your tips & to do's:

As you approach your third trimester, you may want to consider getting registered for a birthing class, if you haven't already. These are generally offered by your local hospital, although if you have any interest in a specific method, such as the Bradley Method or Hypnobirthing, you may want to ask your midwife, obstetrician, or experienced friends, for some recommendations.

Limited class sizes tend to fill up more quickly than you'd expect. Some classes will last a couple of days, while others span over a couple of weeks or months. Do your research before deciding which birthing style is best for you. There are many techniques, such as Hypnobirthing, water birthing, the Alexander Technique, and the two most common types: the Lamaze Technique and the Bradley Method.

The Lamaze Technique teaches that childbirth is a normal, natural, and healthy process. It empowers women through education and support. This method should help you approach childbirth with confidence and explores ways to find strength, or comfort, during delivery, using various techniques for relaxation and eliminating counterproductive responses (like tensing up). The Bradley Method emphasizes having a natural childbirth alongside the active participation of your partner. Traditionally, this course is given in 12 sessions and focuses on nutrition, exercise, and techniques for relaxation, and highlights the importance of trusting your instincts during childbirth. The Bradley method also encourages and is highly supportive of breastfeeding.

If you take a class through your hospital, your class will often include a hospital tour. If you take a class elsewhere, you should still have the option to schedule a hospital tour. The hospital tour gives you a chance to see the labor and delivery areas, the operating rooms used for caesareans, the recovery and patient rooms, and the nursery area.

Some questions to consider asking while touring the hospital include:

• What are the hospital's policies on visitors?
• Will your partner be allowed to stay with you during labor and delivery? Throughout recovery?
• Are private rooms available? Are they standard?
• Do they offer breastfeeding support?

Most hospitals allow you to pre-register for childbirth, and some even allow you to fill out its forms online. This will make your arrival and check-in much faster and easier, so be sure to take advantage of this (if it's offered). You won't want to fill out your information while you’re in active labor!

If you haven't already, now is also the time to put together a birth plan. This doesn't have to be anything formal. It can be as simple as discussing your options with your doctor ensuring your preferences are known. Have a clear understanding of the experience you want for your labor and delivery. As you prepare, keep in mind that you can't control every aspect of the delivery. The best you can do is plan for what you want and be prepared for the unknown.

Don't forget to write in your pregnancy journal this week!