Childbirth is always scary for first-time and seasoned mothers alike. If you are expecting and you are worried about childbirth, let me put your mind at ease. There are few things you can do to prepare for the big day so you are not clueless about what's going to happen. You are going to feel better after you read these tips and you'll feel more prepared going into labor.
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1. Take a class: You should definitely add a childbirth course to your "must do" list. This class is effective because it will walk you through the entire process and teach you how to make your body ready for labor.
2. Learn everything about: There are different types of childbirth and you should know them and decide which one you want. First of all, do you want to deliver your baby at home or at a hospital? There are also water birth, natural birth, cesarean and inductions. You also need to decide if you want medication or not because you need an anesthesiologist on standby if you do.
3. Make your body strong: Your baby is taking half of your nutrients and vitamins depleting you of energy. Childbirth is tiring and you need to make your body strong. Most women take a long time dilating and recovering from each contraction because they are too tired. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and eat more during the last three weeks of pregnancy.
4. Keep active: Obstetricians recommend pregnant women start doing labor exercises two weeks prior their due date. Basically, we are talking about pelvic movements to help the baby go down towards the birth canal. When you are in labor, to speed up the process, you should do squats and knee bends to let the baby loose.
5. Breathing exercises: I know they are a cliché in every romantic comedy, but they work. You are going to save a lot of energy if you know how to breathe. That's key to help you stay focused, recover and help you push harder after every contraction. Pregnancy yoga is ideal, so take a class!
6. Don't listen to everything: You are already nervous and you don't need to hear all the horror stories out there. Keep yourself positive and focus on learning everything about breastfeeding and what will happen after the baby is born.
7. Prepare the environment: This is important because you want to be comfortable. Make sure you have the right lighting, music, visitors and things you need to make the time better for you. You don't want any surprises that are going to make you feel angry and uncomfortable.
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