Having a baby is a life-changing experience that comes with many emotions. On the one hand, it can bring immense joy and excitement as parents prepare to welcome a new life into the world.
On the other hand, it can also bring fear and anxiety as parents worry about labor and the unknown challenges that lie ahead.
The prospect of childbirth can be overwhelming, as it is a physically and mentally demanding experience. According to NCBI, one in five women are afraid of childbirth. But you don’t need to. Here’s why.
It is hard to know what to expect, especially if you are a first-time mother. It’s natural to feel anxious or unsure. But with proper preparation, you can alleviate these feelings and be ready on the delivery date.
As my due date approached, I remember how I was overwhelmed with anxiety about childbirth. I spent hours on the internet searching for ways to prepare, reading countless articles, and getting advice from loved ones. Thanks to my support system and my own determination, I found all the information I needed to prepare.
In this article, I will share with you all the information I gathered so that you can make your childbirth preparation experience more practical and cut out the anxiety.
Photo by Letticia Massari: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-kissing-woman-in-hospital-during-labor-14584950/
Childbirth, also known as labor and delivery, is the process by which a baby is born from the mother’s uterus. If you are pregnant and looking forward to delivery, there are four things you need to know. Being informed about childbirth can help you feel more confident and prepared for the experience.
The Type of Childbirth – There are different methods of giving birth, and the one you choose will guide how you prepare. The two common ones are vaginal delivery and cesarean section. You can decide yourself, but you need a doctor’s input first.
Your Due Date – A baby is deemed due at 37 weeks of pregnancy. A day or more earlier is considered premature delivery. However, it is common to have a baby past the 37th week. Therefore, stay in contact with your doctor or midwife if you experience this.
Labor Signs and Stages – You will need to educate yourself before childbirth on labor signs and stages. Labor signs include cramping in your lower pelvis, Braxton Hicks contractions, and your waters breaking.
Labor is typically divided into three stages that can take up to 15 hours. The first stage begins with contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated. The second stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the baby’s birth. The third stage begins after the baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
After Birth: This is the final stage of childbirth and typically involves a doctor or midwife ensuring you and your baby are healthy. Once done, you will go into observation for a day or more, depending on your condition and the babies.
How to Prepare for Childbirth
Preparing for childbirth should begin as soon as possible after conception, but it’s never too late to start. As your due date approaches, you may feel more anxious, but proper preparation can boost your confidence and prepare you mentally and physically for childbirth.
The reason for preparation is to deal with any concerns and plan. This will ensure you are ready for anything that lies ahead. For instance, you will be prepared when you have an early or late delivery or if your birth method changes at the last minute.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the steps you should take to prepare.
Prepare Emotionally and Psychologically
Preparing emotionally and psychologically for childbirth is essential for a successful birth experience. It helps reduce anxiety and fear, promotes relaxation, and increases confidence in the body’s ability to give birth.
One way to prepare is by building a support system, or “tribe,” of people who can provide emotional support and encouragement during pregnancy and childbirth. This can include partners, family members, friends, and healthcare providers.
Another way is to stay informed about the birth process and available options. This can involve taking childbirth education classes, reading books, and talking to other mothers about their experiences. Involving your partner in the preparation process can also be beneficial. They can provide support during labor and help communicate your wishes to healthcare providers.
Finally, start practicing positive thinking and stay motivated; it will help prepare you emotionally for birth. This can involve visualization exercises, affirmations, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. It’s important to clear the mind of any negative thoughts or fears and focus on a positive birth experience.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
Your health and your baby’s health will depend on what you eat. Once you learn you are pregnant, consider changing your diet and embarrassing healthy foods.
During pregnancy, you may experience a craving for specific food types, making you consume less of some healthy foods. While these cravings can be justifiable, that doesn’t mean you should fall for them every time. You need to find a balance, fight the temptations, and strive to eat healthily.
Some mothers can also experience loss of appetite. This can affect you as much as over-eating. You should avoid this by creating a meal plan. A good strategy should be to visit a dietician to help you with a diet you can follow throughout your term. Depending on your needs and health situation, they will help you create a plan.
Enroll Physical Therapy
Exercise can enhance your pelvic health to help you prepare for childbirth. During your pregnancy, when you take physical therapy sessions, you will:
Learn to push during childbirth
Practice childbirth positions
Learn relaxation techniques
Relieve back pain
Lengthen your pelvic muscles
Relieve and treat urinary incontinence
Here are exercises you can use to prepare for childbirth:
Child Pose: This gentle yoga pose reduces back pains, stress, and anxiety, lengthens the pelvic floor, and helps you sleep well.
Deep Squat: Deep squat relaxes and lengthens your pelvic muscles. It also stretches your perineum, which is vital during childbirth.
Perineal Bulges: Perennial bulges train you to push during childbirth without holding your breath. They help reduce fetal head compression and fetal distress. This exercise should be performed during the last three weeks and in moderation.
Perineal Massage: The perineal massage lengthens and softens tissues around this perineum. To execute this exercise, take a warm bath or place a warm compress to relax before starting the massage. This exercise increases the elasticity of the perineum to reduce the chances of tearing during childbirth.
It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy. You should also be mindful of your body and modify the pose to ensure safety and comfort. If possible, always exercise with a personal trainer guiding your every move.
Develop a Birth Plan
A birth plan entails what you want to happen during and after delivery. For instance, you can record who you want with you during childbirth, the pain meds of your choice, and where you want to give birth. You should collaborate with your midwife/doula to create a plan that works best for you for better results.
Childbirth is unpredictable; when developing a birth plan, always leave room for the unexpected. This allows you to be flexible if things play out differently.
Your doctor will usually give you a checklist and a form you can fill out to create a birth plan. This is a personal item. Therefore, all the details you fill in will depend on your preference and medical history.
Some of the information you will include in your birth plan are:
The Vitals: Write your name, doctor’s name and contact details, the place of birth, and the person to accompany you.
Birthing Environment: What will make your birthplace comfortable? Where do you want to give birth? Do you wish to have your experience recorded?
Pain Meds: Do you want to use pain medications, or do you want a natural birth? If you are going to use medications, which ones do you prefer?
Labor Plan: Would you like to walk freely or use a birthing stool, pool, chair, or ball? Depending on your needs, your midwife can set these things up early.
Delivery Method: How do you want to give birth?
Cultural Factors: Is there anything you need to be performed following your child’s birth? This can be a cultural or religious practice.
Record your birth plan and give a copy to the doctor, birth center, and the person you want to accompany you during childbirth. For emergency purposes, you should always have a copy on you as you approach delivery.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Keeping your supplies ready can help you have a better childbirth experience. It enables you to feel secure and prepared in case anything happens during the last weeks of your pregnancy.
If it’s your first time going for delivery, you may be in a dilemma about what to pack. Here is a checklist to help you pack your go-bag confidently:
Essential items and documents: This entails your ID, insurance card, your baby’s healthcare provider name, and phone number. You might be asked to bring your health records depending on the hospital you visit. Other items include a birth plan, cell phone, charger, and a cord blood kit.
Personal items: Remember to place toiletries and eyeglasses if you use them. You will also need sanitary pads for afterbirth care.
Clothing: During childbirth, you might change into different clothing types, depending on the stage (labor, delivery, and recovery). So, pack a bathrobe, nightgown, postpartum underwear, nursing bras, socks, and slippers.
Labor essentials: Labor essentials include music like your favorite playlist, books, magazines, tablet, massage oil, and comfort items like essential oils.
After-labor essentials: After many hours in labor, you’re famished and need snacks and an eye mask if your room is too bright. Adding a notepad and pen will help you track your child’s feeding pattern.
Plan Birth Announcements
Your friends and family will await the good news following your delivery. Therefore, you should make it part of your plan to announce your little joy to the world.
You can do this in multiple ways, depending on how personalized you want to make it. You can announce on social media, email, or postcards to all your loved ones.
You should announce the good news to close friends and family in the first few weeks after delivery. You can also pass a message to one of your colleagues to inform everyone else at work. For distant friends, theirs never a hurry but etiquette demands you do it within the first 6 to 12 months.
To make a birth announcement, you will need to create a template that contains the following details:
Full baby’s name
Gender
Baby’s weight
Date of birth
Birth location
Parents name
Image of the baby
After the birth – Postpartum Support
The postpartum period can be physically and emotionally draining for new mothers. In fact, many new moms go through a rough first few days if they don’t receive enough support during this part of the journey.
Twitter exerpt
That’s why it’s essential to have a strong support system in place after giving birth. This support system includes family, friends, or a professional postpartum doula. They can assist with baby care and household tasks and offer emotional support during this challenging time.
It’s also crucial for new mothers to prioritize their recovery during the postpartum period. This means resting as much as possible, staying hydrated, and nourishing your body with healthy foods. Learning about baby care can also help ease the transition into motherhood and increase confidence in caring for your newborn.
Depending on your needs, seeking specialists in areas such as osteopathy or lactation may be helpful. They will help ensure you and your baby receive the best care possible. If you plan to vaccinate your child, you should also book appointments with your doctor.
You’ve Got This, Mama!
As you embark on your motherhood journey, remember you’re now equipped with the necessary knowledge to prepare for birth and beyond. While every woman’s experience is unique, you have the strength and resilience to navigate this new chapter of your life.
Trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and don’t hesitate to contact professionals if you require further assistance. Whether you are a first-time mother or a third time, each pregnancy and birth is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace this new adventure confidently, and know you have everything you need to succeed.
Congratulations, and best of luck on your journey!
