Hypnobirthing
I would recommend starting hypnobirthing from 26+ weeks. You will learn the basic physiology of birth, how to relax deeply and quickly with breathing techniques, visualisations and mp3, understand how the mind and body work together to birth your baby, how to promote the wonderful birthing hormones, how to stay calm and in control when you are faced with challenges and how to work with your body with positions and movement to help your baby enter the world.
Do your research
I’ve written 2 posts Top Birth Websites & Top Birth Books these are a good place to start your research. Knowing your birth options and rights before the exciting big day will help you massively, if your birth takes a different journey from the one you had planned, you are ready with the knowledge to make informed decisions for you and your baby. Especially research the pro and cons for each option.
Birth plan
By doing your research you can then write a birth plan, I would recommend researching different options too, just in case things unexpectedly change, then you are ready to make informed decisions.
“In the event of a C-Section I would like……”
Birth Plan icons these are Milli Hill’s visual icons from her positive birth book, they are good to include on your birth plan.
Exercise
Exercise is so beneficial during pregnancy, the movement helps your baby get into a good position and it can help relieve your pregnancy aches and pains. Pregnancy yoga is a great form exercise and you can join a group like Bussylizzy or you could workout at home following youtube videos.
Healthy eating
Food has a big impact on mood, your health and your general wellbeing, in pregnancy it helps your baby develop and grow and remember you don’t need to eat for 2, in the 3rd trimester you just need an extra 200 calories if you are active.
There are some foods to avoid, I would recommend checking the NHS website for the latest information, as it does change. I remember my nan saying you can’t eat this and you can’t eat that, no nan things have changed since you had your kids 50 years ago 🙂
There are some great pregnancy vitamins on the market, and iron supplements but speak with your medical care providers before taking them.
NHS Foods to avoid in pregnancy
NHS vitamins and supplements for pregnancy
Tommy’s nutrition in pregnancy
Positions
Having your hips higher than your knees and bouncing on a birthing ball can really help your baby to get into an occiput anterior position and prepare your body for birth.
Sleeping on your side can reduce the risk of a stillbirth
Spinning babies is also a great place to help babies turn/move.
Emma’s Diary – Benefits of a Birthing Ball
Relax!
Enjoy this time, do things that make you feel good and feel loved. this releases Oxytocin, the love hormone, and it’s this hormone that starts labour.
Pregnancy Massage/reflexology /acupuncture are all brilliant options too.
