How much should I Invest in Birth Preparation?
TIME AND ENERGY
The amount of time and energy you invest in your birth preparation can make all the difference between it being INFORMED and up to chance. Between a positive experience and a traumatic one.
Investing nothing could be seen as leaving your birth to chance could be seen as 'going with flow' and 'not setting yourself up for disappointment'. Expect nothing and you can't be disappointed, right?
This is the approach taken by many who have been told to 'leave their dignity at the door', this approach, however, can leave you very disappointed, and even traumatised.
You have the right and responsibility to make Informed Decisions regarding what happens to you and your baby. The more time and energy you invest into this, the better off you will be.
If you are planning a pregnancy, you can start the Informed Birth Preparation process before you conceive. This may involve reading extensively, joining groups, attending meetings or even conferences and seminars, webinars, and online courses. Immersing yourself in 'birth culture' so that you can discover the options that appeal most to you. There is no one way.
If you are already pregnant, you have less time to dwell on your different options. You may find yourself having to make decisions fairly early on. For example, you may be encouraged to 'put your name down' on a places-limited continuity care program. This may not make any sense to you, but doing it means you have the option. You can always opt out.
Chances are, the first thing you do on discovering your pregnancy, is to see your GP to 'confirm it' and find out your options. This may result in learning many things, or it may result in coming away with a handful of test referrals and no information. Standard Pregnancy Care is fairly limited in giving you full options and understanding. It is up to you to find out what works best for you. You can start with the Recommended Resources, and search the blog articles to get you started on the path of Informed Birth Preparation. Creating a Birth Map takes time and consideration. THE BIRTH MAP: Boldly Going Where No Birth Plan Has Gone Before takes the guess work out of this process, giving you the insights and questions you need to effectively invest your time and energy in your birth and beyond preparation. When you SIGN UP to my newsletter, you can ask to be added to the secret Facebook support group. In this space you can ask questions, find out your options, participate in 'live' discussions (video chats) and gain access to evidence-based information.
The amount of time and energy you invest in your birth preparation can make all the difference between it being INFORMED and up to chance. Between a positive experience and a traumatic one.
Investing nothing could be seen as leaving your birth to chance could be seen as 'going with flow' and 'not setting yourself up for disappointment'. Expect nothing and you can't be disappointed, right?
This is the approach taken by many who have been told to 'leave their dignity at the door', this approach, however, can leave you very disappointed, and even traumatised.
You have the right and responsibility to make Informed Decisions regarding what happens to you and your baby. The more time and energy you invest into this, the better off you will be.
If you are planning a pregnancy, you can start the Informed Birth Preparation process before you conceive. This may involve reading extensively, joining groups, attending meetings or even conferences and seminars, webinars, and online courses. Immersing yourself in 'birth culture' so that you can discover the options that appeal most to you. There is no one way.
If you are already pregnant, you have less time to dwell on your different options. You may find yourself having to make decisions fairly early on. For example, you may be encouraged to 'put your name down' on a places-limited continuity care program. This may not make any sense to you, but doing it means you have the option. You can always opt out.
Chances are, the first thing you do on discovering your pregnancy, is to see your GP to 'confirm it' and find out your options. This may result in learning many things, or it may result in coming away with a handful of test referrals and no information. Standard Pregnancy Care is fairly limited in giving you full options and understanding. It is up to you to find out what works best for you. You can start with the Recommended Resources, and search the blog articles to get you started on the path of Informed Birth Preparation. Creating a Birth Map takes time and consideration. THE BIRTH MAP: Boldly Going Where No Birth Plan Has Gone Before takes the guess work out of this process, giving you the insights and questions you need to effectively invest your time and energy in your birth and beyond preparation. When you SIGN UP to my newsletter, you can ask to be added to the secret Facebook support group. In this space you can ask questions, find out your options, participate in 'live' discussions (video chats) and gain access to evidence-based information.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT
Many people will think nothing of spending thousands of dollars on a wedding. They recognise the importance of the day, and do what they can to make it as wonderful as they can.
If weddings were 'public funded', you would get a very simple service at a registry office. And whilst this is a good option for the 'no frills' approach or those with limited funds... in that it gets the 'job' done...it does not allow for a personal touch or acknowledge the significance of the event.
Like weddings, just because you spend a lot does not guarantee you get what you want. You need to choose each element; the education, the location, attendants, care-givers, contraction management, interventions, photography(?), post-partum support...this all takes careful consideration. You need to understand each element in order to make Informed Decisions. When it comes to financial investment in birth; consider your personality, your education needs, the outcome you want, your circumstances, your support network and the options available to you.
Let's look at your financial investment options:
See more FAQ
Many people will think nothing of spending thousands of dollars on a wedding. They recognise the importance of the day, and do what they can to make it as wonderful as they can.
If weddings were 'public funded', you would get a very simple service at a registry office. And whilst this is a good option for the 'no frills' approach or those with limited funds... in that it gets the 'job' done...it does not allow for a personal touch or acknowledge the significance of the event.
Like weddings, just because you spend a lot does not guarantee you get what you want. You need to choose each element; the education, the location, attendants, care-givers, contraction management, interventions, photography(?), post-partum support...this all takes careful consideration. You need to understand each element in order to make Informed Decisions. When it comes to financial investment in birth; consider your personality, your education needs, the outcome you want, your circumstances, your support network and the options available to you.
Let's look at your financial investment options:
- You can invest nothing into your birth (birthing in the public system is free to medicare-eligible people) by attending the free hospital classes, and following the standard care protocols. (gets the 'job' done).
- THE BIRTH MAP: Boldly Going Where No Birth Plan Has Gone Before could be the best money you ever spent. At the very least this reveals what you can expect during labour and birth, and gives insights to help you prepare.
- Group Birth and Breastfeeding Education Classes. The ABA Classes include a half-day class and a year of membership for under $100. Specialised Birth Education can cost a few hundred or over $1000, depending on length. Some are half-day, others a few evenings, others an intense weekend. Investing in independent childbirth and breastfeeding education has been shown to improve outcomes.
- Online Courses and Support. Investment may vary from very little to quite a lot. Look at the inclusions and choose based on what you need most. Some offer more personalised services (such as private skype sessions), others are information-only (like e-books). Investing in this option is best for those uninspired by or unable to attend group classes.
- If we approached birth as we do weddings, a doula is like having a 'wedding planner'. They know the 'business', know the key players and how to honour the event. They help you prepare for the day, by explaining what will happen. On the day, they are in the background ensuring a smooth 'ride'. This investment can cost between $300 and $2500, depending on experience, and package details. Whatever you invest here, it is a bargain! Take time to choose a doula you connect with, and you will not regret it.
- You can take snap shots, or you can invest in birth photography to record the event. Many doulas also offer birth photography, doula-trained birth photographers understand the importance of low light and uninterrupted birthing. This can be a wonderful investment.
- You can 'go private', with the options of obstetric (OB) care or Independent Midwife (IM). These are polar opposites, with OB care having a higher chance of intervention and caesarean and IM care being very personal and usually home-based. You can expect to spend several thousand dollars.
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