You've made it to week 28!

You're now in the home stretch, and these next 10-14+ weeks or so can be a whirlwind of preparation, nervous jitters, elation, discomfort--and everything in between.

Here's some 3rd trimester pregnancy tips that I’ve shared with my doula clients.

It's especially important now to slow down, take it easy, and be kind to yourself, so you can help your body get ready for labor.

If you’re birthing with a midwife or OB - make sure to ask these questions, and get clear answers that you’re satisfied with:

• What if I go past my due date?

• What scenarios would you recommend induction of labor for, and why? (If you're birthing in-hospital, ask about the Foley bulb catheter--it's a manual way to begin induction, instead of going straight for Cervidil or Cytotek)

• What if my water breaks before contractions start?  

• What if my baby seems “big”?  Read the evidence for inducing because of a big baby.

REMEMBER - you have rights and you can and should demand that they be respected!

Informed consent should be the central goal in all conversations with your care provider.  

It means that you’re actively participating in your own care with an educated, informed perspective.

Consent must be freely given, without coersion or threat, and in order to consent you must have a full understanding of what you’re agreeing to - otherwise, it’s not consent.

When you’re facing a tough decision regarding your care, you can apply informed consent by ‘using your BRAIN’ - i.e. going through the questions in this infographic:

Review your birth plan (click here to get your BEST birth plan kit!) with your care provider as well - ask him/her to sign it, and get a copy if possible.  

Here are some routine tests you may encounter (and may choose to decline) during the third trimester.

Also consider: 

• Vaginal exams - and why you can refuse them with confidence

• The glucose tolerance test - evidence and alternatives

• Anemia - and what you can do about it (try taking liquid chlorophyll!)

• Group B strep - testing pros/cons +  a natural treatment protocol

Postpartum care...

Create a plan now for who will be able to help you with chores, errands, meals, and rest once baby arrives.  A suggested postpartum plan is included in my Birth Plan Kit.

Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need - even if that includes asking your mother to not fly in immediately--or asking your best friend to do your laundry and take out your trash when she comes to visit!

If you think you’d like some help for the first days of being at home with baby, for the first days when your partner goes back to work, or even after your family “helpers” leave, consider a postpartum doula.

Hiring a postpartum doula can be a wonderful grandparent gift - and you can start dropping hints now!

Getting started breastfeeding and bonding with your newborn...

Look for natural baby stores in your area. These places are great hubs of local info, and often host support groups for new moms.

Think about enrolling in a virtual breastfeeding or infant safety class.

La Leche League can also be a great resource for new families--check their site to find a group in your area.

Think deeply about the big questions while you have time...

• Back to work or not?

• Cord blood banking?

• Vaccinations?

• Circumcision?

Here's Dr. Sears' take on how to choose a pediatrician that's a good fit for your family, if that’s something you’re interested in. You can also opt to bring your baby to see a naturopath, chiropractor, or holistic health care professional instead.

Also, think about the following local resources...

• Acupuncture - useful in preparing your body for labor. Sometimes, acupuncture can even help to jumpstart a labor that's slow to begin.  You can start these treatments at 37 weeks, and they’re very relaxing.  

• Floatation therapy - Imagine soaking in a huge, warm bath of epsom salts, with the option of being in total darkness and complete silence.  It's also called sensory deprivation therapy, and it's incredibly comfortable and calming. Some research indicates that a 1.5 hour session in a float spa is equivalent to nearly an entire night's sleep!  Float spas are great for people suffering from chronic pain and PTSD, and are especially helpful during late pregnancy when your body may be increasingly uncomfortable and achy.  

• Placenta encapsulation - Also, if you haven't thought about getting your placenta encapsulated, now might be a great time to learn more about it. Placenta capsules are really incredible for balancing your hormones after the birth of your baby.  They can help with mood swings, breastmilk supply, energy, healing and blood loss after giving birth.  Placenta capsules are as simple to take as vitamins, and there's many reputable practitioners around.

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