Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in life. However, it can also bring with it new responsibilities and many emotions. Combine these with hormone, and physical and mental changes, and at times it can feel like there’s a lot happening all too quickly. So, to help you feel like you’re in control lets start by focusing on 8 ways to mentally prepare for childbirth.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #1 Journal
Keeping a journal lets you express your thoughts and feelings. Plus, it acts as a keepsake that you can read as your child grows. You may even like to share your journal with your child as they grow. Journaling is a fantastic ways to keep your emotions in check and for you to care for your mental health.
HOT TIP – Buy yourself a special journal that you set aside just for your pregnancy.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #2 Accept Help
Many soon-to-be mothers want to display independence. But, it’s also nice when you have a little help to do those daily chores, so you can put your feet up sooner. Asking for every now and then will let you get the rest you need mentally and physically, and it makes your helper happy to be of service.
HOT TIP – If a support person offers help then let them give you a hand it will give you more self-care time and it builds stronger bonds.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #3 Birth Plan
Taking the time to create a birth plan can improve your experience and confidence levels. The most important thing to remember is that mental preparedness lets you feel positive and energized.Â
Incorporating breathing techniques into your birth also helps you to relax. Being calm can make it easier to get through contractions and maintain high oxytocin levels, a natural way of relieving pain.
HOT TIP –
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #4 Self Care
Caring for yourself during pregnancy includes finding ways to keep your body strong physically, mentally and emotionally. These facets of self-care let you prepare for your big day so that the experience is enjoyable. By practicing pregnancy safe exercises you’ll feel motivated, fit and enthusiastic. It’s also essential to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein, and to avoid alcohol and smoking.
HOT TIP – If you’re not sure what to eat and how to exercise when pregnant, then reach out to a parenting or mothers group.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #5 Stress Management
Managing stress and anxiety to prepare for childbirth mentally is crucial for women who want a healthy pregnancy. Research has shown that stress and anxiety during pregnancy increase the risk of preterm birth, premature labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. In addition, worry about childbirth can increase the risk of medically unnecessary C-sections and late delivery. It can also make women more susceptible to postpartum mood disorders. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety during pregnancy, you should talk with your doctor or midwife.
To reduce stress and anxiety during your pregnancy, stay active and get lots of fresh air. You can also learn stress-relief techniques, such as meditating or releasing tension through guided relaxation tapes. You can use these techniques to calm yourself down and relieve stress before and after giving birth.
HOT TIP – Learning how to control stress and anxiety are skills that let you cope in any situation.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #6 Avoid Birth Stories
No two birth experiences are the same. It’s essential that when others share their stories of birth that you focus on the positives. This approach will help you to increase your mental resilience so you look forward to being able to share your birth story with others after the birth of your baby.
HOT TIP – If this is your first baby, it’s likely that you’ll be told many birth stories. Look for the positives in these experiences and ask the person telling the story to clarify any aspect of the story that you don’t understand. Questioning helps you to put the story into perspective.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #7 Practice Strategies
Practicing coping strategies to prepare for childbirth reduces anxiety before and during labor, and it can make the birthing experience easier. Some coping strategies include deep breathing, visualization, yoga breathing, and guided imagery. In addition, childbirth education classes provide expectant mothers with an understanding of the birth process.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks. You can learn more about these at www.childbirthinjuries.com.
HOT TIP – By keeping your mind and body strong you minimize risks and maintain a healthy perspective during childbirth.
Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth #8 Find Support
Choosing a labor partner– a spouse, significant other, or friend– provide emotional and physical support during childbirth. During the childbirth process, the support person acts as an advocate. They may provide massage, hydration, and other pain relief. This strategy can reduce stress and anxiety.
other types of support include childbirth classes that teach you about how to best prepare for a birth. Most communities offer these classes. The class will teach you about the changes in your body during pregnancy and childbirth and why a C-section may be needed.
HOT TIP – Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible before childbirth. The more you know the better you are able to cope mentally.
8 Ways To Mentally Prepare For Childbirth Key Takeaways
Whether you’re pregnant with your first or fourteenth child, each and every pregnancy and birth is different. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare yourself mentally for childbirth. By devoting time to developing your mental strength you’re able to cope with hormone and physical changes, as well as emotions.
RECAP
To recap, 8 ways to mentally prepare for childbirth include:
- Journal.
- Accept help.
- Birth plan.
- Self care.
- Stress management.
- Avoid birth Stories
- Practice breathing.
- Find support.
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