Birth Preparation...

Birth preparation

“HEAD DOWN IS JUST HALF THE STORY!” ​As Doulas, we try to prepare our clients as best as we can for the upcoming birth of their babies. Good preparation helps for easier & shorter labor. In general, the more you prepare, the easier your labor goes. 
 
Everyday life can however be busy and finding time to prepare for the upcoming birth may be challenging. As a result, it is sometimes more difficult to go into labor in a relaxed state of mind.

Evidence shows that this in turn tends to make labor longer. Try to optimize the time you have and focus on the key items that fit best with your personal preferences from the below list:

1. Mom, try to get one week free from work before your due date. That brings your mind & body to a better state of mind.
   
   
2. Hire a Doula! She can navigate you through your pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. She can also help you with writing your birth preference plan. If you have limited time, your Doula will ensure you will get the key information you need.
   
   
3. Make sure that your care provider understands and supports your preferences. Can you go over your due date before they plan an induction date? Don’t let them surprise you when you are 37 weeks pregnant. Remember: you are in charge, it’s your body, it’s your baby and you can still change providers in a late stage of your pregnancy. If you have doubts, your Doula can help you find an alternative provider near you.
   
   
4. Eat healthily, drink lots of fluids.
   
   
5. Take at least one (or more if you have time....) of the following classes:
   
      -  A childbirth class (there are several options find one that fits best with your preference (e.g., Lamaze, spinning babies or hypnobirthing class)
      -  A Breastfeeding Class
      -  A CPR/Infant Care class
   
   
6. If you are into it, meditate and/or do prenatal yoga. There are plenty of meditation apps" to release your fear" for example.  Besides that, if you resonate with the voice, it keeps you going through labor. Some examples of meditation apps are: Calm, Headspace, Gentle Birth. 
   
   
7. Let the oxytocin flow, the LOVE hormone....... and practice different breathing techniques with your partner.
   
   
8. Purchase a birthing ball and start using it. It helps to loosen up your pelvic & tailbone. Do lots of stretching, it’s going to be so helpful in labor. Start the Miles Circuit around 37 weeks. This helps to create room for your baby and to move baby in the best position.
   
   
9. If you are a reader (if not skip this point :-) have a look at resources on our website to find some of my favorite pregnancy, birthing, postpartum and parenting books. The website of Evidence-Based Birth is also a great source of information. I LOVE IT!
   
   
10. Think (or ask your Doula) about other specialized support that might be useful. For example, visit a Massage Therapist to help you relax, connect with a Pelvic Floor Therapist, or visit a Chiropractor with a Webster technique as this might help with the alignment of the Pelvic (for more information see www.icpa4kids.com or just ask your Doula).

Doing all 10 may still be a lot. Try to pick at least 3 to 5 items from the above list to be prepared for the upcoming birth of your baby.