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3 Positive Ways to Prepare for Your Labour
It’s normal to be nervous and filled with questions before birth, especially if this is your first time. What will it feel like? Will you be able to manage the pain? These are the common questions that might pop up in your mind. However, the following three tips will help you feel more confident about labour and delivery. They’ll also help you feel more prepared once the baby arrives!
Plan Ahead
Preparing your mental and physical strength to deliver a baby is not something you can do in a day or two. Make sure you’ve had regular checkups with your doctor throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with them. Anticipate how you will manage pain management during delivery and ask questions about how natural methods such as water birth might work for you. In addition, plan by reading up on labour and delivery to know what to expect and have time to get mentally ready before the delivery day arrives.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep deprivation might lead to unpleasant thoughts during labour. However, a good night’s rest is not only essential to keep your energy levels up but also promotes feelings of confidence, a sense of control, and overall well-being. So to get plenty of rest in your last few weeks before giving birth:
- Try doing things that promote relaxation, such as taking long baths or going out with friends.
- Find a massage therapist or prenatal yoga class if you enjoy those activities.
- Remember to stay hydrated and never drink alcohol or too much caffeine because they can harm your ability to fall asleep at night and stay asleep throughout the day.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
You’re probably already well aware of how important it is to eat nutritiously, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off during your last few weeks. Ensure you’re eating as many leafy greens and water-rich fruits and veggies as possible, not just because it will help with recovery but also because pregnancy cravings are never really off-limits. Just make sure to track your caloric intake so that you don’t gain too much weight. The same goes for drinking; just because it’s hydration time doesn’t mean it’s time to drink to excess. Instead, stick to a healthy amount (about 2-3 litres) each day. And while you’re at it, remember that caffeine counts toward your fluid intake! So if you have a cup of coffee or tea each morning, be sure to add that to your daily total.
Final Words
Starting to get contractions can be scary, but remember that it doesn’t mean you’re in labour. Your body still has weeks before you have your baby, so do what you can to prepare. Pack your hospital bag and get a checkup from your doctor. Take care of whatever needs are taken care of—finances, home repair—so that once your little one arrives, life will be as stress-free as possible! You might even want to start thinking about baby names if you haven’t already. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy these last few weeks with your family and friends! It won’t be long, and you’ll have a new addition to the family who needs your full attention.
