Labor may be tough, but you’re tougher!
If asked, many moms would tell you that the most challenging thing they have ever done was give birth—along with being a parent and raising happy, healthy, and responsible children, of course. And although the childbirth experience is just the beginning of what promises to be the most demanding role of your life, it doesn’t have to be as arduous as you think. No matter what you’ve surmised from the dramatic accounts of others, there are ways to make your birth easier, take a look:
Stay in shape
Staying fit during pregnancy can help you handle the pain and discomfort of childbirth. We all know that the more physically fit you are, the better equipped you’d be to manage an experience that is so demanding of all of your physical resources. If you were exercising before you got pregnant and your doctor or midwife says it’s ok to continue, keep moving mama! There are also many yoga and low impact aerobic courses available that can help you maintain your fitness level throughout pregnancy
Enlist your support team
In addition to your partner, having others who can offer support before and during labor can do wonders in making the experience easier. In fact, women who had continuous care from a doula (a trained provider of labor support), were 50 percent less likely to need a C-section and 30 percent less likely to need pain medication. Whether you hire a doula or enlist support from your best friend, mom, or sister (or all of the above), having someone besides your partner can benefit you in numerous ways.
Get moving
The average first labor for many women is between 14 and 16 hours, although that can vary greatly depending on the mommy-to-be. Because it can take a substantial amount of time, it’s a good idea to fight the urge to lie down and wait or to stress about how much longer it will be before you see your precious baby. Instead, walk around, take a shower, or listen to music—whatever makes you most relaxed and least anxious! Moving around during labor can also help speed up the process, which no mom has ever complained about!
Take a childbirth education class
Although this may surprise you, many first-time mommies have no idea what their bodies will go through when they go into labor. And unless you’ve taken a childbirth education class, you can only rely on what you’ve heard from others. Classes not only give you a comprehensive description of each stage of labor and what to expect, but also help you by providing various breathing, positioning, and relaxation techniques. Your anxiety, both before and during labor, will be greatly diminished.
Let nature take its course
Cringing in pain and squeezing your partner’s hand so tightly that you cut off their circulation may be how you envision your childbirth experience. But if you allow yourself to relax and work through the discomfort, you can help yourself immensely. It’s also important to listen to your doctor, midwife, or medical provider. When you’re told it’s ok to push, do so. When you’re instructed not to, follow directions—no matter how strong the urge. Trusting your providers, your partner, and yourself will give you more control over the experience than you’d imagine.
Childbirth will likely be one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever endure. Follow these tips to make your experience easier and register for my next childbirth education course! I offer in person group classes, interactive online classes, and private lessons. Get in touch with me today to find our more.
