Five Positive Ways To Prepare For Labour

By Sara Keli

While nine months may feel like an eternity—especially for sleep-deprived pregnant women—the day you welcome your baby will arrive in a blink of an eye. It marks the beginning of an incredible journey filled with unpredictability and wonder.

So, how can you prepare for the day of labor? Here are five positive ways to get ready:

Take birth classes

Preparing for labor involves gaining knowledge about what to expect. While some may prefer to remain unaware, understanding the labor process and exploring your options equips you to make informed decisions that best suit your and your baby’s needs.

Birth classes offered by hospitals or privately cover labor processes and early baby care. Consider online courses or books like Juju Sundin’s Birth Skills for comprehensive information. Your healthcare provider and experienced mothers can also provide valuable insights. Education empowers you to make informed decisions for a positive birth experience.

Write a birth plan

While labor can be unpredictable, outlining preferences in a flexible birth plan helps guide your care team. You could start by answering some of the below questions:

• Do you want the lights on and off while you are labouring?
• Would you like to listen to music or burn essential oils?
• Who do you want in the room with you during labour and childbirth?
• Who will be the first person you call to tell them that your baby has been born?
• What kind of pain relief do you think you will be open to?
• If you require a caesarean, where will the baby go while you are being stitched up?

Share your plan with your healthcare provider and check hospital policies to align expectations.

Once you go into labour, your preferences and feelings may change completely, but at least those around you will have some idea of what you want.

Learn relaxation techniques

Labour tends to progress much more smoothly when you are calm and relaxed. While that might seem impossible when you are about to push a baby out of your vagina, learning some relaxation techniques before the baby arrives will really help you focus on the moment and it can also be a great pain reliever. 

Hypnobirthing is a very popular technique that many women choose to follow. You can attend classes that will teach you techniques for a calm and present birth.

If you don’t like the idea of attending classes, focus on learning breathing or meditation techniques that you can take into the delivery suite with you – there are videos on YouTube and apps that can help.

Try perineal massage

Perineal massage can be effective at helping your perineum prepare for what is about to happen, which can, in turn, reduce your risk of tearing during childbirth. Sure, it doesn’t work for everyone, but doing something proactively beforehand can help you feel like you’re doing something to help your body get ready for what lies ahead. 

You can start perineal massage from 35 weeks of pregnancy and you only need to do it about once or twice per week. You can read more about it – including how to do it – here, or speak to your doctor or midwife, who will be able to provide advice. 

Pack your hospital bag

Getting your hospital bag packed early can be a weight off your mind as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. If there is anything in your birth plan you’ll need to take with you, such as essential oils, make sure these are packed in advance so you don’t forget them in the mad dash to the hospital. Keep the bag close to the front door so you can grab it as you leave – or, if you’re extra nervous you’ll forget, you can even keep it in your car!

You are nearly there – the end line is in sight. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and know that labour is the only thing standing between you and holding that delightful baby of yours tightly in your arms.