How to Help Yourself Have A Positive Birth Experience

Take especially good care of yourself in the last month. Drink 8 cups of fluids, take naps if tired, eat whole foods. Most importantly find things to laugh about and celebrate your good health.

Make it a habit to relax for at least ten minutes every day. Organize your time so this becomes a habit.

Get some exercise each day; walking, swimming, yoga, whatever is comfortable.

Maintain good posture. Always sit with your back well-supported.

Read a book or article about pregnancy/birth once a week.

Avoid negative birth stories, especially t.v and movie dramatizations!

Take a class in childbirth preparation. Ask many questions and learn how you can co-operate with your body.

Review and discuss what you're learning with your partner, your midwife or doctor, a support person. Figure out what you feel is right for you.

Have supportive people with you during labor... people who have confidence in you and in birth. Whatever makes you feel comfortable in early labor will help you during active labor.

Keep mobile during labor, change positions often.

Eat as long as you feel like it and keep drinking fluids.

A warm bath or shower is very relaxing during labor. You can put a plastic chair or birth ball in your shower and sit with the shower spraying your belly. Have someone help you in and out.

Let gravity work with you: keep upright. Squatting is very helpful for birthing a baby.

Hold your baby close as soon as possible and let him/her begin nursing. You and your baby can see, smell, touch and hear each other.

Take some time in the first day to reflect on your child's birth... write a few notes to yourself, or make a tape to listen to later.

Always respect the wonderful things your body is doing and continues to do
Best of Health Birthing Classes Robin Snyder-Drummond 617-436-0693