10 ways to prepare before labor and delivery

Do you feel like you are prepared for labor and delivery?

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You plan out and prepare for every big event in your life. Why not plan and prepare for birth?

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Although labor and delivery may not always go exactly as planned, you can prep and prepare for how you would like it to go by putting things in place.

Here are 10 quick and simple ways to prepare for labor and delivery.

· Know what type of birth you are wanting.

There are so many choices and ways to labor and birth in today’s world. Do you want to be at a hospital, a birth center, even at home? Does the type provider you have align with that plan? Personally, this is where I have all of my clients start when asking what to do first. Once you have this lined up several other things will start to fall into place.

· Have a birth plan ready to go.

Have a simple and ready to go birth plan. Keep a copy of it in your hospital in case it gets forgotten on the table. Have it short, simple, and to the point. Have a yes and no section. Find out if you want to have an epidural or pain medication, do you want a nonmedicated birth? Do you want to have delayed cord clamping, or do you want them to hold off on baby exams until after the golden hour? You can grab a free template here: www.storkandcompanydoula.com/birthplantemplate

· Hire a doula.

Hire your doula with plenty of time to form a relationship with you and your birth partner. Get to know what techniques will be most effective for you in labor and what your preferences are. We can also help you with your birth plan if you are unsure of how to write one. We also are here to help provide education if you find yourselves with questions.

· Take a birthing class in person or online.

I highly recommend taking a birthing class. There are several options to choose from in person or online. Your local hospital will also have one, check with them to see when it is offered. These classes will give you the basics of labor and delivery. Although you may not remember everything you learned in those classes while in labor, you will be able to gain basic terminology as well as learning what is going to be going on with your body at each point in labor. It also is a tremendous help to your partner to have a little understanding of what labor will look like.

· Practice comfort measures.

This is one that is VERY important. Practice your comfort measures with your partner. As a doula, I send home my clients with several comfort measures to practice. Even if it feels silly while you are not in labor, you do not the first time doing these to be in labor and having you and your partner stumbling through them. Practice makes perfect J

· Map your route.

If you will be traveling to a hospital or a birthing center map out your route. Figure out how long it will take you with or without traffic, what is the quickest way if it is in rush hour? Practice your hospital run once or twice to be sure you know your way there!

· Pack your bags.

This is coming from the girl who didn’t have her bags packed either time. PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG! Even if you feel it is to early just do it. Make sure to go through your checklist of everything you think you will need for you, baby, and your partner! If you’d like a free checklist here is one you can download: www.storkandcompany.com/hospitalbagchecklist

· Healthy Diet.

Make sure you are eating a healthy balanced diet. Talk with your provider about your diet to find out if you are needing more or less of a food category. Labor and Delivery are no easy task and you will need all of the strength your body has. Having a healthy diet with fuel your body with what it needs in labor and birth. Another important piece is staying hydrated. Mom and baby will be much happier when everyone is hydrated.

· Exercise

Talk to your provider about what kind of exercise is safe for you and your pregnancy. A walk is a great way to get a little bit of non-strenuous activity in and keeps your body prepping for labor. Sitting on an exercise ball and doing a hula hoop movement is another great way to get a little bit of movement in your hips while prepping for labor.

· Use the Chiropractor

Find a Chiropractor you trust and is trained in pregnant Mamas. They are essential in getting your body in the best alignment for birth. This helps baby to align correctly and drop in a better position for labor and birth. I cannot recommend using a chiropractor enough. You will leave feeling good and they can even work on baby as a newborn!

Find these templates and checklists at www.storkandcompanydoula.com

#childbirth #gettingreadyforchildbirth #optimallabor #prepforlabor #10thingstoprepforlabor