As you get closer to the end of your pregnancy you may be feeling particularly anxious about labour and giving birth. I’ve been thinking about the 6 things I wish I’d known when I was in labour with my first baby and what advice I can give you to help you prepare!
The 6 things …..
- Birth Partners – birth partners play a really important role. Not only are they moral support but they’re very handy for hip squeezing, hand holding, back rubs and popping out for snacks!
- Breathing – we speak about breathing a lot in pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing, that’s because it is SO important. The better your breathing technique, the more relaxed you are likely to be and the easier the birth will be.
- ‘That hospital bed’ – you do not have to get on the bed! You do not have to be in a position that isn’t comfortable for you. You can give birth at home, you can give birth in a pool, you can give birth on all fours… you do not have to get on that bed!
- Birth Plans – your birth plan is so important – it is not a waste of time. Just because birth doesn’t always go to plan, doesn’t mean that the planning isn’t worth it. If anything, your birth plan will help you feel more prepared.
- Options – you absolutely always have options and you always have the right to say no. You have to do what’s right for you.
- Finally, and arguably the most important is Hypnobirthing! It’s AMAZING! The perfect technique which gives you and your birth partner the tools to have a calm and relaxing birth.
These are the 6 main things I would tell somebody expecting their first baby. What would you add to the list?!
For more top tips on how to cope with labour book yourself in for the next hypnobirthing class on Sunday the 17th September. For more information pop over to my website JustExhale or my Facebook page: Just Exhale | Facebook
