Introducing a new baby into the world can be an exciting yet daunting experience. As your due date approaches, you may find yourself eager to meet your little one but overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. To make sure everything is taken care of to ensure the best possible outcome for your Prepare for Childbirth, it is important to plan.
If having a plan in place helps your anxiety, this article is for you. If you like to fly by the seat of your pants, then know that your baby will come, and you will figure it out. (To each their own!) Keep reading to learn how to prepare for childbirth.
How to Prepare for Childbirth and Labor
As a mom of two girls, here is what I’ve learned about labor prep. I’ll admit that with your first baby, you can only do so much planning before letting go and seeing what happens. However, I found that with my second baby- I had a reference point that helped me plan even better for baby #2’s birth.
Keep Your Body Moving
Exercise is important in pregnancy, as it helps to prepare for childbirth for labor. No matter who you are, labor can be a great physical feat – and staying fit can help a ton.
Speak with your doctor or midwife to ensure you are doing safe exercise while pregnant, and consider activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates.
Give Your Body Rest and Relaxation
While the daily movement is good for your body, so is rest. Everything is hard by the end of your pregnancy, and you might be over it. Listen to your body and rest as much as you can. Take naps, sleep in, watch movies…whatever helps you relax.
Keep Your Body Strong
Speaking of staying fit, try to fit in strengthening exercises that’ll help your body cope with the birthing process. These might include deep squats, Kegels, hands and knees exercises, and pelvic tilts. Again, checking with your doctor or midwife before doing any of these exercises is best.
Fuel Your Body Properly
Your diet is important in the lead-up to labor. Eating nutritious, vitamin-rich foods can help your body have more energy and strength during labor. Pay attention to what you eat and minimize processed foods and sugar consumption.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is key, as it can help reduce the risk of dehydration during labor. Dehydration can lead to more pain and a longer recovery time afterward. Keeping your fluids up will help keep you energized – so keep a water bottle close!
Learn About Labor
Taking a prepare for childbirth education course (online or in person) and reading up on the stages of labor can help you feel more prepared. While every birth is unique, understanding what happens during labor will help you better navigate it. Knowing what to expect can help you cope with whatever comes your way during the labor process.
Create a Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan can be helpful for both you and your care provider, especially once you know what to expect after a class.
It doesn’t have to be too detailed, but it should outline the basics of how you want your labor to go. A birth plan will let your doctor or midwife know what type of delivery you prefer, as well as any preferences in terms of pain relief and monitoring
Find Support
Having a supportive partner or friend who can be there with you during birth can make all the difference in the world. They will be able to provide you with the emotional and physical support that you need, so make sure to have someone lined up who can be there when labor starts. If you have other kids, you will need a babysitter, friend, grandparents, or whomever on call to help when the time comes.
Ask Questions
Are you feeling anxious about any of the birthing processes? Talk to your doctor or midwife. They are there to help you and answer any questions that come up to help you feel confident. Don’t be embarrassed- they have heard it all before!
Stock Up On Home Supplies
When you return from the hospital, the last thing you want is to go out to buy household items like pads, diapers, toilet paper, and even groceries. Do your best to get the home well-stocked for the baby’s arrival. With my first baby, I doubled batched many dinners and started freezing them a month before my due date. With my second, I did a Costco run and bought easy frozen meals like quiches, shredded chicken, and lasagna.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Have your hospital bag ready by the end of your second trimester. What you will need depends on the hospital. In the US, you really don’t need much- just whatever keeps you comfortable.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
Giving yourself plenty of time to mentally prepare for labor is important. Pregnancy can be stressful, so ensuring you’re in the right headspace is essential.
Connecting with yourself through meditation, affirmations, and relaxation can help you feel calmer and more prepared.
Remember to Breathe
During labor, your breath will be your saving grace. Remembering to breathe deeply during contractions can help reduce pain and keep you calm. Practice deep breathing during the last few weeks of pregnancy, so it becomes second nature when labor starts.
Pre-register and Tour the Hospital
Preregistering at the hospital where you plan to give birth can make things easier once labor starts. Pre-registration usually involves filling out paperwork and making sure your insurance is up-to-date. Additionally, it’s a good idea to tour the hospital or birthing center before labor begins so that you’re familiar with the layout.
Know the Signs of Labor
Be aware of the signs that labor is starting. This can include regular contractions, water breaking, bypassing the mucus plug, and lower back pain. Knowing when it’s time to go to the hospital will help you stay calm and prepare for childbirth.
Take Other Educational Classes
Bringing home a newborn can feel overwhelming. If you have time, taking a breastfeeding class to answer your questions (like what foods and medicines are safe) or a parenting class before the baby’s arrival is a great way to prepare for childbirth. This can help you gain confidence and ease any worries accompanying the transition into parenthood.
Set Up Your Nursery and Home
Having a place for the baby to sleep is essential. Setting up your nursery (or, more likely, the crib or bassinet next to your bed) and getting everything ready for the baby can help you feel more prepared and excited about their arrival. Make sure to include any items that make your life easier, such as technology like sound machines or monitors. It’s also important to buy items that keep your baby and home safe.
Check Your Insurance
Making sure your insurance is up to date and that you understand how it works can help avoid surprises when the hospital bill comes.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about any questions you may have, including what services are covered by your plan.
Consider Hiring a Doula
Many couples choose to hire a doula for support and advocacy during labor and delivery. Doulas can provide emotional, physical, and educational support throughout the birthing process. They can also help create an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and respect as you work through the labor process.
Massage Your Perineum
Worried about tearing? Massaging your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) during pregnancy can help prevent tearing and make pushing easier (so women swear, although research to support it is scarce). Start massaging a few weeks before labor begins, using oil or cream if it’s comfortable.
Keep a Playbook of Ideas for Pain Relief
No matter what kind of birth you are planning (medicated, unmedicated, etc.), it’s a good idea to have several tools in your arsenal for pain management. This can include things like massage, hot compresses, music, breathing techniques, counterpressure, birthing ball or birth stool use, and even hypnosis.
Don’t forget to share your list with your support to remind you of your options when you feel overwhelmed!
Do Your Best to Stay Positive, Mama!
Giving birth is no easy feat! There will likely be moments of anxiety and fear. Stay positive and remember that you are strong, capable, and resilient. Surround yourself with a loving support team who will help keep your spirits up and give you the mental strength to get through labor.
The most important thing is to stay informed and prepared.
Preparing for labor can make all the difference when it comes time to welcome your little one into the world! It will reduce the chance of trauma and help you make quick decisions while in labor.
Good luck! When you’re done, you’ll have that beautiful baby to hold!
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