Doula Tips: Due date approaching?

by Kelli Brus

10/03/2023

DOULA TIPS: As you approach your estimated due date 💛

✨ Surround yourself with positivity: This may be the most important thing. Spend time with your most supportive people and read/listen to positive and empowered birth stories.

✨ Find opportunities to rest: Labor almost always kicks off in the evenings. Rest and nap when you can!

✨ Spend special time with your partner: Oxytocin (the love hormone AND the hormone that brings on contractions) increases when we feel loved and snuggly. Date nights are wonderful to look forward to!

✨ Get an idea of your baby's position: Your provider may be able to help and/or you can try belly mapping. The Miles Circuit and The Three Balances from Spinning Babies can encourage baby to find an optimal position.

✨ Research has shown that eating 6 dates a day increases cervical ripeness!

✨ Expect to go past your due date. On average, 1st time parents go 8-10 days past their due date.

✨ Start counting kicks at 28 weeks! Be aware of a change in your baby's pattern. Always reach out to your provider if you have any concerns.

✨ Aim to see a Webster certified chiropractor regularly in the last couple of months, if possible.

✨ Have a plan for (likely) well-intentioned messages from family and friends. For example, "We are doing well! We don't expect baby to arrive until ______ (insert a time frame 1-2 weeks past due date, like "mid May"). We'd love positive vibes right now."

✨ Drink 3-4 quarts of water per day!

✨ Treat yourself to a massage. If that's not in the budget, ask for one from your partner!

✨ And seriously.... focus on a positive mindset and build in many opportunities every day to remind you!