Medical History -- During your first prenatal appointment, Peggy will review your medical history and will discuss it with you. Please fill out the medical history form and bring it with you to your first prenatal visit.
Food Diary -- Good nutrition is the key to a healthy pregnancy. Keep this handy food diary on your refrigerator and check off the foods you eat every day to make sure you're getting everything you and your baby need.
Prenatal Vitamins -- They're not all created equal! Print this guide and take it with you when you're shopping for prenatal vitamins to be sure your vitamins have everything you need.
Birth Supply List -- In addition to the Birth Kit you'll order, you will need to round up some items from around your house for the birth, and you may need to buy a few things to get your house ready. This Birth Supply List details everything you'll need to have prepared before your 36 week home visit.
Herbal Labor Prep -- Your body has everything it needs to birth your baby, but some women find it helpful to add an herbal labor prep regimen to their routine in the last weeks of pregnancy. Learn about some of the options available so you can decide if herbal labor prep is for you.
Kim Pekin, one of Peggy's student midwives, teaches childbirth classes at Birth by Design every week. These classes are aimed at helping you have a great homebirth experience and get off to the best start with your baby. Below are some of the handouts Kim has created for these classes. If you're interested in signing up for classes with Kim, please visit her
website to see the class schedule and to register online.
Nutrition in Pregnancy -- Nutrition is the key to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a quick postpartum recovery. Learn about how the choices you make can help you avoid many of the most common complications of pregnancy.
Your Body's Need for Water During Pregnancy -- Getting enough water is a simple step you can take to help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Learn why your body needs water, and how just getting enough water should be a big part of your healthful lifestyle.
Low Salt Diets Don't Work -- Contrary to popular belief, a low salt diet is not a healthy diet, especially during pregnancy. Read about how salt helps your body during pregnancy.
Salt in Pregnancy -- Another great article about the importance of getting enough salt during pregnancy.
The Truth About Eggs -- Eggs are a great source of protein. We've all heard how eggs are high in cholesterol and that this is a bad thing, but recent research has shown this to not be true. Learn the truth about eggs, and about how certain nutrients in eggs are vitally important to your unborn child.
Gestational Diabetes -- A great article by Henci Goer about gestational diabetes.
Exercise During Pregnancy -- Learn about how to exercise safely during pregnancy and which exercises are best for pregnant women.
The Best Birth Nest -- This handy guide takes you through everything you should consider as you get your home ready for birth.