Prenatal Visits: Empowering Your Birth Experience
Personalized Support for Your Journey to Motherhood
At Sacred House of Eden, we believe that every mother deserves a supportive and empowering pregnancy experience. Our Prenatal Visits are designed to provide in-depth discussions and individualized support as you prepare for the birth of your child.
What to Expect During Your Prenatal Visits
Each prenatal visit lasts approximately 2 hours and focuses on creating a strong foundation for your birth experience. We prioritize comfort and connection, allowing you to openly share your thoughts and feelings about your upcoming labor.
Key Components of Our Prenatal Visits:
Comfort Measures: Learn various techniques to manage discomfort during labor, including breathing exercises, relaxation methods, and physical positioning.
Coping Strategies: Discover effective coping mechanisms that resonate with you, helping to foster confidence and tranquility as you approach your due date.
Emotional Support: Discuss your emotional needs, fears, and expectations, ensuring that you feel heard and supported throughout your pregnancy.
Building Your Birth Plan: Collaborate with your Birth-worker to create a personalized birth plan that reflects your vision for the ideal birth experience, keeping your preferences at the forefront.
Prenatal Visits: Nurturing Your Pregnancy Journey
Prenatal visits can take place in the comfort of your home or at a mutually agreed-upon location, providing a relaxed and familiar setting for our discussions.
1st Prenatal Visit: Early Foundations (0-13 Weeks)
During your first prenatal visit, we will:
Review Intake Forms: Understand your medical history and personal preferences.
Nutritional Support: Discuss dietary recommendations to optimize the health of you and your baby, setting a strong foundation for your pregnancy.
Resource Binder: Provide a comprehensive resource binder filled with essential information for your maternal needs and family network support, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
2nd Prenatal Visit: Preparing for Birth (14-27 Weeks)
In the second trimester, we will focus on:
Creating Your Birth Plan: Collaborate to design a birth plan that reflects your vision and preferences.
Addressing Fears and Concerns: Openly discuss any worries you may have developed, providing emotional support and reassurance.
Emotional Support Activities: Engage in activities designed to enhance your emotional well-being as you navigate your pregnancy journey.
3rd Prenatal Visit: Comfort and Connection (28-36 Weeks)
During this visit, you (and your partner) will:
Meet Your Postpartum Doula: Introduce yourself to your postpartum doula, who will be part of your support team after the baby arrives.
Comfort Measures Training: Learn how your partner can support you during labor through various comfort measures, including massage techniques and optimizing labor positions. We will briefly discuss the stages of labor.
4th Prenatal Visit: Virtual Support and Planning (28-37 Weeks)
This third-trimester visit will take place virtually via FaceTime, Skype, or Messenger, covering:
Breastfeeding and Lactation: Discuss key aspects of breastfeeding and how to prepare for your feeding journey.
Newborn Care Plan: Develop a plan for caring for your newborn, ensuring you feel equipped to welcome your baby into the world.
Postpartum Care Plan: Outline a postpartum care plan to support your healing and adjustment as a new mother. This class will be taught by our CLC or your postpartum doula, after the class you and your postpartum should have a brief postpartum planning session.
Additional Support: 5th Meeting with Your Birth-Worker
We understand that your pregnancy journey may include a variety of medical appointments and procedures. To provide you with the utmost support and care, your Birth-worker may schedule an optional 5th meeting to attend one of your doctor or midwife appointments anytime between your scheduled prenatal visits.
Benefits of the 5th Meeting:
Accompaniment to Appointments: Your Birth-worker can join you during OB or midwife appointments, ensuring you have emotional and physical support during these important visits.
Support During Tests and Procedures: If you require any prenatal tests or procedures, your Birth-worker is there to provide reassurance and comfort, making the experience less daunting, especially if a loved one cannot accompany you.
Continuity of Care: This additional meeting enhances the continuity of care throughout your pregnancy, allowing your Birth-worker to stay informed about your progress and any concerns that may arise during medical visits.
Why This Matters
Having a trusted support person by your side during medical appointments can significantly alleviate anxiety and create a more positive experience. Your Birth-worker is trained to advocate for your needs, helping you communicate effectively with your healthcare provider and ensuring your preferences are respected.