The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and plan for the future—especially if you're expecting a baby in 2025. Pregnancy is a season of growth and transformation, and with the right mindset and preparation, you can approach this journey with confidence and joy. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and insights to help you prepare emotionally, physically, and mentally for the exciting months ahead.
1. Set Intentions, Not Perfections
Why It Matters: Pregnancy is unpredictable, and perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Setting realistic intentions for how you want to navigate this journey helps keep stress at bay.
Tips:
Choose a mantra or focus word for your pregnancy, like “balance” or “calm.”
Write down 2–3 personal goals, such as staying active, prioritizing self-care, or learning more about birth options.
Let go of comparison—your journey is unique!
2. Build Your Birth Team Early
Why It Matters: A supportive birth team can make a significant difference in how empowered you feel during labor and birth.
Tips:
Research and hire a birth doula to support you emotionally and physically.
Discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your vision for birth.
Consider adding a postpartum doula to your team for after-birth care.
3. Educate Yourself on Physiological Birth
Why It Matters: Understanding how your body works during childbirth can help you feel more in control and confident in your birthing body.
Tips:
Attend childbirth education classes with experienced, independant practitioners, that focus on physiological birth.
Read empowering books or listen to podcasts about birth (e.g. The Midwives Cauldron podcast, Reclaiming Childbirthirth as a Rite of Passage, by Rachel Reed, In Your Own Time by Sara Wickham).
Watch positive birth stories online to gain inspiration.
4. Create a Personalized Self-Care Plan
Why It Matters: Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding. Prioritizing self-care helps you recharge and prepare for the changes ahead.
Tips:
Incorporate gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming into your routine.
Schedule regular “me time” to relax, whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or taking a nap. Put it on your calendar to ensure you are giving yourself time.
Stay connected with people who uplift and support you.
5. Plan for Postpartum Now
Why It Matters: The postpartum period, also known as the “fourth trimester,” is a critical time for healing and adjustment. Planning ahead can ease the transition.
Tips:
Stock up on postpartum essentials like pads, nursing supplies, and meals.
Discuss a postpartum plan with your partner or support network, including who will help with household tasks.
Consider booking a postpartum doula to provide hands-on support. Whether it’s your first or fifth baby, a postpartum doula can support you as your transition into this new season of your life.
6. Celebrate Your Journey
Why It Matters: Pregnancy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (for each child), so take time to savor and celebrate it!
Tips:
Document your journey through photos, journaling, or a pregnancy scrapbook.
Host a small gathering or “blessing way” to honor your transition into motherhood.
Treat yourself to something special, like a prenatal massage or a comfy maternity outfit.
2024 is your year of transformation and growth. By setting thoughtful intentions, building your support network, and preparing for both birth and postpartum, you’re setting yourself up for an empowering experience. Remember, this is your journey—embrace it with grace, courage, and joy.
If you’re ready to take the next step:
Register for my workshop on January 18th to learn more about preparing for childbirth and postpartum. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!
Book a discovery call to chat about how doula support can help you feel confident and supported during this transformative time.
Let’s make 2025 your most empowering year yet!