Have you just found out you’re pregnant? Or maybe you’ve known for a while? And now you’re wondering what you need to consider and do?
1. Find a midwife
What sounds so trivial is one of the most important points at the beginning of pregnancy .
A midwife is a great companion throughout pregnancy and birth . She will also be a great help afterward, during the postpartum period.
Unfortunately, there are not many midwives available at the moment, so it is advisable to start looking as early as possible.
Once the baby arrives, it will be a huge help not to feel alone in this new situation. You’ll see your midwife regularly at first, and she’ll explain everything to you, which will likely be completely new territory for you.
If you can’t find a midwife near you, try birthing centers.
2. Birth preparation courses
Many pregnant women find security in preparing for the birth and knowing what to expect.
Of course, every birth is different, but it is certainly better to have a rough idea than to start the birth with a lot of uncertainty, right?!
If you already have a midwife supporting you, ask if she offers birth preparation classes or if she has a colleague who does. Midwives often lead these classes.
By the way : Such courses are not only useful and reassuring for pregnant women. Expectant fathers often also receive some important information and tips in such courses. Believe it or not, even the toughest men can suddenly feel very unsettled by childbirth.
3. Home birth or delivery room?
This is a question you should definitely ask yourself early on. Here are a few points to consider:
- How has the pregnancy been going so far?
- Have there been any complications?
- Is it perhaps even a multiple pregnancy, i.e. twins or even triplets?
These are all indicators that would favor a hospital birth . Any midwife who still attends home births these days—which have become very rare, but more on that later—would opt for a hospital birth if these questions were answered. The risks are increased, thus making a home birth unfeasible.
So if you decide to go to a delivery room, you will need to register with the hospital of your choice.
Feel free to look at several delivery rooms. Hospitals usually offer viewing appointments for pregnant women. Ultimately, you have to feel comfortable there, and it’s your right to choose a hospital.
If you decide to have a home birth and there are no medical reasons against it, a midwife is even more important. She will accompany and monitor the birth and help you bring your child into the world.
She will also help you gradually prepare your home for childbirth. She will tell you what you might need to get and what the necessary preparations will be.
As mentioned above, it’s good to know that midwives who provide home birth care have become very rare. This is because insurance for home births has become very expensive, and many midwives can no longer afford it.
So, if you decide to have a home birth, start looking for a suitable midwife early on. Alternatively, you could consider a birth center. These offer a more intimate atmosphere than hospitals and are much more like a home birth.
4. For a hospital birth: Pack a hospital bag
What do you need in your hospital bag to make the birth and the time afterward in the hospital as pleasant as possible?
First of all, whatever you feel comfortable with!
Then there are a few important documents that should not be missing from your hospital bag.
- Maternity record
- insurance card
- Identity cards of both parents
Things that are useful during childbirth :
- Loose-fitting clothing, including clothes to change into during labor. Nothing should be constricting or make you feel uncomfortable. It’s not about beauty, it’s about comfort.
- Warm socks. Cold feet inhibit contractions, which isn’t exactly conducive to labor.
- Massage oil. A massage can help you get through labor more easily and generally promotes more relaxation.
- Hair clips or hair ties. Otherwise, your hair might get in the way.
- Food and fortifying snacks . Childbirth can be very strenuous, and your body will be grateful for some energy.
- Bring your phone or something similar that lets you play music. Many people find it relaxing and stress-relieving.
For the period after birth :
- Nursing bras, preferably several.
- Comfortable underwear.
- Naturally the usual toiletries
- Soft toilet paper. Yes, you’ll actually be very glad you have it, because the paper in the hospital is usually not very comfortable after giving birth.
- If you have a birth injury, Calendula essence is recommended.
5. And the best part last: equipment for the baby
Of course, the baby also needs clothes, etc. So let’s get started! Pick out some nice items for the little one.
You can also decorate the nursery now. Go wild and make it as comfortable as possible for your baby.
