A Healthy Delivery: 5 Ways to Prepare to Give Birth for the First Time

Pregnancy is an exciting and unforgettable time in a woman’s life. From prepping the nursery to guessing the gender of the new bundle of joy, the nine-month journey to parenthood is simultaneously the fastest and longest period of a mother’s life. Amid baby prep and everyday life, it can be easy to forget about the big day that’s rapidly approaching.

You don’t want to arrive at the hospital without any essentials, but you also don’t want to spend the last months of your pregnancy in a panic-induced state worrying about the pain and anything that could possibly go wrong in the delivery room.

First, take a deep breath. You’re doing the right thing planning ahead, and it’s going to be okay. Now, read on for five ways you can calm your nerves and prepare to give birth for the first time.

Understand the Process

Many women know whether they’ll deliver their baby naturally or by caesarian section, but they are usually shocked at the actual nature of labor and delivery.

What are contractions caused by? How does it mean when your doctor wants to check how dilated you are? Is it true that you can poop yourself while giving birth? There’s plenty to read up on, and you should familiarize yourself with all of it so nothing throws you for a loop during labor.

Prepare Pain-relief Options

Even if you’re deadset on a natural childbirth now, you may change your mind as labor 4217progress and pain increases. While an epidural is the most common type of labor pain relief, there are other options to consider that even fall under the realm of natural childbirth such as meditation. Research the various options available to you and have a plan B in place before the contractions kick in so you’re not flustered and frustrated later.

Tour the Hospital or Birthing Center

Whether you’ve decided on a hospital or birthing center, ask for a tour and get a feel for the layout before you arrive. It may help ease any nerves and make you feel more comfortable when you arrive for delivery.

Pack a Bag Early

A month before the baby is due, pack a hospital bag with everything you’ll need. Doing this early prevents stress as delivery approaches and gives you plenty of time to double and triple check to make sure everything is in place.

Talk about Your Nerves

It’s easy to pressure yourself into acting confident and nonchalant about delivery. After all, millions of women have had a baby before you. But as a first-time mommy, it’s also perfectly natural to be afraid. Instead of harboring all your fears in secret, talk to your doctor. Ask any questions that come to mind even if they’re about worst-case scenarios like emergency C-sections, the risk of birth asphyxia, etc.

Confide in your partner, family and friends so you have a solid support system and all the love and encouragement you need to positively deliver a healthy baby.