36 Week Care Plan
(The Ultimate Link Filled Resource Message!)
We are so excited for your upcoming birth! Here are some (ok, a lot!) of resources we have put together for you. If you have any additional questions let's talk about it at your next prenatal appointment!
Birth Plan preferences: Here is information to help you make an informed decision with Vitamin K, Erythromycin, Active Management and antibiotics for GBS. Remember what you put down on your birth plan is not set in stone with us. We can even talk through it, the day of the birth as well. Vitamin K
Expectant and Active Management (keep in mind we practice routine delayed cord clamping and we do not do routine cord traction we will help guide the placenta out once released, very different than a hospital setting!)
GBS (tested around 36 weeks)
Postpartum Packet: (BRING TO THE BIRTH, tuck it in your birth bag today): Fill out your consents before hand. Fill out all the highlighted areas with parent's information. We will handle the medical worksheets, date of birth for baby, etc. We will file your baby's birth certificate and social security information for you. You will need to sign off on your baby's Verification of Birth Facts within a few days of birth. We will need your signature to release your baby's birth certificate so keep an eye on your Maternity Neighborhood messages for that. Once you receive the social security card, you may order your birth certificate here.
Your Birth: We want to support you in having the birth you desire. One of the building blocks to having that birth (along with our care and support) is to take a COMPREHENSIVE birth class, we request that you do take a class that supports NATURAL and out of hospital childbirth!
Here are some free videos that can be helpful if you couldn’t attend a childbirth class. Most of these were compiled during covid when we were all scrambling to figure out zoom. Please let me know if these links are disabled, I try and check them often. -Jenn
Alice Turner is a Childbirth Educator and she has many helpful videos
Stages of Labor Part 1 Evidence Based Birth
Stages of Labor Part 2 Evidence Based Birth
A Werking Mama a doula and childbirth educator, she has a fantastic online course as well
If you have a Doula see if they offer a private class
In Early Labor: Rest! You can take unisom to help you sleep. Hydrate & Nourish your body. Empty your bladder often.
The Miles Circuit is great once you've gotten some sleep
Don't break out the contraction apps or time contractions until you can no longer ignore then and feel like they are getting longer, stronger and closer together to the point where you cannot ignore them! When you do use one we have found “Contraction Timer” is a good free app
Other helpful apps:
Expectful
Christian Hypnobirthing
Calm Birth
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding the second night is a must read. Also Kellymom is the BEST resource for breastfeeding. It's been my go to for evidence based research on breastfeeding, since dial up internet times! La Leche is also fantastic. Remember we are here to support YOUR breastfeeding goals. Everyone's goals are different and that is ok! Here’s a sneak peak at our Breastfeeding message.
Placenta Encapsulation: If you need a referral ask us at your next appointment.
Many who consume their placenta after birth report:
- increased energy
- improved mood
- decreased anxiety
- positive impact on breastfeeding
- increased iron
- easier postpartum transition.
Some extras:
*Start making affirmation cards, practice your relaxation techniques, visualize the birth you want. You have made a safe choice to have your baby with DFW Community Birth & Wellness! Reminders during your birth can be helpful here are some simple prompts.
*Check out Spinning Babies tips
*We love this article for the final weeks
*Make Birth Playlists (variety of lists are recommended!) we have speakers at the birth center
*Please ensure you have your car seat installed before 37 weeks. You cannot leave the birth center without baby buckled into your car by you! If you need professional installation please check here.
At 36 weeks please discontinue your fish oil/OMEGA3 until Day 2 post baby (Fish Oil is a natural blood thinner). If it's in your prenatal vitamin no need to discontinue.
Labor Prep: At 35 wks you can start preparing your body for baby to come with these supplements:
*Gentle Birth Childbirth Support tincture (without Cohosh) Take as bottle directs
*Master Gland: 1 capsule in the morning and evening
*Super GLA: 1 capsule daily
*NORA Tea (Third Trimester or Red Raspberry Leaf Tea works too): 3 cups a day starting at 36 weeks. Please note you may experience more Braxton Hicks contractions. This is normal, and happens because these herbs are known for toning and preparing the uterus for labor. Discontinue prior to 37 weeks if you experience more than four contractions in one hour (contractions that are not painless, that have tightening along with a cramping feeling and often have downward pressure - similar to strong menstrual cramping).
*3mg - 5mg of Melatonin at night if you can't sleep
Here are two delicious recipes:
~Bacon-Wrapped Dates~
16-ounce package of bacon (regular thickness, not thick cut), cut into thirds 8-ounce package of pitted dates
**DIRECTIONS** Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil. Wrap a piece of bacon around a date. Make sure the bacon seam is placed facing downward on the cookie sheet. Press firmly on the bacon-wrapped date, so it is less likely to unravel. Repeat until all of the dates are wrapped in bacon. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Yield Makes 25-30 bacon-wrapped dates
~Date Smoothie~ 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 6 pitted dates 1 banana, preferably frozen 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup ice cubes 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pick up your Bloom Box and make your padsciles
***Labor Aid recipe*** (Make ahead and pack for Birth Day!! Drink during your labor to aid contractions and avoid dehydration) 4 cups clear juice (white grape, apple, natural lemonade) Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan Salt 4 cups coconut water 2 tsp sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) 4 scoops (80g protein) Garden of Life Collagen Peptides
***Labor Soup Recipe*** This soup is packed with a bunch of wonderful nutrients! Make ahead of birth day. Freeze in quart size zip lock bags. Take it out of the freezer and refrigerate in early labor then we will warm it for you.
Postpartum - Continue to take all your supplements. You can start on your fish oil/Omegas again. Chlorophyll and Magnesium are fantastic during this period and are both natural stool softeners pooping after birth does NOT have to be scary.
-Tylenol and Ibuprofen are great for afterpains, I would have them in your medicine cabinet just incase. AfterEase is a natural option as well for cramping.
We do send you home with a peri bottle but the curved ones are worth the splurge in Eve’s Bloom Box... plus you can never have too many!
-Nipple Butter, Lanolin, Silverettes, and Soothies are helpful with chapped or cracked nipples
Remember a deep latch will prevent soreness! Breastfeeding sometimes takes work and there's a learning curve for baby. We're here for you!
-Let us know if you need a prescription for a breast pump from your insurance