5 Smart Ways to Prepare for a Summer Birth
Stay cool, comfortable, and confident as you welcome your baby during the hottest season of the year
Summer is a beautiful time to give birth—but it also brings unique challenges like rising temperatures, swelling, and heat fatigue. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birthing center delivery, or a home birth, being prepared for the summer months can make a big difference in how you feel both physically and emotionally. At Nurture + Know, our doulas are here to help you prepare, plan, and thrive through your summer birth experience. Here are five essential tips to help you get ready.
1. Beat the Heat: Stay Cool and Hydrated
Hot weather can intensify common pregnancy symptoms like swelling, dizziness, and fatigue. Staying hydrated is essential—aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily, and add electrolyte drinks (without too much added sugar) to replenish minerals. Wear loose, breathable clothing, use handheld fans or cooling towels, and avoid going out during peak sun hours. If your birth space doesn’t have great air conditioning, consider a portable fan or cooling mister to bring with you. A cool environment helps regulate your body temperature and reduce stress during labor.
2. Adjust Your Birth Bag for Summer Needs
Your hospital or birth center bag might need a summer-specific upgrade. Add extras like flip-flops, a reusable water bottle, lightweight robes, and cooling sprays. If you’re planning a home birth, make sure your birth team is prepared with fans, plenty of ice, and hydration options. Postpartum clothing should also be breathable and soft—think cotton or bamboo fabrics that help wick moisture and keep you comfortable while you recover.
3. Plan Your Birth Support with Heat in Mind
Make sure your doula, partner, and other support people are ready to handle the heat too. If you’ll be laboring at home for part of your birth, designate a cool, shaded area where you feel safe and comfortable. Remind your birth team to bring their own snacks, water, and cooling gear, especially if you're in a home or birthing center setting without central air. Nurture + Know doulas come equipped with comfort tools and temperature-friendly gear to help keep everyone grounded and calm.
4. Nourish Yourself with Light, Fresh Foods
Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish in summer—especially when pregnant or newly postpartum. Focus on hydrating, nutrient-dense foods like fruit smoothies, chilled soups, salads, and protein-packed snacks. Keep frozen grapes, cucumber slices, and cold herbal teas on hand to refresh your system. Birth is a marathon, and fueling your body well—before, during, and after—will help you stay energized and focused.
5. Get Extra Rest and Flexibility in Your Routine
Heat drains your energy, and pregnancy already requires extra rest. Schedule midday naps or quiet time in the coolest part of your home, and reduce physical strain as much as possible in your final weeks. Listen to your body: summer can make even short errands exhausting. Having a doula means extra emotional support, advocacy, and guidance so you can conserve your energy for labor. We help you stay informed and relaxed—no matter the season.
Need Support for Your Summer Birth?
Nurture + Know offers professional, compassionate doula care—including Medicaid-eligible services—throughout Missouri. Whether you’re planning for a June, July, or August due date, our birth team can help you prepare, cope with the heat, and feel confident in your summer birthing journey. We also offer childbirth classes, placenta encapsulation, and hypnobirthing options tailored to your unique goals.
