What The Heck Is A Pregnancy Coach Anyway?
Doula or Not?
The question I get most often is, “Oh, so you’re like a Doula?”. And my answer is, “Birth worker, yes. But Doula, that’s something different”. Doulas, who I like to refer to as ‘birth angels,’ attend births in-person to help you manage and cope during labor and delivery. I do recommend that 100% of my clients hire a Doula for D-day.
Pregnancy Coaching is…
A Pregnancy Coach however, is someone who you set aside the time to meet with, often weekly, for in-depth discussions around hopes, fears, dreams, logistics, roadblocks and personal vision. We can work 1-on-1, giving you the opportunity to explore your deepest desires and expand your belief in yourself. Or you can select group coaching, which helps you find connection and community while sharing your experience with like-minded women. A pregnancy coach is someone who understands your values and takes the time to learn your aspirations, your fears, and what makes you feel safe. Although our time is scheduled, I am available whenever things pop up that require a soundboard. Real-time support can bring you from a heated moment to a cool calm. I will remind you of your agency, autonomy and power. I will also help you to release control and trust the process.
The Benefits
There is no separation between the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical experience of creating a life. We will incorporate intuitive and joyful eating practices while focusing on nourishment. We will curate an individualized movement practice to encourage optimal baby positioning along with an understanding of your unique body literacy. Working with me as your coach requires significant introspection and reflection as the birthing person. I want to walk alongside you through your pregnancy, offering support every step of the way.
In a perfect world I am hired early in the first trimester, but it is truly never too late. Pregnancy opens the door to some serious soul-searching. Together we will ensure your pregnancy is supported with beneficial therapies such as pelvic floor therapy, prenatal massage, Webster chiropractic, acupuncture and more. I will point you towards remedies for discomfort and healing so you can feel comfortable and functional. I will help you navigate prenatal screening and testing, and assist you in determining what makes sense for you— even if that’s different than what your provider deems ‘routine.’ When applicable, we will initiate partner involvement in all aspects of planning.
Building a comforting cocoon of support around you and your baby for pregnancy, birth and postpartum is key. Our preparation goes beyond your typical birth education course. Once we have uncovered and unlocked your birth preferences, we will dive head first into evidence based research that supports your wishes. Obtaining a thorough knowledge of your prenatal care and birthing options helps you to seek out the right fit for you and your family. It also gives you the confidence to follow your instincts when selecting your team. I fully intend to make things very personal. We can role-play difficult conversations you may need to have with your provider. We can look into hospital policy ahead of time and practice requiring informed consent.
When things don’t go according to plan, and they often don’t, you will have the tools to pivot in a different direction, because you’ve already done the legwork to find peace with change. We will work to strike a balance between being mindful of the ‘cascade of interventions’ while also appreciating the benefits of modern medicine. Writing a birth plan is important, but articulating your desires to your care team is imperative. We will make sure you have communicated your wants effectively. This includes the immediate hours following birth. We will have already dedicated time and space to talk about feeding preferences, bonding with your baby, newborn procedures and tests, and your recovery. Managing expectations and lifestyle changes with a newborn makes for a smooth transition into the fourth trimester.
Knowledge is Power
You will ultimately direct our work, and I will guide you to achieving an empowering birth. Knowledge grants you the power. In many ways your birth story is out of your hands. But make no mistake, preparing yourself to play an integral role in all of the decision-making throughout pregnancy and birth will directly affect how you feel about the outcome. This is how you overcome fear, anxiety and stress-all of which if not addressed will hinder your ability to birth with confidence and peace. Pregnancy coaching is definitely not for everyone. This is intense work reserved for those who want to dig into their new identity as a mother and bring their baby earth side feeling strong, heard, and supported.
Interested in learning more? Let's chat!
15 min Ask my anything call
Registry build session
15 min vent session