Though labor is the last lap of pregnancy, preparation for labor shouldn’t be on the day of labor, or else you would be in for a stressful experience.
Labour is a tasking, a lot has to be done for you to have a successful delivery. One of the first things to do when planning on how to prepare for labor is preparing your body.
How Can I Prepare My Body For Labor?
To prepare your body for labor you need to eat healthy meals, try out great relaxation techniques, take proper rest, sleep often, avoid stress, and exercise.
Below are some things to do to prepare your body for labor
- Try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. It would help a lot during labor to manage contractions.
- Eat well. Do not overeat or eat only those things you crave for. Ensure you eat healthy wholesome meals: brown rice, oats, milk, eggs, fish (without mercury), lean protein, et cetera.
- Stay active but do not overwork yourself.
- Avoid stress.
- Squat to pick things up instead of bending down. This would help strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Your spouse can help massage the area between your vagina and butt ( the perineum). It would make it flexible for an easier delivery.
- Try out exercises like swimming.
When Should I Start Preparing For Labor?
The best time to start preparing for labor is the last four months before your due date, i.e. the last month of your third trimester.
Since labor can start anytime between two weeks before or two weeks after your due date it is wise to start preparing at least a month before birth this is how to prepare for labor.
You may even choose to prepare earlier. Things to be done to prepare for labor are, plan a hospital tour, prepare your hospital bag, eat healthier, prepare your home, etc.
How Can I Prepare For Labor Pains?
The best way to prepare for labor pains is to prepare your mind that the whole process is going to be strenuous and painful, more painful than any pain you have felt before.
As you do that also tell yourself that despite the pains, you would pull through and have a successful delivery. Make these birth affirmations your regular chants:
- I am a strong woman strong enough to birth to my baby.
- I put fear aside I can do it.
- I accept pains to birth, my baby, to this world.
- I will scale through.
Also, wade off fear. Do not dwell on the negative stories you have heard of women who lost their babies or died during childbirth, instead be positive that you would be among the so many that had a successful delivery.
Lastly and importantly learn about the pain relief options during labor like epidural, hypnobirthing, taking opioids, nitrous oxide, aromatherapy, water birth, etc.
How To Prepare For Labor Induction?
To prepare for labor induction you need to ask the necessary questions to be clear about what the whole process involves. Ask questions in those areas you are not sure of.
These are some questions to ask: will I be able to move around during induction? Is induction more painful than labor? Will there be any risks to my baby?.
The next thing you want to do is to prepare your mind. Keep an open mind and be ready to expect anything: pain, discomfort, unease, longer time.
Be strong and believe that it won’t be for long and it will be soon over. Find ways to distract yourself; chat with a friend or doula, play music, read a book, watch a movie and when the induction process progresses, do not give up, keep being strong, and know that it will not be forever.
Finding the best ways on how to prepare for labor? Check out these 10 tested and easy ways to prepare for labor. As you read, pick a note and jot down important facts, for it promises to be an educating and enlightening read.
1. Get To Know About The Labor Process
The first on the list on how to prepare for labor is to get the right knowledge. To attain Knowledge, learn things about your pregnancy and labor every day, this is how to prepare for labor.
If it is your first pregnancy you will be completely unaware of what to expect during labor; even if you have had kids before, no two pregnancies are the same so your labor may be quite different from your previous births.
If you do not learn what to expect during labor, you may be in labor and unaware. You may also become overwhelmed and anxious about every little thing because you’re not sure of what to expect.
It is why the first step to take when preparing for labor is getting the right knowledge. You can get knowledge from so many sources.
The internet is a vast resource center, browse, take notes, and be informed about the different types of birth, (C-section, vaginal birth, etc. ) learn about the stages of labor, and the signs and symptoms that precede each stage.
Read about contractions in labor, know the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and labor contractions, look up ways to manage labor contractions, and the different birthing aids you can try out during labor.
Aside from the internet, you could also get maternity books to read and be informed.
The book Every Woman by Doctor Derrick Lil Wayne Jones was very enlightening for me. It was always by my bedside. I pored every page, read and re-read those chapters concerning pregnancy and delivery.
There are many other books like What to expect when you are expecting by Heidi Murk off, Gide to childbirth by Ina May Gaskin. Discussing with a doctor or ob-gyn is also very helpful.
The knowledge you get from the 10 or 15 minutes chat will give you a lot of clarity about the labor process. You could also watch YouTube videos (this was something I did a lot as a first-time mom then).
Discuss with women who have had kids before, ask them how their labor experience went, how they were able to manage the pains, the signs and symptoms felt, and what they felt they should have done differently.
You never stop getting knowledge even up to the last day of your labor so keep reading and getting information as much as you can. Get bits of knowledge every day, this is how to prepare for labor.
2. Mental Preparation
The mind and the body, work together. If the mind is not prepared no matter how easy a thing is, you will find it difficult to do it. Labour is no different.
Mental preparation is a very important step to take when preparing for labor. Labor is a lot of work and the right mindset will greatly determine if you’ll have a successful labor or not.
I didn’t prepare mentally for the work that was involved during labor and delivery. As a first-time mom, my only clue about labor was the videos I watched on YouTube and when I watched my sister deliver her baby.
Her delivery was pretty quick barely, under 2 hours, she had delivered a beautiful baby girl. Since we were sisters, I concluded that my labor wasn’t going to take too long but how wrong I was.
My labor spanned for almost six hours and it was the most painful experience I have had. Nothing prepared me for the pain I felt. I was almost giving up and opting for a C-section.
If I had not assumed, if I had prepared my mind that the labor was going to be a lot of work and pain it would have been easier. Thankfully I pulled through.
As you get all the knowledge and information’s about childbirth and labor, ponder on them and start preparing your mind on how your labor would be.
Ask yourself, what is the highest level of pain I can tolerate? This is especially important for first-time moms; you need to know how well you can manage pain, for if you have a low pain threshold like me you would need to plan for pain relief. You also need to develop resilience and tenacity, physical endurance is necessary.
The best thing you can tell yourself is “I can do it”. When my contractions were so intense, it got so unbearable that I requested a C-section but my doctor encouraged me “you are progressing normally give yourself some time you will soon deliver”.
At this time, I was about 8cm gone. I made up my mind I would not go for a C-section anymore. I told myself that I would bear any pain and give birth. I held strong and within 2 hours I delivered my baby boy.
The experience is still fresh, remembering how I almost gave up I am most thankful that I made up my mind to pull through. Determine that you would have a successful Labour and prepare your mind for it.
Picture how your labor day would be. Of course, it may not exactly be as you have pictured it but the mental preparation would give you a better chance of having successful labor.
Also, think of pain management options. You can discuss with the hospital you registered with to know what options they have available. You also need to learn ways to relax your mind.
Try listening to podcasts and positive affirmations. If you have fears about the big day, talk to a trusted friend or your partner. You may see a therapist before delivery if the fear is getting intense. Also plan on having a doula at your bedside during labor. It can be super helpful to ease your mind.
3. Register In A Birth Class
Another tip on how to prepare for labor is to register at a birth class as early as possible. Registration at a birth class is something you need to do at early pregnancy.
Not only does it help you have a successful pregnancy, but it also enlightens you and prepares you for labor.
In birth classes, you meet with different women, first-time moms, women who have had multiple births, C-sections, epidural and different kinds of births.
As they share they are different experiences you learn so many things that will help you during labor. You also have the advantages of sharing your fears and challenges with people who understand and you get lots of encouragement.
As you connect with other pregnant women, you share ideas, tips, and tricks for managing pregnancy symptoms and labor pains and you will understand the whole labor process more clearly.
One thing I love about the birth classes is that as women share their experiences and one can learn a lot first-hand, you could ask any questions bordering you and they simplify the whole labor process.
The birth class I attended helped me build my confidence. Though I was a first-time mom, hearing all these stories and lectures and explanations from other moms and the professionals, I had much confidence that I’ll be able to have a successful pregnancy and delivery.
Birth classes also help your spouse prepare with you. He can learn about labor and they also learn about childcare.
4. Prepare A Hospital Bag
You should expect to labor anything from the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. There are some essential items you need to get ready that you and your baby will need and this should be in the hospital bag.
Check out some of these items in the hospital bag checklist I have written here. During the last trimester how to prepare for labor is to prepare the hospital bag.
Write down a list of the essential items you will need. Some are Clothing, diapers, onesies, pads, Formula bottles, Formulas, etc. Start sorting each of them in the hospital bag.
It is better to have a separate bag for you and your baby so you do not mix things up. You can also prepare a bag for the person that will stay with you at the hospital.
Sometimes some of the things you pack may end up not being used by the hospital so it is wise to check in first with the hospital you plan to deliver to know what the things you can bring and what are those things that will be provided so you do not overpack things.
5. Prepare Your Birth Plan
Every woman’s pregnancy and delivery is unique to her. Every woman would wish to have labor and delivery that is easy and suits her needs.
Labour is a big thing to deal with. Doing it in a way that is suitable and convenient for you will make a huge difference in how successful it will be at it, And how to prepare for labor is by writing a birth plan.
A birth plan is a way you can communicate your unique needs and request to the hospital you wish to deliver during labor. It is a paper where you write your request Of how labor should go.
Things that could be included in the plans are pain relief options during labor, the birth position you prefer, the birth aids you would love to try out, who should be present with you at birth, if you desire to have a doula at your bedside, making videos of the birth process, taking photographs, type of birth you wish to have a vaginal birth, epidural C-section, No episiotomy, etc.
There are many templates of birth plans you can find online. The hospital you register may also present you with a sample to guide you in writing your birth plan.
Remember, all these are samples you can use to draw inspiration on the kind of labor you anticipate. Most importantly sit down with your partner and you both should plan how delivery should go, then draft the birth plan.
Note that most birth plans are subject to review, not all your requests may be adopted by the hospital. They would give you reasons though so you should be prepared for those changes. Although most hospitals will work with your birth plan as best as they can.
6. Plan A Maternity Hospital Tour
As you plan for labor One thing that should be paramount in your mind is the hospital you will deliver. There are lots of good hospitals but not everyone will suit you and give you the kind of labor experience you desire.
You may find one that suits you, the services are top-notch, but it may be too expensive or far from your location. That is why you have to sample different hospitals during a hospital tour.
A hospital tour is a planned visit by expecting couples to the hospital or hospitals they wish to deliver.
There are a lot of policies in different hospitals; in a birth tour, you get to know about the hospital regulations regarding visitors, the bills, the kind of services provided, if the hospital can accommodate your birth plan, etc.
You also familiarise yourself with the environment, get to know some of the different wards you may be expected to stay and can ask any questions you have regarding your hospital stay, labor, and delivery.
Check out this post on questions to ask during a birth tour. You will know more about what you should ask during the birth tour.
As you prepare for labor you can carry out the birth tour to different hospitals, weigh the pros and cons and see which one best suits your need, and carry the next step which is outlined below.
7. Pre-Register
After deciding the right hospital for you how to prepare for labor next is to pre-register.
Since you will be delivering in the hospital, pre-registration will save you the hassle of registering and booking when you are already in labor. Pre-registering ahead of time is a good way on how to prepare for labor.
If you have finalized that the hospital is where you will deliver get all the necessary forms filled, tests results, scan results, ID cards, health insurance, and if possible pay part of your bill ahead of time.
When you come in for labor you will be easily admitted in. Not registering early will be quite stressful and time-wasting on you and it is something you should want to avoid.
8. Exercise
Throughout pregnancy and most importantly during the last trimester, One thing you shouldn’t miss out on is exercising It seems easier said than done, yes but it is a very needful and vital thing to do if you want to prepare your body for labor.
I wrote much earlier how preparing the mind for labor is important in pregnancy. Preparing the body is also equally important. Both of them work hand-in-hand for a successful delivery.
During labor, your body is going to be engaging in intense physical activity so you need to strengthen it with the right exercises. Kegel exercise is something you should try out.
It would help strengthen your pelvic regions (your butt area, pubic muscles, and spine) so that in labor your legs do not get too weak and you become tired to push.
Hold your pee, count one to five before pee, this is a simple kegel exercise to try. Doing this constantly helps to strengthen the pelvic floor. Prenatal yoga is another excellent way to prepare for labor.
It helps you become mindful and sensitive (this will help you manage the contractions better), it also helps you reduce stress and anxiety, plus you build stamina.
An added benefit is that you make new friends and share ideas with other pregnant women. Other great exercises to try out are: walking, stationary cycling, swimming, all these will help you a lot during labor. These exercises also help you keep fit and have a belly-only pregnancy.
9. Eat Healthily
The foods you eat play a big role in pregnancy and delivery. How to prepare for labor is to eat healthy meals. The food you will eat, some will be an energy store for the big day.
As you approach to labor in your third trimester you will have cravings for different foods for you get hungry every time to make up for the growing demands of the baby.
It is a plus because you can try out different varieties of healthy meals. As you crave different food ensure that these foods are healthy. Junks, sweets, and fatty foods should be minimized as much as possible.
Healthy foods like vegetables, proteins, fruits juices will help build your body and when you are built well you will be physically strong and ready to labor.
Do not skip meals, do not diet, do not wait till you are very hungry before you eat, eat small portions at frequent intervals, do not take too much junk and sugary food because you crave them, and try this special food for labor
Red raspberry tea. From about the 32nd week of pregnancy, you can take a cup daily gradually increasing it as you near your due date.
This tea leaf help strengthen the muscles of the womb for better and faster contractions. Other foods to try out are dates (aids uterus contractions on controls boys movements), apples, bananas, almond milk, lean meat, Pasta, Brown rice, Salads.
10. Find Ways To Rest And Relax
As you eat well and exercise you need lots of rest too. If you can do that you will feel stronger and better in mind and body for labor.
Resting regularly and avoiding stressful activities will make you strong and keep you in a positive state of mind. If you find it difficult to sleep try out this hack in my post 24 life pregnancy hack.
Aside from sleeping, you can also try out other relaxation techniques: massages, spa, swimming, meditation, playing music and dancing, listening to inspirational podcasts and affirmations, like
- I choose pain to bring in new life.
- My body my mind my soul go corporate with me to have a smooth delivery.
All these can help you relax and rest and be prepared for labor.
Labour, a beautiful, stressful, and tasking experience but it is worth every tear you shed and pain you feel to bring a new life to this world. Wishing you a safe labor and delivery!
Save this for later mama!
