Your first time through labor and delivery can be very scary if you don’t know what to expect. It can be very scary even if you do know what to expect!
But I’d like to give you some things to think about and try during your laboring process to help you stay calm and keep things moving smoothly.
These tips helped me personally during my recent labor and delivery so I hope they’re able to help you as well.
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Breathe out the pain
This is the number one greatest tip I could ever give! Focus on breathing. Do not cl
Your labor will move a lot quicker and be easier on your body if you stay loose.
When you begin having a contraction, just breathe it out. Take as many slow, deep breaths as you need, but don’t clench your muscles.
This works great for when you are pushing your baby out as well. Some people like to just let their body do all the work and all they focus on is breathing.
Did you know, your body can deliver a baby without you even pushing? That’s a fact! So when you feel your body starting to tense up, try to go into a meditative mind, relax those muscles from the top of your head down to your toes and breathe through the pains.
Keep your hands open
While in pain, people tend to squeeze their hands into a tight fist. Most likely if your squeezing your hands, there’s other muscles in your body tensing up as well.
If you notice yourself doing this, simply open your hands. Focus on keeping them open through contractions, and it will, in turn, help your entire body stay relaxed, & baby to come out easier.
Close your eyes
Closing my eyes helped me stay focused and calm while breathing through the pain. When having a strong contraction or even while pushing, simply close your eyes.
Related Post: What do contractions feel like?
Birth affirmations
Keep some affirmations in your head for when you get scared or nervous. This helps calm you back down. There’s no need to keep an anxious heart, mind, or body. It only makes labor & delivery harder.
Repeat some affirmations in your head or out loud to keep you relaxed. You could even write them down to take to the hospital with you.
Here are a few you could use:
- My body was made to deliver a child and will do it easily.
- Every wave brings me closer to my baby.
- My body knows exactly what to do.
- I trust this process.
- I am relaxed.
- This pain will not last forever.
- My body is capable.
- Women all over the world birth babies every day, I can do this.
- I trust my body.
- My baby and I are healthy.
- I am confident.
- I birth with ease.
- My baby and I are working together.
- I am doing an amazing job.
- My body is strong.
Think positive
Know that your body was made for this and you can do it. Everything is gonna be okay. The doctors know what they’re doing and so does your body. So keep your head up and your mindset positive.
Prayer
Say a prayer or two. Praying reminds me that God is here with me; and that brings comfort.
He has everything all planned out how it’s supposed to be, so no need to worry. He’s there for you to talk to if you happen to be going through labor and delivery alone.
Believe in yourself
You are going to do wonderfully during your labor and delivery process. Do what feels right to you. Try to stay relaxed and believe in your body. Your sweet, beautiful baby will be here to see you soon!
Good luck mama, you’re gonna do great!
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