Sunday, February 19, 2012

Move aside Dave Letterman: My Top 10


 As a follow up to the blog post from last week I thought I would give a top 10 list of advice for anyone thinking about natural child birth for the birth of their baby.

10.  Know the three stages of labor; Early labor, Active Labor and Transition.   You will then have a better idea of what your body is doing to prepare for birth and may even have a better idea of how long until the baby will arrive.

9. Keep yourself busy during early labor – bake cookies, listen to music, go for a walk, talk on the phone.  This may be a long ride.  Keep your mind occupied on other tasks rather than thinking about the contractions. 

8.  Read positive stories of women who have experienced a natural birth with their child prior to your due date.

7. Envision the birth of your baby.  Envision yourself being relaxed, focused and calm.  A positive mindset is essential.

6. Make a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs -  think Salt ‘n’ Pepa Push It and Hey Mama by Kanye West.

5.  Move through the contractions - walk, sway your hips, use a birth ball.

4.  Know that when you enter the Transition stage of labor you will loose your confidence in your ability to give birth.  You will second guess all the decisions you have made and begin to become a emotional wreck.  But the tears and cursing will be worth it.   It is time to turn that frown upside down my friend, that baby is come’in! 

3.  Remain at home as long as you are comfortable.  You will be less tempted to request pain medication if it isn’t even an option.

2.  Keep your eye on the prize!  aka Stay focused and calm

1. Hire a doula

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