Preparing for Labor and Birth

One thing I love about the labor process is that the intensity forces women to rely on those around them for comfort and support. Sometimes it’s such a difficult thing to feel vulnerable but it’s so beautiful when we are made to feel strong in our vulnerability by those who love us, care for us and see who we are the most.

Are you preparing for labor and feeling nervous about how to help your partner or support team prepare for what your needs will be? Here are some suggestions/resources I love to recommend to my clients!

• Go to a childbirth education class! This is especially important if this is your first baby or your first natural labor! It helps so much to understand exactly what is happening inside your body during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. It’s also so great to be going through the class with other couples who are in the same stage of life as you.

• Read “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simpkin. It’s a great resource for anyone who is going to support someone in labor. I encourage my clients to make a list of comfort measures and positions they find in the book that they want to try during labor. This can be so helpful when things get real and they can go back to their list and feel focused.

• Communicate! Be talking with your partner often about your feelings/fears about labor and if you can, give them some suggestions of specific things you might like them to do for you or say to you during labor. An example could be that you want your partner to remind you “you are strong and your body was made for this”.

• One local Spokane resource that I love is a one time 2 hour labor workshop by @neelysyoga at Harmony Yoga. She covers breathing techniques, yoga and massage for labor. It’s only $50 per couple! Go do it!

• Lastly, a doula can be a great addition to your support team. It’s important to realize that the right doula does not take the place of your partner but rather supports you as a couple and helps your partner help you. A doula can be an especially good idea for a first labor as first labors can be longer and harder.

What did you do to prepare for you labor/birth?