3 Things To Do Before Giving Birth

There are so many things you can do to prepare for birth, but there are 3 things to do before giving birth that we think should take priority. At The Jax Baby Company, we've worked with hundreds of expectant parents and new families, we've done this every day since 2013. We have some insight to share! We want to know, seasoned parents, what would you share with our readers? Please feel free to leave a comment!

Take a Comprehensive Childbirth Class

More times than not when working with individuals who have previously given birth, they say that before birth they felt prepared. However, after birth, they say they wish they would've prepared in other ways. It's a recurring theme. Parents tell us they took a childbirth class, BUT wish they knew to take a class that prepared them for the unexpected twists (that inevitably) birth threw their way. 

Here's what seasoned parents have said after they took a class and then gave birth:

"In the hypno-class I took, they said I would be able to dial down the intensity of labor pains using hypnosis, but that method didn't work for me and after that, I didn't know what to do."

"I gave them my detailed birth plan, but I didn't end up getting anything I wanted."

"We didn't leave understand the process of birth or what happens after birth."

"The instructor said she didn't want to "scare us", but I think she withheld valuable information from us that would have been helpful to know."

These parents didn't know what they didn't know to ask. And they took a childbirth class! Comprehensive research and evidence-based classes will teach you the process of birth, the variations of birth, assisted and unassisted tools for comfort, pharmacological options, and alternative options for pain reduction. A great class won't focus on one way of birth being superior to another. For example "natural birth" outcomes over medicated birth outcomes.  A great class will teach you communication and decision-making skills specific to childbirth and parenting. Look for that when you are searching, ask questions!

The Confident Birth and Parenting Class teaches all of that.

It also helps you discover what "satisfying" means to you, and that not all birth partners want to be a birth coach! We break down the science behind birth in a fun and informative way that will stick! We offer something unique for all birthing people and their partners if they have one! Anyone and everyone has the ability to come away feeling confident and empowered!

Line Up Help for After Birth

Preparing now to have help for a minimum of six to twelve weeks after your baby is born is equally, if not more important than preparing for the birth itself! While we recommend your birth plan (if you have one) be short and sweet we recommend the opposite for your postpartum plan. To put it into perspective for you we recommend a birth "plan" be no longer than one front page. The emergency plan on the back no longer than 1/2 of a page. But each family we work with gets a 30-page outline to use to for their postpartum planning! A detailed postpartum plan will cover all aspects of your fourth-trimester. From meals and chores to hands-on accurate assistance and much, much more. If there is ever a time in your life where you should be surrounded with all the support it's after you give birth! Employ help! Immediately following the birth of your baby and for two or three days after you have hands-on help from amazing maternity nurses.  Someone there to help you get around, initiate feedings, and change diapers. A black belt at swaddling who brings you meals, checks on you to see how you feel, gives you your meds and reminds you it's been X number of hours since x, y, and z. Imagine the peace of mind you'd feel bringing one of these angels home with you?!

THAT'S WHAT WE DO! We help you rest, heal, learn about your baby, and enjoy your baby more with the time you have!

Our team here at The Jax Baby Co. also helps you feel human again by taking great care of your baby while you shower and get much-needed sleep. We assist with feedings, both breast, and bottle. In short, we're like an expert parent guide or a wingman for the new parents. We offer practical help and guidance as you adjust to parenting and find what works for you!

Learn As Much As You Can About Carseat Safety & Follow the Guidelines

There are only a few things in parenting that are unforgiving, in my humble opinion. Car accidents often end tragically when children are involved. We love babies and families! We can't not share on this topic! While we truly believe there is no right or wrong way to birth or parent your children here at The Jacksonville Baby Company, the research shows there IS a right and wrong way to install and use car seats. Some of the most common mistakes we see are incorrect harness position, straps too loose, chest clip incorrectly positioned, seat not installed into the car correctly, aftermarket products being used on/with the seat, and of course turning a child to forward-facing too soon. Many of these things seem harmless enough, but they can be fatal mistakes. The American Academy of Pediatrics just released a statement with new guidelines urging parents to keep their kids rear-facing for as long as possible. We want your babies to be as safe as possible while traveling so you can enjoy and love on them for all the days of your lives! Here is a great resource for all things car seat safety-related, including where you can find a car seat technician in your area (it's not a fire station)!

May this list of 3 things to do before giving birth be helpful along your journey!

Authored by Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today for day, night, and live-in support!