Ten Ways to Prepare for Labor and Delivery

Get a group of women together at a baby shower and without a doubt the conversation will lead to sharing their own birthing experiences. Some will tell the horror stories of hours or even days of painful labor. Some will even recount how they ultimately were persuaded to have a cesarean, allegedly “in the best interest of the baby.” What you may not realize is that majority of birth experiences are much more joyful than scary and that those who are prepared both mentally and physically are more likely to have the most wonderful experience of their lifetime.

With a little education you can look forward to this special time with excited anticipation. Studies have shown that a doula can help achieve your goals for a natural and stress-free birthing experience with their continuous physical, emotional and informational support during labor and delivery. Here are some simple tips to follow:

Tip #1: Choose a supportive practitioner. Make sure you spend some time interviewing your doctor. The clearer you are about what kind of birthing experience you’d like, the more you can choose someone who will support your vision. Midwives usually are more supportive of a natural birth. Ask for recommendations. Most doulas have a list of supportive doctors and midwives.

Tip #2: Don’t listen to or read about what goes wrong. Make it a priority to hear about other families’ joyful experiences. I encourage my clients to call all of my references and hear the stories of their experiences and the difference it makes to be well prepared.

Tip #3: Write a birth plan. Remember when you get to the hospital your doctor will only be there once you are ready to push. Make sure the nurses know what your wishes are and what you have discussed with your care provider. Write a birth plan that is clear, concise and gentle. A doula can help you with content and tone. Too strict of a birth plan can risk angering the hospital staff.

Tip #4: Choose pain-management techniques that work for you. What helps you relax? Is it hypnosis, massage, music? Before you ride the labor waves, be prepared practice with your partner or doula different positions, breathing techniques, and rituals you will be doing during each contraction. Knowing what you can do during a contraction will help you manage it.