You’ve got some onsies and you’ve watched some tiktoks and read some articles — but how do you REALLY know you’re ready to go into labor? Today I want to share the signs I’ve seen across thousands of patients in the hospital. It’s really going to help you feel so much more prepared!
And while you’re here — grab my 3rd trimester checklist — it is going to get you prepped in no time:
This post is talking about preparing YOU — but if you’re looking for preparing your BODY check out this post.
You’ve Taken a Class
This may seem reductive, but you really need to take a class to be ready.
Far too many people are feeling like they’re smart enough to not need a class, and I believe that’s a big part of why we have so much birth trauma and poor outcomes — because people aren’t taking the time to get prepard.
Yes, it’s MUCH more fun to plan your nursery, but I will promise that time spent preparing for your birth will be worthwhile. In fact, this class guarantees it.
Your PARTNER is Prepped Too
The one’s we’re REALLY leaving behind is our partners. And then we somehow expect them to get up to speed and be a full partner without and prep.
Now is the time to have conversations with your partner about your upcoming birth.
Filling out a birth plan can be a great way to start:
But, you also want to have conversations about what you want for life after baby too. This class has couples questions to get you both on the same page!
You’re Ignoring Social Media
People that aren’t ready are still ready to listen to social media. They think that somehow that person’s advice after 1-3 babies applies to them.
The reality is that I get SO many people saying “it wasn’t that way for me” for things that are pretty common in labor. They just don’t know because their experience is so limited.
Smart people start to ignore social media as they find their own “readiness” inside them (brought out by true experts).
They’re also aware that is the WORST way to prepare, probably worse than doing nothing.
Want to know more about labor? — check out these posts:
- Common Choices During Labor
- How to Push During Labor (What No One Explains)
- Why People Get An Epidural Even When They’re Not Planning On It
- How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor
- What To Do If Labor Isn’t Progressing?
It’s Your Due Date+
So many people fool themselves into feeling “ready” when they’re just 37 weeks. Thinking baby will come “any day” — but the reality is that the average time of pregnancy is 40 weeks — so, you’re likely to go to your due date, and possibly even beyond.
Yes, you can feel prepared (and I hope you do) before 40 weeks, but you have to remind yourself it’s not time yet.
I think that’s such a tricky balance — getting prepared and ready, but knowing you have more time to spend. I recommend some good Netflix and frozen yogurt. 🙂
Wanting to get the things baby needs? Grab my baby necessities checklist:
You’re PRACTICING Daily!
Many people feel like they are just watching the one class and then they’re done — but you need to be practicing it on your own. Practice the breathing & pushing techniques.
Breathe when you have those crazy ligament pains or braxton hicks.
You can practice pushing on the toilet when you have a poop — it’s all the same muscles, and you can find what works bets for you!
This class has a natural pain management video and then gives you tips to practice them together!
Ok, that’s my top 5 — but this one catches SO many people off-guard and it’s the questions I get most after delivery…..
Bonus: Are Your Breastfeeding?
If you’re planning or hoping to breastfeed I 100% recommend a breastfeeding class.
In our society we just don’t know enough about it in order to really make a go out of it successfully without tips ahead of time.
This birth class bundle comes with a breastfeeding class taught by an IBCLC. I think it’s smart to have some good resources for breastfeeding and I am not that. I recommend The Breastfeeding Mama for more information!
So, how prepared are YOU feeling after reading this? Did I miss anything? Tell us in the comments!
I’m so excited for you and your upcoming birth. Thanks for being here!
I’d love to hang out with you for the rest of your pregnancy:
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
Common Choices During Labor