Preparing for Childbirth: Steps to Success

Updated on November 17, 2020

Labor and childbirth are some of the most life-altering experiences you’ll ever witness. But the fear and anxiety associated with childbirth can be overwhelming as well as nerve-wracking. On top of that, you’ll likely receive an overload of information related to labor and delivery from different corners. While a coworker might suggest prenatal yoga to ease labor pain, a Facebook friend will recommend that you try drinking red raspberry leaf tea.

It is, therefore, important to surround yourself with the right advice and prepare for the much anticipated D-day. While pain and stress are going to be part of your childbirth, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a harrowing experience. From regular exercise and meditation to outline your birth plan – there’s a lot you can do to prepare for successful labor and childbirth.

If you’re going to experience childbirth soon or know someone who’s expecting, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Let the Experts Guide You

Every person who’s experienced childbirth thinks of themselves as subject matter experts. But when it comes to childbirth, it’s best to seek advice from trusted and certified professionals. While consulting an OB-GYN is essential, you could also consider getting in touch with a midwife. Research has shown that midwife-led care reduces your chances of needing an epidural or episiotomy during childbirth.

Likewise, joining a reliable and vetted birthing class is also a good idea. Birthing classes are particularly useful for educating yourself about the stages of labor, different birth options, pain management techniques, and more. This can go a long way to minimize your anxiety and nervousness before and during labor.

Are you wondering when to take childbirth classes? The earlier in the pregnancy the better. This allows you to have more time to learn and absorb what is being taught before the big day. At the very least, you should enroll in childbirth education classes by your second trimester.

2. Don’t Ignore Exercise

Gone are the days when physicians would recommend complete bed rest during pregnancy. Today’s experts increasingly believe that regular physical exercise has a positive impact on both maternal and fetal health. Also, it helps prepare your body for labor and makes postpartum recovery relatively easier. And yes, it’s completely safe to exercise throughout your pregnancy.

Needless to say, you should consult your OB-GYN or care provider before starting a new exercise routine. If you haven’t been very active before pregnancy, it’s recommended that you don’t take up any strenuous exercises during this period. Start by going on a short walk for 30 minutes every day. You could consider practicing light aerobic exercises or prenatal yoga as well.

3. Pick Your Birth Team

The pain, stress, and fear of labor can get better when you’re surrounded by people you trust and are close to. Irrespective of whether you wish to have a home birth or head to the hospital, make sure you have a rock-solid birth team beforehand. Apart from a trusted OB-GYN or midwife, you could have your partner, best friend, or even your mother in your labor room. The important thing is to ensure that the people present around you during labor don’t cause any undue stress or discomfort.

4. Choose Your Birth Setting

Would you be more comfortable giving birth at the hospital? Or would you prefer a cozy water birth at home? Or do you want to give birth in a specialized birthing center recommended by your midwife? These are important questions you need to consider before the big day. Make sure you choose a setting that you’re comfortable with.

5. Add a Personal Touch

Every decision you make prior to childbirth should ensure that you’re comfortable and relaxed during labor. This is particularly essential when you’re giving birth in an alien environment such as a hospital. Make sure you personalize the room in some way to keep your mind at ease.

Sometimes, just bringing your favorite pillow or a pair of fuzzy socks can make all the difference. Likewise, you could decide to ditch the hospital gown and wear a comfortable T-shirt instead. You can also play your favorite songs to relax your mind.

6. Learn to Relax

Apart from the intense physical pain, childbirth is also daunting because of the uncertainty associated with it. Your mind could easily go into an overdrive imagining all the things that could go wrong during labor. Having a few relaxation techniques up your sleeve can come in handy before and during labor. For instance, practicing mindfulness meditation will help your mind relax and stay in the moment instead of worrying about the future.

Did you use any other techniques to deal with the nerves and jitters of labor? Share your tips in the comments section below.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.