While it’s true that you can’t control everything that happens during your labor and birth, there are many things you can do to prepare your mind and your body during pregnancy to build confidence and readiness. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the big day and prepare for birth.
1. Exercise your body
They don’t call it “labor” for nothing! Birth is beautiful but it’s also hard work. Exercise during pregnancy has many benefits but one important one is endurance. Think of labor as a championship and prepare in the months leading up to the big game.
One type of exercise that is especially beneficial for birth is yoga. In prenatal yoga, you will learn to breathe, focus, and relax while your body is actively working and feeling uncomfortable. This is a perfect labor prep.
2. Exercise your mind.
The mind is powerful and one of your best pregnancy tools. Even if meditation isn’t your thing, visualization is a simple strategy that you can use every day. Picture yourself having a smooth, manageable birth.
Take a little time every day, maybe before you go to sleep, to visualize the birth you want. Preparing your mind for labor might not actually grant you the birth you wish for but it can give you great confidence and power.
Related: How To Properly Heal After A Vaginal Delivery
3. Get to know your pelvic floor.
We hear a lot about strengthening the pelvic floor during pregnancy (“do your Kegels!”) and indeed this is important. The real game-changer, however, is learning to relax the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Gaining control over your pelvic floor will work in your favor during childbirth. Your best bet is to visit a registered physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic health and can give you an assessment, tips for labor and delivery, and a plan for restoring your pelvic floor and core muscles after birth.
4. Face your fears
Is something holding you back? Do you have a fear of childbirth? Instead of judging or dismissing your feelings, honor them. Addressing your concerns is a healthy process that can help you to prepare for birth.
Simply talking with someone you trust about your fears can help you to process them. If you’re experiencing anxiety that is interfering with your wellbeing, speak with your care provider. Anxiety during pregnancy is very common and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
5. Explore your options and preferences
Take a childbirth education class and talk with your care provider about your options for labor, birth, recovery and newborn procedures (they will depend partially on your history and where you’re delivering).
Consider putting together a birth plan; this can help to consider what you want so that you’re not overwhelmed with information and decision-making during your birth. Instead of thinking of your birth plan as a rigid selection of “Want” versus “Do not want”, try to think of it as a strategy: “*This*, but if this isn’t possible then *this*. I might be interested in *this,* but I’d like to decide at the time.” If you want, prepare a concise written document to share with your birth team.
Related: A Detailed Birth Story Expecting Moms Would Find Helpful
6. Hire a labor doula
A labor doula is a trained professional who provides supportive services (emotional support, physical comfort, information, and resources) in an unbiased, non-judgmental way during pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period.
Think of a doula as a professional best friend who knows all about pregnancy and birth and supports both you and your birth partner.
7. Keep an open mind.
No one can predict how your labor and delivery will unfold. Keep in mind that there is no “right” or “wrong” because all births are beautiful and important.
Preparing for labor and delivery in ways that feel good to you is a wonderful way to enjoy your pregnancy and enter your childbirth experience feeling calm and confident. Still, an open mind is a huge asset so don’t leave home without it!
Wishing you a safe delivery.
- 7 Things You Can Do During Pregnancy To Prepare For Birth - August 15, 2020
