Ready, Set, Birth

As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s natural to have questions and perhaps some nervousness about the upcoming labour and delivery. 

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you feel ready for delivery.

Understanding Labour and Delivery

Labour is an individual experience, but understanding the stages can help you feel more ready. 

Labour often begins with mild contractions and can last for hours or days as your body prepares for active labour with stronger, more frequent contractions and your cervix begins to dilate.

The final stage is marked by intense active labour where your cervix fully dilates to 10 centimeters; then you’ll push with each contraction to deliver your baby.

What to Pack for the Hospital

Having a well-packed hospital bag in advance can provide peace of mind. 

Essentials include clothing for labour, toiletries and items for your baby like clothes and blankets. 

Don’t forget your birth plan and any necessary paperwork such as identification, health insurance and emergency contact information.

Preparing Your Birth Plan

Creating a birth plan helps you communicate your preferences to your healthcare team.

A birth plan indicates who you want present during labour, pain management options and your preferences for post-birth care.

By having a birth plan, your birth experience aligns with your wishes, promoting a sense of empowerment and understanding during a potentially intense time.

Pain Management Techniques

Labour pain is different for everyone, so it’s helpful to explore various coping techniques. 

Breathing exercises, hydrotherapy, massages and changing positions can all help manage discomfort. 

Prepare mentally and physically and discuss options for pain management with your healthcare provider and support team.

Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—find what works best for you.

After Delivery

After your baby arrives, you’ll likely experience a range of emotions, from joy to exhaustion.

You should focus on resting and bonding with your baby through skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

Accept support from your partner and healthcare team to aid recovery and ease into the initial moments of motherhood calmly. 

By staying informed and familiarizing yourself with different techniques of easing the tension of delivery you get a smooth birth experience.