Two Must Have Items to Add to Your Baby Registry
If you are having a baby soon, you’ve probably created or may be thinking of creating a baby gift registry so your family and friends know what you need and want for baby. Registries are super helpful in guiding gift-givers for your baby shower and after baby is born, as they take the guess work out of the gift-giving. There are lots of great lists to assist you in creating a registry but sadly, most of them leave off two of the most important, must have items you should consider adding to your list: childbirth classes and doula care services.
Most of us think of baby items, such as diapers, wipes, onesies, bassinets, cribs, car seats, baby monitors and all the baby things one would normally add to a gift registry. So why should these other two items be on your registry? Because taking classes to educate yourself and your partner will have a huge positive impact on your birth experience. And when you add doula support to that, your birth experience and postpartum experience can both be amazing!
Childbirth education classes can prepare you and your partner so you know what to expect during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Classes equip you both with tools, comfort measures, resources, and the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and choices about where, how, and who to give birth with, leading to an empowered birth experience. Knowledge truly is power, especially in birth!
Doula care and support services also help you have the birth experience you desire by giving you someone who is knowledgeable and caring, who is there to support you and your partner as a member of your birth team. A doula can help in many ways, during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.
If you are creating a baby registry (or already have one), consider adding a fund on your list for childbirth classes and doula care. Instead of buying a physical gift, gift givers can contribute to your fund to help with the cost of classes and hiring a doula. This helps to make classes and doula support possible if you are on a budget and your insurance or HSA/FSA doesn’t reimburse for you to take classes or hire a doula. Everyone giving birth should have the opportunity to learn from childbirth classes and be served by a doula. By adding these items to a baby gift registry, more parents to be can benefit from both of these!