Congratulations on your journey to motherhood! If you’re planning a natural pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re seeking the wisdom of experienced doulas, enriching documentaries, or empowering books, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this beautiful, transformative time.
Why Planning Ahead is Crucial
Planning ahead for your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period is essential for creating the healthiest and least stressful experience possible. This preparation allows you to make informed choices, gather a supportive network, and ensure you have the resources needed to thrive. By being proactive, you can mitigate stress, reduce the risk of complications, and promote a positive mindset.
Mindset for Postpartum Changes
One of the most significant shifts you’ll experience is the need to slow down in the first months postpartum. Embracing this change can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and help you bond with your baby. It’s essential to create an environment that supports rest and recovery, and to acknowledge that this time is for healing and adjusting to your new role as a mother.
Top Tips to Prepare for Labor
Before we dive into the resources, let’s start with the essentials. Preparing for labor is a crucial step in your journey. Check out my Top 10 Essentials to Prepare for Labor to get started on the right foot.
Doulas in the NY Area
Having a supportive doula by your side can make a world of difference. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.
- Melissa Tarras: Melissa Tarras – Birth & Postpartum Doula – Melissa offers personalized support to ensure a positive birth and postpartum experience.
- Marina Smith: Marina Smith – Doula Services – Marina brings a calm, nurturing presence to help you through every stage of your journey.
- Jeanette from Brooklyn Birth Collective: Reach out at [email protected] – Jeanette’s collective provides holistic support tailored to your needs.
Classes to Enhance Your Knowledge
Educating yourself through classes can provide invaluable insights and confidence. Birth classes offer practical skills and knowledge to help you feel empowered and prepared.
- Birth Smarter by Ashley Brichter: Birth Smarter Classes – These classes offer evidence-based education and practical tools for a confident birth experience.
Must-Watch Documentaries
Documentaries can offer profound insights and inspire your journey. They provide real-life stories and expert perspectives that can shape your understanding of natural birth.
- The Business of Being Born: Watch on IMDb – This documentary explores the modern maternity care system and advocates for more personalized, natural birth experiences.
- Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin: Watch on IMDb – Follow the story of Ina May Gaskin, a pioneer of natural birth, and her inspiring work at The Farm Midwifery Center.
Empowering Books for Your Journey
Books are a treasure trove of knowledge and support. They provide in-depth information and personal stories that can guide and reassure you throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
- Mama Natural: Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth – This guide offers natural, week-by-week advice for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth → if you can only get one book this has everything you need to help you navigate through all conventional and unconventional approaches you may be considering.
- Hypnobirthing: Hypnobirthing: A Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing – Learn techniques to achieve a calm, peaceful, and comfortable birth through hypnobirthing.
- Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Romm: Natural Pregnancy Book, Third Edition – Aviva Romm provides comprehensive guidance on natural pregnancy and childbirth.
- The First 40 Days: The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother – This book emphasizes the importance of postpartum care and nourishment.
- Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices – Dr. Sarah Buckley explores the science and spirit of gentle birth and parenting.
Find a Supportive Community
It truly does take a village to raise a baby. It’s crucial to have a supportive environment and like-minded network in place long before you give birth, so that help is available at every turn. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be ashamed to receive it. In addition to in-person family and friend groups, I highly recommend Dr. Katie Wood’s community that curates delightful virtual connections and support. (Also check out her podcast, Rising into Mindful Motherhood.)
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a natural pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey is an empowering choice that connects you deeply with your body and your baby. With the right resources and support, you can create a beautiful, holistic experience that honors your unique path to motherhood.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay informed, and trust in your natural strength and intuition. You’ve got this, mama!
