10 Ways To Prepare Yourself For Natural Childbirth

I'll try and keep this short, I want to first say "Congratulations, on your little bundle of joy baking in the oven"!!! If you're looking over this site, you're pondering if a natural birth is for you. I'm here to tell you, it is, however there is a little homework to do before the day of you're little one's arrival. I'm going to share with you 10 steps to prepare you and your birth partner for great natural childbirth.

Step #1: Select the right birth place

Being in the right birth place, can be very important and essential when time to give birth to your baby. Whether that is home, a birth center, or hospital; being comfortable is going to be very important during labor. If you're leaning towards having your baby at a hospital, make sure to ask all and any questions surrounding your want of a natural birth.

*remember: the staff is there to serve you

Step #2: Choose the right MD/Midwife

Having the right MD/Midwife is just as important as finding the right birthing place. Once you find the place, and go over the list of MD's and their Midwives, start writing down all your questions you desire for your natural birth to ask your MD. This way you and your MD can be in agreement going forward with your birth.

*remember: the ultimate goal will be to ensure the baby is healthy and safe

Step #3: Hire a Doula

A doula purpose is to be there for you in every way possible during your birth. They will be there to support you, help you understand and educate you in the birthing process. They will help you in making sure you have the natural birth you are desiring. As you would do with your MD/Midwife, ask questions with your doula; are they certified, are they in agreement with how you see your birth, and any other questions you may have for them.

*remember: a doula will be there to advocate for you and your birth, as along as baby is healthy and safe

Step #4: Create a Birth Plan

Once you find your Birth Team and Birth Place, create your birth plan. Your Doula will know exactly how to assist you with this. Be realistic, and don't be afraid to revise your plan as your due date gets closer to term. It's okay to change your mind, as you learn new possibilities you can do for your birth.

*remember: your birth plan could possibly change, if the health of your baby becomes a concern

Step #5: Choose a great Birth Partner

This is extremely important, this person will be there to help you through the rough difficult birth process (ACTIVE LABOR!!!). We all know how important it is to witness the birth of your child; however if the father of your baby is not supportive, or causes you to worry or stress; he should not be in the room or around during active labor. The same implies for parent/s and/or friend/s, choose very wisely.

*remember: your feelings and comfort are a priority here, they will forgive you later

Step #6: Take childbirth classes/ Read childbirth books

Taking these classes will teach you and prepare you for what's to come. Knowing and learning proper breathing techniques will come in great play; your doula will help couch you through these techniques when it's time. These classes will also teach, and show different birthing positions you can give birth in. In most cases, some doulas offer childbirth classes and will be willing to offer classes in certain selected packages for you and your partner.

*remember: the better prepared you are, the more comfortable your birth will be

Step#7: Healthy Diet

A healthy diet through out your pregnancy is very essential to your baby growth and development, as well as your own. For more detailed information, see Mayo Clinic article; Pregnancy Diet: Focus on these essential nutrients https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082

*remember: drink plenty of water

Step#8: Exercise

Exercise can be hard for some than others, but it's extremely important when it comes to having a natural birth. The more you exercise, the easier and faster your birth can be in some cases. Training and strengthen the muscles of the abdominal that are going to be needed for pushing, will pay off in the end. See my other post Best Prenatal Workout Plan

for some great tips and routines.

*remember: take it lite with exercise, don't over do it

Step#9: Prepare Mentally

As you get closer to term, prepare yourself mentally to give birth naturally. Try to take small naps during the day, mediate for a few minutes, become familiar with breathing techniques, enjoy your space and time before your baby arrive. If you have kids; hire a babysitter, and/or see if your partner/parent can take the kids out for a few hours.

*remember: being prepared mentally is just important as being prepared physically

Step#10: Be Ready

It's never to early to start getting ready for delivery. If you're planning in having a home birth, start placing things and items that brings you comfort in the area your planning to give birth. If you're going to hospital/birth center, start packing your bag early. It's nothing worse, than not having items you want at time of delivery. Trust me, you'll frustrate yourself more, sending your partner to grab things in the heat of the moment.

*remember: pack your items daily, it's okay to add/remove things