Nesting Before a Birth

When any of my doula clients message me late in pregnancy and say that their entire house is spotless, the nursery is done, they’ve packed their bag: I know. It’s getting close, their bodies are preparing. They talk to me about how they’re ready to meet their baby and how sometimes, the contractions are more intense at night but nothing regular.

They’re nesting. I’m nesting.

There’s likely a room I’ve totally rewired, painted or rearranged. A baseboard I’ve cleaned and corners vacuumed. The diffuser is going or cut up fruit and herbs boiling in a pot of water on the stove. This time of year, the fireplace. Every step in my house feels good because I’m preparing myself for this birth, too.

This nesting time comes on naturally before a birth. For the birther, their partner, family and me. It feels blissfully solemn to be in waiting for a baby to arrive and maybe it just brings peace to have your space feel good. To get all the things done you’ve wanted to. To have quiet time, thinking and pondering about what the birth will be like; and the days or years after.

I always think about all the babies I’ve witnessed be born and their parents who took on brave as all get out moments and came out different. I love this sweet time.