Tips to help you get ready for labour; As the clock ticks towards delivering your child, you become anxious about so many things. Will the baby come naturally or via Caesarean? Will the baby be on time or overdue? Is the baby turning or are they still breeched? Will labour be smooth or a nightmare? Will you get to relive the birth videos you have been watching? Will the baby arrive without any complications? Will you get to relive the birth videos …As a mom-to-be, you usually have more questions than answers. We help you tackle the issues you may have and give you tips to get your body ready for labour.
Get your baby into the right position You can help your baby get into the perfect delivery position. To encourage your baby to get into the best position for labour, when you hit 34 weeks, kneel on the floor over a birthing ball or chair. Keep your knees lower than your bum to help turn your baby into a good position for birth.
Keep fit The baby may be weighing heavily on you but keep going. Women who are fit and healthy tend to have a more straightforward labour. Go for a walk each day or climb a flight of stairs but don’t overdo it.
Massage your perineum From 34 weeks, start massaging your perineum - the area between the opening of your vagina and your anus. Using wheatgerm oil or sweet almond oil while doing this has shown to help prevent tears.
Boost your energy levels A lot of energy is used during labour – you need to build up your stamina and feed your muscles. Snacking regularly and drinking often can make a huge difference. Don’t load on junk food, eat healthily.
Give hypnotherapy a go Relaxing should be fairly easy but moms-to-be to struggle. When you go for hypnotherapy, you’ll be taught relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques, which can rid the body of fear, tension and pain in labour.
UFO and no it’s not an unidentified flying object It stands for upright, forward and over – a great position for labour. At home, stand and lean forward over the kitchen worktop or, in hospital, pile up the pillows on the bed and stand and lean forwards over them. The baby’s head puts pressure on the cervix, which can make labour shorter and easier.
Think about hiring a doula Doulas are experienced mothers who offer emotional and practical support during pregnancy and labour and may be of great help during labour. Research shows that benefits include a shorter labour and fewer painkillers. They walk the journey with you from the start to the end.
Get support Women with good support often cope much better in labour and feel their experience of birth was a positive one. If it’s not your partner, then get a close family member to hold your hand as your deliver your bundle of joy.
Drink raspberry leaf tea There’s evidence that women who drink raspberry leaf tea have shorter labour and need less pain relief. The tea helps to prepare your womb for labour when taken four times a day after 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Get your breathing right Breathing slowly and deeply really does help you relax, causing less tension in your muscles and allowing your cervix to dilate. Practise your breathing every now and then.
Go at your own pace Labour can go on for hours so you’ll be exhausted by the time things really start heating up. Leading up to delivery, take things easy. You may have that nesting feeling and want to clean the house, leave that to your helper, if you have one. Give yourself credit, you have done everything in your power to prepare for the baby’s arrival.
Don’t push Many moms-to-be like to think of breathing their baby out. Go with the flow of your body if everyone acts like cheerleaders, encouraging you to hold your breath and ‘puuuushhh’! You’ll only go purple in the face and get exhausted.
Happy delivery!
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