I was always paranoid about pregnancy & labor. I wanted to be well prepared when we decided to have a baby. While talking to a lot of friends who had experienced labor, I realized each and every experience is unique and cannot be compared. Planned to be prepared for the worst so that I am not surprised of the unknowns. So here is what I did as part of my labor preparation:
1. Reading about it helps to be prepared
Please DO NOT Google. Read up on good resources to educate yourself. There are lots of good info available online. This is one book I thoroughly read – Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too! This book had a lot of useful information to prepare for a baby. It really helped me in my initial days of pregnancy.
2. Prenatal Classes
This is a must especially if this is your first pregnancy! These classes are really helpful in knowing the unknowns and preparing for it. I did my prenatal class with The Peel Region Prenatal Program and I am so grateful for all the information they gave. There are good online programs as well which are very helpful. Prenatal course gives information of different techniques such as relaxation & breathing, water birth, aromatherapy and others which help you in preparing for labor.
3. Prenatal Yoga & Exercises
Well, exercise is the last thing you want to hear in your third trimester but believe me, it is the best way to build all the stamina for pushing during labor and also helps in speedy recovery from childbirth. Prenatal yoga combined with brisk walking helped me to be physically active during the last few weeks of pregnancy and helped me speed up the labor process (Yes, I had an easy labor, thanks to all the exercises & physical activity).
4. Birthing Ball
This is a wonderful investment which helps before, during and after labor & a great add on to your hospital bag. There are quite a lot of exercises that can be done on birthing ball during your pregnancy which are not very intense. Before labor, the ball exercises help in managing lower back pain. During labor, it is a great tool to manage contractions. I was on the ball for the entire duration of my contractions and it really helped in speeding up my labor.
5. Preparing for the unexpected
You can do all the preparations, but your little one will always have a plan in mind. They will decide when to come and how to come, you can do nothing about it. Some might come weeks early, some past due date. You might have to go for C-section or you might have a home birth. Well, the only thing I would say is you can never be sure of these things but to be prepared & accept what comes your way.
While knowing that your due date is approaching is scary, it is also exciting. Sit back & enjoy those final kicks and believe in magic that is going to happen. Key is to stay relaxed and happy (check out my post on how to enjoy & relax during pregnancy). Every labor is a magical story which only us women are capable of handling. No matter how much you prepare, nothing can give you the joy of holding your baby the very first time.
GOOD LUCK!
Schnoogle 