You just learned you are pregnant and already have started to feel overwhelmed by everything you are told you need. Last time I checked, the “essentials” list from a big box baby retailer it was a small book! Here is concise list put together with help from veteran moms that also are birth professionals.
This is a biggie. You are going to birth a small human being and a little education can go along way. Spend some time learning what options are available in your community and pick one or two that feel right. Some childbirth classes teach you a method, such as using hypnosis, others are a general education, with more of an emphasis on the mechanics of birth. Please don’t have your birth education come from online forums, the book “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” (why is that still even in print?), or from your family and friends telling you their horror stories. If you are local to Colorado and are looking for recommendations, I can help you out.
This one can have the biggest effect on how you view your pregnancy and your birth. Ask yourself, “Does my doctor/midwife make me feel safe, listened to, important.” If you can’t answer yes to all three of those questions, start looking for one that does. You need to absolutely, 100% trust that your care provider is on the same page as you. Don’t shy away from asking the questions that are important to you and know that it is never too late in your pregnancy to change providers.
You are creating a baby. You may not feel the most beautiful you ever have, or maybe you do feel like a radiant goddess- either way, document this time somehow. You will never regret having those photos. You and your body are amazing, know this is true. You can contact me to get your’s scheduled!
This was a life saver for me, especially at the end when shirts never seemed to cover the bottom of your belly. Black, white, nude. You can even use them in your maternity pictures and will definately find them useful after baby is here and you are lifting up your shirt 1000 times a day to nurse. I was more self conscience about my belly than anyone seeing a hint of boob!
Now is the time to fulfill those dreams of living in yoga pants, sweat pants, leggings, and long maxi dresses. Go all in.
When I was pregnant with my first I brought my carseat down to the local fire department and thought they would install it for me. Nope! I had to do it all myself with their direction. At first I was annoyed but then I realized it was an important lesson since they wouldn’t be there everytime I needed to change out the carseat or check to make sure everything was still installed correctly. AAA reports that over 75% of carseats are installed incorrectly, lets work to bring that number way down!
Haven’t been eating the best foods, now is the perfect time to introduce healthier habits into your routine. Small changes over time will make a big difference. Same with exercise. Be safe, listen to your body or even seek out a class specifically geared to pregnancy. Even a short walk everyday can help you prepare for labor.
Kim Rodgers of Brink Street Photography
Paige Driscoll of Santa Cruz Birth Photography & Doula Services
Robin Greene Baker of Birth Blessings Photography & Childbirth Services
For the past 11 years, I have been working to create a full-time, profitable photography…
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Great recs! Loved the bella band! And of course a maternity photo shoot should definitely be on the list:)
Great list! I'd totally add frozen crock pot meals for post birth; those were a HUGE lifesaver for us
All of this is the total truth! Well done!
These are such great tips! Lovely image!
Love this! That Bella band saved my pregnancy! haha Such great tips here :)
What a fun blog post! I love all the suggestions :)
What a great educational post! Thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful maternity portrait first of all. And then all this great information for newly expectant mothers! I'm sure newly pregnant moms have many questions. There's so much they don't know, and as a mom yourself, you've had to find all this out the hard way. It's great you're sharing these insights. Anyone looking for a Colorado maternity photographer or a Colorado birth photographer will be thrilled with your work, all your helpful insights and a chance to work with you! Well done Sarah!
Great post! Very helpful for mamas to be!
Great ideas for things a pregnant mom needs. I wish they'd had Bella Bands when I was preg! Wish I'd had maternity photos, too. Great information.