Like all good things, each pregnancy will come to an end. What awaits at the end of pregnancy? Labor and delivery. While I am a firm believer in not telling labor stories to anyone who is pregnant, I am also a firm believer in being prepared for the experience of labor.
Preparedness for labor is less about which childbirth class you take or which technique you plan to use than it is about having made a plan for how you would like to proceed. At its most basic, preparing for labor includes talking to your health care provider and getting an understanding of the signs of labor, as well as guidelines for when to call the hospital (or midwives for a home birth) as well as when to physically get yourself to the birthing location, hospital or otherwise.
Preparing for labor also includes talking with your partner and family about what you will do under various sets of circumstances, such as “what if he’s at work when I go into labor” or “what if I go into labor when I am out of town for a business trip”. Thinking through things ahead of time will help you to feel more at ease when the time comes.
Another way that you can prepare for labor is by keeping your body fit. If your prenatal care provider says that it is safe for you to exercise, things like walking and prenatal yoga can help you to be both strong and flexible for the physical challenge that lies ahead. A fit body can help you to be a little more comfortable during labor, and after baby’s arrival you will be prepared for all of the lifting, stretching, and bending that you will be doing as part of caring for your little one.
One of the best things that you can do to prepare for labor is to visit the place where you will give birth. Make sure that you read and understand all of the rules and policies, so that you can work through any questions or concerns before you are laboring. Find out what kinds of “props” are available for laboring women, because things like birthing tubs, birthing balls, and birthing stools can really make a huge difference in your labor experience.