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How to Stay Calm & Positive During Pregnancy & Labor
I'm sure you've heard the countless horror stories from friends and family about pregnancy and childbirth. But I'm sure you've also heard the positive stories about bringing a little one into the world. Concern becomes an unproductive fear, potentially paralyzing you from making productive decisions or enjoying your pregnancy. It is essential to stay calm and positive when pregnant and in labour, for the good of the baby and yourself.
Here are 5 simple tips for staying positive:
Go With the Flow
Stop thinking of labor as something that happens to you unnaturally. Laboring is natural and both your body and baby know what needs to be done. Trust your body and know that everything will turn out fine. And remember, millions of women have done this before, and in a lot of cases, multiple times! They wouldn't have done it again and again if it was that bad!
Don't fight it
Don't fight the work of your body, let it happen and work with it to the best of your ability. You may not be in control of the process of labor, but you have many options for ways to respond. Don't be a hero - if you need pain relief, ask for it. It won't make you a bad mother if you take what is offered. There was a reason these things were invented!
Keep your eye on the prize
Consider your attitudes about childbirth. Remember back to the days when you first felt excited about your baby and ask yourself where these feelings came from. Why did you feel the way your did? Focus on something positive, for example a baby jumper or an ultrasound image for motivation. Remember what's coming - your beautiful bundle!
Educate yourself
I found the more I learned what was going to happen during labour and birth, the more at ease I was. Learning what to expect from all types of labor can help reduce those fears. Don't just educate yourself on one type of birth - keep an open mind.
Create a safe haven
Help yourself to create a safe and happy atmosphere. Use a birth plan to work with your caregivers to make the best decisions possible before labour begins, and continue that relationship in labor. Ask yourself what soothes you, for example, music, massage, meditation, a bath or shower, or even laughter with friends or family.
Famous Midwife Ina May Gaskin
Birthing Aids & Techniques
- Lamaze
Developed by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in 1951, Lamaze incorporates childbirth education classes, breathing and relaxation techniques and how to respond to pain. - Waterbirthing
Using a tub of warm water, usually heated between 90-100 degrees. Advocates of water births cite the physical relief for the mother and the easy transition for baby. - HypnoBirthing (The Mongan Method)
Self-hypnosis that reduces pain and stress during natural labor through guided imagery, affirmations, and special breathing techniques. - The Bradley Method
This technique combines natural childbirth and studying with tips on staying healthy, how to create a birth plan, and training for the coach and/or doula. - Orgasmic Birth
A revolutionary approach to childbirth, boasting techniques which give the mother the ability to enjoy the process and even each a state of orgasm. - Birthworks
This process helps to enable the mother to build confidence and embodies a philosophy that develops a woman's trust, and faith in her ability to give birth and nurture her child.
Be Prepared
- What Happens When Your Water Breaks in Pregnancy
Learn how to know the signs of labour and how to prepare for the coming childbirth of your baby. - Your Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist
Having everything you need when leaving for the hospital will avoid unnecessary stress when you're in labour and during recovery. It's best to have your hospital bag ready at least 30 weeks into your pregnancy but the sooner the better! Read on...