The news of the arrival of a tiny being in nine months’ time can be exciting and unsettling at the same time. From decorating the nursery to buying tiny baby clothes to preparing yourself mentally for the baby’s arrival, it takes a lot of love and strength to keep it together. As the date of the delivery comes closer, it is natural for the mother-to-be to feel anxious and anticipate how the experience is going to be.
While you have a world of things on your mind before the baby’s arrival, like the pregnancy diet you should have and the exercises you should do when pregnant, here we are with a helping hand. This blog will walk you through the nuances of the delivery process and how you can prepare yourself for the big day. Read on to find out more!
What are the different types of delivery methods?
Delivery methods are typically of three types:
- Natural birth;
- Normal delivery, and
- Caesarean delivery
Irrespective of the childbirth technique, whether it is natural (without pharmaceutical pain relief), normal or C-section, all journeys are beautiful. While childbirth is a beautiful moment that the parents will cherish forever, there is a grade of anticipation associated with it, especially if it is your first-time. To help you deal with the pressures of childbirth better, here are a few common terms that you should be aware of.
The term “natural birth”, refers to vaginal childbirth that is carried out without the aid of any medical intervention or medicinal pain relief. Contrary to that, “normal delivery” refers to vaginal childbirth with the help of a medical professional. . C-section childbirth, also known as Caesarean delivery, involves using the method of surgery to aid childbirth.
Whether you are opting for vaginal delivery or have been advised for a Caesarean delivery, there are a few tips that can make the process of delivery more comfortable, if not easier.
Things to prepare before delivery of the baby
While there are a plethora of things that you might be advised to do to prepare for labour and the process of delivery, there are certain golden tips that you can abide by. Take a look at some of the things you can do to ensure you are prepared for the final step of this beautiful journey.
Labour and Childbirth classes
As science has made long strides towards development, the medical world has also seen many breakthroughs. One such breakthrough has been childbirth and labour classes that help both the parents, not just the mother, to be best prepared for what’s ahead. Conducted by birthing health professionals, you will be taught techniques for coping with labour and the basic tips for delivery preparation. Apart from video content, lectures, books and notes, the training also includes exercises that help you relax and prepare for the birthing experience. In addition, parents are also taught breathing techniques, preferred childbirth positions and techniques to deal with contractions on the D-day. Some classes also invite real mothers to share their delivery experience and answer questions of other mothers-to-be. Since the pandemic has transformed the way we absorb information, technology has risen to the occasion and now you can also attend child birthing and labour classes through a zoom call. Furthermore, you can also opt for other delivery education options such as hypnobirthing.
Knowledge about the process
Labour and the childbirth process, despite our own intellect, is a little more complicated to understand than what we read in books or on the Internet. Hence, it can always be a good idea to speak to a doctor or your gynaecologist to understand what your childbirth options are. Discuss extensively with your doctor of what would happen in case there is a complication and which childbirth method would be the best for you. It could also prove helpful to meet with a labour coach who can specifically help you understand the best techniques for labour . However, after all is said and done, take into consideration that just like every pregnancy is different, delivery experiences would also differ. There are myriad strategies available to deal with labour, however, their effectiveness could vary.
The journey you have embarked on can be daunting and it is practical to have multiple questions related to what’s about to come. As a mother-to-be, you are allowed to have doubts and queries related to the childbirth process. Do not hesitate to ask pressing questions as the more you know, the more confident and comfortable you will be for the delivery process. Having a fair idea about how your big day might look like and what the best way to prepare for it is, could help you ease the feeling of anticipation and become more comfortable as the big day approaches.
Breathing exercises
While you will be taught several breathing techniques in the childbirth classes to get you through the hours of labour and the delivery process, you must practise them at home as well. After all, practice makes perfect. Being aware of the right breathing techniques can help you tremendously when your baby is ready to make an appearance. Practice focused breathing to help relax your abdomen, rib cage, spine and your vaginal muscles. This can go a long way in aiding a comfortable delivery process. Do not worry about making noise when you are doing the breathing exercise. You can exhale with force and make a sound while you do, as long as it helps you relax. Furthermore, this technique can also help you count the number of exhalations. Some other things you can do to ensure you are ready and set for the big day are integrating relaxation exercises in your daily routine and try to create a positive and comfortable environment around you to help you deal with the approaching due date.
Techniques
Labour has the biggest anticipation in the pregnancy journey and being prepared for this final stage will make all the difference to your delivery. There are lots of options available to prepare you for this unique and beautiful experience. Your doctor, Doula or birthing expert will be able to help and advise on the best option for you. There are traditional methods as well as the hypnobirthing method which can all be amazing to help manage anxiety, and make you feel generally better prepared for one of the best days of your life!
Quick tips for delivery preparation
Below are a few tips that can be your rulebook for preparing for a delivery. Take a look!
The loo appointment
The same muscles you use to push your baby are the same muscles you use to poop. So if you’re pushing correctly, chances are that you might feel the need to poo. Okay, now, don’t be grossed out. Once the baby is out, poo will be your life, might as well face the music now. On a serious note, though, try to go to the loo and do your business (if you have time) before you have to start the delivery process.
No Google
Instead of “Ok, Google”, say no to the Internet. While there are a lot of sources that will give you unadulterated information (like ours 😊), chances are that you might come across mythical information that could make the process more stressful for you. If you still do decide to hop on the Internet for some information, ensure that you fact-check it with your doctor so you are not worrying about irrelevant things.
Get some entertainment sorted
Believe it or not, it could take a few hours for active labour to start. . Ensure that you have some sort of go-to entertainment lined up on your smartphone, tablet or laptop to get you through the waiting. Positive, cute movies or TV series are ideal to keep the positive vibes and motivation active.
Labour support
Whether you are attending Lamaze classes or training with hypnobirthing techniques, it is always a good idea to take your partner or someone else you trust along. It boosts your morale and helps them become a part of your beautiful journey.
Last but not the least, the delivery process is often met with a long list of speculations and a lot of nervousness. However, always keep in mind that at the end of all this, the happiest moment of your life will be awaiting you.
To help women across the world with their pregnancy journeys, we will keep sharing helpful information. Watch this space for more updates.