Editor: Becky Van Note
I am a stay home mother of 3 children, ages 5, 3 1/2 and 1 1/2. I am also a childbirth educator, teaching pregnancy, birth and postpartum classes with Baby Steps in metro Atlanta, GA. I began Baby Steps in May 2007 with 2 other educators to offer classes that are independent and evidenced based. I have had 3 natural births - 2 hospital and 1 at home. It is my passion teaching women about pregnancy, birth and beyond, and empowering them with information to make the best decisions about their pregnancy and birth.
Becky Van Note
Baby Steps www.babystepsonline.net
Pregnancy Tips
Choose sitting positions that will encourage good positioning of the baby. In the 3rd trimester, it is extremely important to avoid reclining in chairs and sofas to avoid a posterior baby! Sitting on the floor (tailor sitting),sitting on a birth or exercise ball, and hands and knees positions all encourage the baby to get into a good position for birth.
Find a comprehensive childbirth class around the 5th month of pregnancy. Independent classes offer more evidenced based research and information without the rules and regulations hospital classes must follow. Choose a class that will cover comfort techniques, the stages of labor, and ways to have a more positive experience.
Read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer for researched information on every test and procedure relating to pregnancy and birth.
Find a prenatal yoga class or a prenatal yoga video for home. Yoga poses are excellent for your body and preventing aches and pains during pregnancy!
80-100 grams of protein per day in addition to a well-balanced, varied, healthy diet will keep your pregnancy healthy and help your baby grow.
Exercise! Conditioning your body can make your labor shorter and less painful. Yoga, walking and swimming are great choices for pregnancy.
Choose your birth team and birth place wisely. Ask questions, tour several birth places and find a care provider who shares your beliefs and philosophies about pregnancy and birth.
Research everything. Your pregnancy will be filled with choices. Learn the risks and benefits of prenatal tests, procedures, and medications so you can make an informed decision that is best for you and your baby.
Drink plenty of water (9+ servings daily) to prevent dehydration, reduce swelling, and help the placenta develop and grow.
It's hard work creating a life! Rest, take breaks, naps and get a good night's sleep.
Enjoy this special time. Pregnancy is the start of the amazing journey of parenthood. Take pictures of your growing belly, journal the changes you and your baby make, and embrace the excitement.
Read positive stories about labor and birth. Labor is the process that brings your baby to you. Listening to other positive births can diminish fears you may have, and lead you to a more satisfying and memorable birth experience.
Take advantage of alternative techniques for comfort. Regular massage and chiropractic care can help alleviate many discomforts of pregnancy including low back pain, swelling in the hands and feet, hip pain, sciatica and many others.
Talk to your baby. She can sense voices and heat - touch your belly and talk to her...you may even get a kick out of it!