Whether it's your first or your seventh that first trimester can bring so many emotions!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Take a moment to just close your eyes, breathe, and think of the beautiful life that is soon joining your family!
But seriously, now that you're pregnant, what should you be doing, not doing, reading, looking at, etc, etc, etc...
1. It's time to research (again) and (re)educate yourself on alllll the birth things! How do you envision your birth? Do you have that picture in your mind? Good. Now, how are you going to get that birth?
Some great resources when you want to learn all about birth:
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Taking a childbirth education class (not just the one the hospital offers)
Hire a doula (or birth keeper)
Talk to your friends and family members about their birth stories (without opinion) decide what would or wouldn't work for you
For some local resources, you can check out Thrive Birth Services "How to have a natural childbirth" pop-up birth class! This class is not just for those who are planning an unmedicated birth, it's a great resource to learn about birth! Shore Grace Wellness also offers comfort measures and infant care classes!
2. Choose your provider! There are more and more options available in our area which is so great.
If you're planning a hospital birth at TidalHealth PRMC you will probably be seeing an OB or Midwife with Chesapeake Health Care.
If you're planning a hospital birth at Easton Memorial Birthing Center you can see an OB or Midwife with Chesapeake Women's Health in Easton, an OB with UM SMG women's health, or another provider that you can find.
If you're planning a hospital birth at Beebe Medical Center you can see a provider with Beebe Women's health, Dedicated to Women OBGYN, or another provider you can find
If you're planning an out of hospital you can choose between the beautiful CPMs in our area- Chloe with being and born, Monika with Althea Midwifery, Susan with Kindred hearts Midwifery, Marilee with Heartsong Midwifery.
*two of the beautiful midwives serving our area*
3. Look for a great prenatal vitamin! I'm not a medical provider but it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin even when you're planning to conceive until you are done breastfeeding. Finding a great prenatal that is made from real food with wholesome ingredients is great! Your provider can help you pick the perfect vitamin if you need help!
When you take your vitamin matters, especially if you are having morning sickness! It's best to never take your vitamin on an empty stomach. But please, if you're having terrible morning sickness and you can't keep the vitamins down at all do not feel guilty! Your body will still take care of and help your baby thrive until you can start taking them!
4. Take a picture! Most likely, your little belly isn't showing yet but it's always nice to have a little photographic momento of when your baby's life was just beginning! If you still have your pregnancy test, take a selfie with it!
5. It's also a great idea to start creating a budget for your birth and baby things! Let's face it, babies can be pretty expensive so you may have to prioritize what you choose to get. Decorate that nursery or maybe hire a postpartum doula instead!
6. It's also a good idea to call your insurance company about your pregnancy and start looking for a pediatrician that will work for you and your family and see if they will be taking new patients around your due date!
7. Last but certainly not least, REST! This is definitely one of the most important points on this list. You are probably already more tired than you have ever been in your life so just go with it. 7pm bedtimes? yes. naps? absolutely. saying no to all the things so you can rest? yaasssss.
The first trimester goes so fast so I hope you can find the time to pause and take it all in!
Do you have any more things to suggest for the first trimester? Comment below!
"The moment a child is born, a mother is born also."
much love,
Olivia
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