Pregnancy and labour can be a stressful time, although they can also be happy and joyful. Bringing a new life into the world is something very special, so you’ll probably want to make the labour as stress free as possible if you’re expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet sometime soon. It’s normal to feel scared and apprehensive, but by reading our guide on making your childbirth as stress free as possible, you’ll feel much better about the whole thing and it’ll be over before you know it! Here’s what to do when the big day comes:
Use a TENS Machine
Obstetric Tens machines can be a massive help during childbirth. It’s a natural way of relieving pain, but it can help you a substantial amount when in the throes of labour. They are perfectly safe and can even be used with other pain relief methods! Make sure you get yours from a reputable supplier, and test the Tens machine as soon as you receive it so you don’t get any nasty surprises while in labour.
Do Your Research
The more prepared you are, the better. If you can research and find out everything there is to know about what to expect, you’ll feel much better about the whole process. You should be aware of all of your options, familiar with the environment you plan on giving birth in, and research what is going to happen. Speak to friends and family that have given birth, read books, and use the internet!
Create a Calming Environment
By creating a soothing environment, you’ll feel much calmer when you go into labour. Check to see if your hospital offers an alternative delivery room, as these are sometimes made to look more homely than a traditional delivery room. Take some pictures from home, a portable stereo, and anything else you think will calm you on the day.
Meditate
Many people are now trying something called hypnobirthing, which helps ladies in labour put themselves into a deep state of relaxation. You can take classes for this, or even try visualisation on your own. Picture happy places, picture a wonderful labour where you hold your baby in your arms, anything that keeps you calm and focused.
Use Water
Warm water can really offer relief as it eases discomfort and can loosen tense muscles. You can usually find a specially designed tub for labour, but make sure you arrange this kind of birth with your midwife first.
Do The Things That Make You Feel Better
You may have attended birthing classes that taught you ways to calm yourself and help you to feel better, but at the end of the day you need to go with the flow to have a stress free labour. If squeezing a pillow makes you feel better, do it. Some women even find that lying on a cold floor helped!
Women’s bodies are built for childbirth, so you shouldn’t be afraid. Try some of the methods above and you’ll have your newborn baby in your arms before you know it!