Effective Labor Tips for Mom-To-Be

30 Nov

Effective Labor Tips for Mom-To-Be

Your mind and body are both preparing for labor, which is why the need to "nest" may have resulted in a freezer full of chili and a stack of burp cloths that have been washed and folded twice. Even experienced parents may experience a surge of mixed emotions as they prepare for labor, especially if this is their first child.
 
Worries about discomfort, weariness, seeking aid, and whether or not you've learned enough about the process can be debilitating.
Knowing how to make the difficult task of having a baby more tolerable helps make extra time in the delivery room less painful and more enjoyable. Given below are some of the effective tips for labor.
 

1.Take a class


Taking a birthing class is the most critical thing parents-to-be can do to prepare for labor and delivery. The alternatives are numerous and varied, but most of them address relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, various labor positions, pain treatment options, and some basic newborn care instructions.
 
You'll have the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with your partner, and ask any questions you have about your forthcoming wedding.
 

2.Take rest

 
You can't save sleep and then use it when you're fatigued from late-night feeding and burping sessions (though it would be wonderful!). Getting enough sleep throughout the third trimester, on the other hand, will help you feel relaxed and refreshed. So, try going to bed a little earlier and nap when you need to.
 

3.Eat healthily

 
When it comes to preparation for childbirth, another smart way to succeed is to feed your soon-to-labor body good meals. Fill your plate with nutrient-dense pregnant superfoods, including lean meats, lentils, yogurt, wild salmon, nuts, veggies, and whole grains as you near the end of your pregnancy.
 

4.Exercise

 
We're not going to lie: labor is exhausting, which is why doing regular exercise while pregnant prepares you well for the task ahead. You'll increase your strength and stamina by keeping to a routine that you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, low-impact dancing classes, or mild yoga, and both of these will come in useful when it's time to push. Aim for 30 minutes of activity five days a week, if possible.

5.Relax yourself

 
You can do anything if you envision it! Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can all help you train your mind to be focused and relaxed on the big day. Fear and anxiety can be alleviated through stretching, visualization exercises, or hypnosis. You might even think about using hypnobirthing as a way to relax throughout labor.
 

6.Pack your hospital blog

 
Packing a hospital bag, so it's ready to leave is another simple do-ahead activity (and putting one together is sort of fun!). Check out our handy lists of things you should bring to the hospital or birthing center, as well as some other things you should have on hand for yourself, your new baby, and your partner.
 

7.Gather help

 
Create a support system before going into labor by enlisting the help of friends and family. Whenever possible, say "yes!" to extra help, whether it's an offer to walk your dog, cook a meal, or do laundry. Hire a doula for comfort and support during labor or as a postpartum aid.
 

8.Seek positivity

 
That terrifying anecdote your cousin shared about her two-day labor isn't calming your worries at all. And, no matter how much you like your mother, times have changed since she gave birth decades ago.
 
Avoiding the digital rabbit hole and carefully editing what you read and who you listen to as you approach your due date is your best bet for peace of mind.
 

9.Ask questions

 
It's natural to have questions or concerns about the labor process, so speak out and ask anything that comes to mind. Your doctor, whom you'll see more and more as your pregnancy progresses, and the person who leads your birthing class are two excellent persons to ask questions to.
 
The truth is, there's a big chance that numerous individuals in the group share your concerns.
 

10.Understand the Different Labor Positions

 
The traditional labor posture of reclining on one's back places pressure on the pelvic nerves, aggravating the pain. Changing positions during labor, such as lying on your side or walking around, may provide benefits such as increased self-control, less medication use, and assistance with the baby's descent through the delivery canal. The blood supply to the pelvic muscles improves when you sit up.

 
The pressure on your perineum is relieved by lying on your side. Make sure you practice these various stances ahead of time. You may need to advocate for yourself in the delivery room or ask your support person to help you change positions to be more comfortable.
 

11.Massage

 
You might think that adding more pressure to your labor is the last thing you want. Touch, on the other hand, can assist a woman's tight body to relax. A good neck or foot rub can help a lady forget about her contractions. Alternatively, use these three strategies to apply counterpressure to your spouse or birthing coach.
 

(i)Tailbone press

 
With each contraction, your partner presses on your tailbone with his hand or a tennis ball.
 

(ii)Back massage

 
Let your husband delicately slide his fingers down your back and over your shoulders.
 

(iii)Press the pelvis

 
Your spouse stands behind you and places his hands on your hips, pulling them back hard with each contraction (you tell him when). This motion can also assist in gradually opening the pelvis to make place for your baby.

 

12.Be true to yourself


 
Labor changes you, but it won't make you fall in love with lime Jell-O, New Age music, or seeing your in-laws while breathing through a contraction. During your pregnancy, people may make various advice; listen to them but don't feel obligated to follow them.
 
Stick to your guns because it's your body, your baby, and your labor. Consider it a warm-up for when your child reaches adolescence.

13.Talk about your fears

 
Don't be reluctant to tell your doctor that you're worried; just talking about it can help, and she might have some suggestions on how to calm down. Consider getting a new doctor if your current one doesn't seem to care or doesn't seem to listen.