Question about prenatals and handouts

[michellebmaine]

So I had my first official interview today and I think it went fairly well. Phew...glad to have that done with. I'm fairly confident that she will hire me so I am turning my attention to prenatals.

My question is this: do you all bring a selection of handouts so that if questions arise you can give her a handout about it right then and there? or do you just deal with getting it to her later..perhaps by email.

Can anybody give me a good list of topics that I should try to find handouts on?

[michellebmaine]

Anybody?

[Comfy]

Everyone handles their appointments differently I suppose, and we will be talking about this at our next doula group meeting.

Here is what I do.

At the first prenatal I usually bring any books they may have chosen from my lending library. We talk about what they want, things they need to think about , and define my role. I usually leave them with some handouts from LLL. I leave them with handouts to a naturpath, prenatal yoga ...things to get them on the right path nutritionally etc. Mostly we talk and I have a picture book with diagrams to explain things. Usually this meeting is 90 minutes. If there are questions that they need more answers than I can provide at the time, I email the info.

2nd meeting is all about labour and comfort. We listen to relaxation Cds, I give hand and foot massage, she bounces on the birthing ball, I show here my hot pack and place it on her back. We do a birth rehearsal, simulating contractions (timing) and practise breathing techniques. If partner is home I involve him as well. We talk more about 2 and 3rd stage. I leave them with a package of homemade cookes (again comfort) . 90 minutes.

This last appt. I try to have out of the way by 38 weeks. If they reach 41 weeks, I usually have another quick meet. Just a pep talk..... you are doing everything right..... your baby is in the best place.... that kind of thing. That is when Moms need support the most......due date and after

Would love to hear from others .

[Kayla]

I do 3 prenatals. I am still new so I have been adjusting the routine of them somewhat every time till I find something I like. 1st one, we go over informed consent, comfort measures during pregnancy, and common reasons for induction (this is mostly with mom's who I know their doctors and they are generally induction happy) It seems I have been getting a lot of mother's recently who are already in the mind set of they might "need" an induction for various silly reasons, though I don't tell them that. I have a paper we fill out together so I can ask questions as we are going through it, it gets to know her personality and her preferences during labor, as well as past birth experiences if any, and gives me a better idea of what I ned to bring to the next meeting. The next meeting, we go over any things she may have asked about hte previous meeting, and talk about her preferences for labor and delivery, side effects of pain meds commonly used, and comfort measures during labor, and birth plans (not necessarily in that order). At the 3rd meeting, we go over belly mapping from spinning babies website (I try to keep it fun rather than diagnostic), breastfeeding, simple newborn care, postpartum care, circumcision, and any other questions she might have. Each meeting for me lasts about 2 hours. I am still new, so I assume I will shorten it eventually, but for now I am eager to share and help all I can. But I see a burning out point (and spending all that time and gas money) coming and plan on having a shorter version coming soon.