I write this as Sydney’s current COVID lockdown is extended for a further 4 weeks. This is a familiar but incredibly challenging situation for us all, especially expectant and new parents. This blog is the first in a series that covers preparation for birth and parenting at this time  - because with restrictions in place for many of our health services, the way you prepare matters more than ever.

This blog is part of a series focusing on how you can empower yourself ahead of your birth. There are currently restrictions on additional birth support in Sydney hospitals and you can expect staff to be working harder than usual with resources being stretched. You will need to be proactive in approaching your birth with knowledge and confidence, this blog series contains suggestions on how to do that.

Take an Independent Childbirth Education Course

Preferably one that has a base in hypnobirthing or mindfulness. In my view your biggest asset is your mindset together with an ability to relax and stay present. The course should also equip your partner with tools to support you and information so that you can navigate your birth and advocate for yourself with confidence in hospital. I am often asked as a doula which course to take and I recommend a few different ones to my clients. More important than the content is that you practice the techniques ahead of your birth. You want to be as familiar as possible with your toolkit and practice is what strengthens your mind-body connection, priming your body to respond to your labour with relaxation and confidence. 

Build Your Support Team

With restrictions on travel and in hospitals, this can feel like a tough one, but there are always options! Who do you have around you during this critical time? I’m not just talking about your birth, but also your pregnancy and postnatal period too. 

Family & Friends

If family cannot come to support you then consider how they can do it from a distance - video calls, texts and phone calls of encouragement are a great way to stay connected. Distant family and friends can also organise practical support like meal deliveries, cleaner services and even doula support!

Doula Support

Doulas can support you right through your pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience. How that looks might need a little tweaking (with restrictions in most local hospitals at the moment) but we can be that independent sounding board, guide, coach, educator and cheerleader. We can provide continuity of care throughout your journey to family life, some stability in changing times.

Your Care Providers

There are many models of medical care available, and finding a right provider is often the first decision you’ll make in your pregnancy - it is also the most important! Make sure they align with your goals and values around your birth, and if they don’t then don’t be afraid to change them for someone that does. 

Inform Yourself 

In addition to taking an independent childbirth course, I encourage you to seek out more information about pregnancy, birth and parenting. This can come from books, blogs, websites or podcasts. Make sure that the information you are taking in is positive and reputable - your educator and doula can point you in the right direction, and you can check out my Resources Page to get your started. 

Mindset is Important

Keeping a positive mindset will make a huge difference to your pregnancy and birth. Ways to keep things positive are: 

• to seek positive stories, limit negative ones

• Be confident

• Trust yourself - you’ve got this!

• And remember, there’s no right or wrong decision, only what’s right for you

I hope these tips have been helpful, stay tuned for the instalment in this series!