Having a baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. While there’s no way to predict what will happen once labor begins, there are a few things you can do to help you feel more prepared physically, mentally, and financially.
Exercise and eat healthy
Work is a marathon! And like any runner, you should train for this marathon. You may have heard stories of women laboring for long hours and sometimes even days, but the actual strength it takes to push your baby into this world isn’t talked about enough. It’s one of the things I was most surprised about after having my first child. After enduring the pain of contractions every few minutes for hour after hour, which is exhausting in itself, then you must begin the process of pushing. Pushing uses every muscle in your body, not just the ones you might expect. On average, a first time mom will push one to two hours. We’re talking about training!
So what’s a good way to train for this marathon of work and delivery – stay active. Take a walk, take a yoga class, go for a swim. If you can, aim for at least 30 minutes low impact exercise 5 days a week. The goal is to build your endurance and overall body strength. You’ll need all that stamina to stay strong and push effectively to the end.
In addition to exercise, eating a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet will also prepare your body for labor. And don’t forget the Pink Stork’s Labor Prep Tea, Job preparation supplement and Liquid Labor & Recovery Support Tincture. All are great ways to support a strong body for labor and delivery.
Practice on jobs
Before you have that first contraction, know that there is no one right way to give birth. Listen to your body when it’s time – advice I wish I had for my first birth. If you feel like you need to walk or rock on a birthing ball, do it. I thought I had to stay in bed which made my contractions unbearable until I had my epidural. With my second baby, I felt the urge to be four, so that’s what I did. What a difference listening to my body made!
According The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), changing positions during labor is actually recommended and can help mom feel more comfortable. Some positions to practice are:
- Rocking on a birthing ball
- Standing or squatting while leaning on your partner
- Leaning forward over a chair or birthing ball
- On all fours with your partner applying opposite pressure on your hips
You won’t know what will work for you until the time comes. Try a few different positions until you find one that allows you to work more comfortably.
Take a childbirth/breastfeeding/parenting class
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what might happen before, during, or after labor, try taking a class with your partner. Classes will vary depending on where you live, but most hospitals will offer some type of training to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Childbirth classes will guide you in what to expect as well as techniques to help with breathing and labor contractions. And since babies unfortunately don’t come with an instruction manual, breastfeeding and parenting classes are a good way to learn what to do after baby arrives. Lessons can reduce stress, boost your confidence and give you the chance to ask questions.
Work on reducing stress with meditation and breathing exercises
Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and help you visualize the labor and delivery process. Keeping calm is so important, especially if a problem starts to appear. Breathing exercises are also a great way to release stress and help you deal with the pain of contractions. Meditation and breathing exercises help prepare you both mentally and physically for labor.
Write your birth plan
A birth plan is a guide for your labor and delivery team about your wishes during labor. It’s not mandatory, but discussing your plan can help you mentally prepare for labor. It can help you gain a sense of control and empowerment. This is your job, so grab the reins and drive! However, keep in mind the need to be flexible. Not all deliveries go according to plan and decisions may need to be made quickly in some cases.
Pre-registration and hospital visit
If the hospital or birthing center allows it, schedule a tour to see the facilities. That way, when the day comes, you walk into a familiar place. You will see where you will have your baby and ask any questions you may have. You will also be able to see what kind of equipment will be available to you during labour, such as birthing balls. By pre-registering at the hospital, you’ll have less administrative stuff to worry about when you go into labor. They will already have your details and insurance on file.
Set up the nursery
Combining nursery is another great way to prepare both physically and mentally for the new arrival. For most women, the desire to nest and create a safe space for baby is strong. If you have any anxiety about pregnancy or childbirth, organizing baby things can help you visualize your new baby in the space you’ve created for him.
Get your finances in order
Kids are expensive and getting your finances in order before the baby arrives can take some of the stress away. Talk to a financial advisor for advice on creating a savings plan for your child’s future. They can also help you with a life insurance policy if you don’t already have one. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance company to get an idea of what they will charge for your birth and hospital stay.
bibliographical references
Sutter Health. (2023). Pushing: The second stage of labor
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2021). Exercise during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2023). Work and delivery
