What is the best way to prepare for labor?

Question

I would like to hear from everyone, but I would expecially like to hear from women who have gone through labor before. What is the best way to prepare yourself for this not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I am due in about a week and I was getting to that time when it could be here anytime.

Second, I would like to hear from women who have naturally tried to induce there labor. What worked for you?

Answer 1

Try to remember to relax between contractions. Yes, each one hurts, but don't get so worked up by the last one that you're not ready for the next. Let each one wash over you like a wave, and when it's gone, forget it.
In my opinion, I don't think that you can prepare mentally and emotionally, just make sure you're ready physically by having your hospital bag packed and knowing where your maternity notes are because the hospital will need them.
Do you have a birth plan?

Also remember while you are in labour to listen to your body, I found it all a scary thought, was wondering if I would know what to do when, but I did. I was talking to a nurse just before, or it could have been on, my due date, and she wondered how I would get through labour without having been to any antenatal classes. My answer was that millions of women were giving birth long before breathing techniques and antenatal classes were invented, and they were okay, so my advice to you is to remember that loads of others have gone through it, and that it is possible to bear the pain. (I just had gas and air for my labour and nothing at the actual birth). LISTEN TO, AND TRUST YOUR BODY, oh, and the midwife too!
Try to relax as much as you can, and remember, that the pain will only be for a little tiny while compared to the rest of your life with your baby.

With all my heart, I send you congratulations and good luck for your happy day.

Answer 2

I am on my third pregnancy and I must say NOTHING prepared me for labor. It is very hard but the moment you hold your sweet baby in your arms you will forget about the work and the pain. I had an epidural with my first and did not with my second (NATURAL) and I will do natural again with this one. I never tried to induce my labor I was a week late with my first and a week early with my second so WHO KNOWS with my third. All I do know is that I can not wait to hold this baby in my arms in a few weeks - GOOD LUCK - just make sure you rest and relax as much as possible before labor begins and that you have your home the way you want it for the baby. It is a good idea to cook some suppers you can freeze trust me they will come in handy. Walking may help bring it on but truly I know you will hate to hear this - that baby will come when God is ready for it to be born and not a minute earlier. GOOD LUCK and CONGRTULATIONS!!!

Answer 3

Reassure yourself that the pain isn't forever, and that what you get at the end is the best thing that will ever happen to you. Go in with an open-mind, and be aware of all the possiblities. Educate yourself, that's the best medicine of all for labor.

Try to do it without drugs, I have a bit of a hard time remebering my whole labor because of the epidural. Or at least wait as long as possible before you get one if you plan on getting one.

My husband and I are planning to try for another, and this one will be with no drugs. No matter what, I want to remember everything this time.

Answer 4

If I'm honest, you can't prepare for labor because there's nothing else that feels like it. You'll know when it happens but everyone is different. Think hard menstrual cramps that come on quickly. To prepare mentally, remind yourself- it's one day of your life - probably alot less then a whole day actually- and the payoff is forever! A child to love and nurture and cherish. You can do anything for one day! Best wishes.Ummm.... to naturally induce? Sex. Honestly.

Answer 5

Congratulations!!! How exciting.

I went through natural childbirth with my (now) 8 year old and it was truly not as bad as all the women love to brag about to horrify new mommies!!!

It hurts, not going to lie to you, but if you walk the aisles of the hospital, labor tends to speed up. Also, just think of the baby you're having and you'll be ok. Yes, nothing else quite feels like it, but as quickly as it starts, and really gets going, once that precious child comes, the pain is gone, just plain old gone. It's truly a finite time of hurt, so remember that.

This may sound silly, but my labor started the day I had Chinese food for supper. And yes, sex works, but the supper worked faster and better....lol. Good luck and God bless!!

Answer 6

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally? Have you tried going to a Lamaze class or baby wellness course hosted by your hospital? My husband and I went with our first son and it helped prepare us both - we felt we were informed of what was going to happen, what could happen, etc. Emotionally I dont think you will ever be ready. After the baby is born you just adjust and that's life.

I walked and walked and walked until I couldn't walk anymore. And honestly, I'm not really sure if it really worked. They say walking will use gravity to help the baby drop. A co-worker of mine used herbs to induce but if used incorrectly they can also induce abortions. Talk to your doctor before you choose any herbs!

Answer 7

Walking up and down stairs is a way to induce labor... supposedly. Just becareful not to fall-- hold on to the railing.

Answer 8

walk a lot. my son is 8 months old now and i was terrified because i'd heard so many horror stories about women in labor. i walked a lot in the last little bit and before i had him, it was still painful..but not anywhere nearly as bad as i had expected. try not to worry about it, once you hold your little one for the first time it makes it all worth it. congratulations!!

Answer 9

Have sex... that induces
Congrats!