When to Contact Midwife

When I taught childbirth classes, I always encouraged couples to take the classes early in pregnancy, telling them they could take the labor and delivery class—or even the entire series—again for free at the end of pregnancy. Clearly, now is the time you're so curious about the changes that are going on and looking for support, not just in the last two months of pregnancy! So, in addition to looking into the many books and websites available, I recommend you start to attend a series of monthly LaLeche League meetings and investigate any of the privately taught childbirth classes in your area (by choosing a series taught by organizations such as BirthWorks, ALACE, the Bradley Method, etc. you are likely to find more support for natural birth than in many classes taught by hospital personnel about what is done in the hospital).

Similarly, I warmly recommend you start exploring who is available as a doula or midwife in your area. Starting early will give you plenty of time to consider the many options about where and with whom you want to give birth. If you are going to give birth with a doctor in the hospital, having a doula or labor assistant is the best investment you can make. She is someone knowledgeable about birth, who—unlike the doctor—will be with you throughout your entire labor and delivery. She can be your best help in preventing an unnecessary cesarean.

Choosing midwifery care throughout pregnancy and birth often means that you won't need a doula as well, as the midwife (and her assistant/s) are with you throughout labor and the postpartum hours. And, as you are figuring out, midwives often have suggestions about natural ways to work with the discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea and insomnia. They usually have much more time to spend with you at each prenatal visit and can help you have a healthier pregnancy and birth. As you guessed, it's never too early to start informing yourself during pregnancy or to start connecting with the circle of women and other caregivers who will accompany you during this wonderful time in your life.

Best wishes to you and your growing family!