This is my first go at giving birth, so I'm no expert- but here are the things I did to feel 100% confident and excited to give birth to our first child!
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Before conception
Experience: I spent YEARS working with children in a variety of different settings. I have a minor in early childhood education, where I studied children's behavior, brains, etc. I also nannied for a total of ten-plus years and babysat for even longer.
Relationship: My husband and I talked about having a child very openly and made sure we were entirely on the same page... the same page for us? If it happens, it happens. Let's just not prevent- and we were so lucky to conceive immediately BUT were ready for it.
Financial: We were "debt free" before even contemplating kids because this was a HUGE priority for us (which I understand isn't possible for everyone). We paid off all of my student loans ($115K) and had no loans out besides our car, which was 0%! This helped us feel more secure and confident to take on the financial responsibility of another human being!
Physical: Nutrition and fitness were INCREDIBLY important to us and a huge part of our lifestyle. Before trying for a baby, I was very happy with my relationship with food as well as working out. I have to admit that pregnancy has been hard, and both of these hit the back burner, but having a strong body as a base has helped so much.
During Pregnancy
Midwife: If it were 100% up to me, I would have chosen a home birth in a heartbeat. My mom gave birth to all four of us at home and that was always in the back of my mind- but my husband was much more comfortable with the idea of being in a hospital.. so we compromised! I looked ALL AROUND to find a midwifery unit IN HOSPITAL. (which here in America is very hard to find). I'm no expert, but to me, midwives are more focused on the mom compared to a typical OBGYN, who is more focused on the baby. Because of this, midwives are typically found doing home births, birthing centers, and sometimes (if you're lucky) in a hospital. I chose a midwife because I knew I wanted the least intervention as possible, wanted as many comfort measures (like the option to do a water birth), and a deeper 1:1 connection with the person delivering my baby!
Doula: One of the first decisions I made was asking a family friend of ours to become our doula. She's like an extra mom to us, and we knew that she would be the perfect person to help us along... little did I know how much more she would be for us than that. At around 6 months, we started meeting weekly, talking all about the birth process, watching DVDs, reading books, listening to podcasts, discussing options, creating plans, practicing positions, and so much more. Each week I would feel more and more confident in myself and excited for the birth that was to come!
Books: I'm not a huge reader but we listened to a book about hypnobirthing and it was INCREDIBLE. I highly recommend it if you are pregnant and considering an unmedicated birth. You can find the book here.
DVD: I recommend this DVD over anything else. Not only was it super entertaining and hilarious, but it was so dang informative. You can find it here but I highly recommend checking your local library, bookstore, or eBay!
Classes: We took CPR, Natural Birthing, and Breastfeeding classes at our hospital.
Pelvic Floor Therapist: I was late to the game on this one, but I did see a pelvic floor therapist at 36 weeks and found it very helpful. She was able to take a look at my muscles and posture to recommend some exercises. We also talked about leaking and incontinence and ways that I can start working on that now and continue after birth. Plus, I will be working with her after the "all clear" at 6 weeks postpartum to continue focusing on my pelvic floor! In addition to all that, she helped me find options for labor positions (and where I was strongest), taught me breathing techniques, and taught my husband how to help with the perineum massages!
Checklists: I scoured the Internet AND asked all my followers so that I could make checklists that would have everything you needed. Click here to check them out.
Social Media Accounts: I can't believe how many accounts are out there that are made just for the pregnant/postpartum woman. I found an insane amount of information and highly recommend the following accounts!
Here are a bunch of my favorites from Instagram!
My Birth Plan
I'm not looking for feedback on my plan.. and I also know that plans don't always work out. That being said, being prepared is a good thing, and walking through the whole process was so helpful for me.
Click here to get my birth plan PDF and customize it for yourself.
Jessica Haizman Birthing Preferences
Labor & Delivery:
General
I prefer a natural, unmedicated birth
I request that all questions be directed toward my husband and doula – out of my earshot if possible - while I labor –
I request the placement of the IV Port, if needed, be in my upper arm
No medicated induction- if induction is necessary, I prefer to start with the Foley Balloon ( ask Midwife about this)
No medication unless I am aware and provide consent-
I prefer light drinks and food if available
I prefer to walk and allow labor to progress naturally if it slows
Please do not offer or discuss pain medication in my presence
I prefer my water to break on its own- If I have reached 9 or 10 cm and water has not yet broken, you can discuss it with my Husband or doula to determine if assistance is needed- They will bring this question to me
I prefer no episiotomy unless necessary for baby’s safety
No forceps
Ambience
Quiet room and lights dimmed
Please limit the number of people in my room
Please try and keep the inter-staff conversation to a minimum
Exams
I’d like as few vaginal exams as possible
Pain Relief
Massage, hot therapy, shower, birthing ball, rebozo technique
Please do not offer epidural/pain medication. I will request it if needed.
Fetal Monitoring
Minimal, intermittent fetal monitoring to allow for mobility
Pushing/Tearing
Please allow me to spontaneously push-follow my body’s natural urges
No episiotomy unless necessary. I would prefer a natural tear.
I would like a mirror to watch the birth
Group B Strep
Negative
If a C-Section is Necessary
Epidural or spinal block to be administered
Father to conduct immediate skin-to-skin if I am unable to
Baby and mom to be reunited as soon as possible
After Birth:
Immediately After Birth
Please allow for as much silence as possible immediately after birth
Please place baby on my chest immediately
Do not wipe down baby
Do not suction nose or mouth unless – I will request if needed
Delivery of Placenta
No Pitocin; please allow the placenta to deliver on its own
Umbilical Cord
My husband will cut the cord after it stops pulsating and turns white
Golden Hour
Please hold off on any tests, weighing, etc., until after the golden hour and after my first attempt to nurse.
Antibiotic Eye Treatment
No administration of antibiotic eye treatment
Vitamin K Shot
Administer preservative-free shot only OR use oral vitamin K drops
Lactation Consultant
I request a Lactation consultant be called for my first and subsequent feedings to ensure proper latching and good nursing techniques
Ambiance After Birth
Quiet room and lights dimmed
Please limit the number of people in my room
Please try and keep the inter-staff conversation to a minimum
Please limit the overnight visits to the room, allowing for as much rest as possible
Baby Care:
Preferences
No formula, sugar water, pacifiers, or bottles
Do not separate the baby and mother
If separation is necessary, I will express breast milk- Colostrum for my baby- this can be given to baby via tube or dropper – no bottle, please
Bathing
Please do NOT bathe baby unless requested. I have brought my own shampoo. No lotion is needed.
Feeding
I plan to breastfeed exclusively.
NO formula, bottles, or pacifiers
Circumcision
Baby boy will not be getting circumcised.
*This was an influenced decision based on your recommendations to watch this documentary which opened our eyes to the lack of knowledge we had.
Always, Jess
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L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
W E B S I T E | T I K T O K | I N S T A G R A M | Y O U T U B E
Hi Friends! I'm Jessica Haizman. I'm 28 years old and married to my best friend. We spend 98% of our time together, and no we don't spend it all cleaning and organizing. I have a daughter, Adalynn and an Australian Shepherd, Bali and they get the majority of my attention.
I have created efficient systems in all areas of our home, our phone, our careers, and our lives- and I have made it my mission to share these tips with anyone and everyone that will listen.
Why? Because these systems make my life SO MUCH EASIER and SAVE ME SO MUCH TIME. These systems keep my home clean, bring joy and calmness into my life, and allow me to spend less time picking up clutter and more time living life- I want that for you too.
The goal is to help, whether its a quick tip or life hack that I share to Tiktok or a day in the life on my social networks @jessicahaizman, a printable chart that helps me stay organized or my all-time favorite apps, an intensive course answering all the FAQ's or working 1:1 with clients to create healthy habits- these resources are all available to you!
Some things you will stumble upon are how I use non-toxic natural cleaners, have made the change to no-waste by switching to reusable towels instead of paper or glass storage containers instead of ziplocks. You will also find lots of DIY recipes and how to use common household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar and hot water to tackle some of your toughest messes. You'll learn about my favorite cleaning supplies and cleaning products including all purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, stain removers and more.
Having a clean home drastically affects your physical and mental health, so jump on board and learn all the tips I have to share! Take the time to explore my website and interact with me on social media. I'm so excited to see how organization and a new approach on cleaning the home will change your life and leave you full of joy!