Though you can never fully prepare for everything you go through, there are certain things you can do to help prepare yourself for success. Preparing for labour and the birth of your first child may be exciting, exhausting and challenging.
Although there isn’t a perfect guide to being ready for parenthood, following these tips will likely make labour and delivery go more smoothly. Here are some helpful tips to remember as your due date comes near.
Make Your Plans Early
Even while you may want for a full-term pregnancy, could you not count on it happening? Weeks or even months in advance, prepare for labour and delivery. One out of every ten babies are born preterm, which means they arrive at least four weeks ahead of schedule. Long before your due date, begin preparing for childbirth.
Talk about Birthing Options
Discuss the various childbirth alternatives you are thinking about with your OB/GYN. During your prenatal visits, they will probably bring up the subject but begin by considering your goals for both you and your unborn kid. It’s wise to start thinking about where you want to give birth, who you want in the room, and if you want to use an epidural if one is available.
Pack A Bag
To avoid rushing to locate everything when in labour, start preparing your overnight bag. You can have some clothing and toiletries in a bag ready to go at any time, even if you still need to throw a few items in the bag on the big day. Once more, pack this as quickly as possible.
Maintain Healthy Habits
We understand that in the days and weeks before your due date, you might feel the need to nest but try to maintain an active lifestyle (as advised by your doctor) and eat a balanced diet to ensure that both your body and your growing child are getting the nutrients they require. Healthy habits may make labour a little easier, and diet and exercise are two things you can manage when it may seem like everything is beyond your control.
Enrolling In a Birthing Class
Many women’s health clinics offer birthing classes, or they might recommend a good one for you. Even if you don’t remember everything covered in your class, most first-time parents who expect to attend agree that these classes are helpful. Some things you’ll learn might calm your anxiety or ease the childbirth process.
Conclusion
As a first-time mother, getting ready for labour and delivery might seem overwhelming, but the more you learn and make a plan that works for you, the more at ease you’ll feel on the big day. Your experience could be improved by being aware of the phases of labour, your options for dealing with pain and having a supportive delivery team. No plan is set in stone, so it’s essential to be flexible and have faith in your body’s capacity to manage the process. You’ll be ready to meet your little one and enjoy this moment that will change your life if you prepare, have support, and have a positive mindset.