What will we discuss in a prenatal appointment?

Picture it: you hired a Doula. You know that she doesn't provide medical care. You know that she provides physical, emotional, and educational support and your first prenatal is coming you. You might be asking yourself - how do I prepare? What do I need to bring? I don't what what I am doing, what are we going to talk about? Let those questions go - your Doula will lead the appointment, even though you may do all the talking! Here are a few topics you might cover or activities that might happen in prenatal appointments with your Doula!

1. Your Doula will probably get to know you and your birth partner if you have one. She may ask about your careers, your extended families, if you're from the area you live in currently - and you can ask your Doula the same questions. Prenatal appointments are a great opportunity for you all to fast track getting to know each other. You want to become comfortable enough with your Doula quickly as she will be there, support you, on possibly the most vulnerable day(s) of your life. So just open up and engage!
   

2. Your Doula will ask you about your birth preferences/birth plan. If you do not have strong preferences then the Doula may share with you some hypothetical situations that can happen as labor begins and progresses. If your birth plan isn't complete before your first prenatal, DO NOT WORRY, use this opportunity to ask your Doula and lingering questions. She can also provide you with evidence based resources so you can make informed decisions. If you do have strong birth preferences, these appointments are a great time to be very clear about your preferences and wishes. For example - I once had a client who did not want to be called "Mama," a very common occurrence in the birth world. She wanted to be called by her name, and I was able to respect this wish and ensure others in the birth space were aware of this preference as well.
   

3. You and your Doula will discuss the labor and birth space. You might discuss first what it looks like to labor at home and when to transfer to a hospital. You will probably discuss sights/sounds you want to incorporate as well. For example aromatherapy, dim lighting, music, your favorite show on TV, etc AND how to adapt these to the hospital room. If your birthing at home, your Doula will want a surface level home tour specifically to see places you envision yourself laboring. I always want to see my clients' kitchen layout so I can easily access snacks and drinking water for them. I also always want to see your shower or bathtub if you plan to use them as relaxation/pain management techniques.
   

4. You, your Doula and your birth partner may practice some labor positions, breathing techniques, and pain management techniques. Please know that there is never enough time in prenatal appointments with your Doula in order for them to give you a Childbirth Education course (and that's why I always suggest you sign up for a CBE course with an independent provider). However, your Doula can give you a brief introduction to some of these techniques which you can explore further and practice on your own time.

There is so much more that can be covered in prenatal appointments with your Doula, but I hope this post serves as a great overview that might help you set your expectations appropriately. If you are not sure whether you want to hire a doula to be present at your birth, I offer a monthly Virtual Doula service. This service includes 2 virtual prenatal appointments in one calendar month for $80. We can discuss most topics mentioned above and so much more!