ideas for homebirth prenatal sessions

[budwanna birth]

Hi All,

I offer three 2 1/2 hour prenatal visits as part of my package. In addition to comfort measures and massage, I typically spend alot of time doing birth art and working through fears through this modality. Another big chunk of time is usually devoted to talking through pros and cons of different interventions, preparing a birth plan.

I am working with a mom who is highly self-educated and will be birthing at home. Additionally, the birth art doesn't appeal to her.

Any ideas for who I can make my prenatal visits meaningful and productive for this client?

Thanks in advance!
Carolyn

[TO Doula]

Let her take the lead. She may still want to discuss interventions in case of a transfer to the hospital, and she may want to talk about what you will do in that case. She may have fears/concerns about birth or parenting that she'd rather talk about than draw about. (I don't "get" birth art myself, so that's what I'd want.)

You might also talk about how she sees your role vs the role of the midwife. You might have her show you around her kitchen and laundry area. You can talk about comfort foods, eating in labour, and how hungry women can be after giving birth. At your last appointment find out where the birthkit stuff is in case things are moving quickly. At my last home birth I was scrambling to find chux pads, towels, menstrual pads, baby blankets and hats, etc because mom was in no condition to go dig them out herself. You may also want to know where she's listed the midwife's phone number etc for the same reason.

Have fun!