People need people – Find your laboring tribe

We all need a community; friends, family, the guy who makes our coffee. But when you are pregnant and preparing for the big life change that comes with labor and birth, human connections are especially important.

Pregnancy, labor, and becoming a parent all have steep learning curves associated with them and one of the best ways to not be overwhelmed is to surround yourself with those who are on the same journey. Being around others who are in your same boat will help decrease anxiety and increase your enjoyment as you sail through this time.

Where can you begin to look for this tribe? Prenatal yoga classes are a good way to prepare physically for birth and connect with other moms in a relaxed, consistent way.  Pregnancy support groups are also becoming more common in hospitals and birth centers. If your physician group offers prenatal appointments in a group centering format, that can be an excellent way to meet others. And mom’s groups in your area might offer pregnancy meet-ups.

Look around, each community is different. But finding ways to connect with other expectant moms and couples can ease the transition – and sometimes lead to lasting friendships that you will treasure as your kids grow older.

Photo by Julie Johnson (@thirdwheelphoto at Unsplash)