5 Tips for a Positive Birth Experience
As with all good things in life, having a positive and empowering birth experience, does require a little bit of effort. But that doesn't mean giving up all of your free time, changing your religion, and hiring a team of specialists! There are some super simple things that you can do, starting today, which will help you to prepare for the birth that you want to have.
1. Fill your head with positivity
What you tell yourself, often becomes your reality. So, if you can go into your birth feeling positive and confident, then you are already halfway to having a really positive experience. In the run up to your birth, make sure that you are surrounding yourself with positive birth images, stories and videos. Fill your head with these positive and inspiring associations. That way, when it comes time to thinking about your own labour, you will be flooded with positive and reassuring associations - that fill you with confidence, and help you work with your body, to do exactly what it is designed to.
2. Become an expert
The unknown is frightening. And fear is the enemy of a positive birthing experience - it causes you tense up and release adrenalin, both of which inhibit your natural birthing processes. By researching and understanding what is going to happen to you, answering any unanswered questions you have, and planning for whatever twists or turns your labour might take, you will remove any fear of the unknown, and replacing it with calm, prepared, confidence.
3. Trust your Birth partner
Birth is a team event. And your birth partner has a huge role to play - they will act as your support, your protector, your advocate and your cheerleader. They are there to help you have the birth that you want. And so it's really important that you feel confident and secure with the person you choose, and that they are fully committed to the responsibility. Now, for most people that person will be their husband or boyfriend - but it can be anybody - your mum, sister, friend, auntie. Anybody who makes you feel relaxed and at ease.
4. Make it feel like home
Whether you are giving birth at home, in a birthing centre, or on a hospital ward, making your birthing environment feel calm and familiar is really important in helping you stay calm. Turn the lights down, light some candles or take some battery-powered tea lights. Spray some of your favourite room-spray, or plug in an electric oil burner. Play some relaxing music or a meditation. Have your own pillow, blanket or trinkets around you. All of these things will help you to relax, which will help your body do it's job, without any interruptions or distractions.
5. Remember to breathe
If you only remember one thing, it should be the importance of breathing during labour. Nice deep breathes in through your nose and an even longer exhale through your mouth. This will keep your muscles fuelled with oxygen and keep you feeling in control of your body. These lovely deep breaths also give you something to focus on during your surges (contractions), which is really helpful as they build in intensity.
And one final bonus tip for you - consider completing a positive birth preparation, hypnobirthing or other antenatal course. To help you on your way to preparing for a positive birth experience, download your free Birth Plan Template here.
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