Preparing for childbirth: All you need to know

Bringing a baby into the world is a time of momentous joy and pride, but let’s be real: it can also bring up a lot of anxiety. That’s just normal – after all, you want to know that everything will turn out to be okay…

The truth about birth experiences is that they aren’t the same for every woman, and in some cases, the mode of delivery isn’t the one you envisaged. In fact, multiple things are outside your control when giving birth, but it’s never a good idea to focus too much on the unpredictable because this will only steal you the joy that comes with this wonderful time of your life. Instead of letting the entire process weigh you down, you can experience a sense of empowerment as you prepare for labour – and a few strategies can help. Let’s explore them below!

Father helping mother with painful contractions, offering moral support during child birth in hospital ward. Pregnant woman pushing and screaming during caesarean surgery. Parenthood concept

Take a childbirth class

If you find yourself worrying about giving birth, you may try to push the thoughts away, only to have them come back again stronger. Here’s the thing: it’s normal to have concerns about labour, but the good news is you can address them by taking a childbirth class. Birthing health professionals conduct these classes, offering lectures about giving birth, videos of childbirth, and real stories that give moms-to-be a better perspective of pregnancy. In these classes, you will also be offered pregnancy books and notes, which will help you understand different concepts, like breathing patterns, positions preferred during labour, and techniques that help you focus on contractions.

Prepare your body

The thing about labour is that it requires strength and stamina, so it’s important to stay active and ensure your body is well-prepared for it. Getting regular exercise while you’re pregnant will help you tackle this challenge effectively, whether you consider swimming, walking, gentle yoga, or low-impact dance classes. When the time comes, and you have to push, the exercise routine that you’ve stuck to will turn out to be very beneficial for you, so if that’s possible, consider exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, at least five days a week.

Pack a bag

Packing your overnight bag as soon as possible is a good idea as you don’t want to end up scrambling to find what you need while in labour. While there may still be some things you need to throw in the bag when the day of giving birth comes, it’s better to have some toiletries and clothes ready. While the hospital will probably offer some freebies, such as disposable mesh underwear and a few basic toiletries like a toothbrush and soap, you may want to have your own items or add some extras in case you need them.

Make a list of the things you need while at the hospital to ensure you won’t forget anything when starting to pack your bag. Some items to include are a brush and comb, lip balm, deodorant and lotion, lightweight bathrobe, hair ties, slippers or cosy socks, shampoo and conditioner, and snacks to eat after labour. Of course, if there’s anything else that you think you may need, don’t hesitate to pack it! For example, you may want to bring your favourite pillow to snuggle with or a juicy novel for long labour – anything that makes you more comfortable is a nice addition to your hospital bag.

Create a birth plan

Now, a birth plan is definitely not mandatory, but it can be a great way to feel more empowered when bringing a baby into the world. Putting pen to paper will allow you to communicate to your labour and delivery team how you feel about specific birthing positions, pain relief, and your partner’s role when it comes to holding the baby, suctioning, and so on. Keep in mind that there’s no such thing as the right or wrong birth plan for your labour and delivery, and you don’t have to follow any set template -it’s all about jotting down the issues that you are most concerned about and then let your practitioner know about them at your next visit. Once you discuss your preferences for giving birth, listen to your practitioner’s suggestions when it comes to labour options, and update the plan if there are any changes.

Try to keep a positive mindset

Maybe you’ve heard a horror story from your cousin about her labour that took two days, which only made you feel more nervous about the entire experience. Or maybe your mom has told you about how it was for her, and you are concerned that things will be the same for you. Perhaps you’ve read stories online about birth injuries and having to seek legal support from Garry Matthews solicitors and dealing with all the consequences of such an incident. Whatever it is, you should remember that it’s not helpful to go into a rabbit hole obsessing over all the things that could go wrong. It’s true that not all things can be anticipated when it comes to labour, but how much is in your control? Instead of thinking about worst-case scenarios, try to remain positive and see this experience for what it is: a joyful moment of your life.

Practice relaxation techniques

Speaking of staying positive, you can also use breathing techniques as a way to calm your nerves before labour and after it. Practising breathing during pregnancy can help you feel more relaxed and decrease feelings of panic, while visualisation and meditation can be very helpful during labour and throughout pregnancy. These techniques allow you to create your own positive space even when you’re in pain and may start feeling a little bit anxious. Hypnobirthing is also commonly used as a relaxation technique during labour, which teaches you how to feel calmer and more in control during the experience, and it may even help you cope with labour pain.

Takeaway

Giving birth to a baby comes with challenges, but it’s a very special experience of your life, and the best way to approach it is with openness and flexibility. If you equip yourself with some techniques and knowledge, you will feel more prepared for the experience.