Prenatal Visits: What to expect

I offer up to 2-two hour prenatal visits. Typically, most couples only need 1, but the extra is there for you! Here's what to expect during your visit:

Intake Form:

• I will make sure you have filled out an intake form with a little health background for my records. We will go over any of that as needed.

Getting to Know You:

• How did you meet? Where are you from? What are you interests and hobbies? The more I know about you the better I can serve you. Feel free to ask me questions about myself as well!

The Birth Process:

• I like to get an idea of how much you know about the birth process. Sometimes at this point you will have taken a birth class, and other times not. I encourage all my clients to take a birth class, but if you aren't able to here is where you'll get a Melissa crash course special. Hopefully you've done some research and can answer some basic questions. But don't worry, I won't fail you, I might just give you some extra homework.

The Birth Plan:

• After I've assessed how familiar you are with the actual birth process, we will go over a birth plan for you. We will discuss your desires, fears, and concerns. I'll help you design a birth plan that fits you. Ideally you will have looked over the birth plans available here and will have some idea of what you would like. I highly suggest writing down any questions you may have before we do this so you won't be trying to think of them on the spot.  

Comfort Measures:

• I like to show some basic comfort measures and counter pressure techniques for mom and partner. I recommend buying a birth/exercise ball. It's extremely helpful as you get closer to your due date and get more uncomfortable, bouncing on it can be helpful during early labor, and it's also very helpful to put a fussy baby to sleep. 

The Rest:

• Before we end I will thoroughly explain how/when to reach me when D-day arrives! We'll go over once more what to expect when that happens from me, you, hospital staff etc.