Whether this is your first or third baby, labor is an incredibly vulnerable experience. Preparing for labor can look quite differently from woman to woman. Your birth plan, personal preferences, and even pregnancy can all play a huge role. I want you to be as prepared for this experience as you possibly can.
When it comes to anything being “new” for me, I want to be prepared. My anxiety literally will get the best of me when it comes to just about anything outside of my comfort zone. So if you are anything like me, you will prioritize preparing for labor.
Obviously I can’t promise you the most perfect labor and delivery experience, but I am here to help you. I want to bring you any and all knowledge I can share with you. Because labor can cause lots of built up stress and anxiety, it can really take away the beautiful moment it truly is.
Preparing for labor comes from many dynamics. It is more than just preparing for the pain. Labor will probably be one of the most challenging physical AND mental experiences you have yet to come across. I’m not going to act like it is easy, because it definitely is not. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be when it’s time for both yours and baby’s big day.
This post is all about the secrets to preparing for labor and how to feel as ready and confident as possible.
Preparing For Labor
labor tips for first time moms
When I was pregnant with Owen, I was trying to get any and all details about labor and delivery. This is an all new experience for you, and like anything new, it can be scary. Just the thought of everything all out in the open with medical professionals and everyone else you choose to have in the room (& obviously the thought of pushing a baby out) is terrifying. If I am being honest, once this part comes, you aren’t as bothered by it like you think you would be. You are just extremely ready to have the baby and will do anything to get to this point.
So you might be like me, where you have never really been in the hospital before. I obviously used to work there, but I had never been actually admitted to the hospital as a patient. So even just the thought of getting an IV, lab work, an epidural- all of that scared me. I was obviously scared of what kind of pain I would be dealing with. You also may be wondering when do you head to the hospital? Or maybe you’re planning a home birth and want to know about that. Let’s talk about how you, as a first time mom, can start preparing for labor.
watch birthing experience videos on youtube
There is a LOT to talk about when it comes to labor, especially if you are a first time mom. One of my first ways that I started preparing was by watching many Youtube videos. Because of my background working as an RN on the OB floor at the hospital, I have witnessed quite a few births. The thing is, being in on a birth as a nurse for your job, is quite a bit different than just witnessing one to witness it. I basically made Mark sit down with me and watch some birthing Youtube videos. Especially if you have never witnessed a birth before, this will be very helpful for you to get adjusted to this type of energy and environment.
labor and delivery books
Another way I started to learn more about labor and delivery was through reading. One of my most favorite books is written by Erica Chidi, called Nurture. She goes deep into learning how to trust and engage your body and mind during the labor and delivery experience. I read this around 30ish weeks, so when I was in labor, it was still fresh on my mind, and I honestly thought about this book a lot when it came to trying to manage the pain. Other helpful labor and birthing books I have found are Mindful Birthing and What To Expect When You’re Expecting.
take a class
Whether you take an in person class or one online, these can be extremely beneficial to you. There are many classes like Lamaze or general birthing classes that can be helpful. I would look for classes that educate on breathing techniques for labor, other relaxing techniques, and various pain relief options. Below I will have links to some classes you can take online!
hospital tour
If you plan on having your baby in the hospital, I highly recommend to schedule a tour at the hospital you plan on having babe at. It is going to help you HUGE for when you actually have to go in. Figure out where you need to park at, enter and get admitted at. View the labor and delivery rooms along with the postpartum rooms. It will help big time with any anxiety you may have when needing to go in.
*Also side tip: If you can bring your significant other or anyone who may be accompanying you during your birth, please bring them with. I never thought to do this, because I obviously knew where everything was at and the routine. HOWEVER, when I was contracting every 3 mins on our way to the hospital, the LAST thing I wanted to do was to explain to Mark where to park and where we get admitted.
pack your bag ahead of time
Get your hospital bag ready before the big day is here. You will do yourself a major solid by getting as much ready as you can. With your first baby, you TYPICALLY have extra time to get your things all ready. But still, you will be very happy once it is time, to realize a majority is already packed.
be open with your doctor
Remember, this is YOUR experience. For you to get the most out of this, you need to be asking questions. I say this, because I used to be SO terrified of asking “dumb” questions. There is no point in trying to act like you know everything. Even if this wasn’t your first labor, it would still be valid to ask all sorts of questions. Sometimes doctors forget that this is your first time going through this, so they may forget to tell you everything. Important questions to ask your doctor (because all pregnancies and doctors orders are different) would be:
- What are some signs of early labor?
- Would you please give me the hospitals number if I have questions?
- What are some signs that I should call and head to the hospital?
- Is bloody show normal?
- What are examples of not normal signs of labor that I should be aware of?
- What are some benefits of home births versus a hospital birth?
- If I chose an at home birth, how would that look different than a hospital birth?
- If I get an epidural, what is that process like?
- Do I have other options for pain besides medication?
- When I get to the hospital, what all happens once I am there?
Some of these questions can be answered when you’re at the hospital. But sometimes you’re in too much pain or too much is going on to even think about asking these. You can never be too prepared or know too much.
preparing for labor induction
Due to many different medical pregnancy conditions, your doctor may want you to be induced. An induction is when you go to the hospital at a certain date and time and have your labor started with IV medicine called Pitocin. Preparing for labor with an induction is no different than preparing when you begin labor on your own. Just be aware that you may have to start getting things packed and ready a little sooner (maybe 38 or 39 weeks).
natural ways to prepare body for labor
If you are coming up to your due date soon, you maybe want to know a few ways you can naturally get your body ready for labor. You hear that labor is literally like a marathon, and that is no joke. With Owen, I pushed for over three hours. I honestly believe if it wasn’t for some of these methods, I would have tapped out. Keep on reading if you want to learn all about how to survive the biggest marathon of your life!
*Disclaimer !!! All bodies, women, pregnancies and doctors are different. So PLEASE know I am not giving medical advice, just talking woman to woman. 🙂 I am not here to take the place of your medical provider, so please discuss with your doctor before doing or trying any of these suggestions.
gentle exercise
Gentle exercise, such as yoga or walking, can be a major benefit to you. Just like it is suggested to keep exercise a thing throughout your pregnancy, it will continue to benefit you now in the third trimester. I really just like to think about the marathon example. Because labor is extremely exhilarating and exhausting, it is very similar to training for a marathon. You probably wouldn’t train for a marathon by binge eating potato chips, so try your best to add some activity in your days! In the preparing for labor excises portion below, I will add specific gentle flows you can easily add into your daily practice.
clean eating
Any moment in your life is probably going to seem like an inconvenient time to start eating cleaner. No, I am not saying you have to start eating handfuls of spinach for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe just be more mindful of what you put into your body, because it does affect both you and baby. Remember the potato chip example above? Yeah it’s the same as for this. Your body is about to be put through one of the most challenging exercises it will probably ever be put through. So give yourself the right start by eating a little better. I will have some of my favorite IG clean eating accounts linked below!
Raspberry Leaf tea
Anything herbal is obviously contradicting. (So this is a major area where you should most definitely discuss with your doctor before drinking this). ANYWAYS, I drink raspberry leaf tea during my third trimester. Sources say that it is supportive to our uterus, improve labor, and it also prevents excess bleeding after birth. I am obviously not sure if it worked, but I personally didn’t have any excess bleeding after birth so maybe? Excessive bleeding is more common with more vaginal births so definitely bring it up to your healthcare professional if this is your 2+ birth!
practice breathing
Youtube is seriously the best, free resource. Obviously anyone can make a Youtube video, so you have to be cautious as to what you are watching and trusting. Bridget Teyler and Pregnancy and Postpartum TV both were great Youtube channels for me when I was pregnant! They both have specific videos on breathing techniques to help you during labor.
Perineal massage
Many women tear after vaginal birth, and many of those women end up having stitches to repair the tear. To help prevent this, perineal massage can be extremely beneficial, ESPECIALLY if this is your first vaginal birth. Perineal massage is a form of stretch between your vagina and anus. This area is often the part that tears during childbirth. Just like stretching before working out, this can help prevent injury.
preparing for labor exercises
The last month of my pregnancy looked like this: many walks, squats, and stair exercises. The last week of my pregnancy I was DETERMINED to go into labor on my own. So of course, I Googled and did any and every exercise I could to help induce my own labor. I don’t really know if any of it worked, or if it was just time for Owen to get out. Either way, exercise (as long as it’s okay by your doctor) has major benefits during pregnancy. Now, let’s get into exercises that are going to help strengthen your back, legs, hips, and shoulders (after labor, you will be sore in just about every muscle group- including your shoulders).
- Deep Squat: make sure to be safe and hold onto a chair or table in front of you to help get you down and back up!
- Cat-Cow
- Butterfly Stretch
- Standing Hip Flexor Stretch
- Kegels
- Child’s Pose
If you are near to the end of your pregnancy, I am sending all the healthiest and best of luck energy your way! You are going to rock labor. It is painful, and it is scary. Whether it is your mom with you, boyfriend, nurse, doula or midwife at your side- they will be giving you the best care and love you need to do this. And you will do this! Whether you have a vaginal birth or c-section, you did it! And honestly the pain turns into the most beautiful trophy you could ever win after your marathon. xxx
Disclaimer: Hi me again! Please know I am just giving my opinion on all topics said above. Go to your healthcare professional before hand and get their solid advice and “okay” on any and all of this! Thanks 🙂