I love to read and listen to podcasts.
Podcasts are basically free lessons or therapy even.
I’d used podcasts and books to help me get through the heartbreak of a miscarriage. When I was hoping for a baby and when found out I was pregnant, I lent on podcasts and books again.
I listened to lots of positive birth stories when I was pregnant with both the girls. My first birth experience was long and ended with intervention. I was so desperate for that not to happen for my second.
I did a lot more work. I read. I listened. I practiced.
And you know what, it really helped. From listening to Enya to breath work, I roared Martha into the world.
Knowing how much it helped with my second birth, I’ve started thinking about the books, podcasts, Youtube channels, and Instagram accounts I need to get back into.
Books to help you prepare for birth
How to Grow a Baby and Push it Out
Written by Clemmie Hooper, midwife and mother, this book is a practical guide to labour, birth prep, and postpartum.
The Fearless Birth Book
Very easy to read and digest, even when she’s talking about complicated ideas and science. A great book that helps you prepare for labour. Understand how birth works, and how you can have an empowering experience.
YouTube videos and Instagram accounts to help you prepare for birth
The Birth Uprising
The Birth Uprising is antenatal hypnobirthing educator. I never used to program, but I did follow their tips on Instagram. I found the videos so helpful. I remember reading about “Roaring your baby into the world,” and I felt this was such a powerful thought when I was having Martha.
Give these a follow. They also have amazing branding and chat.
The Positive Birth Company
On the YouTube channel you’ll find free videos on everything from breathing to birth stories and what to expect post birth.
Better Birth UK
Better Birth UK is a hypnobirthing, pregnancy, and antenatal educator. On her Insta she shares birth stories and answers common questions. Erin also has a podcast featuring positive birth stories.
Podcasts to help you prepare for birth
Birth Stories with Clemmie Hooper
People love to tell you their birth stories – when they’re positive I love to hear them. Keep the trauma out of my head until after the birth please! Clemmie Hooper talks to her guests about how their babies came into the world.
Is it normal? By Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware talks to the professionals, answering questions with the help of professionals. You can follow the podcast through each week of your pregnancy.
Fear Free Childbirth
I listened to every episode of Fear Free Childbirth and joined her Facebook group. I found the birth stories and chats with professionals very helpful. There are loads of new episodes, but don’t skip the 2019/2020 ones. This is a goldmine!
Headspace App
I use the Headspace app and follow the course, Preparing for Birth. This is about 10 episodes, and you can listen to over and over again. Really great for bedtime.
Preparing for birth is exciting
Here are things I found so helpful to prepare for and during birth.
- Mantras (You grew this baby in your sleep. You can birth it just the same)
- Music (Chilled / Enya before active labour, upbeat dance vibes during active labour
- Lavender
- Breathing
- Following my instincts and trusting them
- Rocking on all fours
- Roaring! Mooing. The noises are so primal! Go with it.
- Watching positive births
- Listening to positive births
- Having a very loose wish list for birth rather than a plan
Fromthemotherside 
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