Creating a joyful home birth experience is all about preparation, mindset, and a touch of empowerment! I’m Maren Crowley, and I’m here to guide you through this beautiful journey.
Every birth experience is unique, so your checklist should be tailored to your needs and preferences. Here’s how you can set the stage for a joyous home birth experience.
A Personalized Motherhood Mentorship
First, I want to share something I’m incredibly passionate about — my 30-minute motherhood mentorship calls. I have found it immensely rewarding to connect with mothers and mothers-to-be, offering guidance curated to their exact needs.
Whether it’s questions, research findings, or birth preferences, we dive deep to make your motherhood journey as smooth as possible.
What You Can Expect:
- Customized Conversations: Every session is tailored to your unique questions and concerns.
- Comprehensive Support: From drafting letters to midwives to understanding medical procedures, I’m here for you.
- Professional Insight: Even the best professionals can benefit from a fresh perspective and practical advice.
Let’s dive in with practical wisdom! ✨
Step 1: Connect with Your Support System
Start by surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Whether it’s a midwife, doula, or your partner, make sure you’ve got your dream team. Remember, I also offer a 30-minute motherhood mentorship call to help with any questions or concerns you might have! This one-on-one session is perfect for customizing your birth plan and getting professional insights.
Step 2: Get Your Supplies Ready
Preparation is key! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Birth Kit: Provided by your midwife, it usually includes essential supplies and materials for emergencies.
- Postpartum Essentials: High-protein and high-carb meals, cleaning supplies, bedding preparations, and positioning aids for labor.
- Newborn Necessities: Coming-home outfit, diapers, olive oil for meconium poops, and goldenseal root for umbilical cord healing.
- Comfort Items: Pillows, warm blankets, and other items to bring you comfort.
- Calming Essentials: Essential oils, soothing music, and pleasing lighting.
- Snacks and Drinks: Keep them nearby for you and your birthing team.
- Emergency Kit: This should include everything necessary for any unforeseen complications, just like the one our midwife provided.
Free Checklist
Download 10 Ways to Prepare For Home Birth
Step 3: Set Up Your Space
Your environment should feel calm, comfortable, and welcoming. Think about where you want to give birth and make that area soothing with dim lighting, calming music, and anything else that makes you feel at ease.
Have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand for yourself and your birth team. Fresh fruit and veggies, protein drinks and bars, hummus, honey sticks, and electrolytes are great options.
Start by surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Whether it’s a midwife, doula, or your partner, make sure you’ve got your dream team.
Remember, I also offer a 30-minute motherhood mentorship call to help with any questions or concerns you might have! This one-on-one session is perfect for customizing your birth plan and getting professional insights.
One of the biggest reasons I’m opting for a home birth is to create a peaceful, calm environment. Hospitals are busy, clinical, and often stressful, which is the opposite of what I’m looking for in this experience.
Here’s how I’m planning to set the stage for a truly serene birth at home:
Creating Your Sanctuary:
- Ambiance: Soft lighting, calming music, and comforting scents can transform your space.
- Essential Supplies: Ensure all your supplies are easily accessible and organized.
- Involving Loved Ones: Whether it’s organizing a special task for your partner or having a friend light candles, involve your loved ones in the preparation process.
- Positive Visuals: Inspirational quotes, photographs, and happy memories around you can be uplifting.
- Comfortable Space: Make sure the space you’ll be birthing in is cozy and supportive with plenty of pillows and a comfortable chair or bed.
Healthy + Holistic Pregnancy Guide
As a Wellness Warrior, I believe we are made flawless in His image, and I want to help you unleash the best version of yourself for His glory + your purpose.
Whether you are in the midst of pregnancy yourself or still considering expanding your family, I want to help you emerge as the strongest & healthiest version of yourself for the journey He lays before you.
Step 4: Embrace the Pain
Let’s take a moment to dispel a common myth—birth is not a painless experience, but it is undeniably powerful and transformative. Embrace the wide array of sensations that accompany childbirth and prepare yourself mentally for this unique journey.
It is essential to educate yourself thoroughly on various pain management techniques, as this knowledge will arm you with tools to navigate the process more effectively. The more prepared you are, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel when you go into labor.
Understanding what to expect and how to handle the different stages of labor can make a significant difference in your overall experience.
Step 5: Focus on Post-Birth Care
After the baby arrives, it is crucial to keep them warm and close to ensure their comfort and well-being. Holding your baby skin-to-skin can help regulate their body temperature and provide them with a sense of security.
Orange juice is a fantastic option to help revive yourself if you’ve lost blood or feel faint, as it provides a quick source of energy and essential nutrients. Remember, the postpartum period is incredibly important for both you and your baby, so continue to take care of yourself diligently.
Eating high-protein and high-carb meals will significantly aid your recovery by providing the necessary nutrients to replenish your energy levels and support your body as it heals. Make sure to stay hydrated, rest whenever possible, and seek support from loved ones during this time.
Step 6: Lean on Your Resources
Do your research and advocate for yourself. Whether you have specific birth preferences or need to decline certain medical procedures, make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. And don’t hesitate to draft letters or communicate openly with your healthcare providers—I’m here to help with that too!
Step 7: Seek Continual Support
Finally, don’t feel overwhelmed! Your journey to motherhood is a beautiful transition, and support is always available. Follow my journey and advice on Instagram @macrowley and sign up for follow-up episodes to hear more about the birthing experience and more.
Creating a joyful home birth experience is about feeling empowered, prepared, and supported. You’ve got this, mama! 💪
