Preparing A Way

A couple of days ago I realized that I am going to have a baby! That may sound crazy considering I am 30 weeks pregnant, but it hit me...I will be giving birth to this growing being inside of me.

I am not sure how much all the things I am doing leading up to birth will actually prepare me for what I will experience, but I am preparing none the less.

Some people assume that because I am a birth doula, I will be more prepared than most. Maybe. But, although I have attended many births and advised many pregnant women, nothing can compare to my own experiences during this pregnancy. It is so different actually experiencing it yourself. I am sure this all will make me a better doula as well.

So what am I doing to prepare you ask?

Here are a few things....

Reading Up On....

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg and Erick Ingraham

Birthing From Within
by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

The Thinking Women's Guide to a Better Birth
by Henci Goer

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn
by Penny Simpkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler

The Parent's Concise Guide to Childhood Vaccinations
by Lauren Feder

Watching...

The Business of Being Born
Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein

Orgasmic Birth: The Best Kept Secret
Debra Pascali-Bonaro

In and On My Body...

Organic Food Based Prenatal Vitamins

Olympic Labs Pea Protein
added to my fruit smoothie in the mornings....YUMMY!

Lots of WATER....Obviously!

Organic Coconut Oil for lathering up my belly and skin

Earth Mama Angel Baby Products
I love them all, but I have been using the Stretch Mark Oil, Happy Feet, and Mint Herbal Lip Balm!

We are also taking Bradley Method Childbirth Classes with my friend Donna. And, I am getting weekly chiropractic adjustments from my friend Rachel.