Having a baby?! Congratulations on this exciting and monumental journey! Now that you know you are expecting, it's time to start figuring out what you need to do for pregnancy to have a healthy, safe, and happy experience.

As you may have already discovered, pregnancy comes with a whole set of questions and challenges. Whether you're in the thick of the morning sickness phase or you're blossoming in your second trimester already, there are ways you can help your body and mind get prepared to bring this little human earthside.

If you are ready to take control of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys, then this is for you.

Discover the top four things you need to do now if you are having a baby. Number four might surprise you!

4 Things You Need to Do if You Are Having a Baby

Use the following four ideas for what you need to do in your pregnancy. You won't find these items on any other list of pregnancy must-dos.

1. CREATE A BIRTH PLAN

According to the National Library of Medicine, women who have a birth plan can increase the rate of normal vaginal birth. In addition, when women are involved in the decision-making process and fulfilling their preferences in birth, they can experience improved maternal and neonatal outcomes and greater satisfaction around their birthing experience.

Many expecting mothers try to implement a "go with the flow" birth plan, meaning they don't actually create a birth plan at all. Instead, they rely on the hospital's medical team to make all the decisions for them. This can lead to traumatizing birth experiences and feelings of dissatisfaction in postpartum.

When you are having a baby, it is imperative that you strongly consider all of your options for a birth plan. You get to decide how and where you want to give birth. There are many parts to consider during your birth planning. Let's create your Fail-Proof Birth Plan together!

2. FIND GUIDANCE FOR PREGNANCY

It's likely that you are spending a good chunk of time each day on Google trying to learn all the things about pregnancy and birth. While it can be intriguing to learn from multiple sources, it can also become overwhelming and discouraging if you aren't careful. Therefore, you should consider finding an expert who can actually guide you in your pregnancy.

As a Birth and Family Wellness Educator, it is my passion to guide expecting mothers in this transitional time of life. That is why I created my "I'm Pregnant! Now What?" Program™. This quick, affordable program is your key to supercharging your mom skills before your baby arrives.

The “I’m Pregnant! Now What?” Program™ gives you guidance on topics such as:

• What tasks actually need to get done before your baby arrives

• Dietary and supplement recommendations to reduce your unpleasant pregnancy symptoms

• Which symptoms indicate that you need to call your doctor 

• What legal and financial preparations are recommended 

• Meaningful ways your enthusiastic friends and family can help out after your baby is born

Don't continue walking blind in your pregnancy journey. Get guidance now to help you have a safe, happy, and healthy pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

3. INVEST IN EDUCATION

Prenatal classes are typically available for a fee at your local hospital for those who are having a baby. However, these classes are limited and generally focus on basic information such as how to tell when labor has begun and how to breathe through contractions.

While this is helpful information to know, especially for first-time mothers, there is so much more education that is needed in order to prepare for caring for a newborn as well as caring for yourself after birth. Now is the time to invest in the right education to help you succeed in all of the chapters of becoming a new mom.

Use my Empowered Birth Program™ to get proven strategies and information on how to make this transition one that is successful and full of joy (instead of more tears). This program is more than a childbirth program-- it's your cheat sheet to learning how to make informed parenting decisions from day one.

4. IDENTIFY YOUR SUPPORT PERSON/TEAM

When you feel supported in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, then you feel more empowered about your experience as a whole. If you are having a baby, identifying your support person or your support team is crucial to having a positive experience.

There are many expecting mothers who feel like they are alone in their pregnancy. They are the ones making all of the decisions, going to all of the prenatal appointments, and having to restructure their life to support this growing baby. It's a tough job! But you don't have to do it alone.

Take time to jot down the people in your life that you feel supported by. This could include your spouse/partner, specific family members, and friends. Give them each a specific role that you can count on them to fulfill while you are making this new transition in life. Motherhood isn't meant to be done alone; create your village now.

Planning Ahead is Essential for Having a Baby

It may seem like a long time from when you find out you're having a baby to the due date. However, those nine-ish months can go by extremely fast. That is why it is important to plan ahead and start implementing these ideas now while you are pregnant. The more you know and do ahead of time, the better off you will be when it comes time to welcome your newest bundle into the world.

If you feel overwhelmed by all of the things you have to do in pregnancy before your baby arrives, don't be! You don't have to do it alone. I offer free consultations for all expecting mothers to provide guidance and tips on the right next steps for their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum chapters. If you are looking for expert guidance, click here so we can chat!

In addition, you can learn more about birth planning by subscribing to my YouTube Channel. You can also grab my FREE download: 20 Unspoken Secrets Expectant Moms Need to Know.