Whether you're expecting your first child or you're a seasoned mom, it can be overwhelming to navigate all of the prenatal, birth, and postpartum care options available to you in Indian River and Brevard Counties. Erica Arsenault, birth doula and educator, gives her tips on finding your best-fit birth team and maternal care providers in Indian River and Brevard Counties.
Thank you to our sponsor, Erica Arsenault - Birth Doula and Educator.
1. Think about your goals and ideal experience.
To assemble the best team of providers, you need to know what's important to you. Come up with a vision of your ideal prenatal, birth, and postpartum experience. Write down your top priorities and begin from there.
2. Start with someone you trust.
Maternity care works at its best through referrals. My best advice is to begin with a provider you trust, someone aligned with your birth goals, and then ask for their recommendations to complete your team.
3. Consider hiring a doula.
I always recommend a doula as your first team member for your pregnancy and birth. Doulas offer complimentary consultations and help you navigate local resources based on your budget and birth plan. Doulas in Indian River and Brevard Counties serve in hospitals, birth centers, and home births, with many doulas including additional services such as prenatal yoga, massage, or lactation consulting. If you are in search of pregnancy and birth support, please message me through my website.
4. Research your options.
Indian River and Brevard Counties have varying resources, from non-profits offering free services to concierge private providers. Remember, your care team extends beyond your doctor or midwife. You may choose to add a massage therapist, mental health counselor, lactation consultant, and more to your care team. We created the Indian River and Brevard Maternal Health Providers Guide to help you research your options.
We wish you well on your motherhood journey!
Follow Erica Arsenault
 |  |
