How To Prepare For Labour - A Mums Guide
Friday, April 26, 2019
Everyone has a specific idea of the kind of birth experience they would like to go through. What everyone does share in common, however, is the desire for an easy, stress and complication-free experience. There is no fixed solution on how to prepare for labour as each individual is different, however, we have compiled our top list of 4 key checkboxes to cover before you give birth to your beautiful child.
How To Prepare For Labour
Everyone has a specific idea of the kind of birth experience they would like to go through and we're often asked by mum's to be on how to prepare for labour. What everyone does share in common, however, is the desire for an easy, stress and complication-free experience. Many women and their partners prepare a birth plan so that, when that incredible day arrives, everyone will be prepared and aware of what needs to be done. In this article, we look at how expecting mums can prepare for labour to reduce stress, mental health and last-minute dashes to the local supermarkets! Read on to find out more!
1. Prepare Your Arsenal
When preparing for labour, there are a number of baby goods that you’ll need to purchase even before your little one arrives. Preparing your arsenal in advance will reduce your stress levels when your baby is actually around and will give you more time to spend with your child instead of rushing around and trying to pick up everything you need. Some of the most important items to get your hands on are nappies, burp cloths, baby lotion and bath wash, a baby cot and all the other accessories that go along with it.
You can purchase all of this online if you don’t want to walk around a shop, further easing your preparation for your new baby. We suggest purchasing some quality items that will last you as long as possible but do take note that you needn’t purchase lavish clothing for your baby as chances are he or she will grow out of it in the snap of a finger.
2. PREPARE YOUR body
Labour is an arduous task, which is why it is important that you prepare your body for it way in advance. The process of childbirth is one that requires incredible amounts of strength and stamina, so it is important that you train your body for its big day. Some things you can do are to engage in gentle pre-birth exercises, or to join an antenatal class. You can also sign up for pregnancy yoga classes which will assist your baby in shifting into a good position for birth, whilst teaching you some positions for labour in general. Relaxation and breathing classes are also popular amongst soon to be mums, as they teach you how to relax and adjust your breathing for labour.
3. PREPARE A BIRTH PLAN
Birth plans are a fantastic option for anyone preparing for labour, as they are an excellent way for you to communicate your wishes to anyone involved in your birth experience. You will be able to communicate your anxieties, worries and solutions to your birth staff with a birth plan, allowing them to assist you and treat you in the way you wish. You can specify the type of labour you want, what you want to happen and what you would like to avoid. For efficient and drama-free labour, we highly suggest planning a birth plan with the help of your partner.
4. PREPARE your mind
Last but not least, finding out the answers on how to prepare your mind for labour is as important as preparing your body for it. There is often a lot of negative connotation associated with labour, and shifting your mindset from one that is negative to positive is imperative for a stress-free birth. Subconscious fears have the ability to create a mental block during labour, which is something you’d probably want to avoid at all costs. Read up on positive birth narratives and stay calm, believing that you too will have a stress-free experience — this will calm your mind and prevent you from freaking out when the time comes for you to give birth. If you are suffering from high levels of pre-birth anxiety, we highly recommend paying a visit to a psychologist who will be able to help you sort your scattered thoughts out.
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We hope that this article has helped you in understanding what steps and actions you can take to prepare yourself for labour. All the best!
