Hi Reader!

Welcome [back] to my New Family Needs newsletter!

Thanks for sticking with me! As always, feel free to REPLY to this email with any questions for me AND any topics you'd like covered here and in my blog.

Checklist for laboring in the car.

Prepare yourselves and your car to ensure the most comfortable, efficient, and focused ride to your birthplace. *Keep in mind that how comfy your ride is will depend on where you are in labor, but this list will help to make this as harmonious a transfer as possible!

Here's a quick and easy list to get you started. (I've also written about this in my blog here).

YOUR MUST-HAVE LABORING IN THE CAR CHECKLIST FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM HOME TO HOSPITAL:

Do a dry run to the hospital and make sure you are aware of the correct parking lot and entrance for daytime and nighttime.
Use your maps to scope out the best route to take during higher traffic times and to get an idea of length of drive.
Labor in the backseat where there is a lot more space.
Prep the car: old towels on the seats, plastic bag or bucket in case needed.
Playlist for relaxing through the ride.
Keep the temperature at a comfy level, you may even want the windows down.
Bring along a water bottle with a tight-fitting lid and straw top.
Be open to pulling over if you need to during contractions.
If your ride will be long, consider having an extra support person like a doula ride along with you.
Don't forget your hospital bag(s). (see blog post here).
Remember that arriving at the hospital when in active labor is often an "ideal" time, but that means the car ride can be a little more challenging.

I've gone into greater detail in my blog post here. But the bottom line is this: do your best to prep the car and yourselves ahead of time to make the transition from home to birthplace as comfortable as possible.

What about you?

Please respond to this email with your tips, tricks and ideas for making the ride from home to delivery place as smooth as possible. I'd love to hear from you!

I support expecting and new parents prenatally with group and one on one birth and postpartum classes, postpartum support (in person and virtual) and lactation consultations, parent groups and special events.

New Family Needs

Childbirth Masterclass series starts May 15th:

There's lots more where this came from! To learn all about pregnancy, labor prep, labor support, comfort measures, how to know when to leave for your birthplace and much much more, check out my Childbirth Masterclass series running May 15 - June 5.

Client Testimonial:

"We used Hilary's education and postpartum services and found her to be an incredible resource to our family throughout the birth preparation and postpartum stages. Every interaction with her left us feeling educated, empowered and more confident in our roles as new parents."

If you've read this far, thank you! I am truly honored and humbled that you'd trust me on this journey. I have a favor to ask you. Since you've made it all the way to the bottom, would you mind going back to the top, clicking the FORWARD button and sending this to a pregnant friend or family member? I'll even share what you can say: 'I've found this amazing resource for all things pregnancy, labor, postpartum and newborns and I'd love for you to enjoy it too!' Or...something like that.

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For more, check out my blog here.

Thank you so much for sticking with me and I look FORWARD to getting to know one another!

-Hilary

I've got your New Family Needs covered.