At first glance, preconception sounds like a separate time before parenthood. But it’s actually a vital part of a healthy pregnancy and an empowering birth experience.

If you’re planning for pregnancy and are interested in an out-of-hospital birth, you’ve come to the right place. There are a few considerations to keep in mind, and it’s important to understand the differences — and benefits — when choosing an out-of-hospital experience. 

Let’s take a look at 6 pregnancy planning tips, especially for those wanting an out-of-hospital birth.

Evaluate Your Overall Health

Are you physically and emotionally prepared for pregnancy? What medications do you take? Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions to consider before trying to conceive or planning an out-of-hospital birth? 

These are valid questions to answer before deciding to expand your family. We advise our clients who are trying to conceive to start treating their bodies as if they’re already pregnant. That means you should stop drinking or smoking, fine-tune your diet, and begin supplementing with a prenatal vitamin. In addition, it’s important to consider your mental health before entering parenthood and whether or not you’ll need additional support, such as behavioral therapy, throughout your pregnancy to stay well. 

Learn Cycle Tracking

Once you’ve decided it’s time, the first step is getting pregnant. As part of parent-centered care at Magnolia, we offer a preconception appointment so you have all the knowledge you need to take charge of your family planning experience. 

That’s why we teach the basics of fertility cycles in addition to answering commonly asked questions like, “How can I boost my fertility?” or “Are there any actual tips to getting pregnant easily?” Understanding cycle tracking is an empowering part of the family planning process. We cover all of this and more during preconception checkups with families planning to conceive.

Exercise and Eat Well

Exercise and nutrition are foundational elements of a healthy pregnancy. If you’re already active, continue exercising throughout pregnancy. However, if exercise isn’t already a part of your weekly routine, you can start with safe, low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or swimming during pregnancy. 

Preconception is also an important time to get your diet on track to support a healthy pregnancy. This means staying hydrated and eating a whole-food diet with micronutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, and lean proteins.

Consider Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements can improve fertility by supporting the natural functions of ovulation and fertility processes. Herbs are often cycle dependent and need 8-12 weeks to produce cumulative effects. It’s important to note that herbs are not regulated by the FDA. However, they are generally considered safe when taken under the guidance of your midwife.

Here are a few herbal supplements that may support fertility.

• Red raspberry leaf: Well known for its ability to tone the uterus, red raspberry leaf is available in capsule form but can also be used to make tea.

• Red clover: With its ability to balance hormones, red clover has high vitamin content and almost every trace mineral.

• Vitex/Chasteberry: This supplement supports the menstrual cycle by nourishing the pituitary gland and lengthening the luteal phase.

• Alfalfa: Loaded with vitamins that fuel a healthy reproductive system, alfalfa can help regulate fluctuating levels of estrogen.

• Nettle Leaf: Another herb that can tone the uterus, nettle leaf nourishes adrenals and kidneys, and cleanses the body of harmful toxins.

Build Healthy Support Systems

If you’re planning to carry during pregnancy, your health is of course a hot topic during preconception conversations. But your partner’s health is an important factor, too. 

The saying, “It takes a village,” remains true for welcoming and nurturing new life. And your village must have a strong foundation for support. Just as you would with yourself, consider your partner’s physical and mental health prior to conception. 

Consider Previous Birth Experiences 

Did you experience any complications during previous births that may affect future pregnancies and deliveries? While not all negative birth experiences will translate into the next, some conditions may increase your risks for future complications.

If you experienced preeclampsia, for example, your risk factor may be higher for subsequent pregnancies. Make sure to consider and review your history of birth experiences with your Magnolia midwife as you make plans to bring new life into the world once again.

“Why Would Anyone Want to Have a Natural Birth?” and Other FAQs About Out-of-Hospital Delivery

Why Should I Consider a Natural Birth?

At Magnolia Birth House, a natural birth is delivering vaginally without pain medication. Instead, we offer education and support to instill the confidence you need to deliver without access to traditional pain relief options offered at a hospital. 

So what does this mean for parents who choose natural birth in an out-of-hospital environment such as Magnolia? It means you’ll be offered an undisturbed, low-stress atmosphere as you achieve an empowering, unmedicated birth experience. It means that you’ll be trained, and encouraged, to try out a number of natural birth positions and activities to ride the waves of contractions during labor. It means that by the time your baby is ready to enter the world, you’ll have the confidence you need to deliver a healthy baby in a safe environment, as nature intended. 

Is There a Role for Midwives in Family Planning?

Definitely! Midwives do more than support parents while giving birth. They offer annual gynecological exams, preconception and prenatal care, newborn care, family planning, and other related services.

This means midwives are trained to walk parents through the complex world of fertility cycles, contraception, and other family planning topics. At Magnolia, we are honored to help gay, lesbian, and transgender folks build families, guiding you toward resources related to sperm banks and egg donation.

Furthermore, midwives offer a number of other benefits during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. According to the American Pregnancy Association, midwifery care offers decreased needs for a cesarean section, decreased infant mortality rates, decreased risk of severe perineal tearing, increased success in breastfeeding, and more. 

What If I Encounter a Medical Emergency During my Birth?

For low-risk parents, medical emergencies during birth are rare. At Magnolia, our success rate for out-of-hospital births is high — with only 8 percent of clients transferring to the hospital. 

If you or your baby experience a medical emergency during or after birth, our staff is trained to get you into a hospital setting as quickly as possible. Your safety is and will always be our number one priority. 

Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center

At Magnolia Birth House, our promise is to empower you with knowledge, instill you with confidence, and support you in taking control of your pregnancy and birth experience. If you’re ready to take the next step in expanding your family, fill out our form to set up a free consultation.