Things to study/ remember after prenatal appointment with Stacy Hattori

Practice breathing: In through the nose, out through the mouth. Practice the different  breathing styles to see which one you like best. Start your breathing with a  cleansing breathe, that will let me (and your partner) know that a contraction is starting. Remember to always end your breathing with one more deep breathe for  the  baby.

Practice Relaxation: Close your eyes. Visualize a peaceful/happy setting, imagine being  there. Relax all the muscles in your body starting with your forehead going all the way  down to your toes.

Practice Positions:  Try a variety of positions. Let your partner know which positions you  really like and which positions you don’t like.

Make a list of things you like: Make a list of words you like. How and where you like to  be touched. What brings you peace, and what makes you feel safe.

Create a birth plan: There are many websites that have interactive birth plans. A few links are : www.childbirth.org/interactive/birthplan.html www.amazingpregnancy.com/birthplan
 www.babycenter.com
 Another idea is to make a collage birth plan. You can tape the collage birth plan to the  wall so you can look at it during labor. This will help you to remember all the little  details that you may otherwise over look.  Nurses often look at the collages and get a  better feel for what you want and who you are. 

Clearly define each person’s role who is being invited to share in your birthing experience:  If you are inviting more than one person, let them know why you want them at the birth.  Each person represents something different to you, let them know what that is. Help them  understand their role during labor and what you want from them.

Make a list of things that you really need have done in order to relax: This can be a  list of  things that you are usually responsible for, or just things that you need to be done before  you can relax. Prioritize the list with most important things being at the top. Draw a line  after 5 items and make peace with the other items not getting regularly for awhile.  You  may want to make two lists, one for while you are pregnant and one for when you have a  newborn.
 
Put together a list of questions for me or your doctor.

Call me after your doctor visits: Just check-in with me so I know what is going on with you.

Go Over the Informed Consent Questions:
 Is this an emergency or do we have time to talk?
 What would be the benefits of doing this?
 What would be the risks?
 If we do this, what other procedures or treatments might we end up needing as a result?
 What else could we try first or instead?
 What would happen if we waited an hour to two (a day or two, a week or two) before  doing it?
 What would happen if we didn’t do it at all?

Get a birth ball: Sitting on the ball helps to open up your pelvic bones.  It also relieves  pressure on your tail bone. If you like the birth ball, you’ll love using the ball with  your  newborn. You can pick-up a birth ball or exercise ball at many places (Walmart, Target,  Big 5, Sportsmart) in a variety of colors, sizes and prices. The most common size is  65cm. 
 
Make sure your bag is packed: There are lots of lists out there. You can find lists of things you  need in your prenatal books, on the Internet, and in magazines. Here are a few links:  www.childbirth.org/articles/pack.html,
 www.babycenter.com/packing-for-the-hospital-or-birth-center.

Know the hospital’s check-in procedure and policies about labor: This is always a good idea,  especially if you feel very strongly about certain aspects of your labor.

Enjoy yourself: Feel free to have fun and embrace the coming of your baby. There’s  nothing to fear. You will do great and be a wonderful mother!!