Preparing for Birth: Kira West’s Third Trimester Essentials

As Kira West moves through her third trimester, the focus has shifted towards preparing for one of life’s most intense and transformative experiences — labour, delivery, and the early days of parenthood. With her trademark honesty, Kira shares how she’s planning ahead, the experts she’s turning to, and the small details that make her feel supported and ready for what’s to come.

Why a Doula Was Non-Negotiable

“Having a doula was one of my absolute essentials. I love my husband but this is an intense experience neither of us has experience with, so it’s important for me to have an advocate to support us. I would highly recommend doing intro calls, taking recommendations and really spending time on the search — this person is going to be a critical part of your family basically during the most important day of your life.”

Kira and her husband chose a doula not only for labour support, but also for postpartum guidance and even the practicalities of getting to and from the hospital.

• Doula: Kenté & Karing Doulas – birth support, hospital advocacy, postpartum help including overnight care and nourishing meals.

The Power of Planning Ahead

To stay organised and reduce stress, Kira has created both a birth plan and a post-birth plan. These include her wishes for delivery, details of providers, and practical steps she and her husband will need to take.

“I’ve also made a list of expectations for my husband — since he can’t read my mind, I’ve decided to write it out for him in a shared document.”

This proactive approach helps ensure everyone knows their role, reducing the emotional load when the big day arrives.

Exploring Support Beyond the NHS

Kira is proudly working with the NHS for her pregnancy and birth (a huge benefit of living in the UK!), but she also highlights the value of researching hospital options early.

• Hospital choice: Research in the first trimester and self-refer to one that feels right.
• Private midwife backup: My Private Midwife – At-Home Day 5 visit, covering newborn checks and post-birth care (£240/visit).

Post-Birth Care Choices

One of the more personal decisions Kira has made is to pursue placenta encapsulation, to support her recovery and energy levels postpartum.

• Provider: The Placenta Practice
• Service: Combined Capsules + Smoothie (£420–500 depending on shipping).

Classes and Education: Finding the Right Fit

Kira points out that classes serve two purposes: building community and gaining knowledge. Deciding which is more important to you will help you choose as you may have to travel a bit further to a high quality class if you really value the education. The tradeoff is that you might not meet other parents local to where you live. It can depend on where you live.

• The Bump Class: thebumpclass.com — the course Kira is taking. Class locations include The Portland Hospital, Holland Park and Chelsea. 
• Happy Parents, Happy Baby: happyparentshappybaby.com — highly recommended by a friend. Classes available throughout the UK. 
• Baby Academy UK: mybabyacademy.co.uk — free online option covering the basics.
• Local borough classes: Some areas (e.g. Lambeth) offer free antenatal classes.

Kira also recommends reading alongside your partner as a way to prepare and learn together.

Key Takeaways from Kira

• Prioritise finding the right doula or birth partner.
• Put your plans and wishes in writing — including expectations for your partner.
• Balance NHS support with private options if they feel right for you.
• Invest in postpartum care so you can focus on healing and bonding.
• Choose classes that suit your goals — whether that’s making local friends or getting top-tier education.

At Blue Almonds, we believe preparation is part of the beauty of these early days. We’re grateful to Kira for sharing her journey with us, offering real insight into what it means to prepare for labour and beyond.

As Kira continues to navigate the final weeks before meeting her baby, she’s also focusing on caring for her mind and body — finding balance, calm and strength in the final stretch of pregnancy.

Read her next post, Third Trimester Wellness: Finding Balance and Calm Before Birth →