Another Childbirth Prep Course Complete!

Last night I finished another 6 week Childbirth Preparation Course. It is always a bittersweet experience for me. One night a week for 6 weeks I am kid free for a few hours, teaching about what I love most. I develop relationships with amazing couples who are reaching out for the information on how to safely, gently, and peacefully bring their babies into this world. I walk away inspired by the women and couples who are taking back their births.

This class was no different. I consider them all friends and sisters in motherhood and life. I am so proud of the work they are putting into their prenatal care and the experience they are going to have so soon.

Every class presents me with different challenges. Every couple is different and every group of couples are different - whether it be VBACers, First time moms, Hospital Birthers, Homebirthers, or Hypnobabies students...No class or course is the same.

Week 6 is always my favorite. It's the class where any final questions are asked and we sit and watch videos of beautiful births, the types of births I hope they all get to experience. I had planned on only viewing "Birth Day" this class, but when I realized it was only 11 minutes long we added "Orgasmic Birth" as well. I love watching all the videos that my husband is so sick of watching with me.

I hope that I was able to help these women on their journeys to motherhood. I have the utmost confidence that all three couples will achieve the birth experience they desire and walk away feeling empowered.


Only two of the couples were able to make it to the final class.

What to put in your hospital bag?

I have had many clients and friends ask me about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  The number one question out of every hospital birthing mother is this, "What are the best things to pack in my hospital bag?"

I have put together a generic list that obviously can be adjusted depending on the mother and her personal comforts and needs.

 - Your labor/birth outfit.  It can be difficult to talk the hospital staff out of making you wear the hospital gown but if you can, make sure it is something comfy that is easily removed and you don't mind it getting bloody and dirty.  OR if you are like me, you can just give birth in YOUR birthday suit.  :)

 - PJ or sweatpants and comfortable t-shirts or other kind of nursing top.  Make sure these are in your maternity size because it will be quite sometime before you are back to your non-pregnant state.

 - Toothbrush and toothpaste

 - Shower supplies.  Leave the loofah at home and replace it with a nice soft (baby) washcloth for washing those sensitive areas after birth. 

 - Socks and slippers.  Socks because I find the hospital rooms to be a bit chilly, and slippers so you can walk around safely without having to put on shoes.

 - Your own pillow.

 - A snack bag.  Great to have while in labor and postpartum while you wait for the kitchen to be open for mealtimes.  I suggest bringing granola, nuts, fruit bars, crackers...

 - Essential oils.  For aromatherapy purposes.

 - Herbal teas for relaxation and recovery.

 - Chapstick

 - Hairbands

 - Some source of music (Ipod, Ipad, Boombox, Computer...)

 - A book to read

 - And of course your BIRTH PLAN

What else would you add to this list?

Calling All Homeschoolers!

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