me mentally for the birth. We learnt a new breathing technique, position and talked about the stages of labour and generally had a good old chat about our up coming births and partners.
Due to everyone’s warnings that the baby could potentially arrive any time from now, I actually started packing my labour bag. I’ve still got a couple of bits to buy like toiletries and sleepwear, but other than that it’s pretty much good to go. I bought some lovely organic breast pads and maternity pads from Amazon the other week and they look like they’re really good quality. I’m so in love with my hospital bag that I was kindly asked to review by Pink Lining – a more detailed post on what’s in the bag is coming soon! I have a couple of social events coming up in the next few weeks, so this bag will be coming literally everywhere with me.
Last week I had my midwife appointment which I always enjoying going to. My blood tests and regular check ups were all on point and my midwife is very happy with our progress. Definitely my favourite part of these check ups is listening to his heart beat, it’s always so clear and strong. Apparently his measurements and my weight are all on track too. It’s so reassuring to know that we are heading into labour strong and healthy. Speaking of which, I’ve finally written down a labour and birth plan, helped by this fantastic online template from Earth Mama Angel Baby.
Now I know that although you can plan your perfect labour, nothing under these circumstances will necessarily go how you initially imagined. I really loved Lori’s renaming of her birth plan, which she called her ‘Birth Preference’, because essentially that’s what it is. My plan is based on my ideal labour, but I’ve allowed room for flexibility:
First stage of labour
- I would prefer that there was no intervention in the early stages of labour.
Second stage of labour
- I want to handle the pain using natural methods such as breathing, massage, relaxation, shower/bath.
- Ideally I want to be able to walk and move around during labour to allow gravity to do it’s work.
- Intermittent monitoring of the baby to allow me to move around as much possible.
- During the second stage of labour I’d like to try different positions to help me remain comfortable.
- Natural methods to prevent tearing such as compresses, massage and breathing techniques. No episiotomy unless medically needed.
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth and postpone any procedures.
- Wait for the cord to stop pulsating before clamping.
Third stage of labour
- I would prefer the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of pitocin.
There’s actually quite a lot to think about when it comes to labour! I’m aiming for a natural birth and to go drug free if possible. As I’ve already mentioned before, I’m not totally sure how high my pain threshold is, but if I feel that I need medical intervention from drugs, I won’t feel like a failure for requesting them. I want my labour to be an enjoyable and an empowering experience, free from any harm and distress. Active labour classes have taught me to visualise each contraction and how to breath properly for each stage of labour. I feel very positive about my labour and hopefully will make the most of every contraction.
Another consideration that was brought to my attention by the birth plan template was postponing the clamping of the cord, which I have included in my plan. I found this interesting article on how this technique can benefit babies and got some positive feedback when I posted it on my Facebook page a while ago. It’s not something that I had really thought about until reading this article and discovering it in the birth plan template. After speaking to my midwife she was very positive about it too. There are still a lot of nutrients left in the cord and I would like to use this opportunity to allow it to finish pulsating after your recommendations. Also, If I go over my due date I would rather try natural techniques to go into labour spontaneously instead of being induced.
So that’s the general outline of my birth plan, but I know that there needs to be room for change. My sister-in-law told me at the weekend that her birth plan went completely out the window with my niece. However, I do feel better knowing that I’ve at least educated myself and thought about what I would like to happen. I know that I can rely on Alfie to be an amazing and supportive birth partner too. Fingers crossed for the big day!
What do you think will go into your birth plan? If you’ve had children, did you think about anything that I’ve mentioned above?
Also, I would be interested to find out what you did with your placenta after the birth? It’s definitely something worth reading into, but placenta smoothies or eating it really aren’t my cup of tea!
Goodness you are much more organised than I was at this stage. So exciting.
I’ve probably forgotten something even though I’ve packed my bag so early. 🙂
I think it’s good to be prepared for any outcome. I had a planned c section so everything was out of my control but I hope you get the birth you want.
Thanks Jenny!
I have known lots of people who have had their placenta encapsulated to great success, my sister is planning on doing it this time round for her 3rd and its something i would def do in the future if i had children as I am with your, there is no way i would down it in a smoothie!
I wasn’t sure if it was something that was popular in the UK. I really need to read up on this more.
Oh my life, there is just SO MUCH to consider when pregnant and getting ready to give birth. It is so overwhelming. When I’m pregnant you better believe that yours and Laura’s (WholeHeartedlyHealthy) blogs will be revisited to see what I have missed.
I think I’d much prefer a natural birth too, but I guess you can never tell how you or the situation will be at the time!
Ha! There really is, but it’s nice to have options though. You will do great with it all I’m sure.
How exciting that you could give birth at any time now 🙂
I just became an aunt for the second time the other day. I have a little nephew.
Congratulations Dannii, that’s lovely news!
So exciting that the birth is coming up soon! I think it’s great that you have a plan ready, but are flexible with it.
It’s very close now. 🙂
Wow there’s so much to think about – I hadn’t even considered some of the things you’ve organised in your Birth Preference.
Love the bag, very pretty!
There are so many options. It’s definitely worth sitting down and educating yourself when the time comes. 🙂
What an exciting time to be preparing for! xo
It’s super exciting, cannot wait now. 🙂
Oh my goodness, your bump is so cute! And that bag is adorable!
Thanks Amber. 🙂
It’s very good that you’ve really planned this out. You’re almost there! Some people turn their placenta into pills (they encapsulate them), so that’s something to consider.
I have heard of placenta encapsulation, but not sure if it’s very popular here in the UK.
You look incredible!!! You’re so prepared and calm-sounding, I’m sure that will help in the weeks to come, and I’m sure you’ll be an amazing mother. Excited for you!
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
Thanks Lauriel. I’m hoping that a relaxed attitude will pay off during labour. 🙂
wow.. guess it’s better to be prepared early than not at all! 🙂 i’m so excited for you!
Thanks Esther. 🙂
You are five weeks ahead of me! 🙂 I think it’s great you are so prepared 🙂 I should really pack my bags and have them ready! The last few weeks seem to fly the most!
It’s really going so fast. Good luck with everything!
You look fantastic for 35 weeks! That bag is seriously pretty too. Good luck on your birth!
Thank you so much Melissa.
Good for you for being so researched and planned! Best of luck in this big adventure!
Thanks Camille. 🙂
yay! I love Pink Lining! That bag is adorable! Good luck momma – you got this!
Thanks so much Kendall.
You are so right… there really is no way to fully prepare for labor, because every persons labor is different and it’s unlikely it will go according to “plan”. But you seem as prepared as one could possibly get so I’m sure everything will go just fine!! Best of luck!
Thanks Mandy. I’m hoping for a straight forward birth, but we shall see.
The whole concept of birthing plans is so perplexing to me since I’ve never had a baby, but it’s so interesting to read about how people want their experiences to be. Praying for a healthy delivery!
Thank you! 🙂
I would definitely recommend getting the baby monitor before the little one is born! Having everything together and ready to go is SO much of a blessing when you are in the sleep-deprived first couple weeks. I say, do as much as you can now so you have less errands and less to worry about when the time comes!
so glad you enjoyed my birth preference – yours sounds great! wishing you all the best at delivery!! xoxo
I loved it and thought that it was spot on regarding calling it a ‘birth preference.’ Good luck! x
I actually never packed anything since I was told not to walk with anything to the hospital besides what would make me comfortable. Then again I had a scheduled c-section so my birth plan was a little different. 🙂 Congrats!
I think its grea tyou have a plan you want to stick to! I hope you get to 🙂
Fingers crossed! 🙂
Oooooh,,, the time is coming soon! You are definitely more organized than I. I remember hubby running around finishing packing the bag because my water broke two weeks early. As if I didn’t learn my lesson, it happened again for baby #2. Great job in getting ahead of the game!
thrifting diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
Ha! Thanks Ayana. I think we are definitely prepared now.
That hospital bag is so cute! I love it! Me and Pink Lining need to become friends! I’m 24 weeks and on my way as well! Best of luck to you! Cheers to a very happy + healthy Mama and Baby!
Isn’t it adorable!
When I had my first son I knew I “Didn’t want drugs.” but unfortunately no one around me helped to facilitate that and I ended up with near every drug in the book. I’m still amazed that I did not end up with a CSection but HATED my experience.
When I had my second son I had a 100% natural birth in a hospital with wireless monitoring and no interventions. I look back on it so fondly, there really aren’t words to describe.
I’m so glad that you managed to enjoy your 2nd labour Jessica. I would really be upset if I ended up hating mine.
You look so beautiful! Such a stunning girl!
Awww thank you Jordan. 🙂
Props to you for wanting to do this the natural way. I don’t think I plan on having children, but if one comes I would love to try to do it the natural way. There is just something about it that seems empowering to me! I hope your labour goes well and as close to your plan as possible.
Looks like a great plan. I didn’t do anything with my placenta, it’s just not my kinda thing. 😀
That seems to be the general consensus with the placenta. 🙂
It’s always so refreshing to me to read women’s birth plans that come from an educated and informed place – good for you! Obviously there may be situations that arise in which you may need to deviate from this plan, but you are obviously so aware of yourself and your needs. It’s such a breath of fresh air, and so empowering as a woman! Also, I love your bag 🙂 xoxo
Thanks Joelle. I think it’s important to educate yourself on these things as much as possible. I can’t wait to actually get to use my bag properly. 🙂
Wow! I never came up with any sort of birthplan and I loved both of my deliveries. It’s good to know what you want though. And as far as placenta, mine went in the garbage- I refuse to eat it or put it in my hair!
Hahaha! Eating it doesn’t sound that appetising.
You are so organized! I am so excited to see your babe.
Awww me too! 🙂
You look like you’re all ready to go! You’re gonna do great…:)
Thanks Michelle!
Wow, there is so much to think about and organize! You see very on top of it all though.
There really is Lauren!
That is so cool about the waiting to cut the cord- I had never heard of that before either. This sounds like a really great plan you’ve put together and I learned a lot!
Thanks Lisa. Yeah I think doctors in the UK are really realising the benefits now.
I think it’s SO good that you’re so prepared! But I also really appreciate that you are open to your birth plan changing based on the situation. I like that you called it a “birth preferences” list. I feel like that’s the angle I’ll be coming from when I get to this point too. 🙂
Anything could happen, but it’s nice to feel prepared at least. 🙂
What a great birth plan! It’s very interesting to read as someone who is not yet pregnant. I had a friend plant a tree with her placenta (because they didn’t want to eat it either) and now her baby has a tree that will be the same age as her.
The tree sounds like a lovely idea, so sweet!
wow….you have thought of so much that i wouldn’t even know was a consideration in birth! i’m nowhere near having a baby, but i’m so excited for you! you’re so close!
These all sound like really great goals! I hope your labour goes as planned 🙂
Looks like you are prepared for anything! I am very excited for you!