Congratulations on choosing to have a baby! This should be the most empowering time of your life. It also is usually a time of many questions, concerns and uncertainties. With the proper pregnancy information, resources and support it can be an extraordinary opportunity for growth and fulfillment. It is the sole purpose of The Pregnancy Coach to empower and support women and their families in having a positive and transformational experience in giving birth and becoming parents, by consciously choosing and creating your experience through knowledge and self reflection.

The Pregnancy Coach, based in Orange County California, offers a variety of services to address your needs including; childbirth education, life (pregnancy) coaching, and doula services. Please see offerings pages for detailed information on all our services. In addition to our individual services, we have developed a 7 step process for preparing you to have a natural childbirth, which uses a combination of our services. It is best to start working on these 7 components early in your pregnancy or before you become pregnant, to get the full benefit. However, no matter where you are in your pregnancy, you can benefit and should do whatever it takes to get the results you desire. This is YOUR experience, make it the best it can be!

The 7 Essential Components to Preparing for Natural Childbirth:

1. Knowledge and Trust of the Process- Understanding what is happening with your body during pregnancy and labor will give you a better ability to cope and more confidence. With understanding usually comes trust. Trusting the process and knowing that everything is as it should be, is key to “letting go” and allowing birth to happen normally and naturally.
2. Proper Nutrition- Our needs change with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Understanding what our new needs are enables us to fulfill them. Good nutrition is essential to good health for mom and baby and can prevent many unnecessary complications.
3. Pregnancy Exercises- There are five simple exercises that can help tremendously with pregnancy discomforts and easing the birth process. In addition, adding some cardiovascular such as, walking or swimming and prenatal yoga, can be very beneficial to the health of you and your baby.
4. Relaxation Practice- The key to dealing with labor is the ability to relax. Our bodies instinctively know what to do and release hormones that help us cope in labor. It is when we become scared, stressed, or tense, that we interfere with the natural process. That is when pain increases and coping becomes more difficult. Relaxation should first be learned and then practiced every day.
5. Addressing Fears or Concerns- We all hold preconceived ideas about childbirth. Whether they are from our past experiences or what we hear and see in society, they will undoubtedly affect our present experience. It is important to recognize our attitudes and beliefs and how they shape our experiences. Any negative thoughts or beliefs about childbirth should be explored prior to giving birth.
6. Creating a Positive Image of Birth- Our minds are very powerful. It is crucial to not only rid ourselves of negative thoughts and beliefs about childbirth but to replace them with positive images and thoughts. If we can see ourselves giving birth the way we truly desire, then we can likely achieve that. The mind-body connection is extremely powerful, especially in childbirth.
7. Strong Support- Choosing your birth team and place will be a critical decision in influencing the outcome of your experience. Enlisting the support of your “team” is vital. Feeling comfortable and confident with your choices and having the support for YOUR goals is key to having the outcomes you desire.

As a Childbirth Educator, Life Coach, Doula, and mother of a child born at home, I have utilized my knowledge and experience to develop a program that addresses all of the 7 components. The Pregnancy Coach will guide you through these 7 components and tailor them to your particular needs. Try any one of our offerings or all for the ultimate in childbirth preparation. If you are ready to positively influence what will likely impact your life forever then you should contact me now. I am looking forward to working with you!

Best Wishes,

Justine Arian