When did you begin planning?

JNCPro3130 · January 2014

Hey everyone! I'm a lurker on your board and have enjoyed reading the posts here. I've learned a lot already! My DH and I are probably going to TTC starting this summer. I'm going to be charting and temping beginning in March, so currently, I am learning about that. We've already discussed it and have decided that a natural birth is what we are going to aim for. I've read about the books you recommend and the programs that people can buy (I.e. Hypnobabies). It seems like there are a lot of things to think about, such as home vs hospital births. When did you and your SO begin planning and making decisions? When did you begin reading up on methods you wanted to use? I'm assuming it was after you were pregnant, correct? Thanks in advance!

tndalles · January 2014

I actually started planning about 3 months before we started trying because I wanted to find a provider before I conceived.

LOVEmyLUTZS · January 2014

I think it's important to be as educated as possible. The longer you have to learn as much as you can about the vast world of birth the better. I'd start now, b/c you won't know how pregnancy will affect your body. You could have to deal with morning(or afternoon, or evening) sickness and fatigue. Also if you know what you want for you birth from the beginning you'll have plenty of time to find a care provider that fits you and you SO. Good luck! Birth really is the best thing that will ever happen to you!

JNCPro3130 · January 2014

Okay, great! I'll start my research. Thanks!

aylafsu88 · January 2014

I started when I found out I was pregnant. I was interested in natural birth so I decided to read up on it. I found that I liked the Bradley method as I wanted my H to be involved in the process. I signed up for the classes and we ended up loving them. I also was interested in a doula. I researched doulas and we meet with a couple. My H was not on board with a doula at first but after meeting them and hearing what they had to offer he thought it was a good idea. Our doula was a huge part of our birth and even through we took classes and read there were things that we encountered that we were not prepared for. Our doula was able to step up and suggest things/support in those tough times.

tiggernorton04 · January 2014

I started researching before getting pregnant with DD. I looked into midwives in my area to start with. I would recommend the documentary Business of Being Born. It's really eye opening!

JNCPro3130 · January 2014

I have watched it! It is great!

KrisM86 · January 2014

I got pregnant with my daughter unexpectedly, so I didn't have a chance to prepare before that. I knew I wanted to have a natural birth with midwives, so once I knew I was pregnant I looked into what options I had near me. I didn't use any "method" but I did read several books, including Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Your Best Birth.

kboydbowman · January 2014

We spent almost a year TTC and had already planned pretty much everything during that time. I picked my midwife and birth center before we even started trying.

Chellbell20 · January 2014

I started researching providers when we started TTC since I knew I wasn't going back to my old provider or hospital. Most of the rest I researched after getting pregnant.

nosoup4u · January 2014

"Pushed" by Jennifer Block is a really good read about the maternity care system in the US. It's a few years old, but still fairly relevant: https://www.amazon.com/Pushed-Painful-Childbirth-Modern-Maternity/dp/0738211664

Good luck!

realmissjess · January 2014

I started doing a lot of reading while we were TTC -- and I'm so glad I did because I haven't done too too much since then! (Exhaustion hit me hard, and I've been busy... excuses, excuses!)

I agree with the PP who said you'll want a jumpstart on finding a provider who is on board with your plans. That will make a big difference in your prenatal care and delivery. I knew I wanted to use a birth center, and they've actually had to turn away moms when they have too many due the same month. If you're in a similar position, you'll want to get in with your care provider as soon as you get your BFP.

JNCPro3130 · January 2014

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the advice! I am going to start doing some reading and research on how I would like to deliver (i.e. birthing center, home birth, hospital, etc). Hopefully I will be back here at the end of the summer with a BFP and lots of new questions as well as helpful advice for others. Thanks again!

tlcierny · January 2014

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Planning on TTC end of June '14 (for estimated late March/early April delivery), and trying to figure out if I need an OB for pregnancy confirmation, and to check up on health? Or if the midwife can do all of that, and the sonograms and such?

In Boston, we have a place called the Cambridge Birthing Center, which allows for waterbirths and home-like suites (complete with fireplace). It's across the street from a hospital in case of emergencies or complications.

I've read you're supposed to have a preconception check up, and I assume my regular PCP does this? I figured I'd combine that with removing my IUD about 2 months before TTC. Is that what others have done?

abirdd9 · January 2014

I've been learning about natural birth since I was a teenager because it's always fascinated me.

Shortly before I got pregnant I started looking into area midwives and birth place options. I also checked into coverage for midwives.

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