5 Things to Bring to the Hospital [btw none of these things will fit in your bag]

Many people find list-making beneficial. Personally, standing at my kitchen counter and jotting down a 'to do' list helps me organize my day and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Do I occasionally include tasks I've already completed just to enjoy the satisfaction of crossing them off immediately? Absolutely, and it gives me a mental boost (a trick I learned from my dad).

The list for things to bring to the hospital? A little more complicated. As for the things that will fit in your bag, I recommend this. (I actually don't bring a good bit of those things- but it's a good reference.) I'm speaking now of things that do NOT fit in a bag. Were you thinking of a birth ball? Guess again!

1. Healthy Mindset

Think about animals in the wild about to have a baby. If they see a predator going towards them, they will run away and not have the baby until they feel safe again. You are not an animal, but the concept is similar. If you go to the hospital on high alert, stressed, or worried about many things, then your body is going to assume that that is not a safe space to give birth and take longer to progress through labor. Especially for women that have had previous negative experiences in a hospital, I will recommend that they consider what may help them to feel safe in that space again.

Perhaps going on a tour (even though you may already know your way around) and reclaiming the space as safe and good for you. You can even pray for the exact space in which you will be birthing to be blessed, holy, and prepared for your arrival (The Lord knows right where you will be and when). Arrive prepared with self-affirmations that you can recite aloud as you arrive and as you labor. I am safe and my baby is safe. God has planned every day of my baby's life, including this one.

2. Relaxed Body

With intensity, pain, and pressure, it is an instinct to clench up until it passes. When it comes to labor, we need to allow the contractions (or surges, if you prefer) to do all of the work and loosen our necks, shoulders, jaws, and hands. If you are a client of mine, we will discuss and practice this extensively! Our bodies know what to do in labor and birth, and it is a matter of cooperating and working with our bodies for the best outcome. The key here is practice- that way when it's the big day, it's simply muscle memory.

3. Spiritual Presence

As labor begins, it's best not to forget that your spirit and soul are a part of this process! For the christian or Catholic mothers, I would recommend deepening your relationship with The Lord during your pregnancy so you can have that deep well of grace to draw from for every contraction. For others (and all), I love to discuss how beautiful and amazing it is that we as women get to play such a vital role in creation. We bear children in our wombs that will change the world forever, in one way or another. Whatever it is that "grounds" you and brings you back to the big picture and beauty of labor- bring those things with you.

4. Supportive People

And I mean people that you do not feel the need to apologize to because you are crying, or smell bad, or having other bodily functions (there's a long list of these during labor). Someone you are completely safe to be vulnerable with. Please do not invite your Great Aunt Bertha because she never got to see her own grandbabies born and she got you a great baby shower gift. The delivery room is your space. When everything settles and that baby is in your arms, go ahead and invite Aunt Bertha if you'd like.

Although I truly appreciate the RNs I've worked with, they are new to you and might be assisting other women simultaneously. It's important to carefully consider your own "birth team" and make sure they are well-equipped to support you effectively.

Part of what I do is "coaching the coach." I love teaching husbands how to support their wives in the delivery room, and they feel much better knowing that they are actually helping.

5. Attentiveness to Your Senses

sight... Hmm, those lights are quite bright. Let's dim them and close the blinds. "Could someone grab the LED candles from my bag and set them out, please?"

sound... I can't relax with the heart monitor being so loud. "Maire, can you turn that down?" to which I would respond, "Yes, of course. Would you like me to start your playlist?"

touch... I'm going to change into my comfy grippy socks. [The seams on the hospital socks are unbearable]

smell... Mmm, I love this lotion; it reminds me of beach vacation days.

taste... There's something about [insert favorite hydrating drink here] that really energizes me!

By being attentive to your senses, you'll feel more comfortable and empowered to make the delivery room your space.

If you can bring these 5 things to the hospital, you will be well prepared for a peaceful, fulfilling, and empowering birth. Stay tuned for many more blog posts to come about birth, pregnancy, faith, birth stories, and more... and if you have anything that you'd like to know more about, message me.

Warmly,

Maire