How to Plan for Birth Without a Class or a Doula
Maybe you meant to take a class but now it’s too late.
Maybe hiring a doula wasn’t in the budget.
Maybe you just didn’t realize how quickly this pregnancy would go.
And now… the baby is coming. And you’re wondering:
Is it too late to feel ready?
It’s not too late. You’re not behind. And you are not alone.
Let’s walk through how to prepare for birth with what you do have—your body, your breath, your Bible—and build a plan that brings peace, not panic.
Not Taking a Class or Hiring a Doula Doesn’t Mean You’re Unprepared
There are many reasons you might not be doing “all the things.” That doesn’t mean you’re uneducated or unsupported.
A peaceful birth doesn’t come from checking all the boxes.
It comes from knowing:
What matters most to you
How to stay grounded in the moment
Who to turn to when you feel overwhelmed
This is your birth. You get to choose what it looks like.
For more on this, check out these two recent blog posts:
Should I Take a Birth Class?
Anchor Your Birth Plan in What Actually Matters
You don’t need a 3 page printable or a fancy folder. You need clarity on:
What kind of environment helps you feel safe
What comfort tools you want to use (breath, movement, prayer, touch)
How your partner can support you (simple coaching goes a long way)
Your preferences for interventions and recovery
Scripture, affirmations, or songs that remind you who’s really in control
Need help creating a simple plan? The Plan & Prep Call can walk you through it, one step at a time.
Learn the Basics from Trusted, Faith-Aligned Resources
You don’t need every fact—you need foundational understanding about:
What happens during labor (stages, signs, hormones)
How your body works (hormones) with—not against—you
What options you’ll be offered and how to make decisions with peace
How your breath and body are designed to birth
There are so many free books and podcasts out there. But if you’re looking for something with more depth all in one place, Check out my Created for Birth Course.
Equip Your Partner (or Main Support Person)
If you don’t have a doula, this person becomes your main support—so let’s help them feel ready.
Talk through:
What helps you feel calm
What kind of encouragement works for you
Basic physical support: hip squeezes, cold washcloths, hand-holding, prayer
How to ask questions or speak up on your behalf if needed
When your partner feels confident, you feel more supported—and that matters more than perfection.
If you want deeper guidance with this, my Virtual Doula Support includes coaching sessions that involve your support person, too. I’ve also got a $7 guide just for dads to help them be the best support partners they can be! Click here to check that out!
Create a “Peace Practice” for Labor
Without a class or coach walking with you, it helps to practice a few grounding tools in advance.
Try:
One scripture to repeat or memorize
One breath pattern to calm your nervous system
One movement that feels good (swaying, rocking, hands-and-knees)
One prayer or song that reminds you who’s really holding you
This isn’t about doing it all “right.” It’s about staying connected—to your body, to your breath, to your faith.
You can also find all of these practices in my FREE PREGNANCY DEVOTIONAL! 5 days of simple practices to connect with your body & God!
You Can Still Prepare with Peace
If you didn’t take a class…
If you didn’t hire a doula…
If you’ve been quiet, unsure, or simply tired—
It’s not too late.
You’re not doing this wrong. You’re just doing it real.
And with the right support, even a single conversation, you can walk into labor feeling equipped, empowered, and covered in peace.
If you’re running low on time (or energy), the Plan & Prep Call is a one-time session to help you:
Build a basic but meaningful birth plan
Get answers to your real questions
Release anxiety and root your preparation in faith
You don’t need a course or a team—you just need truth, clarity, and support.
