As a birth doula and the mother to seven children, including two sets of twins, I've learned a thing or two about “natural” or as I like to call it, unmedicated childbirth. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for a positive birth experience:
1. Educate Yourself. Knowledge is power. If you don’t know your choices, you don’t have any. Take our virtual Carriage House Birth childbirth education class, and gather information about the birthing process. The more you know, the more confident and informed you'll feel during labor and delivery.
2. Practice Mindfulness. Labor can be intense, but learning how to relax your body and mind can help you cope with the pain. Practice deep breathing, visualization, and relaxation exercises throughout your pregnancy.
3. Stay Active. Staying active during pregnancy can help prepare your body for labor and delivery. Take regular walks, practice prenatal yoga, and engage in gentle exercise to strengthen your body and increase your endurance.
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished. Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient dense foods to keep your energy levels up during labor. Electrolytes can really help.
5. Use Movement and Positioning. Experiment with different labor positions to find what feels most comfortable for you. Walking, swaying, rocking, using a birth ball and changing positions frequently can help ease discomfort and encourages labor progress.
6. Stay Focused. Labor can be unpredictable but try to stay focused throughout the process. Trust your body and your instincts and remember that you're strong and capable of birthing your baby.
7. Stay Flexible. Birth rarely goes exactly according to plan, so be prepared to go with the flow and make adjustments as needed. Stay open to different options but advocate for yourself and your preferences.
8. Surround Yourself with Support. Surround yourself with a supportive birth team, including a birth partner, doula, and healthcare provider. Having a strong support system can make all the difference in the world during labor and delivery.
9. Visualize a Positive Birth. Visualization can be a powerful tool during labor. Close your eyes and imagine your baby descending through the birth canal and into your arms.
10. Trust Your Inner Strength. You are strong enough to give birth. Trust in yourself to birth your baby and know that you are stronger and more powerful than you realize.
By preparing your mind, body, and spirit for childbirth, you can increase your chances of having a positive birth experience. Trust yourself and believe in the strength and power of your body. You've got this!
Photo: Nataliamarie Photography