Know it all

Once you’ve recovered from your first response to finding out your pregnant (whether that is absolute euphoria, total terror, or somewhere in between…) it’s inevitable that your mind will begin to turn to The Birth.

So, for some people, this is the moment when you will turn instinctively to Google; reading thousands of (potentially horrifying) birth stories, watching a myriad of (potentially horrifying) birth videos on YouTube. For others, it’s time to put together a playlist, sign up to pregnancy yoga and put your feet up - what will be, will be. And for some it will be time to plunge their heads into well and truly into the sand - ignorance is bliss.

Our advice? Trust your instincts. It’s something you’re going to have to do a lot now you’ve become a parent. So whether you’re down the library, reading every book going, or turning up the white noise in your head and putting off the birth plan until tomorrow - your means of coping is the right means of coping to begin with for sure. During the course of a healthy pregnancy, moving into motherhood can be as slow a transition as you need it to be, and you are in charge of that emotional and psychological move.

But when you are ready to start thinking about what is inevitably coming your way, consider signing up to an antenatal class in your local area to provide yourself with a number of key coping strategies for pregnancy, labour an the fourth trimester (the newborn phase). The first thing is a social network of other new parents to be - due around the same time as you - your new tribe - who will be there on WhatsApp for you from the get-go. The second is the information and (hopefully) wealth of experience that your course leader(s) can impart. It’s never too early to understand your options.

At Bump to Cradle we offer antenatal classes in a relaxed environment, with discussion and a sense of open forum at their core and practical, evidence based information provided by the experts on hand at every session. So regardless of your instinctive approach to pregnancy, birth preparation and the fourth trimester, you will be able to find relief.

The specialists you will have contact with include a midwife, a women’s health physio, a paediatrician, an obstetrician, an anaesthetist, a GP, a mental health specialist… and more. Pop over here to find out more and book a course today to help you and your birth partner prepare.